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VOLUME 32 3 1973
BULLETIN OF occas
THE AMATEUR
~ ENTOMOLOGISTS’
SOCIETY
Edited by
PAUL BOSWELL, M.B.,Ch.B.,M.R.C.Path., F.R.E.S. (Nos. 298-300)
and
PETER W. CRIBB (No. 301)
Index compiled by
PAUL BOSWELL and PETER W. CRIBB
The Amateur Entomologists’ Society
355 Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham, Middlesex
GENERAL INDEX
A. E.S. EXHIBITION 1972. 40, 42, 118
A. E.S. EXHIBITION 1973. 117
An Unusual Habitat. 156
Antheraea yamamai, Rearing from European ova. 153
Ants in Captivity, A few notes on. 74
Ants, Keeping those. . . at bay (and alive). 172
Apollo Butterfly, Rearing the. 96
Beetles in Yorkshire. 155
Beetles, So you want to study. 5,55, 145
Biography—H. T. Stainton 1822-1892. 39
Book Reviews—
Drosophila. 47
Insects of the World. 48
Emperor Moths of South & South-Central Africa. 94
Wild Life Conservation and Dead Wood. 95
The World of Butterflies. 95
What Butterfly is that? 144
Keys to the Identification of Polish Insects. 182
British Butterflies. 184
Blood-sucking Moths. 47
Birds attacking sleeved larvae. 42
Butterfly eggs in Captivity, Obtaining. 159
Butterflies in Japan. 168
Butterflies in fresh tar. 165
Clouded Yellow Butterfly, Breeding the. 142
Cockroach Culture. 151
Collecting Notes—
Smaller Moths. 1, 49,97, 147
Coleoptera. 4, 53,100, 150
Conservation, A. E.S. Group. 23
Conservation, Report of Two Field Trips 1972. 37
Craneflies, An Introduction to. 14,58, 101
Cuckoo Bees. 181
Editorial. 1,49, 99, 145
Eggs which hatch early. 76
France and North Spain, Collecting in. 136
Food Preference shown by larvae of Puss Moth. 28
Food and Feeding Habits of Adult Butterflies. 64, 108, 174
Fox Moth, Rearing the. 165
Greece, August Butterflies in Classical. 34
Glow Worm, A Generator of cold light. 172
Goat Moth, Larvae of the. 41
Hon. Treasurer (AES) Report 1972. 115
Insects and a County Trust. 43
Insect Trade, The. 131
Japan, Butterflies in. 168 |
Japanese Owl Moth, Further notes on breeding the. 46
Junior News. 32, 72, 135, 149
Kenyan Entomology. 75
Lappet, The Small. 76
Large Blue Butterfly, The Decline (and fall?) of the. 88
Larvae Cage, Mr. David Tyler’s. A labour saving means of keeping
Platycleis (Orth.) eggs moist. 141
Lepidoptera, Breeding Cages. 165
Letters to Editor. 40, 41,75
Montenegro, Expedition to (1972). 76
New Zealand Satyrid, Egg laying habits of. 76
Notes on the Year 1972, Further. 158
Orange Tip, Dwarf. 170
Piemonte and Ligurica, 1972. 123
Pine Hawk, Rearing the. 171
Rearing Caterpillars, A cage for. 166
Rearing Antheraea yamamai from European ova. 153
Rearing larvae on Growing Foodplants. 147
Rearing larvae, Two methods for. . . on growing foodplants. 26
Rearing the Pine Hawk. 171
Rearing the Apollo Butterfly. 96
Review of the 1972 Season, a. 30, 158
Rothschildia aurota, Breeding. 140
Scarce Painted Lady in Devon, The. 33
Silver-washed Fritillary, Some observations on the egg laying habits of the. 133
So you want to study Beetles—
Identification and Classification. 5
Water Beetles. 55
Carabidae. 145
Thanks, Linnaeus. 150
Unpronounceable Awful Names. 121
Wing Venation Studies, A staining technique for. 154
CONTRIBUTORS
Bellingham, R. 136
Benham, B. R. 88
Boswell, P. A. 1,49, 74, 97
Brock, P. D. 140
Cawkwell, R. D. 155
Gigi es ere ey
Coleridge, W. L. 33
Coles, B. 76, 164
Cooke, N. 115
Cooper, J. E. 75
Cooter 3-24.37; 537100, 150
Coster, W. 76, 156
Craw, R. C. 76
Cribb, P. W. 30, 42, 76, 117, 142, 145
Emmet, A.M. 1,49, 97,121, 147
Ffennell, D. W. H. 165
Garmline®-b, O/C. 131159
Hilliard, R. D. 118
Jenner, P, 170
Lonsdale, D. 23
MacNulty, B. J. 5,55, 145
May, A. J. 170
McLeod, L. 47, 144
Moon, D. J. 134
Moore, R. K. 158
Mori, T. 168
Morrison, B. 154
Moseley, K. A. 181
Muggleton, J. 43
Ollevant, D. 32, 72, 135, 149
Payne, T. P. 26, 46, 172
Perceval, M. P. 40
Pittaway, A. R. 153
Platts, J. 133
Plester, 1. 123, 166
Prior, G. 39, 41, 42, 114
Samson, C. P. J. 150, 172
Samways, M. J. 141
Sanders, D. G. 155
Sheppard, C. 171
Smith, G. R. 34, 163
Stallwood, B. R. 64, 108, 174
Stubbs, A. E. 14,58, 101
Lhyict! Deb a
Waddington, L. G. P. 158
Waters, A. P. 96
Young, M. R. 28
ee ae
FEBRUARY 1973
Bae ha Sy
THE BULKETIN
OF
THE AMATEUR
ENTOMOLOGISTS’
SOCIETY
World List abbreviation :
Bull. amat. Ent. Soc.
EDITED BY:
PAUL BOSWELL, MB, ChB, MRCPath, FRES.
WS
NAS
MS
aS
aS
RB ///,
if USS
BS
BRITISH PYRALID
AND PLUME MOTHS
By Bryan P. Beirne
A descriptive history of ali the
British species of moths of the
families Pyralidae, Pterophoridae
and Orneodidae. Of the 400 illus-
trations, more than half are in
colour. £2.00 net
THE OBSERVER’S
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INSECTS AND SPIDERS
By E. F. Linssen and
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Each of the 21 orders of insects
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lined and over 300 of the more
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the text. Over 300 text figures,
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1948-49 British abberations of the Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small
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1949-50 Postscript on British abberations of the Gatekeeper, Meadow
Brown and Small Heath Butterflies. H. A. Leeds.
The Plutellidae. One coloured plate. L. T. Ford.
Preserving colour in Dragonflies. B. Moore.
The British Oecophoridae. pt. 2. One coloured plate S.N. A,
Jacobs. £3-00
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1952-53 Separation of some British Noctuid Moths. Black and white
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The British Lyonetiidae. Pt. 1. One coloured plate.
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1953-54 Experiments with Abraxas grossulariata. D. A. Ashwell.
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4 A E S No. 298
BULLETIN
EDITORIAL
Welcome to a new Volume, an enlarged Bulletin and the same Editor.
In spite of some wrangling between some other members of the AES
Council and me about some of the advertisements carried by the Bulletin
I am pressing on for the time being. Are members really as apathetic as
they seem about the sale of dead insects? Following my comments in the
August 1972 Bulletin on the subject, I have received only two letters, one
for and one against my views.
Have you ever been on a Field Course organised by the Field Studies
Council? I have been to two and can thoroughly recommend them to any
member who has yet to try them. Among the courses organised for amateurs
for 1973 are the following:
Entomology Course: leader—Peter Skidmore: August 29th-September 5th.
The Drapers’ Field Centre, Rhyd-y-creuau, Betws-y-coed, Caern.
Spiders: leader—J. R. Parker: September 5th-12th. Flatford Mill Field
Centre, East Bergholt, Colchester, Essex CO7 6UL.
Butterflies and Moths: leaders—Messrs J. Heath and J. Reid: July 18th-
25th. The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Nettlecombe Court, Williton,
Taunton, Somerset.
Flies, Midges and Gnats: leaders—Centre staff: August 15th-22nd.
Malham Tarn Field Centre, Settle, Yorkshire BD24 9PU.
Introduction to Insect Ecology: leaders—Centre staff: July 25th-August
Ist. Orielton Field Centre, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire.
Insect Recording: leader—Dr M. G. Morris: August 15th-22nd. Preston
Montford Field Centre, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 1DX.
Information about these courses can be obtained from the Warden at the
Centre concerned or more general information can be obtained from the
Information Office, Field Studies Council, Preston Montford Hall,
Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 1 DX.
Paul Boswell (2853)
COLLECTING NOTES — FEBRUARY 1973
| The Smalier Moths
| Mr E. S. Bradford’s first drawing is of Endrosis sarcitrella Linn.
_ (lactella D. and S.). This is a very common moth in houses and may be
| encountered all the year round. I have taken it from haystacks in Novem-
2 FEBRUARY, 1973
ber and February and from this I deduce that it overwinters as an imago,
though our textbooks do not say so. The larva feeds mainly on stored
products and household waste. It is probably not averse to your best suit
but it is less culpable in this respect than Tinea pellionella Linn. and its
relatives. I have even found it in operative bee-hives. The white head and
thorax are conspicuous and make this an easy species to recognise. The
forewings are grey with black markings.
The second drawing is of Pammene regiana Zell. The winter is the best
season for finding this species. During the late summer the larva feeds in
the seeds of Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus Linn.) and when it is full fed
it descends the trunk to spin its cocoon under the bark at the base of the
tree. Old trees with loose, segmented bark are the best hunting grounds,
but care must be taken not to strip too much bark from any one tree. The
cocoons are quite conspicuous and may sometimes be found in numbers:
the cocoons of previous years, however, sometimes look deceptively fresh.
The ground colour of the forewings of the imago is dark fuscous and the
dorsal blotch is bright yellow; it is a strikingly beautiful moth.
Mr Bradford’s third species is Epinotia ramella Linn. (paykulliana
Fab.). The imago flies in late July and August and is often common
around birch trees (Betula spp.). The wings are whitish grey with
black markings. A common variety has the whole of the dorsal half of
the wing blackish fuscous, absorbing the dark markings seen in the
typical form figured by Mr Bradford. The larva feeds in the spring,
mainly in birch catkins.
It is certainly worth while collecting birch catkins from late February
onwards, for they harbour a number of different species of larva. Usually
a tenanted catkin is distorted in some way, so it is best to pick those which
look twisted or bent. Amongst the moths which may be reared from this
pabulum are Cochylis nana Haw., Argyresthia brockeella Hubn., A.
goedartella Linn., Epinotia bilunana Haw. and E. demarniana F. and R.
The last-named species is distinctly uncommon and you will be lucky if
you come across it. Another even rarer species associated with birch
catkins is Pammene obscurana Steph. Its life-history is not described in
our English textbooks, but according to continental authors the larva is
to be found feeding in birch catkins during the summer months.
It is rather a problem to know how to manage the catkins you have
collected. If you keep them enclosed, they will soon turn mouldy and their
occupants will perish. I am a great believer in sphagnum moss which you
can find growing round the roots of heather on most damp heaths. I suggest
that you put a few inches of earth at the bottom of a flower-pot and cover
it liberally with a layer of sphagnum. It is not a bad idea to add a few
chunks of rotten wood so that the larvae may burrow inside, if so disposed,
or find shelter underneath. Put the catkins (not too many) on top of the
moss and tie a piece of nylon netting securely on top of the pot. The pots
should be put in the garden, preferably sunk in the earth up to the lip to
AES BULLETIN, Vol
1 32
\\
Endrosis sarcitrella Linn.
Epinotia ramella Linn.
t Tac <
< SS
ES. BRADFORD
LA
E.S.BRADFORD
4 FEBRUARY, 1973
prevent desiccation. I usually cover part of the top of the pot with a piece
of wood or polythene to prevent too much rainwater from entering.
Conversely, during a dry spell I water the pots. Apart from the removal
of the old catkins and an occasional topping up with freshly picked catkins
while you judge the larvae are still feeding, the pot should be left un-
disturbed till the imagines are due.
A. M. Emmet (1379)
Coleoptera
Roughly ten years have elapsed since this feature last appeared in the
Bulletin. | hope to continue the series with a regular article, perhaps
illustrated, dealing with one taxonomic group or a particular method of
collecting. Before starting I recommend all readers to purchase the
Society’s invaluable publication, A Coleopterist’s Handbook edited by
Messrs Walsh and Dibb, which is the best reference book covering aspects
of collecting and studing Coleoptera.
By the time this note appears in print it will be February and an
excellent time to collect beetles from nests of the Mole (Talpa europaea
Linn.). Dr N. H. Joy was the first British coleopterist to study this biotype
in any detail, indeed he was our authority on the beetle fauna occurring in
the nests of birds and mammals. An excellent paper on this subject was
written by Joy (1906) and other accounts are given by W. E. Sharp (no
date) and in Walsh and Dibb (1954). These last two are based mainly
on the work of Joy.
The method I use for extracting moles’ nests is a variation of that
given in Walsh and Dibb. After clearing away the mole-hill with the
trowel it is best to use ones hands to locate the nest chamber. This
eliminates the risk of disturbing the nest with the probing trowel. The thin
roof of the nest chamber is best removed by pulling with both hands, if
necessary cutting any roots with a knife. Enlarge the hole sufficiently to
enable the complete nest to be removed and transferred to the collecting
sheet in one movement. Carefully examine the loose soil at the bottom
of the chamber as beetles are sometimes to be found here. Now the nest
can be broken up and sieved over the sheet. The mole relies on its sense of
smell to locate its prey so any animals living in association with it have
to be fast movers in order to escape being eaten. This is clearly demon-
strated by the great pace at which the Staphylinid occupants race across
the sheet, a pooter comes in handy here. However a sharp lookout must
be kept to detect any slow moving or very small beetles that may be present.
It is advisable to make the examination in the field as large numbers of
fleas are invariably present.
The list of beetles recorded from moles nests is quite large and Dr
Joy divided the species into three categories :—
(a) Species peculiar to the nests that breed there and are only rarely
met with elsewhere.
(b) Those that breed in the nest but occur in other habitats.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 5
(c) Accidental visitors, hibernating species and those that do not
breed in the nests.
Those in group (a) include Aleochara spadicea (Erichson), Heterothops
niger Kraatz, Quedius nigrocaeruleus Fauvel, Q. othiniensis Johansen
(=talparum Deville) and Margarinotus marginatus (Erichson).
If any larvae are present they should be placed in a tin with some nest
material and their life histories studied. Otherwise it is best to replace the
nest and cover it over with the top soil that formed the mole-hill. Re-
examination of the nest after a few days is usually profitable as beetles
may be present in the tunnels leading to the nest chamber.
In general more beetles are to be found in nests made of leaves. In
early May one year (rather late for mole-nesting—the season lasting from
November to March) I found ten Q. othiniensis and many H. niger in a
nest made of hawthorn leaves near Lagness, West Sussex. About a mile
away the next day I unearthed seven nests made of grasses and was su-
prised to find only three H. niger, hardly a just reward for my efforts.
J. Cooter (3290)
REFERENCES
Joy, N. H. (1906). Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, 42.
SHARP, W. E. (No date). Common Beetles of our Countryside.
WALSH, G. B. and Disp, J. R. (1954). A Coleopterist’s Handbook. The Amateur Entomo-
logists’ Society, London.
SO YOU WANT TO STUDY BEETLES — PART V (Concluded)
IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION
The external anatomy of the beetle
Unlike the Lepidoptera, where most identification is usually carried
out with the aid of illustrations or by comparison with named specimens,
the Coleoptera are often very difficult to identify even with the aid of
carefully compiled keys. Although illustrations are at times a great help,
for certain genera they are practically useless. In order to use keys at least
a general understanding of the external structure of these insects and the
particular points to observe is needed.
The body of a beetle (Figs. 1 and 2) is divided, as in other insects,
into three parts: head, thorax and abdomen. On the head are the eyes,
whose shape and position are often important in identification, and the
antennae which are inserted close to the eyes. The form of the antennae
(Fig. 3) varies considerably and is most helpful in the naming of certain
species. The shape of the head itself is also useful: the elongation of the
head between and in front of the eyes into the rostrum separates the
Rhyncophora from all other types of beetles.
The shape of the thorax, particularly when viewed from above, is
another important character: it may be square, longer than broad or
6 FEBRUARY, 1973
H A
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6
R FeMyR
PS
ScUTELLUM
A
S EWTRA
° \\
E \
N \
\
\\
\
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f PYGipiuM \
Y, \
“an
Fig. 1: Dorsal view of a beetle to show main parts of the anatomy.
broader than long. There is often great difficulty in interpreting terms such
as ‘thorax broader’ when they occur in keys and one can only learn by
experience what the author of that particular key means. I feel that the
actual ratio of length to breadth of thorax should be given but this will
require a great deal of work to substantiate. Also important is the shape
of the anterior and basal angles of the thorax: whether they are rounded
or pointed, extended or blunt is often of the greatest importance.
The abdomen is normally divided into six or eight segments (except
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 |
VENTRAL
ABBO -
MINA
SEENENTS
MAXILLA RY
PALP ——_
LABIAL PALP
COXA4
S
—
E
R \
N \ -——— — CoKxA 2
U Su vie: 2
A eee
ed coxA 3
Q SN
TROCHANTER
\
Fig. 2: Ventral view of a beetle to show main parts of the anatomy.
in the Staphylinidae) which are hidden when viewed from above by the
wings. In beetles the front wings have, in the course of evolution, become
chitinised into hard coverings called elytra. These protect the hind pair
of wings, which are actually used for flying and are folded, and the
abdomen. The elytra and the wings actually arise from the thorax.
The three pairs of legs are attached to the thorax. Each leg consists
of three parts: the femur or thigh, the tibia or shin and the tarsus or foot.
The tarsus is divided into three or four segments, the last of which has a
small pair of claws. The shapes of the femur and tibia and whether they
8 FEBRUARY, 1973
have ‘teeth’ or serrate edges and the shape of the tarsal segments are all of
importance in the separation of certain species.
Between the inner edges of the elytra at their junction with the thorax
is a small, clearly visible, triangular area called the scutellum. The ‘centre’
of a beetle is often roughly the scutellum. Thus the base of the thorax and
the base of the elytra are situated on a line which usually touches the base
of the scutellum. The apex of the head is its front or anterior end and the
apex of the elytra is at the rear or posterior end of the beetle.
The final step in the identification or confirmation thereof of a beetle
is often the examination of the aedeagus of the male genital organ, the
shape of which is often diagnostic. However the examination of genitalia
should be used with great care as in some cases there is little or no difference
between the organ in allied but obviously different species and also a
damaged aedeagus can present a very misleading shape. In many cases
however it is the only way of separating closely related species.
ay
moniliform filiform irregular perfoliate claviform
club
\y
Hes
RAIN
NWN
yy
or
(as 4 threaded)
if
geniculate Lamellate Sissate club serrate pectinalte
Fig. 3: Various forms of antennae found in the Coleoptera.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 9
In a short article of this nature it is not possible to mention evcry
anatomical detail that is on occasion diagnostic, thus the shape and size
of the mandible is rarely used in a key, and for a fully-detailed description
of beetle anatomy reference must be made to one of the textbooks already
dealt with.
Classification
Insects belong to the group (Phylum) of the invertebrates known as
the Arthropoda. This Phylum is divided into four main Classes, Insecta
(three pairs of legs and a pair of antennae), Arachnida (four pairs of
legs and no antennae), Myriapoda (many pairs of legs and a distinct head
with a pair of antennae: including millipedes, centipedes) and Crustacea
(head merged with thorax, two pairs of antennae: mainly aquatic, such as
crabs, lobsters).
These Classes are divided in the most complete classification into
Subclasses, which in the Insecta are the Pterygota (winged insects) and
the Apterygota (wingless insects), then into Orders and Suborders. After
this there may be a division into Superfamilies, which are groups of
Families, and then Families themselves. Some authors do not recognise
Suborders or Superfamilies and proceed straight from Orders to Families,
whereas others use one division only, which may be the Suborder or
Superfamily. These divisions often contain an identical group of insects
but the division is named according to the authors’ beliefs. Families are
divided into Subfamilies, then Genera and the Genera into Species. Since
the time of Linnaeus, the generic and specific names have been used to
identify a particular insect.
As an example of classification the Dor Beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius
(Linn.)) is fully classified as follows:
PHYLUM Arthropoda SUPERFAMILY Lamellicornia
CLASS Insecta FAMILY Scarabaeidae
SUBCLASS Pterygota SUBFAMILY Geotrupinae
ORDER Coleoptera GENUS Geotrupes
SUBORDER Polyphaga SPECIES stercorarius (Linn.)
The correct name of an insect is the generic name followed by the
specific name followed by a suffix e.g. Geotrupes stercorarius (Linn.) The
suffix is an abbreviation (or the name in full) of the author who originally
described the insect under the names in use. These are used because in the
early days, when communications were poor and slow, the same insect
was often described by several authors or the same name was given to
several different insects. The position is sometimes very complicated and
where an insect has been described by several authors the earliest name is
usually kept as the correct one. However there are exceptions and the
whole subject is now quite complex and is governed by international rules
of nomenclature, which have been agreed throughout the world.
The classifications of the Coleoptera used by some recent authors
are shown in the Table. There are obvious differences. Imms (1951) used
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AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 det
two Suborders and seven Superfamilies, whereas Joy divides his classi-
fication into Suborders which correspond to Imms’ Superfamilies. Crowson
(1956), who has published the most recent definitive work, uses four Sub-
orders: he then divides one of these (Polyphaga) into new divisions,
Series, which are then divided into Superfamilies. In all Crowson divides
the Coleoptera into twenty-two Superfamilies and 139 Families. Kloet and
Hinks (1945) and Fowler (1887-1891) follow roughly the classification of
Imms.
In this and the previous article I have attempted to describe how
beetles are classified and identified. However it has only been possible to
provide a general outline. No doubt the books already mentioned will
provide further reading for those interested.
I shall finish this part of the series with a glossary of terms used in
describing beetles as these are often not fully explained in the keys.
Glossary of descriptive terms
ABDOMEN the hindmost principal division of the body
ACICULAR terminating in a sharp needle-like point
ACICULATE covered with small scratches which appear as if made by
a needle
ACULEATE produced to a point
ACUMINATE ending in a more or less produced point
AEDEAGUS the intromittent organ of the male
ALUTACEOUS covered with minute cracks
ANAL relating to the apex or extreme end of the abdomen
ANNULATE ringed
ANTE- used in combination, meaning in front of, before
APEX extremity, in a beetle the point furthest from an imagi-
nary point between thorax and elytra. That nearest is the
base.
APICAL relating to the apex
APTEROUS without wings
ARTICULATED jointed
ASPERATE roughened (of sculpture)
BASE see APEX
BORDERED when a margin has a raised edge
CALLOSITY a defined projection or elevation, usually rounded
CARINA a keel or longitudinal elevated line
CARINATE furnished with a keel
CATENULATE chain-like
CILIATE furnished with cilia or fringes of hair
CLAVATE and
CLAVIFORM clubbed or club-shaped
CONCOLOROUS' uniform in colour
CONFLUENT running into one another, of colour patterns or punc-
tuation
12
COPROPHAGUS
CORDATE and
CORDIFORM
COXAL
CRENATE and .
CRENULATE
CREPUSCULAR
CRETACEOUS
CRUCIFORM
DEFLEXED
DEHISCENT
DENTATE
DENTICULATE
DEPRESSED
DIGITATE
DIMORPHIC
DIsc
EMARGINATE
EXPLANATE
FASCIA
FERRUGINOUS
FILIFORM
FOVEA
FUNICULUS
FUSCOUS
FUSIFORM
GENICULATE
GIBBOSE and
GIBBOUS
GLABROUS
GRANULATE
HIRSUTE
HIsPIpD
HUMERAL
IMBRICATE
IMPUNCTATE
INCRASSATE
INFUSCATE
INTERSTICES
KEEL
LAMINATE and
LAMELLATE
LATERAL
FEBRUARY, 1973
feeding on excrement
heart-shaped
related to the coxae
furnished with a series of small blunt teeth
coming out at twilight
chalky
cross-shaped
bent down
Gaping towards the APEX
toothed, furnished with toothlike prominences
with small teeth, often in a row
flattened as if by pressure from above
see PALMATE
having two distinct types
the central portion
with a notched margin
widened out, expanded (Joy uses it as a slight hollowing
out of margins)
coloured band
rust red
threadlike, of antennae which are elongate and of about
the same thickness throughout
a large round depression in the surface
joints of the antennae between the SCAPE and the club
brown or tawny brown
broadest in the middle, gradually tapering in front and
behind
elbowed or kneed, bent abruptly upward or downward
hump-backed, very convex
smooth, without hairs, scales or sculpture
with very small rounded elevations
set with thick long hairs
set with short erect bristles
relating to the shoulder (humerus)
overlapping like tiles on a roof
without punctuation
thickened
darkened
spaces between striae of the elytra
a fine raised line
plated
pertaining to the side
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 1S
MACULATE
MARGIN
MEDIAN
MONILIFORM
MUCRONATE
NECROPHAGOUS
OBSOLETE
OCELLI
OCHRACEOUS
PALMATE
PECTINATE
PHYTOPHAGOUS
PICEUS
PILOSE
PITCHY
PLICATE
PORES
PUBESCENT
PUNCTURE
PUNCTATE
PYGIDIUM
QUADRATE
REFLEXED
RENIFORM
RETICULATE
ROSTRUM
RUFOUS
RUGOSE
SCAPE
SCROBES
SCUTELLUM
SERRATE and
SERRIFORM
SETA
SETACEOUS
SETIFORM
SETIFEROUS,
SETIGEROUS
and SETOSE
SHAGREENED
SINUATE
SPATULATE
SQUAMOSE
spotted
outer edge
central
as if composed of beads (of antennae)
prolonged in a sharp point
feeding on dead or decaying matter
almost effaced or only slightly marked
small additional eyes, usually on top of the head
brownish yellow
widened and divided like a hand
toothed like a comb
feeding on plants
dark to very dark yellow
hairy
blackish brown
folded
large isolated punctures
furnished with pubescence or downy hairs
small depression in surface, usually round
with punctures
last segment of abdomen
square
bent upwards
kidney-shaped
covered with a network of small scratches or cross
striae
prolongation of the head forwards from between the eyes
reddish
roughened, wrinkled
the first joint of the antenna when it is prolonged
lateral furrows on the rostrum holding the base of the
antennae
the small triangular area between the elytra at the base of
the suture
with teeth like a saw
outstanding bristle or stiff hair
gradually tapering to a point like a bristle
bristle-shaped
bearing setae
covered with closely set small roughnesses
slightly waved
narrow at base, widened out at extremity
covered with scales
14
FEBRUARY, 1973
STRIA an impressed line
STRIATE covered with striae
STRIGOSE scratched
SUBULATE terminating in a fine sharp point like an awl
SULCATE furrowed
SUTURAL relating to the SUTURE
SUTURE line dividing the elytra
TEMPLE part of head behind the eyes
TESTACEOUS yellowish, usually with a dusky tinge
TOMENTOSE cottony
TRANSVERSE broader than long
TRUNCATE cut off sharply by a straight line
TUBERCULE a small abrupt elevation of varying form
VERTEX upper surface of the head behind the eyes
(To be continued) B. J. MacNulty (4528)
REFERENCES
Crowson, R. A. (1956). Coleoptera: Introduction and Key to Families. Handbooks for
the Identification of British Insects. Vol. IV, Pt. 1. Royal Entomological Society of
London.
Fow Ler, W. W. (1887-91). The Coleoptera of the British Islands. Reeve, London.
Imms, A. D. (1951). A General Textbook of Entomology. Methuen, London.
Joy, N. H. (1932). A Practical Handbook of British Beetles. Witherby, London.
K.LoeT, G. S. and Hinks, W. D. (1945). A Check List of British Insects. Kloet and
Hincks, Stockport.
INTRODUCTION TO CRANEFLIES—PART Ill
Spring and summer Tipula species
In southern England the seasonal succession of species begins in
April, though in northern districts activity may not begin until May
(Tipula rufina Meig. has been recorded in March but this species can occur
in almost any month of the year). Because of geographical and yearly
fluctuations in climate it is impractical to divide the species into seasonal
groups as was possible with the autumn species, but date of capture can
provide a useful guide to identification in some species.
Many of the species are distinctive, but there is no simple means of
subdividing them into groups. The existing keys treat the genus as a whole
and often scatter closely related species. It is proposed to follow the sub-
genera here, since once familiar with a few species, new ones are more
readily recognised, especially in the males where genitalia are distinctive.
This means using wing pattern as a primary character, which is reliable
but not always well marked.
Wing patterns
Wing types fall into four main groups:
(a) Wings with large heavy markings. Only one species.
(b) Wings marmorate. The wings are greyish or brownish and
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 15
mottled with whitish markings. There is always a white spot or crescent
shaped mark in the central or outer part of the lower basal cell.
(c) Wings streaky. Dark streaks are present, often consisting of
little more than dark shadings along some of the veins. Wings with a dark
costal cell are included here.
(d) Wings clear (or uniformly coloured). At most a dark stigma
and/or a whitish streak running from the stigma towards the base of the
discal celi and sometimes extending to the hind wing margin (a mark of
this sort can occur in combination with other wing types). This character
is called a prestigmatic spot or stripe depending on its shape.
Description of species
The format of the descriptions is as follows :—
(Section | Autumn species, already considered)
Section 2. Eliminate Acutipula and then consider the main groups with
streaky wings.
Section 3 Clear-winged groups plus the single related streaky winged
species.
Section 4 Marmorate-winged groups plus a few related clear winged
species.
Section 2. Acutipula plus streaky winged groups.
The four species of the subgenus Acutiplua are very different in appear-
ance but each one has unique characters—wings heavily marked, dark spot
in centre of wing, or abdomen mainly grey with black stripes.
Giant Tipula Tipula maxima Poda. The bold pattern of chocolate
brown markings on the wings is distinct and the golden sheen to the
postnotum is a useful check (the sheen is absent in Pedicia rivosa). With
a wing length up to 30 mm (i.e. wing span about 24 inches) this is the
largest British species. It is widespread in marshy woods where its robust
larvae live in wet soil. It occurs from April till August, but is mainly seen
in late May and June.
Single-spot Tipula Tipula fulvipennis Degeer. May-September (see
Autumn species).
Twin-striped Grey Tipula Tipula vitatta Meigne. A large species with
a grey abdomen bearing a heavy dark stripe along each side. The wings
are fairly heavily marked with a streaky pattern. This is characteristically
an early spring species found in April and May along shaded stream banks
and occasionally pond sides, where the female is usually engrossed in
probing its abdomen into wet mud (this activity may be egg laying or
merely searching for suitable sites). Though widespread, it is easily over-
looked.
Three-striped Grey Tipula Tipula luna Westhoff. The abdomen is grey
with a narrow dark stripe either side and a narrow one dorsally. The male
is further distinct in being the only grey species with a conspicuous tuft of
gold hairs at the tip of sternite 8. (The only other grey species with a dark
dorsal stripe belong to the genus Prionocera, which lack the side stripes,
16 FEBRUARY, 1973
maxima vittata Tuna fulvi peanis paludosa
\
(+ slevacea)
fi 9
: OO om
YF
Oc. 0.C. ok oe A Oc.
Ta feralis montium coerulescens couckei marginata solstitialis
iz | |
ot fe cs
T9 T9
sa/
pruinosa variicorars varitcorais yerburys
Fig. 1: Details of the male genitalia of the subgenera described in Section 2. The top row
shows the dorsal view of the tip of tergite 9. The centre row shows the same and a lateral
view of the outer clasper and the visible portion of the inner clasper, the anterior end is
to the left. The bottom row shows the dorsal view of the tip of tergite 9 and the outer
clasper of pruinosa, side view of the end of the abdomen of variicornis and the dorsal
view of the tips of tergite 9 of variicornis and yerburyi. (o.c.—outer clasper, i.c_—inner
clasper).
never have a golden tuft in the male and have short serrate antennae).
The wings are clear greyish with a white prestigmatic stripe. This is another
early species most common in May but extending from April to July. It is
often common in both open and wooded marshes, a characteristic situation
being a wet meadow with the rush Juncus effusas L.
The members of the subgenus Yamatotipula may be called the Lined
Tipulas. The abdomen has a fairly narrow grey or yellowish dorsal line,
flanked by broad dark brown stripes. In the males the abdomen is slender,
giving the Cranefly a delicate build. The thorax usually has a slender dorsal
black stripe in addition to the paired stripes found in other Tipulas and
the wings are streaky, except in pruinosa where they are clear. In /ateralis,
montium and solstitialis a prestigmatic stripe runs down to the base of the
discal cell. The species are mostly found by water. The only other Tipulas
with a distinct central black line on the thorax are the two species of the
subgenus Oreomyza which are woodland species with mottled wings.
The male genitalia are very distinct, but since females are difficult most
are omitted from this introductory account.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 17
Illustrations (Fig. 1) are given of tergite 9 and the outer clasper. The
latter is visible in side view at the top outer corner of the genitalia and
tends to show minor variation in shape. In some cases reference is also
made to the inner clasper, which in lateral view is largely hidden by the
outer clasper, but the hind corner may be seen without dissection and
sometimes provides useful characters. Tergite 9 is yellow in solstitialis and
pruinosa, but black in the other species.
Common Lined Tipula Tipula lateralis Meigen. A very common
species recorded from March till September, which occurs in a wide variety
of situations by water, from stream and pond margins to cattle trampled
seepage marsh. It is the only widespread lowland species and is also
frequent in upland areas. When identifying this group, /ateralis should
be referred to first. It is a grey species, which in the male has paired pro-
cesses to tergite 9 and the slender (rather variable) outer clasper is small—
roughly equal in size to the visible portion of the inner clasper.
Mountain Lined Tipula Tipula montium Egger. This species is very
similar to /ateralis, and though it is typically associated with upland areas,
it can occur locally even in lowland situations such as Surrey. It always
seems to be associated with streams or small rivers where it may be seen
on, or swept from, vegetation growing along the banks. The outer clasper
is more strap shaped, with a backward facing bulge and it is about twice
the size of the visible portion of the inner clasper. Recorded from May to
August.
Grey Lined Tipula Tipula coerulescens Lackschewitz. Another species
very similar to Jateralis (and montium). It is a little known species of moun-
tain streams and is so far only known from the Central Highlands and
parts of the Pennines, though it has probably been overlooked elsewhere.
The grey colouration has a very light pure quality, the sides of the thorax
being conspicuously light grey. The outer clasper is rather similar in shape
to that in montium, but the prime character is found on tergite 9 where the
median paired processes are fused. Recorded in May, June and August.
Square Lined Tipula Tipula couckei Tonnoir. A much darker-looking
species associated with the banks of small rivers. I have found it several
times in the north, as far as Banff in Scotland, but I have never seen it in
the south though it is recorded from the New Forest. The distinct outer
claspers are squarish in outline. Recorded from May to August.
Brown Lined Tipula Tipula marginata Meigen. Another rather dark
species, distinctive in both sexes by reason of a dark chocolate brown
costal cell. The male has an oval outer clasper and a conspicuous golden
streamer of hairs on the hind margin of the inner clasper. It is a little known
species with a curious distribution since it is only recorded from Aviemore
in the Central Highlands and Hampshire plus an adjacent area in Dorset.
It has been found both along river banks and beside a lake. Recorded in
June and July.
Yellow Lined Tipula Tipula solstitialis Westhoff. Members of this
group having a yellowish, rather than grey, dorsal stripe to the abdomen
18 FEBRUARY, 1973
are likely to be solstitialis. The tergites are also golden rather than black
haired. The male genitalia are quite distinct, with tergite 9 yellow and with
very square ended paired median projections. It is widespread but very
local and is found by the margins of ponds and lakes from April to
September.
Marsh Lined Tipula Tipula pruinosa Wiedemann. This species is a
typical for the group in many respects. The pleura are conspicuously
light grey (as in coerulescens) and the dorsal stripe is often darker than
in other species. The wings are clear rather than streaky. The male genitalia
are very distinct and are conspicuously yellow; in addition to the paired
median processes, the lateral corners of tergite 9 are extended into pointed
triangular processes. The outer clasper is reduced to a slender bent finger.
Unlike other members of the group it dces not seem to be associated with
streams and ponds, but wet woodland, such as marshy spots along rides,
appears to be its preferred situation. It is widespread, but in my experience
scarce. It is recorded from May to July.
The type subgenus Tipula has been discussed under Brown-edged
Tipulas (see autumn group). The costal cell is brown whilst the rest of the
wing is clear. The abdomen lacks stripes. Tipula oleracea and paludosa occur
in spring and summer respectively, the latter also occurring in small
numbers in the summer. If the costal cell is paler than usual, confusion
could arise with Dendrotipula which has a yellow costal cell. Tergite 9
is rather similar to that of Tipula luna.
Having eliminated these three subgenera, there are only three other
species whose wings may be classed as streaked: Tipula vernalis, with an
orange abdomen bearing a dark dorsal stripe (see Lunatipula in Section 3)
and Schummelia.
The subgenus Schummelia may be called Black-ringed Tipulas. There
are only two species and they are very distinct from other groups. The
abdomen is yellow except for segments 7 and 8 which are black; this is
very marked in the male, but less so in the female whose colouration is
more drab. The male abdomen in lateral view is bulbous at the end and
sternite 8 bears a very characteristic triangular downward projection
(Fig. 1).
Common Black-ringed Tipula Tipula variicornis Schummel. The
easiest finite character is the shape of tergite 9, which has three projections
on the hind margin. This is a fairly common species in marshy woods and
is recorded from May till August.
Scarce Black-ringed Tipula Tipula yerburyi Edwards. In the male,
tergite 9 only has a median projection, and the projection to sternite 8
trends obliquely backwards (instead of vertically down). Females are less
easy to distinguish with certainty, but the antennae have the light parts
pale brown rather than yellow and base of the knob on the halteres is black-
ish rather than brown: extreme caution is necessary if records are based
on the female alone. This is a local species, apparently showing a preference
for heavily-shaded water-filled ditches on heathland. Though it is said to
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 Wg)
occur from May to July, my experience in the south is that varicornis is
mainly out in June. whilst yerburyi is out in July.
Section 3 Clear-winged groups
The only exceptions (i.e. species without clear wings) in these subgenera
are Lunatipula vernalis which is considered here though it has streaky
wings, four species with clear wings which have already been considered,
Savtshenkia pagana and S. holoptera (autumn species, Section 1), Acutipula
luna and Yamatotipula pruinosa (Section 2) and Savtshenkia subnodicornis,
a grey species of boggy ground (Section 4).
In practice most species fall into the subgenus Lunatipula, including
all those with a conspicuous prestigmatic stripe. The other subgenera
will be considered first. These have either a small prestigmatic spot (rather
than a stripe reaching at least the base of the discal cell) or lack a spot
altogether. A dark stigma may be present in either group.
Subsection A. No prestigmatic strip (see also Lunatipula livida in sub-
section B)
Platytipula (see autumn species, Section 1). The only group here with
a yellow abdomen bearing a dark dorsal stripe which occurs between
August and October.
Odonatisca. The single species of this subgenus also has a yellow
abdomen with a dark dorsal stripe, but occurs between May and July and
is apparently confined to Scotland. This is a much larger species with very
characteristic genitalia in both male and female (Fig. 2). The female
abdomen is very long, making the wings look short and it was presumably
this damsel fly-like build which caused the subgeneric name to refer to a
dragonfly (Odonata).
Scottish Dragonfly Tipula Tipula juncea Meigen. It is known from the
large area of sand dunes at Culbin Sands (Moray) and the Aviemore area
(Inverness). In Denmark the females have been observed at dusk boring
their abdomen into sandy soil to lay their eggs (in rides through conifer
plantations).
Dendrotipula. The single large species has a yellowish abdomen which
may be completely yellow or with a narrow median yellow strip flanked
by yellowish brown stripes. The most characteristic feature is a yellow
costal cell (also present in Schummelia, but there should be no confusion).
The male antennae are exceptionally long. (Note that in the species of the
subgenus Tipula, the costal cell can be pale brown).
Yellow-edged Tipula Tipula flavolineata Meigen. A widespread but
local species found in woodland, often around rotten logs which provide
a breeding site for its larvae. The white larvae are best found in early
spring (Ctenophora larvae look superficially similar) and during the
emergence period of May and June the empty pupal cases can be found
projecting from the surface of suitable rotten logs.
Mediotipula. Forest Tipulas, only known by a few specimens from the
New Forest. Small species with wing vein Re usually not reaching the wing
margin (apart from abberant specimens, this character is normally con-
20 FEBRUARY, 1973
oe
\
T9
>
T9
juncea flavolineata Siebkei Sarajevensis
nigra
$3
| 5% fd juncea nigra
J UACEaA
Fig. 2: Details of the genitalia of the subgenera described in Section 3A. The top row
shows the dorsal view of tergite 9 in the male (in sarajzvensis with projection of downward
median process). The bottom row shows ventral views of sternite 8 in the males and
(centre) the lateral view of the ovipositor of the female juncea.
fined to certain Prterelashisus species, which have mottled wings). The
stigma is dark and conspicuous. The few specimens in the British Museum
are too poor to provide a reliable description, so reference must be made
to the genitalia (Fig. 2). The two species of the subgenus are Tipula
savajevensis Strob! and Tipula siebkei Zetterstedt.
Nigrotipula. The single species of this subgenus is quite distinct in
being black or dark brown apart from a rather paler basal half to the
abdomen. The wings are a brownish colour with a slight prestigmatic
spot, and in the female are rather short. A useful diagnostic character is
found in the conspicuous black hairs on the postnotum. The wing length
is only 9-11 mm.
Black Tipula Tipula nigra Linnaeus. This is a very local species mostly
associated with fens and lowland river banks. When flying over wet mud
or soil it is very inconspicuous. It is out from June to August.
Subsection B. Prestigmatic stripe usually present.
Lunatipula is an easily recognised subgenus whose species are usually
of an orange colouration in whole, or in part, plus clear wings bearing
a prestigmatic stripe (or lacking this stripe as in /ivida or having streaky
wings as in vernalis). (Note Tipula luna (Section 2) is a grey species with
clear greyish wings plus a prestigmatic stripe). In the males tergite 9,
sternite 8 and the small outer clasper provide useful characters (Fig. 3).
Some females are difficult to distinguish but two ovipositor types are
unique amongst British 7ipuw/a—a short triangular ovipositor (vernalis
and fascipennis) adapted for scattering eggs whilst in flight rather than
inserting them in the ground, and a type with deeply cleft sternal valves
giving a two-pronged appearance (/ivida).
The first four species (vernalis, fascipennis, lunata and cava) are com-
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 21
mon ones and should be checked out first; the remaining five are scarce.
The prescutum is orange or yellowish in /unata, cava and peliostigma
whilst in other species it is greyish. In the male, sternite 8 has a central
tuft or tab of golden hair in fascipennis, lunata, cava, peliostigma, helvola
and alpina. To a variable degree most males have lateral projections to
sternite 8 bearing long spines at the ends: peliostigma and selene are es-
pecially distinct in having a band of golden hairs below the spines.
Green-eyed Tipula Tipula vernalis Meigen. This is one of the easiest
species to recognise in the field because of its bright green eyes (rarely
found in other species) which unfortunately fade to a blackish colour in a
dried specimen. It has a number of diagnostic features. The abdomen is
orange with a dark dorsal stripe (very broad in some specimens) and in
the male has a characteristic V-shaped notch in tergite 9. The female has a
very short triangular ovipositor (may be mistaken for a male) which is
only otherwise found in fascipennis. The thorax is largely grey, but
generally yellow at the sides posteriorly. It is typically a spring meadow
species, and one of the few to occur on chalk grassland, but it is also found
in light woodland. Records run from April to July, though late May seems
to be its most favoured time in the south.
Square Celled Orange Tipula Tipula fascipennis Meigen. A large
species with orange-brown abdomen and grey thorax and with a rather
square discal cell (about as long as broad). In the male the whitish
prestigmatic stripe reaches the base of the discal cell, whilst the female is
distinct from others in the group in that this stripe reaches the hind
margin of the wing. The female differs from all other Tipula, except
vernalis, in having a short triangular ovipositor. The male genitalia are
very distinct and should be checked if the discal cell character suggests
this species. It is recorded from May to August, but in the south I regard
this as a mid-summer species which is commonest in July. This species
likes damp woodland and hedgerows.
Common Orange Tipula Tipula lunata Linnaeus. This is the only
large all-orange Tipula which is common in woods and hedgerows between
May and July with a peak in June. The only frequent similar species is
Tipula cava, which 1s the next to be described. The genitalia are distinctive,
and in addition to the notch in tergite 9, there is a small tab of go!den
hairs projecting obliquely downwards from the top of sternite 8, a small
but useful field character. Females are difficult.
White-spotted Orange Tipula Tipula cava Riedel. A completely
orange species very similar to /unata, only occasionally having a median
dark line on the abdomen and the prescutal stripes are indistinct. The
male is distinguished by having a white spot, a conspicuous white blister
at the top outer corner of the genitalia just below the outer clasper. The
females are less easy to separate from /unata, the dull instead of shining
sternites being a useful character, but some individuals are impossible to
distinguish. 7. cava is particularly associated with dry woods, such as those
22 FEBRUARY, 1973
> Pr ee
g vernalis 2 fascipennis livida
Fig. 3: Details of the genitalia of the subgenus Lunatipula described in Section 3B. The
top five rows show details of male genitalia. T9—dorsal view of tergite 9, S8—ventral
view of sternite 8 (except fascipennis, peliostigma and selene where view is post-ventral),
o.c.—lateral view of outer clasper with anterior to left, i.c—visible scoop-shaped
process of inner clasper of peliostigma. The bottom row shows lateral views of the ovi-
positors of females.
on heathland, and though it is recorded from May to September, its main
peak is in July, after that of /unata.
Pale Orange Tipula Tipula peliostigma Schummel. This is the only
other large species in the group with an orange thorax as well as abdomen.
In the field its rather paler colouration than /unata provides a useful indi-
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 23
cator. Unlike the two preceding species, at least the first two flagellar
segments of the antennae are yellow in both sexes, instead of only the first
one. It is a scarce species, mostly recorded from East Anglia and Hertford-
shire, and has been found by streams in woodland. Though recorded from
May till August, July seems the most favourable month.
Small Orange Tipula Tipula helvola Loew. This is a slender and rather
pale species with a wing length of only 10-15 mm. The last segments of the
abdomen in the male are black as in /ivida and the tab of golden hairs on
sternite 8 projects directly back (unlike /unata). The thorax is dull grey or
yellowish grey. It is recorded from Merioneth, Suffolk, Hampshire and
Berkshire. In the latter county, it was found among nettles in an elm wood.
July and August.
Witherslack Orange Tipula Tipula alpina Loew. This species is
known from a small area around Witherslack and Grange-over-Sands on
the north side of Morecambe Bay in N.W. England and from the Wye
Valley, Gloucestershire, June and July. The only species with conspicuously
grey thorax and lunate wings are this species and the following one (selene).
Southern Orange Tipula Tipula selene Meigen. A dark dorsal stripe
is often well developed on the abdomen, especially in the female. Though
recorded from Caernarvonshire, this species is mainly known from the
southern counties where it is rare. Probably a woodland species. May to
July. .
Black-tipped Orange Tipula Tipula livida van de Wulp. Despite the
sound of its scientific name this species is rather drab in colouration, with
a dull orange brown abdomen, with the terminal segments black in the
male. The female is a brighter orange-brown colour, with unmistakeable
two pronged sternal valves. Both sexes have clear wings with a dark
stigma, and lack the prestigmatic mark found in related species. This is a
little known woodland species only added to the British list in 1954; it
has now been found in several southern counties and Lincolnshire. It is
recorded from June till August.
The species belonging to Section 4 will be dealt with in the next
article.
(To be continued) Alan E. Stubbs
THE AES CONSERVATION GROUP
It is some time since a Conservation Group article has appeared in the
Bulletin, and there is a clear need for AES members to be kept better
informed of the Group’s development. This is not a straightforward
report: the AGM is the place for that, but it should provide some idea of
current thinking and activities.
A brief look at the problems that we are trying to tackle might make
later points more easily understood. Insects are worthy of special attention
from conservationists for several reasons. They are directly attacked
24 FEBRUARY, 1973
(usually rather indiscriminately) by man because a tiny proportion of
species are serious pests. They also fail to receive the public interest and
sympathy which some other animal groups (notably the birds) receive. This
means that populations of many species are at risk, with few people either
knowing or caring about the situation. Like other living organisms,
insects are threatened with habitat destruction and modification resulting
from changes in land-use and so on, but here again, the general lack of
interest in them makes their plight particularly severe. Our Group has the
task of using its information pooling and its co-ordinating resources to
draw attention to this general problem and to assist in local campaigns and
projects.
The organisation of the Group is now capable of coping with our tasks.
We have evolved from a breeding/releasing group for Lepidoptera, started
by Mr. K. J. Wilmott in 1965, into one based on ecological lines and
concerned (potentially) with all British insect orders. Our role within the
Society has been rationalised by the formation of our AES Conservation
Subcommittee. The membership of this Subcommittee is as follows: Mr P.
W. Cribb (Chairman), Mr D. Lonsdale (Secretary), Mr T. G. Howarth
(AES representative on the JCCBI), Mr C. J. Hamilton (Group Treasurer),
Mr I. S. King, Mr S. R. Miles and Mr R. W. J. Uffen.
The development of an efficient organisation must be paralleled by the
development of policies for action, and these are certainly not lacking, even
though too many of them have yet to be adequately followed. The central
policy is that we are a co-ordinating group. Practical work must be carried
out by local interested bodies and individuals, with the Group supplying
advice and information through its contacts with experts in appropriate
fields, and through accumulated experience. Individual members and other
entomologists must provide us with information about threatened habitats,
areas worthy of special protection etc., and the Group will use its influence
wherever appropriate in getting work started. The importance of local
naturalists’ trusts cannot be over-emphasised in this respect. One very
important point I would like to make is that some entomologists have said
that they will not work with the Group because they are so involved with
local activities. It is these very activities which we can assist, or, where no
assistance is required, which can supply us with essential experience. Even
if you or your local trust don’t need the Group, then the Group needs you!
There is no shortage of ideas for practical work. The protection of
sites by special designation can follow the recording of interesting species.
Existing nature reserves can be made more suitable for the maintenance of
diverse insect faunas. Outside protected areas, people in charge of all
forms of land-use may be willing to listen to advice about protection of
particular insect populations and about changing certain aspects of
management which could favour conditions for harmless and beneficial
species. We have lists of many other ideas, including specific ones on the
conservation of certain types of habitat, and the lists are growing.
It should be now clear that we, as entomologists, must make available
BES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 25
to others our special knowledge and opinions so that insects will receive the
attention that they deserve in ecological terms. Although it is Group mem-
bers who are most involved in this work, it is hoped that all members of the
AES will let us know of any matters of interest in their areas. I’m sure that
most of us know of some interesting area that is threatened or that deserves
protection. Even if you haven't the time to help with recording work or
local consultations, you are asked to send in any items of interest. The
existence of a special conservation group must not deter non-group mem-
bers from being involved in conservation.
Our policies cannot work well without the circulation of ideas,
opinions and general advice. Both those involved in our work, and those
who lack an understanding of the problems must be reached. We circulate
our own bulletin amongst Group members, and we are publishing a series
of special articles which may help to make up a future insect conservation
handbook. We are sending information of our existence and aims to
interested bodies, and some use is made of the mass media for the dis-
semination of our ideas. Some of those ideas helped in preparing the
British Government’s report to the recent Stockholm environmental
conference. Many Society members will have seen our stands at AES
Exhibitions, which, since 1968, have helped provide publicity and
recruit new members. Much needs to be done in the field of publicity and
education, but we have made a start.
The practical work done by the Group so far has not fully lived up to
the pattern suggested by preceding remarks. On a general Group level we
have, however, made some headway. In several interesting areas we have,
with other bodies, or on our own succeeded in preserving habitats by
influencing plans. In Lancashire and in Devon we are planning projects
which combine conservation management of areas with educational
activities. Little has been done in terms of co-ordination work on the other
hand. Members have been uncertain where to begin work, partly because of
our broad basis of action. Their need to see something tangible may be
satisfied by our introduction of special projects. These include studying the
value of trying to re-establish colonies of a butterfly species, and the effects
of collecting insects from a population. There are already signs of growing
interest.
I hope that readers will bear with me if I say a few words on the
‘collecting versus conservation’ controversy. I have come across a wide
spectrum of views on the matter over the last few years and my main wish is
that opinion will not become too ‘polarised’. Most entomologists start as
collectors, and collecting forms an essential part of certain studies. On the
other hand, rare species may be endangered, and there are moral argu-
ments against the practice. Expept where we are considering damage to
habitats, collecting for pecuniary gain or collecting rare species, I would
reject any idea that there are definite ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’. I do hope though
that people will always ask themselves whether they must collect specimens,
rather than photographic records, and whether any studies of numerous
26 FEBRUARY, 1973
specimens they are making have real meaning and validity in biological
terms.
This article has just touched upon a few points which I hope will
stimulate interest in the Group and its work. Anyone wanting further
information is welcome to write to me, and a response to my request for all
members of the Society to support our work is invited in particular. The
general message, that I trust has come across, 1s that pooling of ideas and
information from all those interested in the cause is essential if we are to
achieve anything substantial.
D. Lonsdale (4137)
TWO METHODS FOR REARING LARVAE ON
GROWING FOOD PLANTS
Fig. 1: Mr Payne's cage. Fig. 2: Mr Tyler's cage.
(i) Mr E. S. Bradford’s cages seem rather complicated and difficult to
make (Bradford, 1972) and have one serious drawback: many larvae will
drop off the plant if disturbed and will be unable to climb back up the
sides and edge of the pot. Also I, for one, would find it very difficult to
find old rims for the lids and think they are unnecessary.
Some years ago I made similar cages (Fig. 1) which avoid both these
difficulties. Get a plastic bowl, about 12 in. in diameter and 4 in. or Sin.
deep, from any household store. I paint all my cages green outside and
white inside with Humbrol enamel, which is quick-drying and non-
poisonous. Plant the foodplant in a 6in. half-pot (half the depth of a
standard 6in. pot) and embed the pot in a cone of cement and sand
mixture, which must be firm enough to mould into shape round the pot.
The pot can then be carefully lifted out and the cement left to harden.
Any number of pots can be planted with food and replaced when eaten.
Larvae that fall off will climb upwards on the cement slope, which is left
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 27
rough. A twig of the plant is bent down to lie over the edge of the pot and
the larvae can then regain their foodplant.
The 4 in. wire ‘sleeve’ is made to fit inside the plastic bowl and is
covered with green nylon net, obtainable from shops which sell dress-
making materials. The top is covered with a circular piece of net, over-
hanging about 2 in., and kept in place by a band of narrow dressmaker’s
elastic, cut and sewn to have sufficient tension to stay in place. If the net
is replaced by clear polythene it is more suitable as a top for outdoor use.
The space left in the bowl is filled with sterilised soil or sand, pressed
firm to hold the wire netting in place. The cage is easily carried by the
rim of the bowl and the whole thing can be dismantled in a moment,
using fresh, clean sand and different plants for the next type of larvae.
Pieces of shrub which are too big to plant in a pot can be stood in a jar
of water in the centre of the pot, the gap being filled with moss.
T. P. Payne (4688)
(11) I have found that buckets which I obtain from my local fish-
monger in which they receive fish and shrimps are useful in a method I
have devised for rearing larvae. These buckets (MacFisheries charge me
6p for each) are much better in use than normal buckets as their sides are
straight and the elastic band used for holding the netting in place does not
slip downwards.
The figure of my apparatus (Fig. 2) is fairly self-explanatory but I
shall add some notes on its construction and use. The bucket has some
holes drilled in the bottom of it and is stood in the cheapest washing-up
bowl I can buy. Water is kept in the bowl at all times which serves two
purposes. Firstly it keeps the growing foodplant moist and secondly it
deters ants, spiders, earwigs, etc. from getting into the cage.
Normal elastic bands are not very suitable for fastening down the
netting as they tend to rot within a week. I go to my local garage and
get an old car inner tube and)slice it up into bands half an inch wide.
These fit round the bucket tightly and last a long time.
Using this apparatus I have reared, among others, the Duke of
Burgundy Fritillary (Hamearis lucina Linn.), Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea
cinxia Linn.), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria Linn.), Wall Brown
(Lasiommata megera Linn.) and Chalk-hill Blue (Lysandra coridon Poda).
David B. Tyler (3865)
(Mr Tyler exhibited this apparatus at the 1972 AES Annual Exhibi-
tion. I should like to thank him for allowing me to adapt the notes accom-
panying this exhibit for the Bulletin. Ed.)
REFERENCES
BRADFORD, E. S. (1972). Bull. amat. Ent. Soc., 31: 134.
28 FEBRUARY, 1973
FOOD PREFERENCE SHOWN BY LARVAE OF THE PUSS
MOTH (Cerura vinula Linn.)
Puss-Moth larvae are reported to feed successfully on a variety of
different species of trees of the genera Salix and Populus (Sallows. Willows
and Poplars) (Allan, 1947; 1949: South, 1961) but apparently do not show
a particular preference within these genera, and perhaps the most abundant
foodplant is the one that is used preferentially at any given locality.
Within this context the following simple experiment was carried out to see
it the larvae would show a preference if provided with a choice of fcod.
Thirteen eggs of the Puss Moth were obtained on 12th June, 1972
from a female moth whose own larval food plant had been ‘sallow’. These
eggs were divided into two batches of six and seven respectively and the
smaller batch were provided with leaves of the Lombardy Poplar (Populus
nigra Linn. var. italica Duroi) whilst the larger batch were enclosed with
leaves of the White Willow (Salix alba Linn.). All the larvae hatched
successfully and started feeding on their foodplant, those on the Willow
started at the margin of the leaves and ate all the leaf, whilst those on Poplar
ate only the lower epidermis. Both sets reached their first moult simul-
taneously, all moulted successfully, and all then recommenced feeding on
the same morning. At this point both sets were provided with an equal
quantity of healthy poplar and willow leaves, which had been cut at the
same time, and they were sealed into small plastic containers so that their
food remained fresh. They were then watched continuously and their food
preference recorded. The food was changed once a day for the rest of their
larval life, the choice being provided until the end of the third instar after
which Poplar alone was provided.
lst instar 2nd instar
Batch | Poplar provided Poplar eaten by all 6 larvae
and eaten Willow eaten by none
Batch 2 Willow provided Poplar eaten by all 7 larvae
and eaten Willow eaten by none
At the start of the 2nd instar both batches were provided with both
Poplar and Willow. After a short period of “exploratory walking, all the
larvae, from both sets, chose to feed upon the poplar leaves: they continud
to choose them for as long as a choice was provided, and on no occasion
were willow leaves eaten. This result is summarised in the Table.
This result was compared with the expected result of each of two
possible hypotheses using a X2 test. The hypotheses are as follows:
(i) If the larvae have no intrinsic food preference and are not
influenced by the food eaten in the first larval instar then it would be
expected that in each batch half of the larvae would each choose one of the
foodplants purely by chance. The result obtained in this experiment is
significantly different from this.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 29
(ii) If the larvae have no intrinsic food preference but are influenced
by their food in the first larval instar then it would be expected that each
set would choose the food which they had eaten in their first instar. The
result obtained in this experiment is highly significantly different from this.
There are many factors which may have influenced the larvae in their
choice of food and so may have affected the outcome of the experiment.
The foodplants were both provided in the form of ‘cut leaves’ and perhaps
poplar leaves retain their water and maintain their‘ freshness’ more readily
than willow. Possibly the structure of the poplar leaves prevents them from
drooping and so they remain more attractive than willow leaves. The fact
that the larvae chose Poplar within approximately ten minutes of being
provided with the choice perhaps makes both of these factors unlikely in
that insufficient time had elapsed to allow significant wilting to have taken
place.
Certainly the number of larvae used in this experiment is too small to
allow reliable conclusions to be drawn from it. To some extent the X2 test
allows for this effect in that it takes some account of the number of larvae
used, but nevertheless, the results must be regarded as suggestive rather
than conclusive.
It is difficult to assess the relevance of the results to the natural
situation. Presumably, in the wild, larvae are not provided with a choice
but must eat the foodplant which their progenitor has selected. However, in
view of the certainty with which the larvae in this experiment chose poplar,
it is possible that this represents a preference that would also apply to the
female in her choice of foodplant.
Obviously this experiment must be repeated with more larvae and
under more rigorously controlled conditions. Nevertheless I hope that it
shows that interesting observations on aspects of the life histories of our
moths may be made with simple equipment and using uncomplicated
techniques.
The conclusions of this experiment are as follows:
(i) Within the limitations of the size and accuracy of the experiment,
laivae of the Puss Moth were found to choose to eat the leaves of Lombardy
Poplar in preference to those of White Willow.
(ii) Performing an experiment of this type is within the scope of any
interested entomologist.
Iam most grateful to the Reverend K. E. Hood who provided the ova
of the Puss Moth and who made constructive criticisms of the experiment.
He is in no way responsible for its shortcomings.
M. R. Young (3759)
REFERENCES
ALLAN, P. B. M. (1947). A Moth Hunter’s Gossip. Watkins and Doncaster, London.
ALLAN, P. B. M. (1949). Larval Foodplants. Watkins and Doncaster, London.
SouTH, R. (1961). The Moths of the British Isles. Vol. 1. Fredk Warne, London.
30 FEBRUARY, 1973
A REVIEW OF THE 1972 SEASON
The year 1972 in the south of England has been an unusual one in the
pattern of its weather. March was warm and sunny with the result that bees
were on the wing and hibernating butterflies were seen early in the month.
Honey bees were breeding and building up on the early nectar from
sallows and willows and by the beginning of April there were drones in the
hives. Then the good weather collapsed and we had cold winds, clouded
skies and drizzle. The winter had produced very few frosts so that most
things in the countryside were well advanced at this stage but the change in
weather brought about a standstill. The cold and clouded weather con-
tinued from then on until the beginning of July while in Middlesex we
experienced a drought with no proper rain from mid-May until mid-
September. At the end of June the honeybees were starving and had to be
fed with syrup while some beekeepers who had not realised what was
happening found some hives starved to death. May and June produced
very few moths at the light trap and it was obvious that the hard ground
and cold nights were making emergences very small. However at the end
of the first week in July the weather suddently turned hot and those moths
which one would expect in May and June started to appear at light. I
found webs of half-grown Small Tortoiseshell (Ag/ais urticae Linn.)
larvae at a time when one would have expected that the new imagines would
have been laying and there were very small Peacock larvae at the beginning
of July also. By the end of July I observed some of the July species on the
wing but the Peacock (Jnachis io Linn.) was not observed until mid-August.
The hot weather had produced a mass of flowers which had been waiting
for the sun and by 14th August I was able to take 100lb of honey from a
hive which had had to be fed in June. Things were catching up but many
species were still out of time. The second brood of the Common Blue
(Polyommatus icarus Rott.) did not emerge until the end of August though
usually a July butterfly and many of the Hawk Moth larvae were still not
full fed by the second week in October. However the fine autumn days
must have done much to help these belated insects and the affects on the
populations for 1973 may not be so disastrous as at first seemed likely. As I
write this at the end of October I note that I observed Swallowsand House
Martins flying above the house, that a Small Tortoiseshell is sunning itself
on the wall of the house, that a full fed Lime Hawk (Mimas tiliae Linn.)
larva crawled across the road in front of me yesterday and that larvae of the
Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas Linn.) are still feeding on a patch of Docks
in the garden. Generally it has been a poor season for numbers of insects
but one group which exploded numerically here in Middlesex was the
grass-feeding butterflies which emerged in late July and August. The
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina Linn.) swarmed in the meadows around
my house and for the first time in my garden I found both the Speckled
Wood (Pararge aegeria Linn.) and the Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus Linn.)
while the Grayling (Euwmenis semele Linn.) made a welcome reappearance
on the Hounslow Heath. Both the Essex and Small Skippers (Thymelicus
lineola Ochs. and T. sylvestris Poda) were in profusion at the end of July on
the Heath and the very late second brood of P. icarus was the largest I have
seen there. A new habitat has been produced for them adjoining the Heath
as the old marshalling yards of British Rail have been abandoned and a
mass of wild flowers has colonised the whole area, originally the site of
sleepers and parked trucks.
Here are a few notes from my diary for 1972:
MAY 11th Melitaea cinx‘a Linn. starting to pupate.
18th Found small larvae of Anthocaris cardamines Linn. together
with newly laid eggs and males still flying in fresh condition.
20th Large swarm of bees, possibly a starvation swarm. Found
larva of Strymonidia pruni Linn. in second instar (usually full
fed at this date). Saw first P. aegeria males (freshly emerged)
and observed Brimstone. (Gonepteryx rhamni Linn.) laying
eggs.
JUNE 17th Peacock and Small Tortciseshell both observed in courting
displays. No larval webs found as yet.
19th Larvae of Apatura iris Linn. (Purple Emperor) started to
pupate. Papilio machaon Linn. (Swallowtail) hand paired
but making no attempt to lay and M. cinxia sitting about
with no attempt at pairing due to lack of sunshine
AUG. 14th Newly laid eggs of A. iris in Hants. Comma (Polygonia
c-album Linn.) summer form fresh on wing. Saw first
Peacock.
16th Newly emerged Chalkhill Blues (Lysandra coridon Poda) on
South Downs flying with M. jurtina in same condition. No
L. bellargus Rott. seen. Limenitis camilla Linn. females still
on the wing.
SEPT. 17th Saw first Vanessa atalanta Linn. of year and one or two
V. cardui Linn. in garden. Small White, Pieris rapae Linn.,
abundant in garden laying on cabbages.
18th First Red Underwing (Catacola nupta Linn.) on wall in
garden, a fresh male. Half grown larvae of Poplar Hawk
(Laothoe populi Linn.) on Lombardy Poplar. Common Blue
males still on wing with Small Copper.
20th Eggs of Lampra fimbriata Schreb. (Broad Bordered Yellow
Underwing) just hatched.
OCT. 7th Ants, Lasius niger (Linn.), winged males and females flying.
20th Full fed larva of M. tiliae found at foot of Lime at Ilford.
Third instar larvae of P. rapae on cabbages.
23.10.1972 P. W. Cribb (2270)
a2 FEBRUARY, 1973
JUNIOR NEWS
The 1972 Exhibition was a success as far as Junior exhibits were
concerned. There were eleven exhibitors, and the AES President expressed
his pleasure at the high quality of the exhibits. He found it difficult to
choose a prizewinner and eventually the Society agreed to give three prizes
and the three winners were chosen to represent three age groups.
Andrew Creber (4893) of Saltash was one winner for his survey of the
area around his home. His exhibit included maps, specimens and other
information. The second was Ian Mcllraith (4621) of Surbiton for his
exhibit on the Stag Beetle, and the third was K. A. Moseley (4733) of
Stourbridge for his exhibit on the Social Bees. These winners were chosen
for their original scientific work, and its presentation.
One remarkable thing was the distance some members came to the
Exhibition. There are some very co-operative parents about! Let us hope
that there will be twenty junior exhibitors at the 1973 Exhibition.
The first contribution to this News is from R. M. Parsons (4795) of
Maidstone, and I am sorry that it has been delayed; it was entirely my
fault. His report is, in fact, for August 1971, and is as follows:
‘During this August my brother, two of my friends and I decided to
collect butterflies in various parts of Kent. The first place was a local
Sweet Chestnut wood. Few Lepidoptera were seen as the weather was poor,
and these were: a female Maniola jurtina Linn. (Meadow Brown) with a
double eye spot and a few Aphantopus hyperantus Linn. (Ringlet) in rather
battered condition. Our next trip was on August 16th to the North Downs
at Broad Street. The day was a glorious one and many species were seen,
and the following list compiled :—
Pararge megera|Linn.(Wall Brown)
Ten specimens
Maniola jurtina Linn. ssp. insularis
Thomson. (Meadow Brown)
Five
Aglais urticae Linn. (Tortoise-
shell) Three
Inachis io Linn. (Peacock) Six
Polygonia c-album Linn. (Comma)
Two
Aricia agestis Schiff. (Brown Ar-
gus) One
Polyommatus icarus Rott. (Com-
mon Blue) Ten
Lysandra coridon Poda (Chalk-hill
Blue) Four
Celastrina argiolus Linn. (Holly
Blue) Ist brood. One
Lycaena_ phlaeas Linn. (Small
Copper) One
Pieris brassicae Linn. (Large
White) Two
P. rapae Linn. (Small White) Ten
P. napi Linn. (Green-veined White)
Gonepteryx rhamni Linn. (Brim-
stone) Ten
The next trip was to the warren at Folkstone, and we saw Eumenis
semele Linn. (Grayling). This was of especial interest because according to
the Provisional Atlas of the Insects of the British Isles Part 1, Lepidoptera
Rhopalocera, it has not been recorded in that area since 1960.”
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 33
Secondly here is a report from Timothy Newnham (4597) of Haywards
Heath:
“Slaugham Flyover. The islands that this flyover, completed in the
late 1960’s, makes with the outlet roads, have a different landscape to
anywhere in the vicinity, except perhaps Ditchling and Chailey Commons.
This is due to the removal of the topsoil, during the building of the
flyover, leaving the sandstone exposed. Three species of Lepidoptera may
be found there, Zygaena filipendulae Linn. (Narrow-bordered Six-spot
Burnet), Callimorpha jacobaeae Linn. (Cinnabar Moth) and Polyommatus
icarus Rott. (Common Blue). As I have only seen these three species in this
one locality, I would be most grateful if someone could please inform me as
to their nearest locality. I am puzzled as to how they originally got to this
spot.”
Timothy also included notes on the life histories of the three species,
but I felt that these should be known to most members. It shows, however,
that he has studied them, and for that he is to be commended. His report is
for the summer of 1972.
For those interested in the moths, keep a look out for the early ones by
watching tree trunks, north facing fences, etc. Make a note of which side of
the trunk you found them on, the direction of the wind, what the weather
had been like the previous night (cold or mild, windy or calm), how far from
the ground the moth was resting, head upwards, or downwards; the type of
tree, if possible; and whether it was obviously newly emerged. You must,
of course, identify the moth! Let me have a copy of the notes for incor-
poration in a Junior News.
In any case try to send me your observations for incorporation in this
article.
D. Ollevant (1514)
AES Youth Secretary
THE SCARCE PAINTED LADY IN DEVON
Two days after the 1972 AES Annual Exhibition, 2nd October, I
observed a strange butterfly feeding on a bush of Buddleia (Buddleia
davidii Franch.) growing in my garden at Bishopsteignton, South Devon.
Having a net handy I was able to capture it and found it to be a fairly
fresh specimen of Vanessa virginiensis Drury. Owing to the very unusual
summer conditions of 1972 the Buddleias were very late to flower and I
was fortunate to be able to attract this very rare migrant species at so late
a date. Its nearest breeding localities to Britain are the Canaries and
Madeira.
W. L. Coleridge (2194)
34 FEBRUARY, 1973
AUGUST BUTTERFLIES OF CLASSICAL GREECE
Greece has many species and subspecies of butterflies peculiar only to
this South-East corner of Europe and, on my holiday there in August
1972, I managed to secure some typical south-eastern European species.
After the flight from Luton over France and the Alps in a Boeing 720B
airliner to Athens, Greece seemed very poor and barren, almost devoid of
vegetation. The contrast between rainy Britain and the dry heat of Athens
airport was indescribable. However, apart from finding a Bath White
(Pontia daplidice Linn.) it was too hot to do any serious collecting that
first afternoon. The second day of our stay in Athens included a tour of the
remarkable museums and the ancient Greek Temple called the Parthenon
sitting on top of the Acropolis. Very few butterflies flew in and around
Athens but Lang’s Short-tailed Blue (Syntarucus pirithous Linn.) and the
Scarce Swallow-tail (/phicldes podalirius Linn.) were not uncommon at the
foot of the Acropolis. The following day a trip to two of the Greek islands
proved interesting. The first island we visited was Hydra, a large, barren,
ragged island which looked the last place to choose for a butterfly hunt.
After disembarking from the ship, I climbed a narrow track, which hugged
the bay, up to a large stony field with a hot narrow gorge heading towards
the sea. Considerable numbers of podalirius were dancing around some
fruit trees below the track, whilst in and around the area were Painted
Ladies (Vanessa Cardui Linn.), Common Blues (Polyommatus icarus Rott.)
and Mallow Skippers (Carcharodus alceae Rott.): Large Grizzled Skippers
(Muschampia proto Ochsenheimer) were settling on some thistles. The boat
departed at two o’clock for Aeginaand. From the boat, this island appeared
far more wooded except for the mountain peaks. I stayed near the coast as
the vegetation was very thin and scanty away from the sea. Few butterflies
were flying, but, on a patch of waste ground above the village of Aghia
Marina, I disturbed some Oriental Meadow Browns (Hyponephele lupina
rhamnusia Freyer) from some bushes growing beneath the shade of a yew
tree. | also saw some specimens of the Brown Argus (Aricia agestis Schiff.),
Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas Linn.) which were of the grey suffused form
eleus, an occasional I. podalirius and one M. proto. After a quick swim in
the waters of the Saronic Gulf it was time to depart for Piraeus, the port of
Athens.
The next morning was spent shopping around the unique market of
Athens. After lunch, we set off down the highway towards the Corinth
Canal which had been painstakingly cut through the Isthmus which con-
nects the Greek mainland with the Peloponnese. The coach stopped for a
break at a cafe so that we could admire the wonderful view along the four
kilometre canal. It was during this time that I netted a male pirithous
flying around a large clump of lucerne and I also caught a somewhat worn
Bath White. We continued down the main highway to ancient Corinth
where we visited the remains of the Roman town which Saint Paul visited.
Amongst the fallen stones, were Swallowtails (Papilio machaon Linn.), Red
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 35
Admirals (Vanessa atalanta Linn.), Small Whites (Pieris rapae Linn.) and
several J. podalirius. The rest of the day was spent travelling on to the
overnight stop, a fishing town called Nafplion, on the east coast. The next
day, our morning destination was the colossal open-air theatre at Epi-
daurus. The area was a former spa used by the Ancient Greeks. Some of
the area is kept green in summer by the constant use of hosepipes. To visit
the theatre, one follows a path which winds through some trees and
eventually emerges there. Among the trees and wooden struts, which
formed the stage erected for the ‘Festival of Ancient Greek Plays’, were a
few Freyer’s Grayling (Hipparchia fatua Freyer) which is a local species as
well as only being found in extreme south-eastern Europe. Also there were
P. machaon, the Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera Linn.) in a form similar
to ours and the Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus Linn.) which had
enormous borders on the forewing and nearly all the hindwing grey with
a pale orange underside. Also these butterflies were a good deal larger than
our own Small Heath. Further down the hill around an arid path of ground
were many H. lupina flying in and around bushes and I netted a female
which settled on some gravel under a tree. There were plenty of Long-
tailed Blues (Lampides boeticus Linn.) and a few Cleopatras (Gonepteryx
cleopatra Linn.). I crossed the road which ran through a wooded slope to a
drive leading up to a hotel. The drive had a row of oleanders and buddleias
on each side. The flowers on these were well past their prime, but there
were scores of /. podalirius and Large Whites (Pieris brassicae Linn.)
fluttering from bloom to bloom. [ also caught C. alceae, a Southern Comma
(Polygonia egea Cramer) and a female Southern White Admiral (Limenitis
reducta Staudinger). It was disappointing not to have had longer here as
there would probably have been many more exciting species to observe.
After having lunch in Nafplion, we proceeded on to Olympia. We
stopped at Vitina, a small town in the middle of the mountains of the
Peloponnese. Here, I caught a Comma (Polygonia c-album Linn.) and a
female Silver Washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia Linn.) which had the
silver stripes replaced by white. We arrived in Olympia in time for dinner.
Next day we visited the site of the ancient Olympic Games and, whilst
walking through the entrance gate, I found a Fritillary larva pupating
about thirty cms from the ground. Amongst the pines I captured a female
specimen of the Eastern Wood white (Leptidea duponcheli Staud.) flying
slowly and near the ground in the dappled light. The running track was
flanked on each side by lucerne. Here swarms of P. icarus, S. pirithous and
the Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea Geoff.) and a few P. machaon flew
around and over the flower heads. By midday the weather became extremely
hot and all the butterflies rose up around the treetops which lined the
streets of Olympia.
In the afternoon, we departed for Patras, a port on the North-West
coast of the Peloponnese. The hotel where we stayed the night was sur-
rounded by orchards where many J. podalirius were flying. A shady path led
36 FEBRUARY, 1973
through a gully at the back of the hotel. Here, several Speckled Woods
(Pararge aegeria Linn.) were dancing around. The markings were a mixture
between P. a. tircis Butler and P. a. aegeria Linn. The larva which I found
that same morning pupated successfully although I detached it from the
silken pad on which I found it. On the following day, we crossed from Rion
to Antrion across the Bay of Corinth back to the mainland. The road was
tortuous as we penetrated fuither into the mountains. Indeed, it was
blocked in one place by road “improvements’”’. I dismounted from the
coach to see if there were any butterflies at hand and caught a glimpse of a
male A. paphia flying past me. I captured an extremely small Blue but ina
desperate rush to catch the coach with its courier anxious to set off before
more obstacles appeared I left my killing jar behind. A few miles along the
dusty road we at last reached our coffee stop and whilst strolling out of the
doorway of the cafe I found a bagworm larva crawling across the floor. By
the side of the building, the bed of a dried-up stream ran down the steep
mountains. Many butterflies were attracted by some thistles and mauve
flowers of uncertain identity, including A. agestis, M. proto, C. alceae, P.
icarus, Tree Grayling (Hipparchia statilinus f. onosandrus Fruh.), Vanessa
cardui Linn. and the Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus Rott.). The last
named were all marked with orange on the underside of the forewings and
hindwings. Although all the females were in poor condition, they resembled
C. helena Staud. (Greek Mazarine Blue) quite closely. After lunch at
Delphi and a siesta, we visited the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the
site of the famous Oracle but the sun had already sunk below the Mount
Parnassus range so little collecting could be done.
In the morning, we left Delphi and the indistinct mountains of the
Peloponnese behind and departed for Kammena Vourla where we were to
spend the next seven days. The road continued to Kammena Vourla on the
coastal plain which narrowed to about one kilometre in some places. The
Hotel Sissy, where we stayed, is just outside the village and between the
olive groves and the sea. The course of a dried-up stream dissected the olive
groves and ran by the side of the Hotel giving rise to rather more lush
vegetation. The main Athens-Lamia road passed by the Hotel and con-
tinued straight towards the village of Kammena Vourla. Brambles and
buddleias grew on the roadside verge and here P. machaon, I. podalirius,
P. brassicae, P. daplidice, Holly Blue (Celestrina argiolus Linn.), L. boeticus
and V. cardui were all flying at high noon. More detailed exploration
revealed the occasional A. paphia immaculata Bell. which were larger with
the black markings on the upper side reduced whilst the silver stripes were
virtually absent from the underside of the hind wings which were covered in
a greenish golden suffusion. C. pamphilus, L. megera and the Latticed
Brown (Kirinia (Roxelana Cramer) were flying under the bushes to keep out
of the sun. C. alceae, Large Skipper (Ochlodes venatus faunus Turati) and
Pigmy Skipper (Gegenes pumilio Hoff.) were buzzing amongst the pink
bramble blossoms: G. pumilio is recorded from many coastal districts
around the Mediterranean. In the village, however, there were thousands
a nn
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 37/
of P. icarus sheltering behind the Eucalyptus trees, all the females being
brown with no trace of blue whatsoever. There were also L. phlaeas f. eleus
Fab. and L. boeticus and S. pirithous which flew around a large tree lupin.
By a large modern Hotel, there was a bank of flowers where G. cleopatra,
I. podalirius, P. machaon and the occasional L. reducta settled. Some
Humming-Bird Hawk-moths (Macroglossum stellatarum Linn.) hovered
around some Zinea flowers together with C. crocea. Near the foot of the
mountains which backed the village grew many tall thistles and, settling on
almost every head was V. cardui, A. paphia immaculata and the occasional
G. cleopatra, Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea didyma occidentalis Staud.), C.
crocea and L. reducta mingled amongst the trees. On a hot, dry path by the
side of the road, flew several G. pumilio and directly above a magnificent
Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius jasius Linn.) glided around the lower
branches. On the way back to the Hotel, I found P. daplidice with wing
spans of 20/22 mm. and the whole population around the hotel consisted of
specimens thus. I also found a colony of Swallowtail larvae feeding on
some fennel just outside the Hotel.
On the last day at Kammena Vourla, I caught a male L. duponcheli
flying in the shade together with a few P. rapae. Along the highway, there
was a small valley full of thick scrub where a male C. jasius and L. reducta
glided at considerable speed towards the road. At another clearing on the
wooded sides of a hill, I saw my last C. jasius settled on a twig of fig tree but,
as I approached within a metre of it, it glided swiftly to the base of the hill.
My moth collecting adventures at night proved to be successful, most
specimens being caught around some neon lights in the forecourt of the
Hotel. The more noteable specimens obtained were the Striped Hawk
(Celerio livornica Esp.), Humming-bird Hawk, Ni Moth (Plusia (Ni Hitibn.),
Scarce Bordered Straw (Heliothis armigera Hitibn.) and the Vestal (Rhodo-
metra sacraria Linn.). After a last look at some Swallowtails during our
morning break in Thebes, we continued our journey to Athens Airport for
our flight back to England.
G. R. Smith (4950})
REPORT OF TWO 1972 FIELD TRIPS ORGANISED FOR THE
AES CONSERVATION GROUP
Both trips this year were to Reserves owned by the Sussex Trust for
Nature Conservation. The first one was to Amberley Wild Brooks on May
27th and the second to Duncton Chalk Pit on June 10th. It was very
disappointing to find only one member apart from the leader attending
each meeting, and it is hoped than any future organised field meetings will
be better attended.
Amberley Wild Brooks
The Trust at present owns or leases over ten acres of the Wild Brooks,
including an area of derelict raised bog. Numerous drainage dykes separate
8 eee
the small fields, these possess an exceptionally rich flora and fauna.
Notable plants include Adder’s Tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum Linn.) and
Tasteless Water-pepper (Polygonum mite Schrank). As heavy rain had
fallen early in the morning and a steady drizzle persisted up to almost
midday, it was dedided that the ground would be too wet for collecting and
examining the Wild Brooks, which incidently lie in a very exposed position
on the alluvial plain of the River Arun. Instead, the venue was changed
(after waiting for two trains from London to see if any other members
would turn up) to the more sheltered Houghton Forest. About two hours
were spent here but the vegetation was too wet for continued sweeping and
beating, and not many species of insect were noted under the bark of
Beech (Fagus) logs. A specimen of Typodendron domesticum (Linn.)
(Col., Scolytidae) was captured. Although by no means rare the writer
cannot remember finding this species in the Houghton Forest-Arunde!
Park area before.
Duncton Chalkpit
Although the sky was overcast on reaching the meeting place, the rain
kept off until about midday, and was not too heavy enabling the ‘party to
walk round the Reserve and through Duncton Hanger to the top of
Duncton Hill, thence back to the cars by the shortest route. Again the
vegetation was too wet for sweeping to be carried out. Although several
species of plant were searched for beetles, only one species yielded any.
This was Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna Linn.) several large plants
of which had numerous specimens of the local beetle Epitrix atropae Foudr.
(Col., Chrysomelidae) on them. Few Sussex records of this beetle exist,
most records relating to captures from Arundel Park. Fowler (1890)
records finding it abundantly here on September 5th, 1879. Arundel Park
appears to be one of the most widely known localities for this diminutive
species.
The Reserve consists of five acres of woodland scrub surrounding the
disused quarry. Several rare plants and moths have been found here
including the Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera Linn.), Bee Orchid (O.
apifera Huds.) and the Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha
(Cust.) Rchb.) and the Plumed Prominent Moth (Prilophora plumigera
Schiff.). Fallow Deer (Dama dama Linn.) often visit the Reserve indeed
one was heard calling in Duncton Hanger.
I would like to thank Mr D. T. Streeter, Honorary Scientific Officer
for the Sussex Trust for Nature Conservation for giving me permission to
take people round, and to collect insects from these Trust Reserves.
J. Cooter (3290)
REFERENCES
Fow Ler, W. W. (1890). The Coleoptera of the British Islands. Vol. 4: p. 384.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 39
HENRY TIBBATS STAINTON 1822-1892
Henry Tibbats Stainton was one of the ‘greats’ of entomology of the
nineteenth century, and the quantity and quality of his works was such
that they still have their impact today. He was born of moderately wealthy
parents in 1822 and was educated privately and at Kings College London.
His education made him proficient in French, German and Italian and this
must have assisted him greatly in his many travels on the continent and his
widespread correspondence with other European entomologists. It also
assisted him in utilising the store house of European knowledge on the
subject. Though a scrutiny of his works, papers, articles, etc., shows that
he had a wide interest and knowledge of natural history, the Micro-
Lepidoptera were his great and abiding interest and it is for his works in
this field that he is best known. Though engaged in commercial life and
having other interests political and social, his researches and output of
work were quite astonishing. He achieved this in typical Victorian fashion
by sheer hard work, rising regularly at five in the morning. In 1845 he
commenced to write articles in the Zoologist, and in 1855 he established the
Entomologist’s Annual which he edited for twenty years. From 1856 to 1861
he was one of those responsible for the The Entomologist’s Weekly
Intelligencer. Copies of these last two can still occasionaly be come across
and their contents are even now of more than antiquarian value. In 1864 he
was one of the founders of the Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, and he
remained one of its editors until his death. After one hundred and eight
years this fine journal is still flourishing, a tribute to the sound foundations
he heiped to lay.
Among his major separate works were An Attempt at a Catalogue of
the British Tiniedae and Pterophoridae, published in 1849 with a supplement
two years later, The Entomologists Companion, 1851-2, Insecta Britannica
Lepidoptera Tineina, 1854 and A Manual of British Butterflies and Moths,
1857-59, perhaps his most popularly known work. His greatest work of all
was A Natural History of the Tineana, published in thirteen volumes bet-
ween 1855 and 1873. This was done with the assistance of Frey, Zeller and
Douglas and was printed in four languages. The Tineana of Syria and Asia
Minor came in 1864 and Tineina of Southern Europe in 1869. He also edited
for Dr. Clements The Tineina of North America and produced a catalogue
of the library of J. F. Stevens, as well as editing a catalogue for the British
Museum on the Tineina.
His membership of, and work for learned and scientific societies was
impressive and he gave liberally to them both of his time and money. He
became a fellow of The Entomological Society of London (now the Royal
Entomological Society) in 1848 and was one of its secretaries in 1850-1 and
its President in 1881-2. He became a Fellow of The Linnean Society in
1859 and its Vice-President 1883-5. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal
Society in 1867. He was a member of entomological societies in France,
Belgium, Germany, Italy and Switzerland as well as many local societies in
40 FEBRUARY, 1973
England. He was a member of the Ray Society and its secretary from
1861-72, piloting that society during a critical period of its history. He
edited part of the publication of that society which is best known to us
entomologists, Buckler’s Larvae of the British Butterflies and Moths. In
1871 he founded the Zoological Record Association to continue the
publication of the Zoological Record. This was taken over by the Zoological
Society in 1886 and is still published by them. He married in 1846 but had
no children. He lived for most of his life in Lewisham and was buried in
Lewisham Old Church, St. Marys.
G. Prior (3909)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
AES Exhibition 1972
Dear Sir,
As someone who has attended three of the four Exhibitions at Holland
Park and on each occasion brought along a small exhibit, I feel justified in
expressing a view on this matter.
Considerable space in the last three editions of the Bulletin has been
devoted to a post-mortem on the 1971 Exhibition and an endeavour to
stimulate a better Exhibition this year. The latter, I am afraid appears to
have met with little success. A lot of criticism following last year’s Ex-
hibition got side-tracked into the red herring of dealer domination. The
them versus us arguments are fallacious. I can see no reason why good
trade exhibits should detract from the Exhibition, they should compliment
good exhibits from us. The only reason the dealers dominate is because we
let them by the paucity of our own exhibits.
In view of the hundreds if not thousands of members who must have
attended the Exhibition, the number of exhibits was nothing short of
pathetic. A large part of the members exibition area was taken up by a
sort of pets corner, the entomological relevance of which is not clear to me,
I can only assume that it was included to fill up the space we failed to
utilise. The crowds four or five deep in front of the trade stands and the
substantial sales of equipment must indicate the presence of a large number
of active entomologists. Are all their labours in vain, are all their studies
fruitless, have they nothing at all to show us?
It is clear that the action so far taken to persuade members to exhibit
has not met with success. I would like to put forward some suggestions. If
Members are to be encouraged to exhibit they must be made to feel that
their efforts are appreciated and that their exhibits are of interest to their
fellows. The present layout of the Exhibition militates strongly against this.
Member’s exhibits should be so positioned that they can be studied in
comfort and leisure, this is not possible at the moment. The central position
chosen for member’s exhibits where they are surrounded by trade stands
results in a constant flow of people passing through the exhibits to get to
the trade stands or the canteen. I would like to suggest a complete
i
i
i
with the making of a scientific film on the life of that insect.
|
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separation of the trade area and the area for the member’s exhibits so that
the member’s exhibits are not subjected to through traffic in the way they
are at present. Why not put the member’s exhibits in the room now used for
the canteen. With luck members could fill this area, but if not other exhibits
of an educational but non-trade type could also use it. Bring the canteen
into the top part of the central room, it would still be possible to service it
from the back, and put the displaced trade stands into the lower area.
Separation from the crowds attending the “‘entomological bazaar’ would
enable those wishing to study the member’s exhibits to do so in a more
conducive atmosphere.
Secondly, as the Exhibition is, after all, the major event in the Society’s
year, let us treat it as such by giving it due prominence in the Bulletin. By
prominence, I do not mean letters of comment but a detailed report on the
exhibits. Comparisons are odious but I have just picked up a back number
of the Proceedings and Transactions of the British Entomological and
Natural History Society which reports on one of their annual exhibitions.
Despite the fact that they use much smaller type than we do, the report on
their member’s exhibits runs to more than six pages plus three pages of
photographs.
I can imagine hands raised in horror at the cost of photographs, I am
sure however that one of our members interested in photography would
volunteer to take the pictures and also that those whose specimens were
selected would be prepared to make some contribution to the cost of
publishing their portraits. Let the report contain more detail concerning
the exhibits, especially items of special interest. This would make more
interesting reading than our present practice which is not much more than
a selected list of exhibitors. This is not intended as a criticism of the writer
of the recent exhibition reports, so much as a suggestion for a change of
emphasis in an attempt to stimulate more interest in the Exhibition,
especially from potential exhibitors. Show them the Society feels that their
efforts are worthwhile and of interest to other members.
Finally, a minor point, by giving the Exhibition a specific theme we
will tend to limit rather than encourage potential exhibitors. Keep it as
wide as possible, encourage all members no matter what their individual
interest to show us their work, some of us may not have back gardens
suited to entomology.
M. P. Perceval (3798)
| Larvae of the Goat Moth
_ Dear Sir,
I wonder if there is any member who can tell me of the location of
trees that are infested with living larvae of Cossus cossus Linn. (Goat Moth)
in the southern part of England. I would like to know of these in connection
G. Prior (3909)
42 FEBRUARY, 1973
Junior exhibits at the 1972 AES Exhibition
Dear Sir,
One of the pleasures of being President of the AES is that one judges
and awards the prize for the best Junior exhibit at the Annual Exhibition.
I hope that my fellow members will forgive my small conceit, when I say
that this exhibition, during my Presidency, was the best I have seen. The
reason I feel this was not the large attendance, but the very high standards
of the exhibits put in by the Junior members. Doug Ollevant and I had the
task of judging which was the best, we were so impressed by them and
found it so difficult to decide, that it took two examinations and acup of tea
between them to come to a decision. One thing we decided at once, one
prize was not enough, so we awarded three. May I congratulate all those
Junior members who put in an exhibit and say to those who were unlucky
that it was only with great difficulty that Doug and I passed you over. The
exhibits all showed that their owners had spent a considerable time on them
and were interested in entomology rather than just collecting. May I hope
that next year even more of you Junior members will exhibit. We in the
Council are going to discuss giving some added recognition to your
efforts. Who knows, the seniors may follow your good example, and
perhaps they may clamour for some prizes too?
G. Prior (3909)
AES President
BIRDS ATTACKING SLEEVED LARVAE
In 1972 on two separate occasions I observed birds attacking the
sleeves containing larvae in my back garden. The first occasion concerned
a large number of larvae of Aglais urticae Linn. (Small Tortoiseshell)
sleeved on potted Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica Linn.). The birds were
House Sparrows and they were pecking holes in the sleeve and seizing the
larvae which were crawling around on the muslin in preparation for
pupation. Each time a larva put its head out of the pecked holes it was
taken by a sparrow. I did not observe the birds eating the larvae as they
flew off with them in the beak. The second occasion was this autumn.
I had sleeved some larvae of the Scarce Vapourer (Orgyia recens Hubn.)
onto a Sallow bush (Salix sp.). The larvae devoured the leaves inside the
sleeve and then took up hibernating positions among fallen leaves and
on the muslin. I observed two Great Tits attacking the sleeve repeatedly
and although they had not pierced the muslin they had crushed some of
the larvae through it. A secondary sleeve placed loosely over the first
stopped the trouble.
P. W. Cribb (2270)
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AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 43
INSECT CONSERVATION AND A COUNTY TRUST
In this article I want to try and give an idea of the activities carried
out by a County Trust in relation to insect conservation. I hope also to
point out some of the ways in which entomologists can help with the work
of County Trusts. My ideas are based largely on my experiences during the
last fifteen months when I was carrying out a survey of the breeding sites
of certain of the Blue butterflies in Gloucestershire for the Gloucestershire
Trust for Nature Conservation. I do not know whether the part played by
insect conservation in this Trust is greater or lesser than in other Trusts,
but I would guess that the position is much the same elsewhere.
This particular Trust has twenty-seven reserves, but none of these are
specifically devoted to insects. The primary aim of the Trust is to acquire
at least one example of each of the major habitat types present in the county.
Thus the emphasis is on the habitat rather than on particular species,
although there are exceptions to this. The nearest approach to a reserve
created because of insect interest is the recent addition of a small acreage
of limestone grassland to a previously existing woodland reserve which it
adjoins. This particular piece of grassland has a rich butterfly fauna and
will be managed especially for the butterflies, with particular interest being
shown in the Chalk-hill Blue (Lysandra coridon Poda) and Marbled White
(Melanargia galathea Linn.). In this connection experiments are being
carried out on the control of coarse grasses by cutting and the application
of herbicides (Dalapon), and also on the re-establishment of Horse-shoe
Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa Linn.). At only one other reserve do insects
figure at all prominently in the reserve report for 1968-69. At this reserve
two insects are involved, one of these is the Small Blue (Cupido minimus
Furess.) on which ecological studies are being made, and the other is a
rare Cynid Shield Bug (Sehirus dubius Scop.) which feeds on a locally
distributed plant, Bastard Toadflax (Thesium humifusum DC.). Before its
discovery in the Cotswold this bug was thought to have an entirely coastal
distribution. At one other limestone grassland reserve knowledge that the
site was once a breeding area for the Large Blue (Maculinea arion Linn.)
played a part in the desirability of acquiring the site. Unfortunately the
Large Blue has not been seen there since 1946.
Thus the consideration given to insects in Trust reserves is, as you can
see, small. Of course the Trust’s conservation activities are not limited to
the creation of nature reserves. Another part of its work is less dramatic,
but no less important. This concerns bringing to the attention of land-
owners and other interested parties the presence of plants and animals on
their land which might be endangered by changes in land use etc. In this
way the Trust has been able to secure colonies of the Chalk-hill Blue,
Marbled White and the yellow variety of the Narrow-bordered Five-spot
Burnet Moth (Zygaena lonicerae von Schev.), and is at present interested in
colonies of the Wood White (Leptidea sinapis Linn.) and White Admiral
| (Limenitis camilla Linn.). However we can still see that insect conservation
44 FEBRUARY, 1973
plays a very small part in the Trust’s activities and I am sure that this is
repeated throughout the country.
How can we, as entomologists, work to improve this situation? Let
us first consider the organisation of a County Trust. Basically the Trust
will be run by laymen with little specialist knowledge and they will be
assisted by a committee or advisory panel of scientists. Laymen (and
women) will predominate in most of the Trust’s committees from the
executive level down to the local management committees for individual
reserves. Such people will not be aware of entomological interests unless
entomologists take the trouble to keep them informed. It is no good looking
to the scientific advisers to do this task, they will probably be specialists
and may not be aware of developments outside their own field of study.
Their principal function is to advise on specific matters and anyway a
particular speciality may not be represented. As an example let us consider
the composition of the scientific committee of the Gloucestershire Trust
in 1968-69. This committee was composed of four botanists, two orni-
thologists, two general biologists, one conchologist, one entomologist,
one forester and one zoologist. The one entomologist cannot be expected
to be an expert in all branches of entomology and who is going to speak
for the unrepresented groups unless information is provided from outside
the committee. So the responsibility for informing the Trust of insects in
need of conservation falls on you, the amateur entomologist. You do not
even need to be a member of the Trust, they will be grateful for the
information wherever it comes from (that’s not to say that they will turn
away your offer of a subscription!) and I am sure that such information
will be acted upon whenever possible.
In order to demonstrate the sort of success that a determined amateur
entomologist can have I will take an example from the Gloucestershire
Trust. A local amateur entomologist discovered that the owner of a very
good Chalk-hill Blue site was about to graze pigs on the site. He ap-
proached the Trust about this and together they were able to contact the
owner who agreed to critical areas of the site being fenced off, the Trust
paying for the fencing materials. This was all done in time to save the
colony from destruction. The same entomologist also drew the Trust's
attention to the small area of limestone grassland I mentioned at the
beginning of this article and which is now included in a nature reserve.
In fact the attention brought to the Chalk-hill Blue by this person together
with the presence in the county of the Large Blue resulted in the setting up
of the Blue Butterfly Survey which I am now undertaking. All this by one
amateur entomologist, and as a guide to those of you who would like to
try something similar, he was helped by two things. Firstly he was
persistent and secondly he came armed with facts.
Assuming that you decide to give the Trust information, can you be
sure that it will be safe in their hands? I know that many entomologists,
especially those of the older generation, hesitate before giving up in-
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32_ 45
formation on the localities of rare species. They have probably had
experiences in the past of such information falling into the wrong hands.
County Trusts realise this and will go to great lengths to ensure that the
information remains confidential. This can be done by limiting access to
the information to three of four people who will deal with the problem
from the beginning and follow it through on behalf of the Trust. Even the
location of, and reasons for, a nature reserve can be kept confidential.
I hope that my own work has been a good example of this. Prior to my
appointment this Trust had tried for a number of years to obtain infor-
mation on the whereabouts of the Large Blue without success. It washoped
that the appointment of somebody specifically to look into the status of
the Large Blue would persuade lepidopterists that something worthwhile
was going to be done and that their information would be safe. In fact the
result was quite dramatic. People who had previously withheld information
came out into the open. In fact of all the entomologists I contacted only
one was unhelpful. Perhaps other Trusts could adopt this line of approach.
Do not worry if you think you may have left it too late to do anything
about a particular problem, there may still be a chance. If the problem is
important enough or of interest to the people involved there is a chance
that a last minute appeal can succeed. (Although, of course, the sooner a
problem can be brought to the attention of the interested parties the better.)
As an example, last year I learnt that a former Large Blue site was to be
ploughed up within the next two weeks. We were able to meet the owner
immediately and the site was saved for two years to enable us to find out
whether or not the Large Blue was there.
In what other ways can entomologists help County Trusts? An
important and largely neglected aspect is the compilation of lists of
insects from reserves. Lists of plants and birds are usually readily available
but insects... ? Again to use the Gloucestershire Trust as an example,
there are lists of butterflies from only four of the twenty-seven reserves
and one reserve has a list of beetles and these are the only lists of insects
available. If every entomologist was to offer to draw up a list of the insects
of his speciality from only one reserve the situation would be much better.
If he was to offer to do this for a number of reserves, all the better. Re-
member it is not only the rarer orders that need attention, there is plenty
of scope for the lepidopterist.
I have suggested that you should help the County Trusts, but what
can the Trusts do for you? Obviously their most important function is to
provide habitats where the insects in which you are interested can survive.
One would also hope that reserves would provide areas where enterprising
amateurs, as well as the professional scientists, could carry out their own
studies. Information gained in controlling or encouraging insect popu-
lations on reserves might be applied to populations outside reserves. Also
I feel that collectors should not be forgotten, for ideally a properly
managed insect population on a nature reserve should be able to meet
46 FEBRUARY, 1973
the needs of collectors. Indeed we can look forward, perhaps rather
optimistically, to the day when some degree of culling may even be neces-
sary at some reserves.
To sum up, it is my intention to draw your attention to the small
part that insect conservation plays within the County Trust organisation.
Of course there are many bright spots, several Trusts have projects in-
volving insects but these are often restricted to single species or small
groups of species. What is needed is work at the “grass roots’ to provide a
comprehensive framework on which County Trusts can base their
decisions. Botanists and ornithologists appear to have done this, why not
entomologists ?
January 1971 John Muggleton (3253)
Post script
Since this talk the 1969-70 report of the Gloucestershire Trust has
appeared, and it is gratifying to see that three amateur entomologists
(two of them members of the AES) are preparing lists of insects from
various Gloucestershire Trust reserves.
(This article originally appeared as a publication of the Conservation
Group of the AES.)
FURTHER NOTES ON BREEDING THE JAPANESE
OWL MOTH
| have bred the Japanese Owl Moth (Brahmaea japonica Butl.) for four
years in succession from my own stock and would like to add some further
notes to those of Mr Brock (Brock, 1972).
It is important that the peat used for pupation should be damp for
two reasons. Firstly the larvae cannot move or dig properly on dry,
powdery peat which gives no foothold: secondly the pupae dry out and die
unless they are kept moist. It is advantageous to add half the quantity (by
handfuls) of horticultural sand to the peat and damp the mixture thorough-
ly with warm water. Put a 3 or 4” layer of this mixture, gently firmed down,
in the cage and put the larvae in when they start wandering around and
turn brown on the back. I rear them in another cage in order to keep the
pupation cage clean. Keep the pupae in a cool place until the spring and, if
the surface of the peat becomes quite dry to the touch, spray with a little
water. I have not tried feeding the larvae on lilac leaves but will do so next
season.
My pupation cage is an old meat-safe, the metal door having been
replaced by a wooden one covered with clear polythene. The perforated
sides give ventilation and enable the moths to climb and expand their
wings. This cage is very satisfactory for all moths that pupate underground.
T. P. Payne (4688)
REFERENCES
Brock, P. D. (1972). Bull. amat. Ent. Soc., 31: 138.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 47
BLOOD-SUCKING MOTHS
I noted while reading through Mr Stallwood’s very interesting paper
on the food and feeding habits of adult butterflies (Stallwood, 1972) that
he did not mention the blood-sucking moths. These are a relatively recent
discovery and their existence and habits are not widely known by amateur
entomologists.
Stallwood states that the evolution of the proboscis for piercing has
reached its highest development in the fruit-piercing moths. The blood-
sucking moths have, of course, evolved from fruit-piercing Noctuids.
The blood-sucking habit has the advantage of allowing adult moths to
feed throughout the year, and not just when fruit is ripe. The proboscis is
more heavily sclerotised and barbed and can be made to penetrate the
skin by oscillating the head. After penetration the two halves of the pro-
boscis slide in opposite directions along its longitudinal axis.
Calyptera eustrigata Hmps. has been observed to rasp out a wide
shaft, six millimetres deep and to drink blood for between ten and sixty
minutes (Banziger, 1968). Lobocraspis griseifus Hmps. and Arcyophora
sylvatica Buttiker are also known to ingest blood (Buttiker, 1959).
Unfortunately I can only quote two references to this work because
here on the continent I do not have all my notes and there is not a good
library at hand. Those interested in reading more about this unique group
of moths could undoubtedly find more recent papers by Dr Banziger.
L. McLeod (3534)
REFERENCES
BANZIGER, H. (1968). Bull. ent. Res., 58, i: 159.
BUTTIKER (1959). Nature, London. 184: 1167.
STALLWOOD, B. R. (1972). Bull. amat. Ent. Soc., 3%: 25.
BOOK REVIEWS
Drosophila by Bryan Shorrocks, BSc, PhD. Pp. 144 with 8 colour plates.
Ginn & Company Ltd, London. 1972. £2:-25.
This is the second in the series ‘Invertebrate Types from these pub-
lishers. It maintains the high standard set in Woodlice both in content and
presentation. The colour plates of the British Drosophila and the line
drawings by Hilary Burn are excellent. Drosophila (Fruit Flies) have con-
siderable importance in biological studies in schools and universities and
much of the reference material available has been on work in the United
States. This book uses European and British information and material and
should prove a useful text book as well as an introduction to the group for
the amateur dipterist. There are chapters on the biology of the genus, field
and laboratory ecology, genetics and behaviour. Experimental work is
considered and an appendix lists the more important mutants of D.
48 FEBRUARY, 1973
melanogaster. The identification keys and distribution notes are well
presented and European records for twenty-two species are tabled. There is
a four page bibliography for help in further studies. Teachers and students
will find this an invaluable publication and the publishers are to be con-
gratulated on another success.
PEW. AC:
Insects of the World by Walter Linsenmaier. Pp. 392. McGraw-Hill Book
Company, New York and Maidenhead, Berks. 1972. Copiously
illustrated with colour reproductions of paintings and photographs
and line drawings, all the work of the author. £6-50.
This large volume is impressively overwhelming at first perusal, being
an insect encyclopaedia, the work of one man, Walter Linsenmaier, who
has used his gifts of drawing and painting for the illustration of insects and
other animals. Though not a professional zoologist, his illustrating and
photography led him to study entomology with a deep appreciation of the
beauty and wonder that his careful observations revealed to him. In 1951,
with his father, he founded a zoological museum in Ebikon, Switzerland,
where he lives, and he wrote in German this comprehensive review of the
whole insect world. This has now been translated into English by Professor
Leigh Chadwick, late of the University of Illinois.
The first chapters deal with the anatomy and biology of insects with
special reference to mimicry and colouration. Distribution, migration and
classification are briefly considered and then follows a complete review of
all the orders of insects under general chapter headings of Wingless and
Winged Insects, Social insects and Aquatic insects. Obviously the text in
dealing with so much material must have a fairly superficial approach but it
still manages to give a wealth of useful and interesting information, written
in a very readable style, making many hours of fascinating reading or
browsing. The illustrations are obviously the most exciting feature. The
sketches are excellent, the colour reproductions of paintings startlingly
clear, but the photographs of set insects are often inferior by comparison. I
found the identification of the illustrations a little tedious as it is necessary
to turn back and forth to relate illustrations to the lists of names or illustra-
tion keys and when one wants the scientific name it is necessary to refer to
the index at the back of the book.
This will prove a very useful book to the amateur entomologist with
catholic interests, for the biology student and teacher and an acquisition
for those who appreciate beautiful pictures. Many of our younger members
(and some of the older ones) may hopefully suggest that it would make a
suitable present and public and school libraries will wish to add it to their
reference sections.
Powe
Printed by V. B. Pike, Printers, Canon Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Published by The Amateur Entomologist’s Society,
355 Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham, Middlesex. 1973.
Exotic
Entomological Specimens
LEPIDOPTERA — COLEOPTERA — MISCELLANEOUS
INSECTS OF THE FINEST QUALITY WITH DATA
20 page illustrated catalogue 20p
R. N. BAXTER
16 BECTIVE ROAD, FOREST GATE,
LONDON, E7 ODP, ENGLAND
For a personal and interested service
In your replies please mention ‘The A.E.S.”
The Entomologist’s
Record
and Journal of Variation
A monthly illustrated magazine founded by J. W. Tutt
in 1890, is devoted mainly to the Lepidoptera of the
British Isles. It also deals with other orders of insects
especially Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Othop-
tera. Its articles include descriptions of new species and
varieties, reports on collecting trips, distribution, habits
and habitats of insects and of collecting and study
techniques suitable for novice and expert. It circulates
in 47 countries.
Annual subscription -— £3.00.
Write for specimen copy to Dr lan Watkinson, Windrush,
2 Fairleas, Sittingbourne, Kent, enclosing 30p. This amount
will be taken into account in the first year’s subscription.
A MINE OF INFORMATION
Some of the more important items to be found in some earlier
volumes of the AES Bulletin are given below. These volumes are
a good investment. Why not order some from the Publications
Agent for your bookshelves ?
Vol. 14. Insects of Wayfaring tree; beetle parasites; collecting Flies, Fleas,
Dragonflies; Hunting wasps; collecting Mayflies; Lepidoptera of Somerset,
Essex and Perthshire; Monthly collecting tips; breeding Humming Bird and
Convolvulus Hawks.
Vol. 15. Importance of Pyrenees: Light trapping: insects of leaf litter:
pupa digging; relaxed storage of insects; Heath Fritillary in Sussex; the
Australian Phasmids; the Wester Ross expedition; setting methods, Wains-
cots; Leaf Miners; Membership, 1956.
Vol. 16. Breeding the Genus Catacola, Jersey Tiger, Heath Fritillary,
Toadflax Brocade; Spring Macrolepidoptera, making a simple beating tray
and sweep net; studying Parasitic Hymenoptera; collecting Micros; Mites
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4 AES No. 299
EDITORIAL
In order to leave as much space as possible for members’ contributions
I shall just tell you the names of two new members of the AES Advisory
Panel. They will both help with the Arachnida:
P. M. Heath (4167), Wilson House, Epsom College, Epsom, Surrey.
Pseudoscorpions.
G. Fenwick, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. (4914), 20 Abbotside Place, West
Denton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NES IAY. Araneae and Opiliones
(Harvest Spiders).
Will members please note my latest change of address.
Paul Boswell (2853)
COLLECTING NOTES—MAY 1973
The smaller moths
Mr. E. S. Bradford writes, ““The drawing of Opostega crepusculella
Zell. is from one of several specimens I have taken in my garden at
Borehamwood, Herts in the last few years. The larva probably feeds on
one of the mints growing there. As well as culinary mint, there is a bed of,
I think, Mentha arvensis Linn. and one other mint. Ford (1949) says that
*M. palustris’ is the most likely foodplant. As far as I know the life-history
has not been satisfactorily worked out and I hope to breed the moth
myself eventually. This is a species members might also try to breed for
themselves.
“The overall colour of the forewings, scape and thorax is whitish or
creamy white. The markings on the wings are a somewhat soft brownish
grey. The antennae, hindwings and cilia of the hindwings are of the same
soft brownish grey. There is a black apical spot on the forewings.”
Formerly Opostega was treated as one of the genera of the Lyonetiidae,
but now the Opostegidae have been promoted to family status and are
assigned to the superfamily Nepticuioidea. In Britain the family has one
genus (Opostega) containing four species: the other three are the relatively
common salaciella Treits. and two rarities, auritella Hiibn. and spatulella
H.-S. Meyrick (1928) tells us that there are about 85 species of Opostega
with an almost world-wide distribution and that their larvae make mines
in rind or bark. Very little is known about the life-histories of the British
species. O. salaciella has been bred fortuitiously from Sheep’s Sorrel
(Rumex acetosella Linn.) and it may therefore feed on that plant (Meyrick,
50 MAY, 1973
1928). What was put forward as hypothesis by Meyrick was accepted as —
fact by Ford (1949), without, as far as is known, corroborative evidence.
Later writers do not accept his assumption, Brown (1952) and Hering
(1957) both being silent over the biology of salaciella. Larvae sometimes
spin up on plants other than those on which they feed, and the evidence
that salaciella actually fed on Sorrel is inconclusive. Nevertheless it is
worth searching Sorrel for it, though one wonders whether the stems may
not be too slender to accommodate larvae in their rind.
The only British species of Opostega for which there is positive
knowledge of the early stages is quritella, a rare fenland moth which
seems not to have been taken in Britain for many years. It has been bred
from green larvae mining in the stems of Marsh Marigolds (Caltha spp.).
Hering, who, I suspect, is quoting English sources, gives this information
and adds that the mine has not yet been described in detail. The closely
related crepusculella has been supposed to mine the stems of Mentha
because adults have been taken, mostly at light, in wet areas where mints
grow freely. The supposition may well be correct but there is no solid
evidence to substantiate it. As far as I know, spatulella has not been
associated with any definite plant. Barrett took it at North Curry, Somerset
(Turner, 1955) and it was recorded during the last century from Witham
and Southend in Essex (V. C. H., 1903).
Now in these notes I am supposed to be advising about how to
collect microlepidoptera, but instead I have been discussing the unknown.
I have not been conducting you around the well known landmarks of
familiar entomology but have been inviting you to sally forth into hitherto
uncharted territory. But, as Mr Bradford has hinted above, this is what
the AES members are for. The professional entomologist (often to his
chagrin) is tied to his laboratory bench or museum desk: it is we who have
the better opportunities for research in the field. To find the larvae of
Opostega will require an extension of our routine as collectors. Micro-
lepidopterists are accustomed to spotting spinnings and leaf-mines, to
splitting stems, opening seed-heads and digging up roots. Now we must
learn to look attentively at the stems and stalks of low-growing plants and
to notice ridges or lines of discolouration which may indicate underlying
larval mines.
Now let us consider an easier quarry. Mr Bradford’s second drawing
is of Mirificarma mulinella Zell., a common and widespread species. Its
larva feeds in late April and May in the flowers of Gorse (U/ex spp.) and
Broom (Sarothamnus scoparius (Linn.) Wimm. ex Koch), betraying its
presence by chewing small round entrance holes through the petals. The
moths start to emerge in July and are on the wing till early September. In
appearance mulinella is rather a plain insect. The forewings are light
ochreous brown and the dark streak running from the base of the wing
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32
i ES.BRAPFORD —
Epiblema roborana Schiff.
4
52 MAY, 1973
almost to the apex is variable in development; sometimes it is almost
absent and then the black stigmata are conspicuous.
This is an easy species to find and also to rear, since the larva readily
changes to fresh flowers. This is just as well, since Broom is a hard food-
plant to manage; the sprays dry up if exposed to the air and go rotten if
enclosed. When I bred mulinella from Broom, I found I had unwittingly
also collected two common species which mine the bark of the twigs,
namely Leucoptera spartifoliella Hiibn. and Trifurcula immundella Zell.
Luckily my larvae were nearly full-fed, and as they pupate externally I was
able to breed the moths. However younger larvae of these species, or
larvae of any age of Phyllonorycter scopariella Zell. which pupates in its
mine, are in jeopardy if the sprays cannot be kept in fresh condition. The
three bark-miners on Broom may be distinguished as follows: spartifoliella
starts mining upwards from the egg and the larva is greenish; immundella
starts mining downwards from the egg, the larva is yellow and it sometimes
enters a leaflet, hollowing it out and turning it brown, before continuing
its mining in the bark; scopariella spins the inner surface of its mine
causing the skin to contract and fold.
Mr Bradford tells us that his third drawing, depicting Epiblema
(Notocelia) roborana Schiff. (aquana Hiibn.), was made from one of
several moths bred from larvae collected at Arundel in Sussex in the spring
of 1968; they were feeding in spinnings on an unidentified species of wild
rose, but readily accepted garden rose in captivity. The larvae were
reddish brown with light brown heads. He describes the adults as follows,
“The forewings vary in the density and amount of grey strigulation in the
lighter areas. The basal patch is dark fuscous. The triangular area before
the cilia at the apex and termen is a lightish brown with streaks of black
scales. There is also another area of blackish scales near the tornus. The
adults are on the wing mainly in July”.
Mr Bradford’s drawing should help those who, like me, sometimes
find it hard to separate roborana from its close and equally common
relatives, rosaecolana Doubl. and trimaculana Haw. (suffusana Dup.). In
rosaecolana the basal half of the costa is more heavily suffused with grey
and below this there is a fairly broad, curved, diffused white streak running
from the edge of the basal patch at the dorsum to the costa near the apex.
Bred frimaculana present no problem since the larvae feed on Hawthorn
(Crataegus spp.) and not rose. Moths taken as adults may be distinguished
by their smaller size and narrower wings more heavily suffused with grey.
Usually there are fairly distinct white areas beyond the basal patch on the
dorsum and on the outer half of the ocellus. The tornal cilia tend to be
darker than those of the other species. The more curved contours of the
outer edge of the basal patch, used by Meyrick in his key, are generally,
but not invariably, a good mark of distinction.
A. M. Emmet (1379)
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 53
REFERENCES
Brown, S. C. S. (1952). The British Lyonetiidae. Proc. South London ent. nat. Hist. Soc.
Forp, L. T. (1949). A Guide to the Smaller British Lepidoptera. The South London
Entomological and Natural History Society, London.
HERING, E. M. (1957). Bestimmungstabellen der Blattminen von Europa. Uitgevertj
Dr W. Junk, ’S-Gravenhage.
Meyrick, E. (1928). Revised Handbook of the British Lepidoptera. Watkins and Don-
caster, London (reprinted 1967, E. W. Classey).
TURNER, A. H. (1955). Lepidoptera of Somerset. Somerset Archaeological and Natural
History Society.
V.C. H. (1903). The Victoria County History of Essex, Vol. 1.
Coleoptera
The genus Bagous Germ. is poorly represented in many collections.
This absence may not be entirely due to the rarity of these weevils: difficulty
in finding them is doubtless a contributing factor.
All the species are subaquatic and from late spring to early autumn
may be found on certain plants, only occasionally are specimens swept
from the vegetation. From late autumn to early spring Bagous should be
looked for in moss or leaf litter near to their breeding sites. By far the
most profitable method of collecting during the summer months is to
pull up water plants and examine them carefully over the collecting sheet.
The roots and parts underwater are more likely to harbour the beetles
than those parts growing above water. Some effort should be made to
return the plants so they may continue to grow. Bagous weevils are usually
very sluggish and can easily be overlooked, especially as they are often
covered in mud. Most of the species are gregarious and might be found in
numbers once a colony is located.
Very little is known of their biology; observation, especially in the
field, is difficult because of their subaquatic habits. Much valuable work
has been done by Ruter (1937) who studied Bagous subcarinatus Gyll.
collected at Bonneuil and Blois on the plant Ceratophyllum submersum
Linn. in July 1935. An abbreviated account of this is given in Dieckmann
(1964), the main points of which are repeated below.
“The pores on the underside of the pro- and mesothorax secrete a
water repelling substance, an air bubble extending as far as the meso-
thoracic epimera covers this region. The rest of the body is wetted, after
death the whole body becomes wet.
*“When in sunlight the beetles have been observed moving actively
about the plants, it is possible that bubbles of oxygen produced by photo-
synthesis will join with the airbubble on the beetle. Intercellular spaces of
the plant tissue may be punctured when the beetles feed, and escaping
gases may amalgamate with the bubble carried by the beetle. Excess
oxygen can be removed by the action of the hind legs. It is likely that
Bagous does not need to climb to the surface to replenish its air supply.”
Although the differences between some species are very slight, the
majority of the species are quite well defined. This genus has always
54
Bagous lutulentus Gyll.
=nigritarsis Thoms.
JC
Bagouscylindrus Payk.
MAY, 1973
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 55
presented identification problems, especially when no reliably determined
material is available for comparison. Several keys and descriptions have
appeared in print over the years, the most recent (1964) being Dieckmann’s
revision of the Central European species. All those known to occur in the
British Isles are covered; the aedeagus of each species is figured.
Very few of the larval foodplants are known, those given below are
from Dieckmann (1964). Fowler (1891) also mentions some plants, but
there is no evidence to show that the adults, let alone the larvae, were
eating them. The amateur can do much valuable work in this respect,
great care must be taken to ensure that the plant has been accurately
identified. The beetles may be brought home and kept in suitable tanks,
thus their habits may be observed, and with luck they might breed.
Bagous cylindrus (Payk.) on Glyceria plicata Fr. and Alopecurus
aequalis Sobol. (=fulvus Sm.) (Orange Foxtail).
B. tempestivus (Herbst) is one of the less rare species. The adult has
been found on Groenlandia densa (Linn.) Fourr. (Opposite-leaved Pond-
weed), Potamogeton pectinatus Linn. (Fennel-like Pondweed) and Sagittaria
sagittifolia Linn. (Arrowhead).
B. czwalinai Seidlitz (=heasleri Newbery) is one of our rarest species,
known only from the New Forest, Hampshire.
B. collignensis (Herbst) on Equisetum limosum Linn.
B. glabrirostris (Herbst) on various Potamogeton spp. Kleine (1910)
in Dieckmann (1964) gives Tussilago farfara Linn. (Coltsfoot).
B. lutulentus (Gyll.) (=nigritarsis Thoms.) on E. limosum.
The scale line beside each figure represents one millimetre. Most
species exhibit quite a range in size. For instance Dieckmann (1964) gives
2.2-3.3 mm for Jutulentus and 2.7-3.7 mm for cylindrus.
J. Cooter (3290)
REFERENCES
DIECKMANN, L. (1964). Die mitteleuropaischen Arten der Gattung Bagous Germ.
Ent. BI. Biol. Syst. Kafer, 60: 88.
FowL_er, W. W. (1891). The Coleoptera of the British Islands, Vol. V. Reeve, London.
RuTER, G. (1937). Revue Fr. d’Ent., 4: 153.
SO YOU WANT TO STUDY BEETLES
PART VI—WATER BEETLES
Introduction
Water beetles as such are easy to Keep alive and not difficult to rear.
I first kept them alive when I was aged eleven years. In those days I used
jam jars filled with tap water and soon found that a piece of water weed
and a little gravel or sand greatly improved not only the length of time
that the beetles could live but also the way the beetles behaved. Not only
is it possible to keep water beetles alive under quite simple aquarium
conditions but they can be reared with comparatively little trouble.
56 MAY, 1973
Nevertheless, although a number of species have been reared, to quote
Balfour-Browne (1940-1958), ““With regard to the life cycle of the Hydra-
dephaga very little appears to be known except in the few species which
have been reared, and even in most of these nothing more is known than
the time occupied by each stage and the total time for completing the
cycle from oviposition to emergence of the imago’’.
The water beetles are of two kinds, carnivores and herbivores. The
former are the Hydradephaga, in which both adult and larva are carni-
vorous, the latter belong to the Hydrophilidae, the adults feeding on
vegetable matter although the larvae are carnivorous.
In all investigations on the life history of water beetles, it is important
to remember that insects are essentially terrestrial animals which have
invaded water at a comparatively late stage of their evolution. At no
stage can they survive in the absence of air and all species pupate out of the
water. When collecting adult specimens in tubes they survive much better
in the absence of water. Quite a small amount of water in the tubes will
lead to deaths, probably due to drowning.
Conditions for rearing
An aquarium of some sort is necessary for rearing water beetles;
this can of course be a relatively inexpensive modern fish tank, but this
is not necessary. Any container which has smooth transparent sides is
suitable. A jam jar, a half pint or pint glass are all perfectly adequate.
Place about one inch of sand on the bottom, fill up with tap water and add
a small amount of pond weed and you have a crude, but efficient, aquarium
for your beetles.
However, it is inadvisable to use tap water as it is on occasion
chlorinated and thus may adversely effect the pond life and the beetles.
It is always best to bring home a supply of the water from which the
beetles were originally obtained. Loss by evaporation may be made good
with tap water, but distilled water (available quite cheaply from most
garages) is safer, and, best of all, rain water from an old-fashioned water
butt or simply a pail left out for the same purpose.
Sand is quite good for the floors of the aquarium as it settles quickly
and makes observation easy. However the bottom material should ideally
be that dredged up from the site where the specimens for study were
captured. This will not only contain mud, but also detritus such as decaying
vegetable material. Make sure sufficient material is taken to cover the
floor of the aquarium to a depth of one inch. Many minute animals will
often be obtained in this manner and these provide a useful food supply.
A small amount of water weed should be planted in the aquarium.
making sure that not too much is used as this will make observation
difficult. A piece of weed from the original site is excellent, but Canadian
Pondweed (Elodea canadensis Michx.), Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spp.),
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum Linn.), Water-Crowfoot (Ranunculus
Pes BUUEETIN, Vol. 32. 57
fluitans Lam.) and Luronium (Alisma) natans (Linn.) Raf. can all be
recommended. The assembled aquarium can be used almost immediately,
but, if possible, it should be left for a week to settle before use. The
aquarium must be covered or one may lose the beetles, which may decide
to fly off, or fully grown larvae, which may succeed in climbing out. Most
water beetles oviposit in the water or on water plants, but a few oviposit
in damp places near the water. Reference to Balfour-Browne’s excellent
works will be of help here.
All water beetles have to be fed. With luck a reasonable supply of
food, in the form of small aquatic animals, will be introduced into the
aquarium at the time of preparation. However midge larvae (Chironomus
spp.) which are often common in water butts, animal water tanks in fields,
etc., are a welcome diet to most carnivorous species. No doubt ‘Daphnia’
would also be eaten and these can at times be bought from pet shops,
though a little fishing with a fine net will usually produce an abundance of
these from local ponds. Cultures can be started in this manner and then
used for feeding beetles. Fifteen to twenty midge larvae will usually keep
three average sized beetles for about ten days, although, naturally, a large
beetle such as Dytiscus marginalis Linn. would require considerably more.
The large carnivorous beetles and their larvae when fully grown can be
sustained on chopped earthworms or small pieces of meat, but care must
be taken not to use too much or the water will be fouled and have to be
changed unless the inhabitants are to die. If possible the experimenter
should learn to recognise at least the insect and crustacean small life of our
ponds and rivers so that a knowledge of any food preferences of the larvae
or adults can be obtained. Beetle larvae are cannibalistic, but experience
will soon show how many larvae can be successfully kept in a given volume
of water with a plentiful food supply.
Since the larvae of water beetles pupate away from the water, with
jam jars and similar containers it is necessary to remove the larvae to a
puparium at the appropriate time. After three instars, certainly in the
Hydradephaga, the larvae, when ready to pupate, cease to feed. This is
easily seen since normally, except at ecdysis, the larva always has a victim
in its jaws. They also become restless and are obviously trying to escape
from the container. At this stage they should be removed to the puparium.
Any suitable container will do. It should be filled with firmed, fine earth
(dried pond or river mud is most suitable) to a depth of six inches. The
soil must be well moistened and kept so. A few dead leaves, reed stems,
grass and moss should be placed on top. The larvae either make cocoons
in the debris on the surface or burrow down as much as four inches in the
soil. The imagines may appear anytime between a few weeks and two
years after pupation.
In studying water beetles one can proceed in two ways. Either one
can collect larvae, bring them home and rear them or one can collect the
adults and breed from them. If larvae are collected then each should be
58 MAY, 1973
kept separately throughout the experiment so that there is no doubt as to
which larva (and records about it) belongs to which adult. When breeding
from adults the original parents should all be preserved for identification
and checking by experts so as to prevent errors due to breeding from
cultures of more than one species. All exuvia (cast skins) should also be
presevered together with full data.
This article only outlines methods to be used in studying water
beetles. Further useful information on rearing can be found in Walsh
and Dibb (1954) and Linssen (1959), on freshwater life in general in Clegg
(1965) and on all aspects of water beetles in Balfour-Browne (1940-1958).
B. J. MacNulty (4528)
REFERENCES
BALFOUR-BROWNE, F. (1940-1958). British Water Beetles, Vols I-III. The Ray Society,
London.
CLEGG, J. (1965). The Freshwater Life of the British Isles. Fredk Warne, London.
LINSSEN, E. F. (1959). Beetles of the British Isles, Series I and Il. Fredk Warne, London.
WALSH, G. B. and Dips, J. R. (1954). A Coleopterist’s Handbook. The Amateur Ento
mologists’ Society, London.
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF CRANEFLIES—
PART IV (continued)
Spring and summer Tipula species
Section 4
Marmorate winged groups plus a few related clear winged species.
Twenty-one species fall into this group, of which four have already been
described among the autumn group. They are distributed between six
subgenera which may be separated as follows :—
(a-c works for both sexes)
(a) Median pair of thoracic (prescutal) stripes broad, with a pale
centre and dark margins. The male genitalia in side view have a hook-like
spine projecting upwards from sternite 9. The female cerci are upturned
at the tip and have a saw margin to the lower edge Vestiplex
(b) Five thoracic stripes, a narrow black median stripe being
present. Oreomyza
(c) Wing vein Reg is short or absent, so that it does not meet the
costa (occasional specimens have this vein complete, or it is shortened in
other species—genitalia provide a check). Pterelashisus
If not above then males separated into—
(d) The hind margin to sternite 8 is simple, at the most with some
scattered hairs (wings may be clear) Savtshenkia
(e) Hind margin to sternite 8 has
(i) lobes with tufts of hairs Savtshenkia and
Pterelashisus irrorata
(11) a W-shaped ridge Beringotipula
(iii) Or a median forked triangular projection Lindnerina
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 59
Vestiplex. This is an easily recognised group in both sexes. In the
males scripta and montana have a complete tergite 9, which is dish shaped,
whereas in hortorum and nubeculosa this is deeply divided into two lobes.
The first two have a pointed, hooked, spine-like process to sternite 9,
whereas in the latter two the tip of the hook is forked (shown in dorsal
view on the left side of the illustrations in Fig. 1). Both sexes of scripta
and hortorum have black tips to the orange femora, whilst there is scarcely
darkening in montana and nubeculosa.
Common Hooked Tipula Jipula scripta Meigen. This is a common
species in woods where its larvae live in soil or dead wood. It is typically
found from July to August, but it frequently appears in June and has
recently been found in September. At the back of dish shaped tergite 9,
frequently hidden under tergite 8, there is a black ridge-like process.
The antennae have the basal flagellar segment shorter than the pedicel
and scape together.
Scarce Hooked Tipula Tipula hortorum Linnaeus. A much scarcer
woodland species, showing a preference for northern districts. In both
sexes the basal flagellar segment is at least as long as the pedicel and scape
together.
Serrate Hooked Tipula Tipula montana Curtis. A distinctive species
of high mountains, usually over 2000 feet, but in parts of the Craven
Pennines it occurs at slightly lower altitudes. It lives on barren windswept
ground and is recorded from June till August. The male antennae are
distinctly serrate and the female ovipositor has large blunt ended cerci
with a saw-like edge.
Yellow-legged Hooked Tipula Tipula nubeculosa Meigen. A rare
species known from the Dolgelly district of Wales, the Scottish Highlands
and Killarny in Ireland. In the former it was found on the wooded banks
of a stream. This is the only woodland Vestiplex with completely yellow
femora.
Oreomyza. The only other sub-genus with five stripes on the dorsal
surface of the thorax is Yamatotipula (with streaky wings).
Centre-lined Mottled Tipula Tipula pabulina Meigen. Locally frequent
in woodland in May and June, usually appearing among the earliest
spring species. Both sexes have the basal three antennal segments orange.
Dark Centre-lined Mottled Tipula Tipula truncorum Macquart. A
little known species in Britain, probably restricted to woodland, and found
from Scotland southwards to Hertfordshire. The wing markings are
intense and both sexes have only the second, and sometimes the apex of the
first, antennal segments orange.
Pterelashisus. Of the six British species, five have a reduced or absent
Ro vein, a character not normally found in any other British Tipu/a species
(except as a rare aberration). This vein is complete in 7. irrorata which 1s
also dissimilar in the shape of the male genitalia. They are all associated
with woodland.
600 See
OC-...
b. 2 scripta c. & seripta
T9 73,9 19 : fj
d. scripla e. montana f. hortorum g- nubeculosa
i 79
h. pabulina i, pabulina j. truncorum
Y Ro
are
ee
S
Te oc Tee
k. vayipennts lL. varipennis me meigent
K | |
T9 oc Ie 4 aS oc oc
n. pSeudovariipennis o. luridirestris ps mutila
Fig. 1: Illustrations of groups A, B and C of Section 4. These are spring and summer
Tipula species with mottled wings and thorax as in a or h, or with wing vein Re absent
or reduced as in k. Subgenus Vestiplex a-g, Oreomyza h-j and Pterelashisus k-p. b shows
the side view of a female cercus, c shows the side view of the tip of the male abdomen
with upturned spine on sternite 9 arrowed. The remaining figures of genitalia show
details of the tip of tergite 9 in the male: d-f also show parts of tergite 8 and in f and g
the left hand side shows the dorsal view of the spine on sternite 9: 1-p also show the
outer clasper (oc) in side view with the anterior edge to the left (see c). (ic—inner clasper)
Black-legged Mottled Tipula Tipu/a variipennis Meigen. This is one of
the common species of woods and hedgerows in June (occasionally
appearing as early as April) which is distinctive in its dark appearance and
with at least the apical third of the femora black. The females have rather
short wings and the front and mid femora are strongly compressed and
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 61
ge
a, irrorata b. trvrorata c. trrorata
or oc 19, oc T9 oc
d, i ee . Subnodicornis f. grisescens
ae KY -ANN YY
58 58
ni alpium h, ne %. marmorata je serrulifera
i? S8 T9 $8
k. unca lL unca m. unca Moebiste bata
Fig. 2. Illustrations of groups D, E and F of Section 4. Pterelashisus irrorata a-c: a
shows the distinctive wedge shaped male genitalia in side view: Savtshenkia d-j: d shows
side view of male genitalia of cheethami with peg process on sternite 9 arrowed: d-f show
tergite 9 and the outer clasper (where sternite 8 is simple): g-j show the hind margin of
sternite 8, illustrating the processes with hairs, and g also shows the distinctive tip of
tergite 9 in alpium. Beringotipula unca k-m, k shows the male genitalia in side view.
Lindneria bistilata n.
much thickened on the apical two thirds.
Ring-legged Mottled Tipula Tipula pseudovariipennis Czizek. This is
often thought of as scarce species, but is easily passed over as the previous
species. In the south it is one of the first woodland species to appear in
mid-May. It is distinguished in being less dark in appearance with the
femora only black ringed at the tip. In the female the legs are not thickened.
Unlike variipennis, there is a distinct spine on the dorsal edge of the inner
clasper (clearly visible without dissection).
Yellow-legged Mottled Tipula Tipula meigeni Mannheims. This is
another early spring species, out in mid to late May in the south. It is
62 MAY, 1973
much the palest of the three species and the abdomen is orange with a dark
dorsal stripe. The femora are completely orange, or with at the most a
faint shade at the tip. The male only has a minute spine on the dorsal
edge of the inner clasper.
White-barred Mottled Tipula Tipula luridirostris Schummel. It is
only recorded from the New Forest in August, and apart from the time
of year, could easily be confused with meigeni since the femora are also
completely yellow. The abdomen is orange with a dark dorsal stripe, but
the male genitalia are darker. A distinctive feature of both sexes is a
white bar across the wing, running from in front of the stigma, through
the discal cell and reaching the hind margin of the wing.
Minute Mottled Tipula Tipula mutila Wahlgren. This is only known
by a few specimens from the New Forest and Chickerell in Dorset where
they were caught in May. It is very small for a Tipula, the wing length
being only 6-12 mm., but the type of genitalia and absence of vein Re
clearly place it in this genus. The abdomen is orange with a broad dark
dorsal stripe and the genitalia are dark. The wings are only faintly mottled,
the most distinctive features being a dark wing tip and a dark shade
crossing the wing on the veins below the stigma (as will be described later
in Nephrotoma quadrifaria).
Wood Mottled Tipula Tipula irrorata Macquart. This species is not
often seen as an adult, but the grey larvae are common under bark and
in the wood of dead logs and stumps. They are very easy to rear. Newly
emerged adults have rather pale wings, but if kept in a dry box or tube for
a day or so, the mottled wing markings will become quite intense. The
male is very distinctive in side view with its wedge shape genitalia, and the
small processes with pale golden hairs on sternite 8 are a further character.
Both sexes have a completely dusky discal cell, which is an unusual feature
and the eyes are close together underneath the head. The adult is out from
May to July.
Beringotipula. Double-U Mottled Tipula Beringotipula unca Wiede-
mann. A common species of moist hedges and woods, and also locally in
open marshy ground. It usually comes out in June, somewhat later than
the first three Prerelashisus species. The male is unmistakeable—the 8th and
9th sternites are blackish and turn up at an angle to the axis of the body,
and on the hind margin of the 8th sternite there is an orange double-U
shaped ridge enclosing two pale golden yellow depressions clothed in fine
velvet hairs. Both male and female have an orange abdomen with a dark
dorsal stripe and the female has the tergal plate (tergite 10, see figure 1B)
shining black. The wings are broadly rounded at the tip.
Lindnerina. The single species of this sub genus has distinctive geni-
talia in the male. This sex has an orange abdomen with a dark central line,
and blackish genitalia. The female has a greyish abdomen with a dark
central line and has a very small ovipositor. A useful character in the
female is that the tergites are narrowly yellow laterally on the posterior
margin.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 63
Scottish Mottled Tipula Tipula bistilata Lundstoem. A rare species
known from Nethy Bridge and Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands.
Savtskenkia. This sub-genus is predominant in the autumn but three
species are restricted to the spring. Four of the autumn species can occur
earlier in the year, since a/pium and rufina appear to be double brooded,
whilst serrulifera occurs as early as August and marmorata can occur as
early as May in some districts. The genitalia illustrations (Fig. 2) include
a side view of cheethami, showing the typical compact and rounded
genitalia of the subgenus. Only a/pium has a more broken outline, caused
by an extension of sternite 8. The latter species also has a very distinctive
tergite 9, and whilst illustrations are also given for grisescens and sub-
nodicornis, the problem with this group is that tergite 9 tends to shrivel
and warp in a dried specimen. 7. suwbnodicornis has clear wings. The first
three (spring) species have a simple sternite 8 whilst the four previously
described have small lobes with tufts of hairs and, in two of them, minute
spines.
Pegged Mottled Tipula Tipula cheethami Edwards. The peg like
process beneath sternite 9 is distinct. 7. a/pium has a process of this type,
which is a longer tab-like structure usually hidden from view, but a/pium
differs in having processes on sternite 8. 7. cheethami is an elusive species
in the field, and is confined to northern districts and Wales. The larvae
live in moss. The adult is recorded in May and June.
Moorland Grey Tipula Jipula subnodicornis Zetterstedt. In northern
and western districts this is often a common species on moorland, usually
where there are rushes and wet mosses. It is an early spring species which
can occur as early as March in its few southern heathland localities, but
is generally found in May or June in upland districts. This grey species is
clear winged apart from black veins. It is almost unmistakeable on the
basis of habitat and time of year. The body is grey, lacking a median
stripe, and often of a rather powdery appearance. The legs are blackish
except at the base. The wings are rather short in the female.
Bog Mottled Tipula Tipula grisescens Zetterstedt. As the scientific
name implies this is a rather drab species, of a dark grey colour and with
dull mottled wings. It occurs on bogs from April to June in northern
districts as far south as Oswestry in Shropshire—there are few other
Tipula species except subnodicornis in such situations in the spring.
Upland Mottled Tipula Tipula alpium Bergroth. This is locally
common as early as May in upland districts (see Autumn Tipulas).
Striped Mottled Tipula Tipula rufina Meigen. The heavy stripe on the
side of the thorax is distinctive in both sexes (see Autumn Tipulas).
Mottled Autumn Tipula marmorata Meigen. Though a common late
Summer and autumn species, one was recently found in May in North
Wales. (See Autumn Tipulas).
Long-horned Autumn Tipula Tipula serrulifera Alexander. A rare
Scottish species appearing in August and September (see Autumn species).
| Alan E. Stubbs
64 MAY, 1973
A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF THE FOOD
AND FEEDING HABITS OF ADULT
BUTTERFLIES (Continued)
Nectarless flowers
Nectarless but otherwise insect-attracting flowers are sometimes
known as ‘pollen’ flowers. Examples are Poppies (Papaver spp., etc), Dog
Rose (Rosa canina agg.), Rockrose (Helianthemum chamaecistus Mill.),
Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa Linn.), Traveller's Joy (Clematis
vitalba Linn.), Gorse (Ulex europaeus Linn.), Broom (Sarothamnus
scoparius (Linn.) Wim. ex Koch.), Meadow-sweet (Filipendula ulmaria
(Linn.) Maxim.) and Elder (Sambucus nigra Linn.). These are visited by
pollen-feeding insects and on occasion, particularly Rockrose and Elder,
by butterflies.
The proboscides of some butterflies are furnished with stiff-pointed
appendages which enable them to tear open delicate, succulent tissues thus
allowing them to utilise the sap of flowers that do not secrete nectar. This
condition is carried still further in the ‘fruit-piercing’ moths.
Pararge aegeria Linn., in addition to its fondness for piercing (ad-
mittedly) over-ripe fruit, has been personally observed to visit the flowers
of Rockrose and Elder as well as Traveller's Joy which suggests that this
insect must be furnished with an apparatus for obtaining nourishment from
nectarless flowers.
Taylor (1957) has written much on the proboscides of African
Lepidoptera in which Dira clytus Linn., the nearest relative to P. aegeria
in his list, has “‘a long proboscis with stout and sharp papillae or setae
towards the pointed tip.”
Main flower associations
The main flower associations which attract butterflies at different
times of the year can be grouped as flolows:
March and April. Salix spp. and Tussilago farfara Linn.
May. Taraxacum spp. and Ajuga reptans Linn,
June and July. Rubus fruticosus Linn. agg., Ligustrum vulgare Linn.
Knautia arvensis (Linn.) Coult., Cirsium arvense
(Linn.) Scop., Trifolium pratense Linn., Lotus corni-
culatus Linn. and Hieracium spp. and other Com-
positae.
August. Buddleia davidii Franch., Pulicaria dysenterica (Linn.)
Bernh., Senecio jacobaea Linn. and Origanum vulgare
Linn.
September. Succisa pratensis Moench., Aster spp. and Sedum
spectabile Bor.
Butterflies and orchids
The orchids are a highly specialised group of plants of which there
are about fifty British species. They are visited and pollinated by insects
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 65
of many orders. It may however be concluded that those species of orchid
whose flowers possess a long slender spur are adapted for pollination by
butterflies and/or day-flying moths.
The Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis (Linn.) Rich.) and
the Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea (Linn.) R.Br.) appear to be the
most visited by butterflies and diurnal moths (Zygaenidae, etc.) which are
attracted by their coloured flowers. The same species are also attractive
by their scent to night-flying moths.
The two Butterfly Orchids, the Lesser (Platanthera bifolia (Linn.)
Rich.) and the Greater (P. chlorantha (Custer) Reichb.) have greenish-
white flowers which emit a powerful odour at night and are mainly visited
by nocturnal moths. The Fragrant Orchid secretes free nectar which is
stored in the spur but the Pyramidal and the Spotted Orchid (Dacty/-
orchis fuschii (Druce) Vermeul.) do not. Sugar is however contained in the
fleshy walls of the spur and can be obtained by insects with a sharp
proboscis.
There is plenty of scope for observations on the relationships between
orchids and Lepidoptera. The Burnt Orchid (Orchis ustulata Linn.), for
example, is probably pollinated by butterflies and day-flying moths, but
this appears never to have actually been observed. With some species of
orchids it is not even known which insects visit them.
Honeydew
Aphids and some other sap-sucking Hemiptera have to imbibe far
more sugar and water than they need in order to obtain sufficient proteins
and other essentials of the diet. The excess sugar and water is voided as
‘honeydew which is much sought after by certain insects such as ants,
_ bees, wasps, flies and certain butterflies and moths.
Honeydew seems especially attractive to the Lycaenidae, and the
exotic sub-family Lipteninae in particular, of which the genera Liptena,
Epitola, Teriominia, Pentila and Larinopoda are all recorded feeding on the
secretions of Homoptera on the young shoots of various plants. The
Lycaenid genus Feniseca of North America, which preys on aphids in the
larval state, has been observed sucking aphid-secretion when adult. An
instance has also been recorded of Lycaena phlaeas Linn. feeding on the
froth of the Froghopper or ‘Cuckoo-spit’ insects (Hem., Cercopidae).
The attraction of ‘dry’ honeydew was noted when Ag/lais urticae Linn.
was seen on the leaves of Prunus cerasus Linn. (Wild Cherry) in company
with Diptera and wasps. The butterfly was walking over the upperside
of the leaf and probing with the proboscis as were the other insects. The
honeydew appeared quite dry to the touch. The undersides of the leaves
were infested with small yellow aphids.
Tree-sap
The habit of feeding from sap exuded from trees appears to be
confined to the families Satyridae, Nymphalidae and Lycaenidae; at any
eae | MAY, 1973
rate this is so in Britain. In the tropics Nymphalid genera such as Agrias,
Prepona, Siderone and Ageronia are well known sap-feeders, probably to
the exclusion of other pabula, except, possibly, fruit.
My observations in Britain show two nearly related sources of sap
to which butterflies are attracted:
(i) Trees exuding sap naturally, or due to mnechemnical injury,
e.g. damage by storms etc., and
(11) Exudation due to disease, “‘slime-flux’ and infection by ‘cossus’
borings of the larvae of the Goat Moth (Cosuss Cossus Linn.).
The first source has been known to attract the nymphalids Nymphalis
antiopa Linn., Apatura iris Linn., N. polychloros Linn., Inachis io Linn.
and the Satyrids P. aegeria and Hipparchia semele Linn.
I made some observations on the second source over the years 1946-53,
on seven ‘cossus’ infected trees, from one of which, a silver birch, several
larvae of the Goat Moth were taken: These trees (4 oaks, | lime, 1 birch
and 1 ash) attracted particularly Vanessa atalanta Linn. followed by
Polygonia c-album Linn., P. aegeria and Quercusia quercus Linn. No other
species of butterfly was seen to visit them, although diurnal microlepidop-
tera (in particular Tortrix viridana Linn.), the hornet and wasps (Vespa
crabro Linn. and Vespula spp.,) and various Diptera were frequently
attracted. In S.W. France, however, in 1964, a ‘cossus’ oak was seen to
attract N. polychloros, P. aegeria in company with V. crabro. I have no
knowledge if these trees are attractive to nocturnal lepidoptera, and I have
never seen as yet either J. io or H. semele visiting a “cossus’ tree, although,
as stated above, both are sap-feeders.
Several facts additional to the above emerge from observations on
‘cossus’ trees:
(a) The exudation is usually at the base of the trunk, or at the
junction of a main branch with the trunk.
(b) The fermenting sap has an odour not unlike stale beer.
(c) No external injury is apparent.
(d) The species of tree does not appear to have any influence on the
species of insect attracted.
(e) The sap is undoubtedly potent as butterflies can often be taken
by hand when feeding.
(f) Insects of three Orders can be found feeding in close proximity
without molesting one another.
(g) The trees are more often than not situated in very shady positions
which may partly account for ‘open-country’ butterflies not visiting them.
Fruit-piercers and fruit-feeders
Over-ripe fruit is a great attraction for some Lepidoptera, particularly
moths of the family Noctuidae, subfamilies Catocalinae Agrotinae and
Noctuinae. The genera Achaea, Serrodes and Sphingomorpha in South
Africa have some particularly interesting but destructive habits. They are
mostly nocturnal feeders, and fly up into the trees when disturbed during
Bes BULLETIN, Vol. 32 67
the daytime. The fruit preferred is that which is quite ripe but “picking ripe’
fruit is also attacked. The moths (about 24 in wingspan) have a proboscis
about one inch long with a sharp tip and saw-like cutting edges along its
sides. It is capable of boring quite hard fruits. Stone fruits and citrus are
mostly attacked and the moth inserts its proboscis its full length into the
fruit after making a round hole in the skin. The mouthparts are withdrawn
at intervals and reinserted sideways so as to get juice from a fairly wide
area. In this way a dry spongy mass of tissue is found under the skin which
later collapses and rots.
Unfortunately for the fruit growers the insects do not come to light
and therefore cannot be trapped by that method. In America the Cato-
calinae appear to be the principal fruit-piercers, the genus Alabama
attacking strawberries and grapes, etc.
Turning to butterflies: in Britain we have many species that feed
from rotten fruit such as V. atalanta, P. c-album, I. io, N. antiopa but the
fruit in this case is in a semi-liquid state which can be easily sucked up by
the proboscis without the necessity for puncturing the fruit. However
in Africa the Satyrid Melanitis leda ismine Cram. and Libythea labdaca
Westwood have been observed and recorded as piercing the fruit prior
to imbibing the juice. I am inclined to think that our P. aegeria is also
capable of fruit-piercing to a certain degree; I have often seen it at ripe
blackberries and the fruits of the Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum /antana Linn.)
as well as being able presumably to obtain nourishment from nectarless
flowers.
A large number of tropical butterfly genera feed almost if not ex-
clusively on fruit in the fermented state namely Ageronia, Aaretes, Anaea,
Prepona, Catagramma, Caligo, Ospiphanes, Agrias, Charaxes and many
others, but here there does not appear to be any recorded evidence of
piercing first to obtain the juice. In Africa Charaxes spp. are trapped using
excrement as bait.
The attraction of salts (‘mud puddle clubs’)
The phenomenon of the attraction to wet mud by various species of
Lepidoptera is well known, although the isolated occurences in Britain
cannot compare with the vast congregations that are recorded from warmer
countries. The Americans call them ‘mud-puddle butterflies’ and the
associations ‘mud-puddle clubs’. The situation is usually one contaminated
by animals or man, such as paths, tracks and edges of riverbeds and one
can assume that it is a craving for salts of various kinds that causes this
behaviour. Three interesting facts emerge from the phenomenon:
(i) The congregations are usually nearly all males.
(11) The individuals are usually freshly emerged.
(111) The various species tend to keep together and not to intermingle
with other species, although in close proximity.
Various theories have been put forward for the reason for the
predominance of males in these gatherings and Klots (1958) is no doubt
68 MAY, 1973
correct when he says “Since the females usually do not emerge until
several days later than the males, time spent seeking them during the early
days would be wasted. The assemblies may, therefore, both preclude this
useless effort and prevent the young bachelors from scattering too far and
to spend the time usefully in replenishing the liquid lost in the meconium
discharged at emergence.” On the other hand Corbet (1934) suggests that
the butterflies gathered at roadside puddles represent a surplus of males
driven off by males already in possession of females.
The Papilionidae, Pieridae and Lycaenidae are the three main
families attracted to mud-puddles although species of other families have
been recorded. In Britain the phenomenon occurs mainly during hot
summers and as these are few and far between it is not often noticed in this
country, but there are many records for parts of Europe. My own obser-
vations over the last fifteen years are as follows. I have never seen more
than five or six at a time and usually singletons or two at the most. Pieris
napi Linn. and P. rapae Linn. are the species mostly seen, but I have also
observed Celastrina argiolus Linn., Clossiana euphrosyne Linn., Fabriciana
adippe Schiff., Mesoacidalia aglaja Linn., Strymonidea pruni Linn.,
Polyommatus icarus Rott., Thymelicus sylvestris Poda, Argynnis paphia
Linn., Pyrgus malvae Linn., Lysandra coridon Poda, P. c-album, Cupido
minimus Fuess., Limenitis camilla Linn. and Leptidea sinapis Linn.
Human perspiration and ‘pumping’
Another source of salt is human perspiration. Various species, usually
Hesperiidae have been recorded as being attracted to discarded clothing,
sweat-soaked shirts, etc. as well as imbibing moisture from the human
skin. My own experiences amount to 7. sy/vestris drinking from the palm
of the hand, P. c-a/bum settling on the forearm to suck up perspiration and
Limenitis reducta Staud. doing the same thing in France.
An interesting sidelight on this habit is that of ‘pumping’. Butterflies
drinking from puddles have been noticed to frequently exude clear liquid
from the tip of the abdomen. A possible explanation being that they take
in far more than they need to extract the necessary salts and void the
surplus. | have personally noted Vanessids doing this when feeding at
Buddleia, and have experienced Ochlodes venatus Turati settle on the
forearm and deposit a minute globule of clear liquid and reabsorb it through
the proboscis. This was repeated several times, the insect moving about to
a fresh position each time. It is probable that this method is used to induct
any food not already in a liquid state. e.g. dry honeydew, and serves the
purpose of bringing the salts or sugar into solution and thus capable of
assimilation.
Attraction to Boraginaceae
The attraction that one or two species of the Boraginaceae have for
certain butterflies, is quite well-known, and it is interesting to collate
observations made in various parts of the tropics. The two plants concerned
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 62
are Heliotropum indicum Linn. and Tournefortia argentea Linn., the former
in Malaya, Brazil, Venezuela and E. Africa, and the latter in the Pacific
Islands. Apparently neither plant serves as a larval focdplant, and the
butterflies themselves do not visit the flowers. The attraction lies in the dead
and withering leaves and twigs and not the growing plant.
H. indicum is a small shrub about 15 in high growing on river banks,
whereas 7. argentea is a tree, common on the seashore. The former is
uprooted by collectors and suspended in a bunch by the roots as bait,
and in a few days, when dry, it begins to attract butterflies. Little is
mentioned of the insects’ behaviour except that they settle with folded
wings and may or may not extend the proboscis. No exudation is said
to be seen on the dead twigs, which become more effective with additional
drying.
The interesting fact regarding this phenomenon is that the only group
of butterflies attracted is the family Danaidae, which includes the sub-
families Ithomiinae on H. indicum in South America, and the Euploeniae
on T. argentea in the Pacific Islands.
The reason for this attraction is somewhat obscure. It has been
suggested that the scent may resemble that of a virgin female, as males
seem to predominate, However, it isa fact that some species of Boraginaceae
contain potassium nitrate (saltpetre) and are frequently used in certain
drinks to impart coolness. Is it too much to suggest that these plants may
also produce saltpetre and that this salt is the attraction? Possibly it 1s
assimilated by the butterfly by the means of ‘pumping’ and re-absorption.
Saltpetre is prepared artificially by exposing a mixture of calcareous
soil and animal matter to the atmosphere. This is in fact what happens
in nature and would help to explain the attraction of butterflies to wet
mud, sand, etc. in areas that have been contaminated in one way or the
other by man and animals, that is, of course, if it is salts of various kinds
that the insects seek. My own opinion is that the craving for salt is the
reason for the attraction of mud, sand, carrion, animal dropping, cement,
brickdust and other unusual sources of nourishment.
An entomologist of my acquaintance told me that he had seen con-
gregations of P. rapae at wet brickdust in a large brickfield. In 1955 more
than 200 were seen and in 1957 over twenty on one occasion. They were
easy prey for local sparrows and many were seen by him to be taken. He
understood that the brickdust contained saltpetre. At the same brickfield
I personally saw quite a few A. urticae settling on cinder heaps used in
brick making and when driven off would return. However, I did not notice
at the time whether or not the proboscis was extended..
Carrion and animal droppings
It comes as a surprise that an insect as attractive as a butterfly should
visit such unpleasant sources for nourishment. Although all the older
books attribute this habit to the Purple Emperor (Apatura iris Linn.),
Heslop et al (1964) maintain that the habit is dying out with our English
70 MAY, 1973
species, but allied species on the continent appear to continue it if the
modern literature is to be relied upon.
I have never seen a butterfly on carrion myself but there are many
references to the occurrence involving species other than the Purple
Emperor: C. euphrosyne on ‘dead animal remains’, V. atalanta at a dead
rat on a manure heap, Polygonia faunus Edwards attracted in numbers to
a dead skunk in America, Papilios and Nymphalids attracted to stale
prawns in Malaya, dozens of Papilio glaucus Linn. crowding about fer-
mented toads eggs, also in America, and, most unpleasant of all, various
butterflies were observed on human corpses during the terrorist campaign
in Malaya. Klots (1958) maintains that there is evidence that some
butterflies (e.g. Apatura) and moths are perhaps exclusively carrion feeders.
References to Lepidoptera attracted to animal droppings are numerous
in the literature, and abroad include the the genera Charaxes and Morpho
among many others. In this country I have personally observed /. io and
the geometrid moth Pseudopanthera macularia Linn. both at the droppings
of a fox, and P. icarus at horse manure. There is also a reference to P. napi
in numbers at a cow-pat.
The Lycaenidae appear to favour bird-droppings and there are
reports of Lysandra bellargus Rott., P. icarus, Aricia agestis Schiff., and
C. minimus so attracted, while I have myself seen C. argiolus similarly
engaged. It was a freshly emerged male, as were the other species mentioned
above. It is strange that so many (presumably) sources of salts seem to
attract mainly males. L. coridon males were observed by P. W. Cribb on
the South Downs massed on recently deposited cowpats. During the
myxomatosis outbreak P. Taylor and P. W. Cribb observed several
L. bellargus feeding on the partly decomposed bodies of rabbits on the
Chilterns near Streatley.
Fungal juices
Klots (1951) refers to butterflies visiting decaying wood. In this case
Limenitis archippus Cram. in America imbibing “‘. . . the apparently tasty
juices, probably of fungi, on decaying wood.” There is also a British
reference to P. rapae and P. napi seen on wet charred wood.
My own observations in this connection are as follows:
P. napi feeding from wet sawdust in 1952 in a woodland path during
tree-felling, L. phlaeas in exactly similar circumstances in 1955, and the
following year P. malvae (several fresh specimens) settling on what appeared
to be dry sawdust scattered in a forest ride. At the time of the observations
[ could not come to any conclusion as to the reason for this behaviour,
but the juices of minute fungi is the probable explanation.
Fresh tar
The attraction of fresh tar for V. atalanta has been recorded by St
John (1948), who states that he saw two individuals alight upon a freshly
tarred and sanded road in the London area. The road was inspected for
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 71
any other food source but none was found. A few years after, I made the
same observation myself, again involving V. atlanta. It was not possible
to see if the proboscis was extended, and no explanation for this extra-
ordinary behaviour can be offered.
Fresh cement
A reliable observer reported to me in 1947 that he witnessed “‘almost a
dozen A. urticae drinking from freshly laid concrete”. August 1947 was a
very warm dry period, so I can only conclude that water itself was the
source of the attraction.
Open water
The behaviour of butterflies drinking from wet places is well known,
but little has been recorded of the insects drinking from the free surface
of open bodies of water, ponds, rivers, etc. However, during the hot
summer of 1947 I was watching swallows drinking on the wing by dipping
into a large pond and was surprised to see 4. urticae do the same. There
were quite a few of this species flying in the vicinity of the pond, although
many were merely settling and drinking from the edge. However, the
individual in question after circling round for a few seconds deliberately
dipped into the water. Presumably the water retained on the body was
then sucked up by the proboscis. A friend who was with me at the time
remarked that he had seen Lasiommata megera Linn. do the same thing a
few days previously.
Some years later, in 1965, I was sitting by a canal in S.W. France
when I saw a Brown butterfly, later identified as Maniola jurtina Linn.,
fly halfway across the canal and settle on the surface of the water. It
remained there for about thirty seconds and then continued its journey
to the bank where I was sitting. I can only assume that the object was to
drink, as the canal was not wide enough to require rest halfway.
Kirby (1896) records a similar happening with Papilio helenus Linn.
He states: “‘Flying low, as is the habit of this species . . I saw it suddenly
half close its wings and dive down . . . so that the whole body and about
a third of the wings, which slanted upwards, were immersed; it then raised
itself again out of the water, and flew away...”
Chlorine
The attraction of domestic bleach on wet washing for some insects
has been recorded. Cupesid beetle have been recorded attracted in numbers
to laundry on a line. Tests were made and it was found to be saturated
with a solution of domestic bleach containing 5% available chlorine. The
species was Priacma serrata Lec.
Regarding butterflies, I have observed both A. urticae and I. io drink-
ing in this manner on several occasions, but it is difficult to say whether it
was chlorine that attracted them or merely the water and the whiteness of
the washing in the sun.
72 MAY, 1973
It is said that putrid soapsuds have been used by the French in place
of ‘sugar as an attractant for moths. According to Knaggs (1869) sugar
made from beet has no smell. and has little, if any, power to attract.
Attraction of hot stone walls and rocks
The day-fiying moth Macroglossum stellatarum Linn. has been re-
corded many times flying near and extending its proboscis to the sun-baked
faces of brick walls. rocks and stone walls. The oldest record of this be-
haviour I have found is that of Clapton (1834) who says “They (M.
stellatarum) frequented much a stone wall at the end of Lord Surrey’s
grounds (Littlhehampton) along which they were constantly fiying, and
apparently examining it with great attention. As there were no flowers
there I was at a loss to discover what their object was in so industriously
haunting this spot. They were not depositing eggs...” More recent
records tell the same story, and I have witnessed the same happening on
at least two occasions in France. The reason for this behaviour is obscure,
and the only suggestions I have seen are that they are seeking honey from
old nests of Megachile spp. (Hym., Apidre) or obtaining radiated heat,
but this latter suggestion would hardly cause the insect to extend the pro-
boscis.
(To be continued) B. R. Stallweod (1547)
REFERENCES
CLAPTON, O. (1834). London's Mag. nat. Hist., 7: 532.
Corset, A. S. (1934). Butterflies of the Malayan Peninsula.
Hestop, I. R. P., Hype, G. E. and Srock ey, R. E. (1964). Notes and Views of the
Purple Emperor.
Kirsy, W. F. (1896). Butterflies and Moths. Lloyds Natural History, 1, Ixv.
Kiots, A. (1951). Field Guide to the Butterflies. Riverside Press, Cambridge, Mass.
Kiots, A. (1958). Butterflies and Moths.
Kwnaacs, H. G. (1869). The Lepidopterist*s Guide.
St. JoHN, W. G. (1948). Entomologist, 81: 109.
TAYLOR, S. (1957). Ent. Rec., 69: 25, 53, 151.
JUNIOR NEWS
In the February Bulletin there is a flattering article about the Junior
Exhibits at the 1972 Exhibition by Mr Prior. Let us see if you can do better
this year and make the judges’ job even more difficult! Remember that
what is looked for is original studies.
I have had a letter from Ian Croft of 19 McCracken Avenue, Hillcrest.
Hamilton, New Zealand, who would like correspondents. He is feeling
somewhat isolated as his two friends are now 400 miles away as he has
moved North. Anyone who can write to him would be welcome—but
don't write cadging specimens as they are not all that abundant in New
Zealand, anyhow. He asks for information on Bagworms, his principal
interest being in the Lepidoptera. The literature on these case-bearing
larvae of moths is usually expensive. They come under (in most classifica-
tions) the family name of Psychidae. If anyone can help him with informa-
das
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 783
tion about those in New Zealand, I would be grateful. I notice that Ian is
studying their behaviour, which shows that he has the right ideas.
J. Bowman of Ayrshire writes to ask if mantids are likely to eat
locusts as he is interested in breeding both. The answer is that they are—
and each other. At a recent meeting of the Camberley Natural History
Society it was said that full-grown mantids had been seen eating lizards.
A scorpion had been offered to a hungry mantid, and had been eaten by it,
the mantid biting off the sting first of all. However, when a second scorpion
was offered to the now well fed mantid, the result was different, the
scorpion stinging and killing the mantid.
Nigel Ball of Crewe has sent a crossword to the Bulletin Editor for
publication, but Dr Boswell regrets that he is unable to publish it. However,
I can use it as basis for a quiz in a future ‘Junior News’.
I have had an excellent letter from I. (? Ian) Scott of Woburn Sands
which I found very interesting. A few more letters like this and my job
would be easier and the Bulletin even more interesting. Here is most of his
letter:
“Although I am mainly interested in breeding macrolepidoptera last
year I thought that I would also try to establish a small colony of ants in
an artificial structure, thinking of performing certain experiments with
them at a later time. However, unfortunately time after time I met with
failure. Firstly, I introduced a colony of about a hundred ants, including
a queen and brood, onto a stand made of plywood, with an artificial ‘nest’
on top. To prevent them escaping I used a method described in a book
which entailed raising the platform on four nails; the nails having a
container filled with D.D.T. at the base. This D.D.T. worked, as the ants
soon learned to avoid it. However, they had a habit of exploring and they
often went on the underside of the platform, promptly falling off and
thus escaping. I next tried using expanded polystyrene for the platform,
thinking that the ants would have a better foothold. But this did not prove
the case and again the ants fell off the underside of the platform.
Next I got rid of the nails and made a barrier of D.D.T. around the
platform. This, however, proved unsuccessful as the ants just wandered
into the D.D.T. I also tried certain sticky substances as barriers but again
the ants wandered into the barrier and died. Also the sticky substances
tended to dry up after a time.
Next I tried standing a colony on an ‘island’. This consisted of a
concrete slab in the middle of a water container. However, again this
method failed for a number of reasons. Firstly, the water quickly evapor-
ated in the warmth and constantly had to be replaced. Secondly, the
ants often fell off the ‘island’ and either drowned or escaped. Thirdly,
small particles of debris, dust, etc. fell onto the water causing a thin
film on the surface of the water, thus enabling the ants to escape. Lastly,
the size of the ‘island’ was small as a large enough water container could
not be purchased with the money available to me.
74 MAY, 1973
I tried each of these methods with three species of ant: the black
garden ant (?Lasius niger (Linn.)—Ed.)—which proved to be too active
and too easily scared; a small, light-coloured brown ant found in meadows
(?L. flavus (Fab.)—Ed.)—I was unable to find a queen in any colony of
this species; and a reddish-brown ant found under stones, etc, in the
garden (?Myrmica sp.—Ed.)—I could usually find a queen, but the
colonies were scarce, but this seemed the most suitable of the three species.
I do not want to give up after doing so much but I am now stuck for an
idea for keeping the ant colonies confined in ‘open captivity’. I would be
very grateful if anyone could help me in this problem.”
Well, any ideas? Bear in mind that he is a Junior, and hasn’t got
unlimited resources at his disposal.
This article should reach you sometime in May, when, for the
Lepidopterists, larvae are common. Take care to breed those you find
carefully, releasing as many of the resultant butterflies or moths as you
can, preferably where you found the larvae (except, perhaps, in the case
of such as the Large Cabbage White!). You will notice if you look up
in the text books (such as ‘South’) that the larvae are usually only described
at one stage of their growth (usually the last). Using this description as a
guide try to write down the descriptions at the other stages (instars).
Also note down any peculiarities in behaviour. It is easiest, of course, to
do all this when breeding from ova which have come from an identified
insect, because then you know what you are dealing with and at what
stage the larva is at. But notes on behaviour can be kept on any larva, and
if you cannot identify it, then perhaps you will be able to do so from the
perfect insect. This means carefully labelling and keeping them separate.
I would appreciate copies of your notes on identified species, and I
will either include them in one of these articles, or store them up so that
they can be published in a future Bu/letin.
Please write more letters, then the AES Council may not only have
to give three prizes at the Exhibition, but have to publish more Bulletins
(and supply tranquillizers to the Editor). D. Ollevant (1514)
A few notes on ants in captivity
Mr Ollevant’s young correspondent has found that it is very difficult
to keep ants in open captivity. The book which I think he has used for his
information is The Study of Ants by S. H. Skaife, which was published in
1961 by Longmans and, although I think it is now out of print, sometimes
turns up in second-hand book shops. The author seems to have been much
more successful in the use of platforms, etc. than I have. He does however
describe ways of confining the ants while still allowing them plenty of
freedom to move around. I think this will be the answer to the problem.
The best species to start with, though not necessarily the most
interesting, are the ‘red ants’ (Myrmica spp.). They are readily found
nesting under stones and their queens are usually easy to find. Lasius spp.
are not so suitable as queens are often difficult to find and queenless
colonies do not do well. Paul Boswell (2853)
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 715
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Kenyan entomology
Dear Sir,
I have recently received a number of letters from AES members
resident in Britain asking for my assistance in obtaining living or dead
examples of East African insects, especially Lepidoptera. I believe these
members obtained my address from an AES membership list, a copy of
which has not yet reached me.
I find myself in a difficult position over these requests. I am a keen
conservationist and am extremely alarmed at the many dangers to which
the insect fauna here in East Africa is exposed. Examples are:
(a) Massive destruction of habitat as forest are felled and way
made for “development”. The birth rate in Kenya is extremely high and
with every Kenyan hoping and expecting to own his own “‘shamba”’
(piece of land) the future for much of the unprotected countryside here is
bleak.
(b) Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides are used in large amounts
each year to kill such insects as tsetse flies and mosquitos. This frequently
involves the indiscriminate spraying of forest and scrub and many in-
offensive or useful insects are also killed. The overall effect of such in-
secticides on the ecosystem is still not fully understood but it can reason-
ably be assumed that it does little to enhance the survival rate of those
insects affected.
(c) Commercial interests are already active here in East Africa. They
range from local dealers who purchase attractive butterflies in order to
incorporate them into bracelets to British and American entomological
companies which solicit both common and rare species in order to sell
them to entomologists. This trade is, unfortunately, growing and at present
not subjected to any form of control. I hope it will be apparent from the
above that is is not only the large game animals of East Africa that require
strict protection if they are to survive. The invertebrates and lower
vertebrates have long been neglected and it is only comparatively recently
that interest has been aroused in their conservation. East Africa is changing
fast and it is vital that all steps possible are taken to conserve the indi-
genous fauna and flora without unnecessarily prejudicing the lives and
progress of the local people.
It is against this background that I have decided I cannot promise
to help AES members who require ‘material’, whether it be alive or dead.
I shall assist where I can (usually where the demand is for small numbers
of the commoner species for serious scientific or educational purposes)
and where applicable, I shall pass on letters to fellow entomologists here in
East Africa.
_I should be most grateful if you could publish this letter in the
Bulletin as soon as possible. I am unable to reply personally to all the
76 MAY, 1973
members who have requested specimens and I should therefore like,
through this letter, to explain my reasons for not offering assistance to all
those who have written to me. J. E. Cooper (2343)
Eggs which hatch early
Dear Sir,
Last autumn I caught a female Atethmia xerampelina Esp. which laid
a batch of ova. I could find no mention of the time of hatching in ‘South’,
so I left them in a cold garage and was somewhat surprised when they
hatched in early January—particularly as this species is recorded as an Ash
feeder! If anyone has any experience of this moth I would like to know.
B. Coles (3533)
The Small Lappet
Dear Sir,
Could anyone please give me any information about the present
status of the Small Lappet (Epicnaptera ilicifolia Linn.). It appeared in the
‘List of Endangered Species’ published in the November Bulletin. I was
under the impression that it was extinct in this country, but the information
I have is pre-MV light and, as this family is strongly attracted to light, I
wondered if any new information had come to light (sorry!).
W. Coster (4697)
Egg-laying habits of a New Zealand Satyrid
Dear Sir,
I read with great interest the notes in the November Bulletin on
unusual egg-laying habits in butterflies. Here in New Zealand we have an
alpine satyrid butterfly, Percnodaimon pluto Fereday, in which oviposition
occurs on the under surface of rocks. Due to the unusual egg-laying habit
of Erebia pluto de Prun., it is not surprising that a recent worker (Dr Gibbs
of Victoria University) considers that P. pluto appears to be an ecological
homologue of E. pluto. R. C. Craw (4087)
EXPEDITION TO MONTENEGRO 1972
Crna Gora, the Land of the Black Mountain, is a name that conjures
up a picture of a mysterious mountain people, independent, prone to
vendettas, freedom fighters. Montenegro was the only Balkan state to
withstand the Turkish onslaught, its people retreating into the mountain
fastnesses, and when the Jugoslavs resisted the Italian and German in-
vasion during the last war Tito chose the same mountains for his head-
quarters. The country is a muddle of high mountains rising out of upland
plains with a narrow coastal strip lying at the foot of the ranges. This strip
today forms part of the Adriatic Riviera and has become the playground of
the sun-seekers, with large hotel complexes in those towns where beaches
are approachable but these visitors learn little of the hinterland other than
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 77
To Belg rade
Murino
Frontier
- ->--- Ourroute “>
by taking the coach trips which traverse the few good roads open to them.
The highest mountain group in the Country is that of Durmitor standing
above the village of Zabljak and rising to over 8,000 ft. There is little
available published material on the insects of the area and after reading an
article on the floral wealth I felt that it would be well worth a visit to exa-
mine the insect fauna. The mountains and upland plains experience a
severe winter and in view of this and the altitude, it was decided that
mid-July might be the most rewarding period for the venture. Yugotours,
an official Jugoslav tourist agency in London, was most co-operative in
arranging the details of the air journey, hotels and car. Messrs. W. L.
Coleridge, R. F. Bretherton and myself were to join forces on the trip but
unfortunately Coleridge became ill and had to fall out. So it was that on
the afternoon of July 8th, Bretherton and I met at Gatwick and flew by
BACI-11 ina thick mist for Cilipi, the airport near Dubrovnik.'Over Munich
the cloud cleared to give us a view of the Olympic Stadium and two and a
haif hours after take off we landed in bright sunshine on the single runway
at Cilipi, coming in over high cliffs with the mountains just beyond. A car,
a Bulgar Renault, was waiting for us and after changing our currency (one
is limited as to what one can bring into or out of the country) we drove off
along the coastal road. This road is a reasonable tarmac surface and wide
78 MAY, 1973
enough to allow overtaking in safety. The Gulf of Kotor lies across the
road, a fiord-like inlet almost surrounded by the mountains of which
Loveen is the highest peak. It was dusk as we reached the ferry and we were
lucky to be the last car on. The ferry is two boats abreast with a platform
between, though new ferries deal with heavy lorries and coaches. We
arrived at Budva at 9.30 p.m. where we were to spend the night at the Hotel
Slavija. This is one of a large complex of about nine hotels sited away from
the ancient harbour of Budva. It proved to be extremely modern and well
appointed.
We were up next morning early and had breakfast at 7 a.m. when it
was already quite hot. We drove off into the mountains immediately above
Budva on the road to Cetinje, once the capital of Montenegro. The moun-
tain slopes are covered with a ‘maquis’ like vegetation which includes
Pomegranates, Figs and a shrub with dark green leaves and almost white
fruits which were quite striking, Paliurus spinachristi Miller (Rhamnaceae).
Even at this early hour butterflies were on the wing. After about five
kilometres we stopped by the roadside and the first butterfly I netted was a
new species for me, Pieris ergane Geyer, There were dozens of Gypsy
moths, (Limantria dispar Linn.) flying around the bushes. One had been
caught by a huge Orb Spider. These spiders were all over the slopes and
their webs which spanned the paths were a continual nuisance. I netted
the spider and moth and immediately several males assembled around the
net. For the next few days whenever the net was produced it was certain to
attract more males to it and I can only assume that the male caught by
the spider had been recently mated and was still carrying the scent of the
female. We drove a short distance on up the road when I spotted a large
blue butterfly by the roadside. We stopped and I rushed out to catch the
only specimen of Jolana iolas Ochs. of the trip. We saw several others
flying swiftly up the slopes where we found several bushes of its foodplant
growing, Colutea arborescens Linn., and we gathered up some of the
pods in the hope that they might contain small larvae. In the small rough
terraced meadows by the road there were large Ant Lions flying and the
whole slope roared with the sound of Cicadas and Bush Crickets. I found a
male Tortoise and subsequently we found several others, saving one from a
passing car.
The pass wound up into the mountains and near the top we stopped
again on some very rough slopes to collect. The mountains are of Karst, a
limestone which resembles that of the Burren in Ireland. Vegetation is very
thin and there are none of the streams that one usually associates with
mountains as the water passes through the limestone to appear lower down
as ready made rivers usually in deep gorges. Despite the lack of vegetation
and moisture the area was rich in butterflies. Amongst them were
Melanargia larissa Geyer, Libythea celtis Laich and Polygonia egea Cr.
Several large Satyrs were flying over the rocks, Chazara briseis Linn.,
Satyrus ferula Fab., Brintesia circe Fab. and one specimen of Kirinia
roxelana Cr. Several Scarce Swallowtails (/phiclides podalirius Linn.) were
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 79
flying around some stunted Sloe bushes (Prunus spinosa Linn.) where I
found one egg. A fast flying Copper was dashing around the bushes and
may have been Heodes ottomanus Lefebvre as it was recorded from here
by Epstein in 1971 (ex. litt.) but we failed to catch any. The commonest
White which bobbed about along the roadsides wherever we stopped was
the Wood White (Leptidea sinapis Linn.). Many of the females were
without markings.
The road climbed down to Cetijne and then twisted up again towards
Titograd, the new capital built on the old site of Podgorica, destroyed in the
last war. The road overlooked the northern end of Lake Scutari
(Skadorsko). Here it is dense with Water Lilies (Nuphar sp.) through which
are cut canals for the small boats which fish the lake. Titograd lies in the
plain north of the Lake and to the south are the mountains of Albania. We
skirted the town and then took the road towards Niksic. The surface
deteriorated and the road was narrower but worse was to come. We climbed
up to Niksic where we stopped for petrol and picked up a young man who
offered to show us the way to Zabljak as he was going there. Immediately
the road became almost impossible. Not only was it narrow but the surface
consisted of widely spaced rocks, eroded into large potholes often with a
high ridge running down the centre. Shaking all over the place and followed
by a large cloud of dust we drove at about twenty km.p.h., for the most
part in second gear. The gear box made an infernal din and after what
seemed hours we came to the village of Savnik above the River Piva
where we stopped for a drink. Our passenger had a glass of the local
drink, Slivovica, a plum brandy, and then proceeded to sing a dirge in the
back seat for the rest of the journey. We came at last on to the vast upland
plain in which Zabljak lies. Here were flowery meadows which were being
cut by groups of men using scythes, cutting the grass as closely as a lawn.
We stopped to explore and found the meadows almost devoid of butterflies
despite the flowers. We did take Fabriciana niobe eris Meig. but it was clear
that this area was going to prove pretty useless. The close cutting is so
effective that it has the same effect as close grazing. Just short of Zabljak
we suddenly came on to a metalled surface, still with a sprinkling of pot-
holes, leading us into the village. It was now 7 p.m. and we were ready for a
meal and bed. Our room looked out onto the Durmitor massif and the
village square. An older Hotel, the Durmitor, lies beyond the village
nearer to Durmitor and there are many new chalets constructed around the
village to accommodate visitors. We had supper with an English couple,
Mr and Mrs Taylor, the only compatriots we met away from the coast.
Next morning, the mountains were brilliant with sunshine as we drove up
the short road to the Black Lake, Crno Jezero, which lies at the foot of the
massif. We gave the Taylors a lift as far as the lake and then parted com-
pany, Bretherton and I taking the track to the left through the tall firs,
Abies alba Mill,, which form the basis of the primeval forest. The sun was
already very hot and there were a few Erebia ligea Linn. and E. euryale
Esp. flying in the clearings around the lake. The former were freshly
80 MAY, 1973
emerged and the females of FE. euryvale were very colourfully marked on the
undersides. The path skirted the lake shore, rising and falling through the
trees and we saw no more butterflies until we emerged onto the sunny
slopes on the north corner of the lake. Here the steep slopes were open and
had a fair scattering of flowers including Solidago sp., Viper’s Bugloss
(Echium vulgare Linn.) and a_ beautiful Cow-wheat, (Melampyrum
nemorosum Linn.) which has yellow flowers surmounted by a group of
purplish blue bracts. As we came to the first slope and into the sun a
butterfly circled down from the trees and I was able to net it. At first I took
it to be a Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros Linn.), but we were
delighted to find that it was N. vau-album Schiff. It was a fresh male and its
capture adds about 150 miles to its previously known range. The next
excitement was the sight of a huge Camberwell Beauty (NV. antiopa Linn.)
which circled a Sallow bush (Salix sp.) and alighted on the muddy edge of
the lake. I was able to photograph it before putting the net over it. The steep
slopes above the lake are too much even for the local agile sheep to graze
and here we found butterflies in plenty. Among the species taken were
Melitaza didyma Esp., Mellicta athalia Rott., Plebejus argus Linn. and
Lycaeides idas Linn., several male Meleageria daphnis Schiff., Plebicula
dorylas Schiff. and some worn Maculinea arion Linn. of the dark form
obscura Christ. There were several Parnassius apollo Linn. in copula
among the grasses and I took two pairs. The horny appendage which the
females carry after copulation is formed during the act and appears to
come from the male. After separation it seals over the vagina and possibly
retains the semen. It certainly prevents further matings. These females laid
quite happily in a plastic box in the hotel, smothering some Stonecrop
(Sedum sp.) with their eggs. Among the Skippers present were Spialia
sertorius orbifer Hubn. and Carcharodus lavatherae Esp. Coppers were
represented by Heodes alciphron Rott. with females like the northern
races, Palaeochrysophanus hippothoe leonardi Frhst. which in the male has
very dark purple suffusion of the lower wings, and H. virgaureae Linn. I
took one Lycaena phiaeas Linn., a male with pronounced tails and darkly
suffused. Higher up the slope where there were outcrops of rock, Bretherton
took the first example of the local Erebia, E. melas schwardae Frhst.,
which is black with white eye spots. The sun starts to get behind the
mountains about 3 p.m. and butterflies disappeared so we walked back to
the car and drove back through Zabljak and took a very rough dirt and
stone road towards the village of Curovac. The commonest bird was the
Hooded Crow which sat along the roadside in twos and threes. We took
the left fork of the track and entered the forest where we parked the car and
searched the clearings in the wood below the crag of Crvena Greda.
Nearby is another lake, Zminje Jezero, the Lake of the Serpent, deep in the
forest and we met some fishermen returning from it. A stream ran down
from the lake through damp clearings but apart from Mescacidalia aglaja
Linn. there was nothing here. The forest is quite sterile apart from the
occasional wanderer and we decided to have a look at the flowery meadows
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 81
oy
av Skrke
é
pete lee Mei Nw Aena Retina
Bogas :
Joss JAX \ >
Valovits Z ' aig Ob 320 ET FIR
oe — N. H. Cooke, Hon. Treasurer
3314 5007
Accounts shown are subject
to audit
In view of the need for membership income to keep pace with in-
flation, the Council decided to increase subscriptions as from September
Ist, 1972 to £1:50 (Juniors 80p). Although a detailed explanation of this
decision was given in the November 1972 Bulletin, | should add here that
this is the first increase since 1966, it is not substantial, and, in my view,
should not have to be repeated for a similar length of time (or longer)
provided the Society continues to gain new membership as it has done
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 117
recently. I am pleased to report that there has to date been no significant
fall in 1973 subscriptions.
With regard to the Balance Sheet, the General Fund balance of £1463
is an indication of the fundamental strength of our finances. The Publica-
tions Fund balance of £2830 includes a surplus for the year of £997, only
£358 of which is attributable to a surplus on publication sales. The remain-
ing £639 arises from a revaluation of stocks at December 31st, 1972. The
valuation of publications has always been a contentious point, but I feel
(together with a majority of Council) that the previous method of excessive
depreciation of stocks did not reflect their true worth in the Accounts
(especially for insurance purposes) and bore no relation to any future
income arising from sales. A determined effort has therefore been made to
revalue stocks at their net realistic value only, and I hope this basis will
be used for future valuations. Although this change will reduce future
surpluses attributable to the Publications Fund, it will give members
a more accurate picture of the position.
To conclude, I hope that the Society’s current progress will not be
restricted by the kind of financial weakness it has suffered from in the
past. At present that is not the case and the Society has entered 1973 with
very liquid resources at its disposal with which to finance larger Bulletins
as well as new publications, and provide a generally improved service to
its members.
Nicholas Cooke
Honorary Treasurer
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1973
The Exhibition will be held on the 29th September at the Holland
Park School. No special theme has been set this year as it is felt that this
may have inhibited some members from exhibiting last year. The Council
would like members to concentrate exhibits on the study of the living
insect but set insects are also acceptable and if possible all exhibits should
have some purpose in mind. The name of the exhibitor should be clearly
indicated in each case and, where appropriate, notes should be attached
giving information and background to the display. Junior members’
exhibits will again be judged and suitable prizes awarded.
Every member should have something worth showing to his fellow
members and it could be as little as one insect. Drawings, photographs,
equipment as well as insects, dead or alive, add to the interest of the day
and no member should come empty handed. Members may bring their
own slides for showing in the projection room and should be prepared
to talk about them. It is hoped that some practical demonstrations can
be given during the afternoon.
Dealers in entomological equipment, literature and livestock will be
present during the day but members who wish to dispose of any surplus
118 AUGUST, 1973
material must use the facilities provided by the Wants and Exchanges
table. You may bring surplus material for sale by the Society’s representa-
tive and the proceeds will go to the Society’s funds or you may dispose of
the material yourself, making some donation to the funds for the use of
the table space.
Remember that this is YOUR Exhibition and its success depends
on your active participation not only in attending but also in adding to the
exhibits.
A final warning—last year some members failed to book table space
until the last minute and could not be given as much space as they would
have liked. Please send in your requirements as soon as possible so that
you are not disappointed in the staging of your exhibit. If you do have to
leave it to the last minute, please telephone me at 01 894 9001 so that your
needs can be met.
Let us make this year’s Exhibition the best yet.
P. W. Cribb (2270)
THE 1972 ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Drawing on the experience gained from our first three years at
Holland Park School, the current Exhibition was planned to provide a
sensible balance between members’ exhibits and the dealers offering
entomological material. Both contribute significantly to the success of the
day and the result was gratifying with a splendid response from members
and friends and a significant decrease in the display of irrelevant articles.
The introduction of a special theme for the year, in this case “Garden
Insects’, proved a useful incentive for individual efforts. However it is
intended as an addition to normal exhibits and not as a replacement.
The standard of refreshments and the efficient service was a credit
to Mrs. Hilliard, and the hard-working band of helpers, and added much
to the appeal of the occasion. Also, the spacious surroundings enabled
visitors to enjoy the exhibits with more ease and comfort than is usually
the case. The suggestion that the canteen should be moved to the further
end of the Hall is not very practical. Easy access to the kitchens is essential
for supplies, hot water and washing up, as well as the siting of the power
points.
Among the many workers who contributed largely to the success of
the event were Martin Hough, who undertook most of the preliminary
arrangements and Peter Cribb and George Prior, who managed the final
arrangements. Stephen Cribb once again held the Enquiries Table.
Special attractions were the demonstration of genitalia dissection by
Richard Dickson, the art of setting Diptera by Alan Stubbs and the
supervision of the showing of members’ colour slides by Peter Cribb.
We were pleased to welcome the St Ivo Natural History Society once
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 119
again. Henry Berman contrived to transfer a large band of students and
literally a miniature zoo, by coach from Hunstanton.
The junior members provided excellent exhibits and the Committee
decided to award three prizes instead of the one intended. The three
finally selected were Andrew Creber, Ian Mcllraith and K. A. Moseley,
and details are mentioned in the general list.
It is our usual custom to briefly note the exhibits, but the actual
listing of them is becoming increasingly difficult in the comparatively
short time available. The exercise would be eased if members will prepare
a slip showing their name and AES number, together with a precise
description of their exhibit. A further suggestion made in the February,
1973 Bulletin for a better coverage together with photographs of the
more interesting exhibits, is being considered by the Council. Probably
this would require a separate report by another member of the Society.
Exhibits this year included :—
AES Conservation Group—Two exhibits dealing with the damage caused
by domestic insects and methods of encouraging useful insects in the
garden.
Appleton, D. (3631)—Beetles found in the Isle of Wight, this year.
Batchelor, C. and Milton, J.—British butterflies and moths.
Bayliss, R.—A comprehensive collection of British Lepidoptera.
Bee Research Association—Picture library covering various aspects of
bee-keeping and Bumble Bee distribution maps.
Benham, B. R. (4393) and Muggleton, J. (3253)—-Studies on the ecology
of Ladybirds (Coccinellidae).
Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood—Progress of national recording
schemes.
Blackman, T. (4303)—Large model of Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii
(Hagenbach)).
Cattermole, P. A. (3652)—Some butterflies and moths taken during a
visit to N.W. Scotland in July and August, 1972.
Chandler, P. J.—Flies (Diptera), dependent on decaying trees.
Cordell, P. A. (3656)—Larvae of some common moths from Kent and
East Surrey to illustrate variation. Method of preserving caterpillars.
Local species and forms of moths from S. Kent. |
Creber A. (4893)—Map and chart showing distribution of various lepi-
doptera in Saltash (Plymouth area).
Cribb, P. W. (2270)—Examples of butterflies bred in a suburban back
garden. Butterflies taken on a recent trip to Montenegro (Jugoslavia).
Larvae of Apatura iris Fab. (Purple Emperor Butterfly) being bred
for release.
Dickson, R. (3674)—Photographs and records of Browndown Fen
(near Gosport), a habitat for a number of rare species of insects.
Now to be used as a dump.
120 AUGUST, 1973
Edwards, J. S.—Butterflies from Overseas, including Singapore, Hong-
Kong, Ceylon and Bernese Alps.
Else, G. R. (3881)—Aculeate Hymenoptera (social insects with ovipositor
modified as a sting, bees, wasps, ants, etc.) from Hampshire.
Gardiner, B. O. C. (225)—Exotic crickets, locusts, and beetles. Particulars
of breeding methods and equipment required.
Goodden, R. C. (2614) and Mrs. R.—Life history and method of breeding
Large Blue Butterfly (Maculinea arion Linn.) in captivity.
Hammond, C. O.—Abdominal patterns of the queens of six species of
British social wasps. Also reference series of adults.
Heath, J. (3882) and Mrs. C.—Collection of living Praying Mantids
(Saltatoria).
Hilliard, R. D. (99)—Examples of moths occurring reasonably commonly
in a London suburban garden, adjacent to a golf course.
Hodges, P. (4797)—Illustrated life history of Cabbage Moth (Mamestra
brassicae Linn.).
Leeke, R. (4971)—Large map showing dominant plant species of an area
of wasteland. Also summary and examples of insect population.
Loveday, J. M. (4191)—Paintings of European butterflies.
Mardle, K. W. (4668)—Method of mounting insects on styrene squares.
McCormick, R. F. (3375) and Penney, C. (3880)—A survey of the British
Lepidoptera seen this year.
Mcllraith, I. A. (4621)—Life history of the Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus
Linn.), fully illustrated.
McLean, I. (3848)—Butterflies taken in France and Switzerland from
1966 to 1971.
Moseley, K. A. (4773)—Detailed notes and examples of social bees and
wasps.
Palmer, H. (4183)—Design in the display of butterflies.
Payne, R. M. (2982)—Common flies (Diptera) occurring in gardens.
Perceval, M. J. (3798)—Interesting Rhopalocera noted in France during
1972.
Platts, J. (4300)—Heavy-bodied moths (Noctuidae) from Kent.
Roche, J. (3096)—Microlepidoptera recorded from Kent and other areas
in 1972.
Sadler, E. A. (2966)—Local British Lepidoptera. Insects from the Isle of
Elba and a comprehensive collection of British shells.
Selden, P. (4115) and Henderson, M. (4709)—Beetles recorded from the
Forest of Dean.
Shearer, V. (2827)—Larvae of the Scarce Swallowtail Butterfly Uphiclides
podalirius Linn.).
Smart, L. A. (3548)—Local series of the Common Blue (Polvyommatus
icarus Rott.) and Green-Veined White Butterflies (Pieris mapi Linn.).
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 121
St. Ivo Natural History Society—A representative collection of creatures
of many orders being bred and studied by this vigorous school
society.
Stubbs, A.—Details of the British Cranefly Recording Scheme. Insects
dependent on rotting wood. (Display to mark the publication of the
first Advisary Pamphlet by the Joint Committee for the Conservation
of British Insects.)
Tuck, K. (4937)—Various species of Stick Insects.
Tyler, D. B. (3865)—Aberrations of British butterflies and moths. Ex-
amples of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) and useful types of larval breeding
cages.
Uffen, R. W. J. (1660)—Life cycle of the Gracilarid (Caloptilia syringella
Fab.), a leaf miner pest on privet and lilac. Also the extensive fauna
living on urban privet hedges.
Waters, A. P. (2615)—Butterflies recorded from France and Switzerland
during 1972.
Williams, R. J. (4531)—Complete collection of Lepidoptera listed from
the Orpington area of Kent.
Wilson, D. J. (4600)—An outstanding aberration of the Adonis Blue
Butterfly (Lysandra bellargus Rott.).
Zoological Gardens—The London Zoological Gardens showed some of
the smaller creatures currently on view at Regent’s Park.
R. D. Hilliard (99)
“UNPRONOUNCEABLE AWFUL NAMES”
At last we have the long-awaited second edition of the Kloet and
Hincks Check List of Lepidoptera. Two members of the AES quite inde-
pendently have said that they find some of its technical terms and con-
ventions hard to follow and others no doubt have the same difficulty.
The following notes are intended to help such persons.
Sphinx ligustri Linnaeus, 1758
Hyloicus pinastri (Linnaeus, 1758)
Why is the author’s name in brackets in the second instance and not
in the first? When Linnaeus named the Privet Hawk, he placed it in the
genus Sphinx where, marvellous to relate, it has stayed ever since. In the
same year he also named the Pine Hawk, placing it in the same genus
Sphinx, but it was subsequently transferred to Hiibner’s genus Hy/oicus,
established in 1819. Brackets are used when a species has been transferred
to a genus different from that in which it was originally described, as in
this instance. The distinction is not a very important one and need only be
observed when you are writing in a strictly scientific context.
Pheosia tremula (Clerck, 1759)
dictaea (Linnaeus, 1767)
122 AUGUST, 1973
Here we have a straightforward synonym. Both the authors gave
a name to the Swallow Prominent, but as Clerck’s name was the first to
be published, his is the name we must use. This rule is called the Law of
Priority.
Cerura vinula (Linnaeus, 1758)
erminea sensu Stephens, 1828
‘Sensu’ means ‘in the opinion of’. Here it is indicated that Stephens
misidentified vinula as erminea (which is not a British species), i.e. when he
wrote about the Puss Moth he got his determination wrong and ‘in his
opinion’ it was erminea. So erminea is not strictly a synonym of vinula.
The purpose in recording Stephens’ misidentification is to help entomo-
logists who may study his work and would otherwise be confused.
Apamea charactea (Hiibner, 1800-03)
hepatica sensu auct.
‘Auct.’ is the abbreviation for ‘auctorum’ and means ‘of the authors’.
Here it is indicated that a number of authors misidentified the Clouded
Brindle and called it by a name that belongs to another moth.
Lacanobia w-latinum (Hufnagel, 1766)
genistae {Borkhausen, 1792) nec (Villers, 1789)
‘Nec’ means ‘but not’. In this instance Borkhausen named the Light
Brocade ‘genistae’, unaware that three years previously Villers had used
the name for a different insect. This use of the same name for two or more
distinct species is called homonymy. So we understand here that genistae
Borkhausen is a synonym for w-/atinum, but genistae Villers is not.
Oegoconia quadripuncta (Haworth, 1828)
deauratella (Herrich-Schaffer, 1854) partim
Oegoconia deauratella (Herrich-Schaffer, 1854)
‘Partim’ means ‘in part’. A few years ago the Gelechiid ‘species’
quadripuncta, which had the junior synonym deauratella, was discovered
to consist of two very similar species. The name deauratella was available
for the ‘new’ species. But when Herrich-Schaffer gave the name in 1854
he had a mixed series of specimens and he was applying it to the ‘old’ and
‘new’ species alike. So part of his concept of deauratella still belongs to
quadripuncta.
Sorhagenia rhamniella (Zeller, 1839)
Sorhagenia lophyrella (Douglas, 1846)
rhamniella sensu auct., partim
tulli Riedl, 1962
Sorhagenia janiszewskae Riedl, 1962
rhamniella sensu auct., partim
Coleophora therinella Tengstr6m, 1848
peribenanderi (Toll, 1952)
benanderi Toll, 1942, nec Kanerva, 1941
therinella sensu Pierce and Metcalfe, 1935, et auct.
Now, using the information given above, try your hand at working
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 123
out the interesting story told by the synonymy of the species of micro-
lepidoptera given above.
My thanks are due to Dr J. D. Bradley, one of the authors of the
revised “Kloet and Hincks Check List’, for reading through these notes
and making some helpful suggestions. However, he protests that the
quotation I have adopted as my title does not reflect the tone of what
follows (always wanting to change names, you see); he should first have
asked if I were interpreting ‘awful’ in its slang or religious sense. But to be
more serious, the new check list is a scholarly document of great value to
entomologists and our sincere gratitude is due to its authors.
A. M. Emmet (1379)
PIEMONTE AND LIGURIA
This year (1972), as a change from the unpredictable northern
summer conditions (it was subsequently the hottest summer in Finland
this century!) we decided to go south. The trip from Finland to Italy
being difficult to accomplish by road and sea in less than two and a half
days, a sojourn of ‘reasonable’ duration was planned. For me this was no
problem, as Finnish schools close down on May 3lst for the long summer
holiday. My wife, with exemplary cunning, simply arranged to have a
baby on the 26th of June, thereby depriving her firm of her services for
just about the whole collecting season and getting a bumper parcel of
free nappies from the Republic of Finland. When the offspring (a male,
in mint condition) chose to arrive in Switzerland as early as June 6th, I
merely erected our tent and in between bouts of collecting and the odd
shower of snow, recalled to mind other breeding experiments that had not
come off quite as planned.
Realising that the newly-arrived would require something more than
a canvas roof and a handful of ant larvae, we established him safely in a
special home and sped south to melons and two-litre bottles of red
wine.
The map is a crude depiction of the areas in which we stayed, while
the table gives visual estimates of the numbers of butterflies encountered.
Torino, ensconced in a sea of browned wheat fields and long columns
of lime trees, appalled us so much that we came out at a run and we
didn’t stop until we arrived at a large deciduous wood in which the
Apatura ilia Schiff. were flying down to fidget about piles of refuse at the
roadside. The main drawback of this collecting spot was that it was also
frequented by a young lady, who sat on an orange-box by the roadside
and conducted nefarious business with passing gentlemen.
West towards Pinerolo the mountains begin and you soon have all
the peaks and twisting bends that you could wish for. Further up, at
Sestriere, rising to 3000 metres, snow-capped peaks shimmered in the sun,
and slightly lower down flowers of every imaginable colour jostled for
space as the breeze dug into them. Here many special alpine species were
124 AUGUST, 1973
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bursting into bloom for, in the last ten days of June, it was still exhilarating
spring at those altitudes. Strewing over the beds of flowers were dozens
of Lackey Moth larvae (Malacosoma neustria Linn.), while trefoils hid
Burnet Moth larvae, and the odd Tiger Moth caterpillar beat a furry
retreat as your feet scuffed through the ankle-deep herbage. From the top
you gazed west into France, but a few kilometres distant, and when you
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 125
looked around you in a full circle you took in the bow-shaped cables of
ski-lifts and then hundreds of Larches forming the tree layer. Above the
tree line, like a last thin fringe of hair around a monk’s head, brownish-
green slopes showed where the Erebia larvae still munched in the last
strongholds of grasses. Above these was a wrinkled dome of snow.
There was no place, however, so romantic as the winding valley
beyond Exilles and Oulx. At 700 metres there was no longer the in-
vigorating alpine scene. The emphasis was upon rock, hard and glittering
under a sadistic sun, and Apollos scudded in their literal scores up and
down cliffs studded with scabious and other plants with tiny blooms and
cringing little leaves. It was so hot and dry you wondered the red-flowering
Sempervivum and yellow-flowering Sedum were not dessicated out of
existence. Here, too, the Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi Linn.)
chased anything white, Scarabaeid beetles homed in to the flowers of a
solitary sweet-chestnut, and the males of the black and white burnet,
Zygaena ephialtes Linn., buzzed about in search of mates. One of my wife’s
innumerable fine captures was a male Cerambyx cerdo Linn. taken at
the chestnut blooms. Figured in every “Common Insect Guide’ from Nord-
kapp to Palermo, this is a fine long-horn beetle of length 30 to 50 mm.
On the floor of the valley among lush meadows Heodes alciphron
Rott. ssp. gordius Sulz. raced about and gleamed purple whenever the
sun struck its ruddy upperside, and there were females too that had no
such embellishment. And in a copse meadow higher up and away from
the glare of sun-beaten rock, fritillaries dashed hither and thither, whilst,
perhaps the most exciting of all, the weird orange larvae of the Southern
Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena Schiff.) clung to the thin stems of Aristolochia
rotunda Linn. and brought to mind the Papilios of even warmer lands.
My wife presented me with a male Dark Green Fritillary (Mesoaci-
dalia aglaja Linn.) in which the forewing ground colour was almost
entirely obscured by a black suffusion, truly a fine aberration.
Everywhere the Ascalaphid ant-lions danced in the air or came to
rest on flower heads so that their yellow-marked wings and long, clubbed
antennae could be seen. The black and parchment coloured pupae of
Melitaea phoebe Schiff. and M. didyma Esp. hung from the stone walls
separating the meadows from the roadsides, and crickets sang from the
entrances to their burrows. Only the lure of the Mediterranean would have
forced me out of this enchanting area: and this it did on June 30th.
Taking the most direct southerly route involved driving part of the
way through France and there, in the Roia (Roja) valley between sheer
peaks, the first olive groves made their appearance and the sight of male
Gonepteryx cleopatra Linn. strengthened the impression that we had
passed out of our area. At Imperia, on the coast just south of the Alpi
Maritimi, finding a camping site was merely a process of elimination, as
there seemed to be dozens of them. At last we chose one and from June
30th to July 6th we slept under poplars, where aphids competed with
126 AUGUST, 1973
caterpillars to pour their waste upon our tent and the evening voice of the
quaint little Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla arborea meridionalis! Linn.)
beat insistently from just over the wall. The humidity was high and one
kept up a permanent sweat, in contrast to conditions in the Sestriere area
where the sun tended to ‘set’ early behind the peaks and plunge the camp
site into cold shadow.
In the hills (for mountains had ceased to exist) the accent was once
again upon aridity, provided you stayed near the coast. But if you ventured
inland you faced a tangle of vegetation and an inclination that made
collecting a hazardous occupation. After netting a series of Nordmannia
ilicis Esp. from this perpendicular jungle, we kept to the coastal region
and faced the merciless heat. Dust and scrub, bare rock and olive groves.
an orchard of fig trees in a dip of the land, a cane copse, undersized bushes
with thorns—these were the order of the day on the first s!op2s north of
the blue Mediterranean. If a touch of Africa were requirei, this was
obtained as the odd locust glided bird-like across the scrub to hide away
in some bush or stout herb, from which, if you could fight your way
through the thorns, it could be extracted after a diligent search. Flight
seems to be the priority only so long as the insect is sitting high enough
up to be able to shoot off in a long glide (for it cannot flap); otherwise,
though well camouflaged, it is no match for the insect-attuned eyes of you
or me. Hornets were huge; and enormous wasp-like insects (Scolia
flavifrons) with yellow spots on their otherwise black abdomens occasion-
ally zoomed in to see what one was about. Inevitably, wherever there was
a patch of wet mud near a stream, ‘Skippers’ and ‘Blues’ dipped their
proboscides into moisture. Large dark blue humble-bees (Xy/ocopa sp.)
were busy among the scabious blooms.
On a privet bush (Ligustrum vulgare Linn.) beside the bed of a river
which had almost dried up, a privet hawkmoth larva (Sphinx ligustri
Linn.), already four centimetres long, was discovered on July Sth. A
wingless bush-cricket called Ephippiger, green and floppy-legged, pushed
his horsey face around a leaf and was captured instantly. When roused
from his box he would utter a testy ‘tizi’ (his Burgundian name), and
incidentally by performing a jig on my microphone ruined a brilliant
recording of one of the less boisterous voices of the Mediterranean. As a
punishment I took him home and fed him Finnish grass.
Liguria, as you wind north, seems to end abruptly at a little place
called Ponte di Nava (950 metres), where an inordinately large number of
priests mingled with an alpine vegetation very similar to that seen around
Sestriere. From then on, towards Torino, Z. ephia/tes was cut down in
dozens by speeding cars.
We returned to Sestriere on July 6th and certain changes were noted
in the butterfly populations, as shown in the table. A new discovery was
the small Argentera valley, at 1800 metres, where the valley floor was of
almost Lappish appearance, being carpeted with flowers and including
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 127
such important foodplants as the Astragalus species, around which
Albulina orbitulus de Prun. wove blue patterns. Ascending one day (July
8th) to 2376 metres, we enjoyed the experience of passing up through the
various zones by means of a circuitous cart track ten kilometres in length.
Oeneis glacialis Moll. basked on the track at 2200 metres, while at the
summit, like a crowning glory, Erebia pandrose Bork. gambolled across
the sparse grass and the dry stones—and, watching it there, impressed by
the ragged peaks gathered all around, you might have been forgiven
for proclaiming the grass, the stones and the butterflies Norwegian. It
was a fine titbit of arctic-alpine entomology and a just climax to a gruelling
climb in the heat of the day.
We passed back to Switzerland the way we had come—via the Valle
d’Aosta—and there, at rather less cost, are neat snippets of arid Mediter-
ranean-type vegetation supporting such romantic creatures as the Large
Tortoiseshell butterfly (Nymphalis polychloros Linn.) and the Green lizard
(Lacerta viridis Linn.)
One left with regret, in spite of the howling wind that sprung up on
July 10th, but, with bottles of olives and capers, three live tree frogs and
twelve litres of red wine, all of which safely crossed the frontiers, one could
do worse than close one’s eyes in the evening as a tree frog pipes up in the
vivarium and wish one were back there, for both are great places for the
entomologist.
oo Leigh Plester (2968)
Table
Localities visited, heights and dates (figures in brackets are the
number of different species seen on each occasion).
July 19th Aosta 500 m. (3) 30th Tende 800 m. (6)
20th Torino 250 m. (1) 30th Piene Basse 300 m. (9)
21st Torino 250 m. (4) 30th Imperia 200 m. (3)
2lst Perosa Argentina 600 m. Aug. Ist Imperia sea level (18)
15) 2nd Albenga 200 m. (10)
22nd _ Sestriere 2000 m. (3) 3rd Marina di Andora 100 m.
22nd _ Exilles 700 m. (10) (16)
23rd_Exilles 700 m. (25) 4th Imperia sea level (8)
23rd_Sestriere 2000 m. (3) 5th Marina di Andora 100 m.
24th Sestriere 1800 m. (17) (25)
24th Exilles 700 m. (15) 7th Sestriere 1800 m. (24)
25th Sestriere 1800 m. (25) 7th Exilles 700 m. (26)
25th Bardonecchia 1200 m. (18) 8th Valle Argentera 2300 m.
26th Torino 250 m. (5) (36)
26th Pragelato 1500 m. (18) 9th Valle Argentera 1800 m.
27th LExilles 700 m. (13) (28)
28th Exilles 700 m. (30) 10th Perosa Argentina 600 m.
29th Pragelato 1500 m. (1) (5)
29th Saluzzo 350 m. (1) 11th Aosta 500 m. (4)
The following pages show visual estimates of the numbers of each
species seen at different altitudes.
128 AUGUST, 1973
Heights above sea level (metres)
. No. of
1200— = 1800- sites
0-250 300-500 600-800 1500 2300 = at which
(9 sites) (4 sites) (9 sites) (3 sites) (7 sites) seen
Species
Papilio machaon Linn. 11 a 2 — 7 9
Iphiclides podalirius
Linn. 2 — 6 2 4 5
Parnassius apollo Linn. — — 291 4 16 8
Pieris brassicae Linn. 2 — 1 — o 2
P. rapae Linn. —_ Z = 4 3 8
+15
P. napi Linn. 5 — 4 5 31 10
Pontia daplidice Linn. 3 — — — 4
Aporia crataegi Linn. — — 336 30 19 13
Euchloe ausonia Hibn. — _ _ — 2 2
Anthocaris cardamines
Linn. — — a — 23 6
Colias phicomone Esp. — — — 1 42 3
C. crocea Geoff. 25 — — 1 — 4
C. hyale Linn.
C. australis Ver. 3} a 4 8 5 6
Gonepteryx rhamni
Linn. — a 1 4 2 =
G. cleopatra Linn. 15 5 — = — 3
Leptidea sinapis Linn. 22 os _ — 20 3
Apatura ilia Schiff. 8 — _ — — 2
Limenitis reducta Staud. — — 1 1 — 2
Nymphalis antiopa
Linn. — — l — —- 1
N. polychloros Linn. — 3 i — — 3
Inachis io Linn. — - Z 1 = 3
Vanessa atalanta Linn. 3 — i — — 2
Aglais urticae Linn. — — 6 3 26 5
Polygonia c-album
Linn. 1 _- 1 — — 2
Mesoacidalia aglaja
Linn. — _- 56 — — 7
Fabriciana adippe Linn. 1 — 33 > +50 —- — 6
F. niobe Linn. = — 30 - 2 3
Issoria lathonia Linn. = — _ 3 = = l
Brenthis daphne Schiff. — ae 30 — — 2
B. ino Rott. _ — 4 — 2 3
Clossiana euphrosyne
Linn. — _- 3 7 45 6
C. titania Hubn. — — 62 4 20 9
Melitaea cinxia Linn. = — _ 3 4 9 4
M. phoebe Schiff. ~ — 17 4 4 7
M. didyma Esp. 31 —- 6 _ 2 8
M. diamina Lang. -— _- -- — 8 3
Mellicta athalia Rott. | _- 64 8 17 11
Euphydryas cynthia
Schiff. = —: a — 2 2
E. aurinia Rott. _ — — _— 22 3
Melanargia galathea
Linn. 99 l 106 l _- 10
Hipparchia semele Linn. 2 — I —- — 2
Satyrus ferula Fab. —- ~~ 17 — — 2
Oenis glacialis Moll. _- — — ~ 2 l
Brintesia circe Fab. 24 l — — — 4
Erebia euryale Esp. — = ae. 73 5
32
129
AES BULLETIN, Vol.
. epiphron Knoch
. medusa Schiff.
. alberganus de Prun.
. cassioides Hohen.
. meolans de Prun.
E. pandrose Bkh.
Maniola jurtina Linn.
By By ty fy hy
Aphantopus hyperanthus
Linn.
Pyronia cecilia Vall.
Coenonympha pamphilus
Linn.
C. arcania Linn.
C. gardetta de Prun.
Pararge aegeria Linn.
Lasiommata megera
Linn.
L. maera Linn.
L. petropolitana Fab.
Hamearis lucina Linn.
Nordmannia acaciae
Fab.
N. ilicis Esp.
N. esculi Hiibn.
Strymonidia pruni
Schiff.
Callophrys rubi Linn.
Lycaena phlaeas Linn.
Heodes virgaureae
Linn.
H. tityrus Poda
H. alciphron Rott.
Palaeochrysophanus
hippothoe Linn.
Cupido minimus Fuess.
Celastrina argiolus
Linn.
Glaucopsyche alexis
Poda
G. melanops Boisduval
Maculinea arion Linn.
M. arion obscura Christ
\s1
Philotes baton Bergst.
Plebejus argus Linn.
Lycaeides idas Linn.
Eumedonia eumedon
Esp.
Aricia agestis Schiff.
Albulina orbitulus
de Prun.
Cyaniris semiargus
Rott.
Plebicula escheri Hiibn.
P. dorylas Schiff.
P. amanda Schneider
Lysandra coridon Poda
L. bellargus Rott.
Polyommatus icarus
Rott.
_ P. eros Ochs.
| Pyrgus malvae Linn.
P. alveus Hiibn.
AU eed)
m| Xe n=
6
3
ee |
Jw wl | | ae
_—
|| as
— |
vial (On)
|| lleel
—
—
Pies
it KO
NANS N
—
— pt
Wwok NABH Nw WOrFWNoOhe
YwWUNEFOA NHN Re NEN NOS HRS
— NN
bd et LO NN Knew
130 AUGUST, 1973
No. of
1200— 1800- sites
0-250 300-500 600-800 1500 2300 at which
Species (9 sites) (4 sites) (9 sites) (3 sites) (7 sites) seen
P. fritillarius Poda — — 23 — 26 8
Spialia sertorius
Hoffm. -- — — =
Carcharodus alceae Esp. 2 —
C. lavatherae Esp. — —
Erynnis tages Linn. ~~ —
Thymelicus lineola
Ochs. 63 — 1
Ochlodes venatus
Brem. and Grey 2 1
9
14
mA W WwWwh
—
nN
& CO DAWWr
Notes on the table:
The Editor’s assistance in converting the results into the above form
is gratefully acknowledged.
The occurrence of true alpine species (e.g. Erebia spp., A. orbitulus,
L. petropolitana, etc.) at higher elevations is well illustrated. For the
remainder it would be unwise to infer too much, but in many cases species
records appear at adjacent levels. The time factor is, of course, very
important in relation to altitude. C. euphrosyne furnishes a good illustra-
tion of this, as my results depict a temporal distribution rather than a
stratification in relation to increasing altitude. The difference between
the distributions of C. arcania (an “all level” species) and its alpine
(‘high level’) relative, C. gardetta, shows up well. Two apparent enigmas
are easily solved: L. sinapis was still at the first brood stage at 1800—2300
metres, while the second brood was already on the wing at the lower
elevations along the hotter Ligurian coast: P. baton was in a similar
position.
C. hyale and C. australis have been summed, as have P. argus and
L. idas, owing to the difficulty of determining the species on the wing.
Erebia cassioides and Nordmannia esculi were discovered in areas beyond
those mentioned in Higgins and Riley (1970). M. arion type and M. arion
obscura have been recorded separately as they were easily distinguished
in the specimens examined.
REFERENCE
Hicains, L. G. and Ritey, N. D. (1970). A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and
Europe. Collins, London.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 131
THE INSECT TRADE
The arguments for and against dealing in insects continue to rage,
both in this and other journals and to my mind it is particularly un-
fortunate that no facts as to the scale of the whole operation and what
effects, if any, the sale of insects might have, for better or worse, on their
survival are available.
There is, I believe, an emotive feeling that a colourful butterfly is
(a) rare, and (b) forms the majority of the trade in insects. This is just not
so, butterflies form a.fraction of one per cent of the total usuage of insects
and the total trade in dead insects is also miniscule compared with that of
live insects.
In Victorian days students would be asked to bring along some
roaches for dissection “easily obtainable on request from the local baker’.
For present day purposes such animals are utterly unsuitable. Insects
required for research must be bred under controlled conditions and given
only known foods. Consequently if research in entomology (other than
taxonomy) Is to be carried on at all then unless the insects are bred on the
premises, as they indeed often are, they must be purchased from reliable
and reputable dealers. The sheer numbers of insects often required,
perhaps thousands per day, coupled with the fact that they are required
regularly throughout the year, make with only occasional exceptions, any
question of wild collection of specimens for sale a completely uneconomic
proposition and all such specimens have to be, and are, bred. A practice
of course which does no harm at all to any wild population.
During the past five years I have personally been responsible for
breeding more insects than have been captured in the wild by all collectors
for their coliections ever since Thos Mouffet sat his little daughter on a
Tuffet while he dashed off after another new species for his Theatrum
Insectorum. About 1588 I believe. I also estimate that the present daily
production of bred insects is equal to, or perhaps exceeds, all dead
specimens at present in all the museums of the world. Which makes the
few insects that are actually caught wild for sale statistically insignificant.
Which does not of course mean they can be ignored completely. It is
still true that someone could go and collect all of a rare species for sale
and so cause its extinction. But would it be an economic proposition?
Would any trader do it in todays climate of conservation opinion? I think
the answer is a firm “No”. The goose that laid the golden egg would be
killed and antipathy aroused. Far better to go and take a fertile female and
breed ad infinitum even if you had to release them only a few at the time
onto the market to keep the price up! Also to go and try to collect rare
species is a gamble. Great expense could be incurred, particularly for a
remote area, and very little return might in fact accrue. One cannot be
certain of getting any at all. There are far easier ways of making money.
The South American Morpho butterflies serve to illustrate a point
here. At one time they were indeed collected, but the sprawling suburbs
is2 AUGUST, 1973
of Rio, airports, motorways, and wasteful tropical agricultural methods
eventually resulted in it being too expensive and uncertain to collect them
wild and consequently large numbers of them are now bred and as a result
the wild population remains subject only to the attacks of suburbs,
motorways, insecticides, etc. It is rather unfortunate that the Joint Com-
mittee for the Conservation of British Insects have condemned the use of
insects for the manufacture of ‘jewellery’, since it has been the very demand
of this market that has caused the switch from caught to bred specimens
and of course once the bred are available other demands are also met from
this source. Insect ‘jewellery’ also has a history going back some five
millenia and who knows but that the resultant ‘sacred’ nature of the insects
in the past has not been the means of saving them?
There appears to be no evidence that the extinction of any species
has ever been caused by collecting. I know it has been stated that it was
dealers who extinguished the British Large Copper. but i have already
refuted this elsewhere. Let us face facts, it was the activities of the XX
Valeria Victrix and II Augusta Legions, followed in turn by Bishop Morton,
Sir Cornelius Vermuyden, Telford and Rennie. working in conjunction
with successive Dukes of Bedford and for the immense financial gain of all
concerned. Their activities reduced the Fenland area from some two and a
half thousand square miles to random pockets (still being eroded away)
amounting to only a few square miles total. Can any species be expected
to withstand such devastation of its habitat? Would it not have been
better if advance warning had been given and some traders moved in and
caught all the specimens before the pre-drainage burning of the vegetation?
Perhaps not in Victorian days; but surely today it would pay some trader
to continuously rear a threatened species year after year, and recoup his
expenses by the sale of some of them.
A very good example of the good done by traders exists in Taiwan
where some butterflies are actively farmed. Foodplants are planted, scrub
vegetation cleared off and as a result prices of the species concerned have
fallen and what were once quite rare butterflies are now comparatively
common in selected areas. Another point that must not be overlooked in
the trade and sale of insects is that while many exotic butterflies may seem
rare to us on account of their beauty (or price), in their natural habitat
they may well be pests to be destroyed on sight and indeed I know that
millions of pounds are in fact spent trying to keep under control some of the
species commonly sold by dealers. Work is about to start on the Itaipu
Dam in Brazil. This will result in the destruction of several thousand
billion insects and will doubtless produce a climatic change effecting a
similar number with unknown results. Is there not something to be said
for having the area cleared by collectors and traders so that at least we
know what is being destroyed ? I am willing to hazard a guess that at least
10°,, of the species concerned are as yet undescribed. Nearer home the
Newmarket bypass is dangerously close to one of our famous National
-
&
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 133
Nature Reserves, Chippenham Fen. It has already been stated at a public
enquiry that this road could endanger certain water supplies by blocking
natural drainage systems. There is, therefore a chance it could effect
the Fen. As it is it ploughs through and destroys part of the Devils Dyke,
also well known for its relict chalk fauna and flora and I also suspect a
number of colonies of moths, outliers from the Chippenham populations
are also to be destroyed. There 1s no doubt that this minor civil engineering
work is going to do more towards insect destruction than the activities
of any collector or trader of dead insects.
Whether anyone should collect by buying dead insects is another
matter and possibly one that is entirely between the collector and his
bank manager; but to what extent does it actually go on? Is not most of
the trader’s trade either in livestock (mostly foreign), apparatus, supplying
research and teaching purposes, and, which does not concern the average
naturalist, decorative—a section of the trade which will take place anyway.
I think many of the present day entomologists have originally had their
interest aroused by buying, or having bought by a kind uncle, some
specimens or livestock. There is nothing new in this. Victorian gentlemen
not only bought and exchanged extensively; those who could afford it
employed regular collectors. Even with modern transport facilities it is
still not possible to collect everything oneself and much of the knowledge
of tropical species has been due to the energies of traders organising
supplies and their customers working out the taxonomy and life history.
Exchange of specimens, in Victorian days between North and South,
fen and downland, wood and heathland is today between countries and
continents and to my knowledge very widespread. From my study of
- current traders’ catalogues I would say most of them (the parts dealing
in dead insects that is) are angled towards the specialist collector and the
museum. No amount of activity by the collector can obtain for him all the
subspecies of a particular group without the aid of the worldwide contacts
of the trader. I say he serves a very useful purpose and quite frankly the
average amateur entomologist forms a very small part of his trade indeed
and almost certainly spends more on books, apparatus, photography and
getting out into the field than he does on dead insects.
Brian O. C. Gardiner (225)
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE EGG-LAYING HABITS
OF THE SILVER WASHED FRITILLARY
I was interested in the article by Mr Mori (1972) on the egg-laying
habits of several species of butterfly, in particular Argynnis paphia Linn.
(Silver Washed Fritillary). A few years ago, while collecting in the Plym
Forest, Devonshire, I noticed females of this species depositing eggs in
crevices in the rocks along a section of disused railway cutting. The rock
134 AUGUST, 1973
surface was liberally cut out in the form of ledges and crevices: in some of
these the surface of the rock was liberally covered in mosses and lichens.
An occasional female would walk about inside these crevices and lay an
egg here and there on the upperside of the rock on the moss surface.
Keeping track of egg depositing females and at the same time search-
ing for the eggs became an almost impossible task, so eventually I just
searched at random, crevices along the cutting and was fortunate to find
about sixty ova: although this required several days searching: and
twisting ones neck sideways and upwards to detect the small yellow eggs.
I carried a pair of forceps and carefully removed a small patch of moss
with the egg attached.
The female appears to choose dry crevices, as I found nothing
wherever dampness prevailed or when water seeped downwards from
above. The butterflies only laid in periods of sunshine despite spending
several minutes in deep shade. Possibly eggs deposited in this manner
may only represent a percentage from a female's allotment: the remainder
being layed on tree trunks as is usually stated. The strange thing was that
I could not find any violets (Viola spp.) in the vicinity; usually these
plants are present, being the larval pabulum but in fact, very little in the
way of low growing vegetation was around, the stone ballast from the
railway track still covering most of the ground.
Since discovering the wild ova, I have obtained eggs in captivity
from females. Egg laying cages have been described before so I shall not
give details of my own, I think however that several things are essential
for the female to oviposit successfully. Firstly violets should be present to
stimulate egg laying, and flowers for the butterfly to feed on, e.g. Bud-
dleia, which flowers in July and August. The top of the cage should be
covered to provide a shady laying area and, on sunny days, the whole
cage sprayed with water regularly. The eggs will nearly always be laid
in the shaded area on the netting near the top of the cage. I had three
females together in my cage and received about 250 eggs in very little
time, I then released the butterflies in the original locality.
One word of warning, on summer evenings, unless you live in an
earwig free neighbourhood, do not keep your cage outdoors overnight:
I lost fifty ova in one night to three of these creatures that made entry into
the cage. Either remove the netting and box the females for the night, or
bring the whole outfit indoors until morning.
J. Platts (4300)
REFERENCE
Mort, Y. (1972). Bull. amat. Ent. Soc., 31: 115.
UPSIDE-DOWN PUPAE
Mr J. Bocock (1970) in his article on breeding and rearing the Giant
Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas Linn.), refers to the fact that this species
*.. . not infrequently manages to pupate head downwards, and unless
AES BULEETIN, Vol. 32 135
turned will fail to emerge from the cocoon.’ During the course of rearing
many hundreds of saturniid pupae contained in the pendent style of
cocoon I have come across only three which were inverted. The first of
these was a male Hyalophora gloveri Strecker (Glover’s Silkmoth), pro-
cured in cocoon from a dealer early in 1966; the second was a Philosamia
cynthia Drury f. ricini Bois. (Eri Silkmoth) reared from the egg in late 67;
the third, and most recent, a female Rothschildia orizaba Westwood
(Orizaba Silkmoth), again raised from the egg in 1972. This last species,
still in pupa, is the more unusual in that the spinning larva seems to have
averted almost certain suicide (human intervention disregarded) by
elaborating the cocoon to accord with its eventual topsy-turvy posture,
i.e. with the exit fibres at the distal extremity, even though the previously-
spun suspension tape is in the usual proximal position!
It is noteworthy, perhaps, that two of the three pupae were slightly
deformed, the gloveri being noticeably, but not considerably, flattened
dorso-ventrally, whilst the orizaba pupa has a rather pointed head end.
Whether these features were caused by the effects of gravity on the still-
soft pupae or whether they are linked directly to some physiological
disturbance which prompted the larvae to pupate upside-down in the first
instance, I do not know; suffice it that after being re-orientated the
gloyeri and ricini pupae produced moths which appeared normal enough,
and there seems little reason to suppose that the orizaba will be any
different.
The phenomenon of pupal inversion is obviously widespread amongst
the ‘silkmoths’, though not especially frequent in any one kind, since it
only occurs perhaps once or twice in a couple of hundred spinnings. I
suspect that it may be just one more unhappy accident which can befall
the insect during metamorphosis, unaccountable to any genetic influence,
but it would be interesting to know if the pupal progeny of re-orientated
parents are also gymnastically inclined!
D. J. Moon (3850)
REFERENCE
Bocock, J. (1970). Bull. amat. Ent. Soc., 29: 76.
JUNIOR NEWS
As I had only one letter since I wrote the last ‘Junior News’, this
month’s article is going to be a short one, I am afraid.
First of all, the Annual Exhibition is on September 29th, and I hope
that as many as possible will make an attempt to come and exhibit. As in
previous years, tables will be set aside for Juniors’ exhibits and if you wish
to compete for the Society’s prize you must put your exhibit on these
tables. A form will be given to you to fill in your name, address and age.
136 AUGUST, 1973
The exhibit will be assessed on its originality and quality, and the
age of the exhibitor will be taken into account. Only those members who
are still Juniors at the time of the Exhibition and are paid up ones will be
acceptable.
By the time this reaches you, you will have had time to read and act
upon the May Junior News and I hope that I shall receive some results
which I can print during the next winter.
The one letter that I have had is from Graham Busby of Helston,
Cornwall, who when walking on a Nature Trail from Pottesco to Cadgwith
came across a ‘collar’ of ova of the Common Lackey (Malacosoma
neustria Linn.). From this find he is now breeding about a hundred and
ten larvae, and he has observed how when they change their skins (ecdysis),
they retreat to their web. He hopes to release a lot of moths later on. I hope
that this will be in the area where he found them. If he releases them near
his neighbours’ apple trees (providing they have apple trees) they won't
like him very much. Lackey moths can be a nuisance in orchards. The larva
is very striking and easily seen and identified, and the moth fairly variable.
D. Ollevant behas
COLLECTING IN FRANCE AND NORTH SPAIN
My friend, Mr G. Thomson, and I set out from Solihull on our long
planned trip to the Pyrenees on the evening of 26th May, 1972 and stayed
at a friend’s flat in Littlehampton before crossing the Channel to France
early the next day. Our means of transport was a Volkswagen minibus
converted for sleeping, which we had stocked up with enough food to last
us for our ten days of travelling.
After a very rough and unpleasant six hour voyage from Newhaven
to Dieppe, we motored through Rouen, Alencon and Le Mans. Our first
night in France was spent in a field near the side of the road outside La
Fleche. The weather was cold and miserable and I had not seen a butterfly
since leaving Solihull. We both hoped for better weather as we travelled
south. The next day was still cold so we set off for the Pyrenees passing
through the beautiful town of Saumur on the Loire, Parthenay, Noirt
and Saintes. We stopped for a brew-up outside Saintes and as I walked
through the lush grass and Ox-eye Daisies I saw my first butterfly settled
on a daisy, a Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia Rott.) and I managed
to get a good photograph.
The weather was now at last improving as we crossed the Gironde
over the very high bridge at Bordeaux. I was looking forward to the
Landes Forest about which I had heard so much. We stopped for lunch
alongside a track in the middle of the Forest and I caught specimens of
the Holly Blue (Ce/astrina argiolus Linn.), Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea
cinxia Linn.), Green-underside Blue (Glaucophsyche alexis Poda) and
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 137
(YARGENTAT
THE DORDOGNE
Q ST. MARTORY CARCASSONNEQ
NARBONNE
Oo
ST GIRONS
Fox a
ey Sy ES
AKDORRA
NAVASCUES Q QDbILLAN
O
BoRGU)
O
PENA DE OROEL S/S
BOLTANA “Q
AINSAUC
SPAIN
Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria aegeria Linn.). After a detour to the
sand dunes alongside the cold grey Atlantic, we pressed on to St. Jean
Pied de Port to spend the night in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The Spanish customs were very suspicious of us at Valcarlos frontier
post but after examining our vehicle and contents they allowed us to move
on to the Spanish Pyrenees and the Province of Navarre. The road,
winding and steep, made driving rather tiring so we stopped to take some
photographs and have a cup of coffee. Several of the large Cardinal
(Pandoriana pandora Schiff.) were racing at great speed along the roadside
but I didn’t stand a chance of obtaining a specimen. The short grass
by the roadside was the home of several Grizzled Skippers (Pyrgus malvae
Linn.) and were remarkably difficult to see amongst the stone debris from
the cliffs above the road. The scenery in this area really is magnificent
and near Arive we decided to stop and have a short walk. As we walked
up a small stoney path alongside a stream the sun was now very hot and
Fritillaries were darting and gliding in all directions. I collected specimens
of Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia Linn.), Pearl-bordered Fritillary
(Clossiana euphrosyne Linn.), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Clossiana
selene Schiff.), and Heath Fritillary (Mellicta athalia celadussa Fruhstorfer).
_ Trees gave some very welcome shade further up the stream where several
138 AUGUST, 1973
Speckled Wood (P. a. aegeria Linn.) and Green Hairstreak (Callophrys
rubi Linn.) were skilfully darting from leaf to leaf and further up, the stream
became just a trickle of water over muddy ground and was swarming with
Skippers and Blues. The countryside was becoming very hot and dry as
we passed through Navascues and butterflies were not very plentiful but
at Ustes I caught the very beautiful Spanish Fritillary (Euphydryas
desfontainii baetica Rambur). Near Burgui there is a tremendous pano-
ramic view over the Navarre countryside with snow-covered mountain
peaks in the distance. I was taking a photograph of this superb view when
the first Scarce Swallowtail ([phiclides podalirius Linn.) flew past and
after a short walk into the scrub and rock landscape, Mr Thomson spotted
a Duke of Burgundy Fritillary (Hamearis lucina Linn.) which was netted
whilst he sprinted at high speed—I don’t recommend this over such rough
terrain. :
The temperature seemed to be getting higher and higher as we motored
up the Esca Valley so we cooled off in the icy waters of the Rio Esca which
cascaded through narrow gorges with tremendous fury. At Roncal
photography was a must as the old main street and narrow alleys off were
ideal subjects. As I rested against an old stone wall, I watched Scarce
Swallowtails gliding up and down the road stopping only for a second
and then off again and impossible to catch.
After being lost on an isolated track to an ancient hamlet called Fago,
we decided to camp beside the Rio Aragon near Hecho where the river is
quite red in colour and very swift flowing through wooded hillsides. Early
next morning I examined the grassy banks alongside the road to find the
Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus Rott.) Adonis Blue (Lysandra bellargus
Rott.), a form with black spots on the upper hindwings, Grizzled Skipper,
a very dark form and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
The visit to Jaca seemed like a return to civilization after the desolate
and deserted countryside we had been travelling through. At Pena de
Oroel amongst the rich herbal growth, there were a great number of
butterflies on the wing including Berger's Clouded Yellow (Colias australis
Verity), Morocco Orange Tip (Anthocharis belia euphenoides Staudinger),
Wood White (Leptidea sinapis Linn.), Green Hairstreak, all in great
abundance and with Scarce Swallowtails and Green-underside Blues
being extremely common.
Our destination for the evening was the National Park of Ordesa,
an area of great natural beauty, but while we were there, we saw no
butterflies. The weather was cold and damp with heavy mist. The following
day the weather had improved and Mr Thomson and I went for a good
hard walk up the valley to a waterfall with snow at its base. After photo-
graphing some alpine flowers, we set off through Broto along the Rio Ara.
Scarce Swallowtails and Adonis Blues (Lysandra bellargus Rott.) were very
common along the hedgerows here but the Swallowtails were as usual
exceedingly good at avoiding the net. However, I managed to capture a
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 139
fine specimen and we moved on past Boltana and Ainsa through some very
awe-inspiring scenery to Campo, along the beautiful gorges carved out by
the Rio Esera where vultures were seen high above the rock faces. After
passing through the long Viella tunnel, our vehicle broke down due to an
electrical fault. After some amateur repairs to the wiring, we camped the
night just beyond Viella. The weather had deteriorated badly and had
become most unpleasantly cold and wet, so that night we decided to press
on across the border into France, and to the Mediterranean.
We drove hard the next day through St. Gaudens, St. Girons, Foix,
Quillan at last reaching the Mediterranean near Perpignan. What a
disappointment. After an hour or so, we eventually found somewhere to
have a quiet swim in the sea. The coast line here has been ruined by holiday
bungalow, hotel and large scale road developments and all we were
interested in was leaving and finding an unspoilt spot to stay the night
before it became dark. This we found only about one mile inland near
Fitou.
Next morning I was up early and recorded the following butterflies
in the rocky hillside by the road: Western Marbled White (Melanargia
occitanica Esp.), Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathsebe pardilloi Sagarra),
Provence Chalk-hill Blue (Lysandra hispana H. S.), Small Heath (Coe-
nonympha pamphilus pamphilus f. lyllus Esp.), the common Mediter-
ranean form and the familiar Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina Linn.)
looking out of place in this barren rocky landscape.
Our journey was now northwards to Carcassonne, stopping en route
at a meadow beside a stream near Lagrasse to collect Black-veined White
(Aporia crataegi Linn.) Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra Linn.), Short-
tailed Blue (Everes argiades Pallas), more Provence Chalk-hill Blues and
Swallowtails (Papilio machaon Linn.) all of which were very plentiful.
At Carcassonne, I saw my first Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis
antiopa Linn.) flying up and down a high stone wall but never coming
into reach and busy chasing a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta Linn.).
Secondary roads were the priority as we were not very partial to the
major trunk roads with heavy traffic and large towns to pass through.
Our route was via Castres, Albi, Cordes, Figeac, Bretenou and to the
Dordogne. I had always wanted to see the Dordogne, so we detoured
along the river as far as Argentat, stopping for lunch in the woods. The
second sighting of a Camberwell Beauty was in these woods on the banks
of the Dordogne, but I was not lucky enough to catch it. I walked into the
woods here and was rewarded with the following butterflies; an as yet
unidentified Erebia, beautifully dark black-brown in colour with a sheen
on the underside, Speckled Wood (P. a. aegeria Linn.), and in a meadow
alongside a stream Knapweed Fritillary (Melitaea phoebe Schiff.),
Meadow Fritillary (Mellicta parthenoides Keferstein), Marsh Fritillary
(Euphydras aurinia Rott.), Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni Linn.), Black-
veined White, Sooty Copper (Heodes tityrus Poda) and Peacock (Inachis io
Linn.).
140 AUGUST, 1973
As we progressed northwards the weather again became colder and
wetter and by the time we reached Rouen the rain was torrential. On our
return to Newhaven, however, it became warm and sunny again and was
a pleasant welcome home after a most enjoyable trip.
R. Bellingham (4653)
BREEDING ROTHSCHILDIA AUROTA CRAMER
On July 5th, 1972 I received thirteen larvae of Rothschildia aurota
Cramer from a dealer. They were first instar, thicker in front and tapering
somewhat to the rear. The larvae were of form speculifer Walker and had
come from SE Brazil. The body was golden yellow with black bands,
the head also was black.
On July 6th one larva shed its first skin, the colour staying virtually
the same. The others entered the second instar between July 7th and 11th.
On July 13th a larva changed its second skin. The third instar larva was
quite different, being apple green with orange tubercles. The underside of
the larva was now covered with small white hairs. At this stage I removed
the larvae to a much larger plastic box. On July 21st two larvae changed
their third skins. There was little difference between the third and fourth
instar larvae. Up till now Privet had been readily devoured and now
feeding became necessary every day.
By July 25th I had lost two larvae, both failing to shed their skins.
At this stage one larva measured 9 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. By July 27th
most larvae had entered their final instar and were growing well. On
August 3rd, at 9.00 pm, the first larva started spinning its cocoon, wrapping
silk around privet leaves. By morning the cocoon was finished and
measured 9 cm by 3 cm. Some larvae were slow in pupating, the last
cocoon being formed as late as August 22nd. The largest cocoon measured
10 cm by 4cm and the smallest 4-5 cm by 2 cm. I placed the eleven cocoons
in a cage on peat and sprayed them once or twice a week.
On September 23rd a perfect male with a 15 cm wingspan awaited me
in the morning. It was very beautiful seen for the first time, but I killed
it for my coliection. On September 29th a female, also with a 15 cm wing-
span, emerged. It was very similar in markings and colouring to the male,
but the abdomen was shorter and fatter. I kept her for breeding purposes.
Between October Ist and 20th four more females and two males emerged.
I killed a pair for my collection. The five females I kept for breeding
purposes laid eggs, but all were infertile. The two cocoons which had failed
to produce moths were opened and the pupae inside found to be dead.
So | had failed to breed the moths, but they were the most beautiful
and one of the largest species that I have reared.
P. D. Brock (4792))
Oe EDS By eee
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 141
MR DAVID TYLER’S LARVAE CAGE: A LABOUR SAVING
MEANS OF KEEPING PLATYCLEIS (ORTH.) EGGS
MOIST
This last year I have been studying the song behaviour of the bush
crickets of the genus Platycleis (Tettigoniidae, Orthoptera). The two
species in which I am particularly interested are P. affinis Fieb. and
P. intermedia (Serv.). Studies on the living adults are confined to the
months of July and August. It would be most desirable therefore, to
obtain a laboratory culture in which the adults were available for a greater
part of the year. Eventually, it may be possible to obtain a stock through-
out the year by phasing the appearance of the adults.
In order to procure eggs, adults were captured in southern France
last summer. These were placed in large wooden stock cages and presented
with various oviposition sites. These included cotton wool, cellulose
wadding, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, concentric columns of blotting
paper, sphagnum peat, top soil and sand. Hartley and Warne (1972)
describe how they removed eggs of bush crickets from the stock cages,
washed and incubated them on damp cotton wool in specimen tubes or
Petri dishes. This method is clearly an excellent one for keeping the
eggs moist and thus potentially viable. It is, though, a laborious and
time-consuming procedure. My own experience revealed that P. affinis
and P. intermedia preferred firm damp sand as an egg laying medium.
The combination of sterility of the sand and its porosity meant that the
substrate was mould free and generally rather moist.
The sand was contained in a large, shallow, glass jar and so, once the
eggs had been laid, there was no need to spend time or to disturb them by
transferring them to a damp medium for incubation. However, the eggs
that were deposited just under the surface of the sand tended to become
dry and thus it was necessary to keep the top layer moist. This could be
achieved by covering the top of the jar with a small polythene sheet held
in place by an elastic band or, alternatively, by adding water to the exposed
surface by spraying or pouring the water down a glass rod. (Water could
not be poured directly onto the sand for this resulted in the eggs being
flushed to the surface). Air inside the polythene covering tended to become
stagnant and thus it was spraying that proved to be the most suitable
alternative. The remaining disadvantage was that vigilance had to be
kept over the eggs in order that they should not dry out.
It was at this point when I was considering means of eliminating the
labour of spraying the eggs that I read the article on Mr Tyler’s design
for a larvae cage (Tyler, 1973). Clearly, this cage is a most admirable one
for culturing Platycleis. As a stock cage, the cane props allow purchase
for the adults which climb freely during their normal activity. Extensive
Oviposition sites are available at their feet. For food, a shallow dish of
wheat, maize and other seeds, as well as cereals, can be introduced. Dead
adults can be removed and the remaining sand and egg mixture can be
142 AUGUST, 1973
left and kept damp simply by ensuring that the basement bowl contains
water. Capillary action of the water will supply moisture to the eggs.
At present, the only disadvantage that I can see with this cage, when
used for culturing bush cricket eggs, is that it is a large piece of apparatus
and thus cannot easily be placed in a fridge or incubator. Such treatment is
often necessary with these insects for many of them undergo diapause
(Dumortier, 1967; Hartley and Warne, 1972). The problem of size can be
overcome to some degree, especially in cases where a fridge or incubator
may not be available, by simulating the ground temperatures of the
natural habitat by placing the cages in the appropriate cupboards, sheds,
garages, etc. These temperatures can be determined through consultation
of the literature contained in the library of the Department of Climatology,
Meterological Office, Bracknell, Berkshire. In the case of P. affinis and
P. intermedia the temperatures for southern France are found in Garnier
(1966).
Although this discussion has been limited to the use of Mr. Tyler’s
cage for culturing two species of bush crickets, there is no reason why it
should not be used for rearing other insects that deposit their eggs in the
ground; for instance, the scorpion flies, Panorpa communis Linn. and
P. germanica Linn. The great advantage of this cage is that, once it has
been constructed and stocked, little maintenance is required. The mesh
dome allows air to pass through and thus prevents stagnation. Also, the
absence of glass or plastic sides and open pools of water means that
fatalities are reduced. Moreover, the damp substrate ensures that the
ambient air is moist and so is suitable for rearing most insects.
I shall report on the effectiveness of this cage for culturing Platycleis
in the Bulletin next year.
Michael J. Samways (4927)
REFERENCES
DumortTieR B. (1967). Essais in vitro pour la rupture de la diapause embryonnaire
chez quelques tettigonioides insectes. Orthopteres., Annis. Epiphyt., 19: 147.
GARNIER, M. (1966). Climatologie de la France, Eléments de la variation diurne.
Memorial de la Météorologie Nationale No. 51.
HartTLey, J. C. and WARNE, A. C. (1972). The developmental biology of the egg stage
of Western European Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera). J. Zoo/., London, 168: 267.
Tycer, D. B. (1973). Two methods for rearing larvae on growing food plants (ii).
Bul. amat. Ent. Soc., 32: 27.
BREEDING THE CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY
(COLIAS CROCEA GEOFF.)
While in Montenegro in July 1972 I took a large specimen of the
Clouded Yellow of the female form /e/ice Hbn. I placed it in a plastic
box along with some sprays of Bladder Senna (Co/utea arborescens Linn.)
which I had collected as they had some larvae of the Long-tailed Blue
(Lampides boeticus Linn.) feeding in the pods. During the journey home
by air I carried the box in my satchel and on arriving home placed it
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 143
in the window of my room. The next day I found that the butterfly had
laid quite a large number of eggs on the leaves of the Colutea and I
removed the sprays and placed them in a jar of water. The eggs quickly
turned orange and hatched within a week. The small larvae fed on the
leaves and transferred to new shoots of the same plant when the original
ones had started to yellow. The larvae are pale yellow when small but
after moulting become green. They feed on the upperside of the leaf and
rest down the mid-rib. When they were half-grown I introduced a pot of
Lucerne and the larvae were brought to maturity on this. There were some
losses from a spider when the larvae were small but I eventually had sixteen
pupae, the majority having pupated on the stems of the Lucerne. Within
a fortnight they began to emerge and produced 8 males and 8 females, 4
of which were typical and 4 of the form helice. Two of the latter had the
white slightly shaded with yellow and had traces of homeotic aberration,
one having a patch of orange in the left lower wing and the other a blotch
of white in the black area of the forewing. I obtained one pairing between
a typical male and female but the weather was so poor that I only obtained
three eggs and now in December have one pupa from these.
The genetics of the form helice are of particular interest and it is
unfortunate that the season was not long enough to obtain further genera-
tions. According to Ford (1953) the factor controlling the form is linked
to the X (sex defining) chromosome and in the male, which has paired X
chromosomes, the results of the factor are masked even when it is carried
by both of the pair. In the female, which has an XY pairing of chromo-
somes, the helice factor is dominant and if present will always be apparent.
Ford states that the degree of whiteness may vary and considers that this
may be due to the action of other controls. My original female’s genetic
status may thus be deduced from her progeny with some hope of accuracy.
If we call the typical form of the X chromosome X, and that of the helice
form Xz and the female chromosome Y, then my helice female was X2Y.
She must have paired with a male which had X1X2 chromosomes. Had he
been X 1X, then the progeny would have all been typical as the Xz factor
is masked in the male but always apparent in the female.
Thus
X1X1 paired with X2Y but X1X2 paired with X2Y
results in results in
X 1X2 or Xi1Y or Xi X2 or X1Y X 1X2 or X1Y or XoXo or X2Y
(Which would all look typical.)
The second case would give fifty/fifty males and females and of the latter,
half should in theory be of the form /elice. This was the result in the case
of my female. Had the male with which she paired been homozygous
(X2Xe2) then all the females would have been of the form /Aelice as all
would bear the controlling factor. The next stage of the exercise would
have been to pair several of the males with helice females keeping them
all separate. In those cases where all the female progeny produced by this
144 AUGUST, 1973
pairing were of the form helice it could be assumed that the male was
homozygous and I would have obtained a pure helice stock as no X1
factor would have been present. The next stage would have been to assess
the strength of the homozygous form and its chances of becoming a
viable wild race. When observing the butterfly in the wild there seems to
be an advantage in the pale form colouring as it is far less obvious when
settled and if the homozygous form was healthy it would seem that in
isolation a race with white females could arise. However in the case of
C. crocea the range is very large and there must be a continual mixing of
the genetic material. There are however other Colias species which show
the same dimorphism in the female and in some of these the butterfly
tends to be much more local. This would seem to indicate that the pale
form is either not at an advantage or that in its pure form it has some
biological weakness.
Ford refers to a similar sort of dimorphism in the Silver-washed
Butterfly, Argynnis paphia Linn., in which the female occurs in a very
dark form, valezina Esp. In North Italy in the valley of the River Toce
we found that this was the only form that the female took and we did not
observe one of the typical form of female. This would indicate that all the
males carried the factor and that for some reason the dark form of the
female was at an advantage and the gene concerned in no way weakened
the butterfly.
Lal2A19 72 P. W. Cribb (2270)
REFERENCE
Foro, E. B. (1953). Butterflies. Collins, London.
BOOK REVIEWS
What Butterfly is that? by C. G. C. Dickson, Purnell & Sons. R.1.95 (£1).
This book measures only 5” x 54”, and is one of a series of pocket
books published by Purnell and Sons concerning the natural history of
southern Africa.
Mr Dickson is well known for his numerous publications on butter-
flies and this little book, like his previous works, is of very high quality.
The text consists of short descriptive notes on ten families of butterflies.
Details are given of food plants, distribution and all stages of the life
cycles of 76 common species of butterfly to be found widespread in southern
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The quality of these plates is really superb for such a small book.
This publication is ideal for young people and the information it
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Africa. It should also encourage others to take up the study of this likeable
group of insects. L. McLeod (3534)
Printed by V.B. Pike, Printers, Canon Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Published by the Amateur Entomologist’s Society,
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A E S No. 301
BULLETIN
EDITORIAL
For personal reasons Dr. Paul Boswell has relinquished the position of
Bulletin Editor and I act in a temporary capacity until a new Editor is
appointed. I would like to thank Paul for help in producing this issue as
much of the material came first to him. Members may wonder at the many
changes in the officers of the Society over the last few years but all are
voluntary workers and even a short period of service makes considerable
demands on one’s private leisure. Often business or other problems make it
necessary to serve for only a short spell but the Council (and I hope the
members) are grateful for the work that is done by such persons.
This number of the Bulletin has as its theme the breeding of insects of
various orders and I commend to you Mr. Sheppard’s (4431) idea of
breeding a desired species and returning the surplus to the original habitat.
If you are a collector first, then you will agree that the best specimens can
only be secured by breeding and a series bred from one female is more
acceptable to the conservationist than a similar number taken with the net.
Breeding techniques are acquired very much by hard experience but others
can help a lot by sending in their experiences for publication in the Bulletin.
If you have any pet methods which are successful and have not yet been
published, please put pen to paper.
P. W. Cribb (2270)
SO YOU WANT TO STUDY BEETLES
PART ViI—CARABIDAE (GROUND BEETLES)
The larvae of this group of beetles are predatory, being extremely
active and carnivorous. They feed at night often on the larvae of other
species of beetle; some are predatory on the larvae of Lepidoptera, a few on
snails, whilst some will eat young Woodlice. I must admit that I have not
been very successful in rearing Carabid larvae. A few which were fully
grown when found were reared without difficulty, but when smaller larvae
were discovered, these mostly died, probably because I was unable to find
sufficient of the right kind of living material to feed them on. Details of the
life histories, such as the normal food, rarely seem to be known and a great
deal needs to be learnt about these insects. Nevertheless I am convinced
that in principle the methods I have used are at least adequate if somewhat
imperfect and the main difficulty lies in providing the correct food for the
larvae to prey on.
146 NOVEMBER, 1973
Finding larvae and providing an artificial habitat. The larvae of the Carabidae
are found in much the same sort of places in which the imagines occur,
under stones or logs, in moss, under dung where probably they are feeding
on coprophagous larvae. They are easily recognised, being active with large
jaws and a body reminiscent of a Staphilinid beetle, only grey or brown in
colour. To me they are quite obviously larvae and beetle larvae. They can
be collected in glass tubes similar to those used for adult beetles and at
times can survive for quite long periods therein. At times, especially in hot
weather, they can die quite quickly however. The introduction of a small
quantity of damp sphagnum moss into the tube, or a little grass, will
usually ensure their survival in transit home and until a more suitable
enclosure can be prepared.
One of the difficulties in rearing is that the larvae usually readily eat
each other and each one must be housed in a separate receptacle. They can
be housed in jam jars but the best container is a flower pot (earthenware).
I have found that a pot between 6 inches and 12 inches diameter is best.
This is half filled with fine damp earth and stood in a deep saucer filled with
water. The saucer must be topped up with water each day. A two inch
square placed on top of the earth will provide the larva with shelter whilst
allowing it to be viewed when required. The piece of glass can be covered
with a stone or piece of plywood when viewing is not required or the whole
container may be kept in the dark when not being observed. I have carried
out observations of such a habitat using a red “dark room” light in a
darkened room, without apparently disturbing the inhabitant. A piece of
plastic sheet provides an adequate closure of the pot. Plastic flower pots are
not very suitable as the contents become too wet and this leads to heavy
condensation on the plastic covering and to conditions conducive to fungal
growths which attack the larva.
Feeding. The larvae are difficult for although they eat other larvae and
small insects, they have often formed preferences by eating particular types
of prey before being caught and under these circumstances I found that
unless one can discover these preferences, the larvae just refuse to eat other
food and lie down and die. However the provision of a variety of small
insects (Colembola, woodlice, etc. and assorted larvae) will often get the
inmate feeding. Care must be taken to remove dead insects and partially
consumed prey as these can form centres for fungal infestation. Occasion-
ally I have persuaded recalcitrant larvae to take a little cooked liver but it is
of course preferable to feed the normal live food and when using meat to
tempt larvae to eat, great care must be taken not to leave pieces in the
receptacle more than 24 hours as it goes bad very quickly.
Unfortunately, although a great many larvae seem to be known,
comparatively little knowledge has accumulated regarding their feeding
habits and methods of foraging.
During any attempts to rear Carabid larvae careful notes should be made
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 147
as to where the larva was taken and in particular notes should be made of
any small insects or other possible source of food nearby; any remains of
devoured insects should be collected, cross referenced and kept as it is often
possible for an expert to identify the creature from its remains. In this way
a knowledge of the larvae’s true food pattern could be built up. Cast larval
skins should be kept, labelled and kept for reference. Pupation usually
takes place in a cell in the earth and information regarding pupae of this
group is also scarce.
This brings me to an end of the present series of articles on Beetles.
I hope that they have proved both interesting and helpful. If they have
encouraged any members to take up the study of beetle life histories, then
they will have achieved their purpose. There is still a great deal to be learnt
and it is knowledge that can readily be sought by the amateur. All that is
required is patience and careful recording. Do we know, for example, for
any species of beetle—how often mating is necessary; how many eggs are
laid; where they are laid; how long before they hatch; the degree of
fertility; the number of larval instars there are ? The questions are a myriad,
the answers all too few.
In conclusion, a last question. The Meloe spp (Oil Beetles) lay their
eggs widely in the grass or soil; on hatching the young larvae drift to
flower heads, attach themselves to bees and are carried to the nest where
they feed on honey. Is the cycle necessary ? Can one transfer them straight
to the honeycomb, using a camel-hair brush? Is the presence of the bee a
necessity? I don’t know. Do you? To make a collection of any order of
insects has its uses and is often necessary but the study of the life histories
can be far more rewarding and leads to the discovery of new things—I
commend it to you.
B. J. MacNulty (4528)
COLLECTING NOTES—AUGUST 1973
The smaller moths
REARING LARVAE ON GROWING FOODPLANTS
For the rearing of the larvae of the Microlepidoptera at least I consider
that the suggestions we have had on this topic to be still too complicated.
All that is needed is one flowerpot, three sticks of from 9 to 18 inches in
length, depending on the height of the plant, half a discarded lady’s
stocking (I mean, of course, half a nylon stocking discarded by a lady: you
should keep her for the next pair) and a long and short piece of string. The
string may be unnecessary.
Plant your plant in the pot. Stick the sticks in a triangle round the
edges. Place on the earth some moss, rotten wood or hollow stems or any
other material the future occupants may need for pupation. Cut off part of
the stocking foot and calf to suit the length of your sticks. Roll the stocking
148 NOVEMBER, 1973
ARTA LAT n\N.
SAA AA
‘ ays
(
Atty eel
Meal Vel
over the upper part of the pot and over the sticks. Roll the stocking over
the pot from the base and upwards as this is easier. Fasten the stocking
round the rim of the pot with the longer piece of string, though this is
generally unnecessary since the elasticity of the nylon makes a larva proof
union. Insert the larvae through the top end of the stocking and then tie it
with the short piece of string, or if you prefer, put a half knot in the stocking
itself. Sink the pot up to the rim in a bed in an out of the way part of the
garden and, unless there are big and numerous larvae on a small plant, your
livestock will need no further attention.
I have never bothered to sterilise the earth which in any case is
normally the sod in which the foodplant was growing in the wild. The
thrips, etc., and my larvae seem to co-habit quite amicably. I am writing
this in the first day of Spring (March 21st) and I have already had out this
year over 70 moths of about 25 species, and I doubt if I have lost any
through predators.
Last winter I had between 30 and 40 flowerpots sunk in the garden.
Think what it would have been like if I had had that number of washing-up
bowls half full of cement! Or fish buckets!
I am most grateful to Mr E. S. Bradford for his clear drawing of a
flowerpot used in the method advocated. To show the pot and its appur-
tenances he has had to represent it as standing on the soil; remember to
sink it to prevent desiccation.
A. M. Emmet (1379)
Editor’s note : Col. Emmet’s notes and Mr. E. S. Bradford’s drawings of
the Microlepidoptera will be continued in the next volume of the Bulletin.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 149
JUNIOR NEWS
In a letter Robin Kames of Hampton, near Evesham, tells me that he
caught a female Celerio galii Rott. (Bedstraw Hawk) which came to an
M.V. trap on the night of 13—14th June, this year.
The moth was put into a breeding cage with the flowers of Buddleia
and Lady’s Bedstraw. Two hundred ova were laid in two batches on the
Bedstraw, but I haven’t heard yet from him whether they were fertile or not.
Robin also bred from bought ova of Papilio machaon brittanicus L.
(Common Swallowtail); the larvae being fed on Fennel. He lost two, but
ten completed the life cycle. He then hand paired two which emerged
nearly at the same time, and from that female he obtained sixty-six fertile
ova. By the 21st July he had fifty-three larvae left.
The Editor has had a contribution for the “‘Bulletin” which he has
passed on to me. It is an article on an attempt to breed Maniola jurtina L.
(The Meadow Brown).
There is nothing (or nearly nothing) to stop me writing a shortened
version in this ‘““News’’, so here it is.
First of all C. Gardiner took eleven specimens of the Meadow Brown
on the 24th August, 1972, eight being females. The males had been on the
wing longer than the females and all males died the next day.
He then added four more pairs, and by the 29th August a hundred and
five ova had been laid. Of these, only one had been laid on the potted
grass, Annual Poa (Poa annua L.) provided in the cage. The rest being
scattered around the cage on various objects. Most of the ova were laid
during the evenings under artificial light.
The cage was at never less than 70°F and all the larvae had hatched in
fourteen days. By 13th October they had not visibly grown, being about
one mm. long, so presuming that they were hibernating, the cage was
placed out of doors.
There the account ends at the moment, perhaps we can have the final
instalment for a later “Junior News’’.
One thing you must be sure about when you do a study on an insect is
to make sure that you have the identity correct. I have received an account
of how to breed Vanessa atalanta L. (Red Admiral) which is a little puzzling
until you suddenly realise that it is, in fact, Nymphalis io L. (Peacock).
Facts also must be checked—guesses are no good at all—and original
observations are much more valuable than copying out bits from text-
books (they might be wrong!).
By the time this reaches you it will be Winter. Don’t forget to keep a
look out on tree trunks and fences for the moths that emerge in the winter.
Don’t forget too, that there are two species of Winter Moth, a copy of
‘South’? will tell you the difference.
More letters, please.
D. Ollevant (1514)
150 NOVEMBER, 1973
COLLECTING NOTES—COLEOPTERA
For the subject of this quarters Collecting Notes, I have chosen the
genus Lycoperdina Latr. There are two British representatives, both
exclusively associated with Puff Ball fungi.
L. bovistae (Fab.)—a rather local beetle, restricted to the more
southern English counties.
L. succincta (Linn.)—a very rare species, only recorded from a few
localities, but may turn up in your area.
I have found bovistae on two occasions, both times in the larval stage.
Firstly in Houghton Forest, West Sussex, April 21st 1971, in Lycoperdon
pyriforme (the Stump Puff Ball), secondly in Botley Wood, Hampshire,
February 10th 1973, in L. perlatum (the Common Puff Ball). Infested fungi
can be detected by the presence of a small hole or holes in the leathery skin,
presumably made by the adult beetle entering to lay eggs. To confirm their
presence, the fungus should be pulled apart carefully and examined. The
larvae are easy to rear, fungi containing them should be placed in a well
ventilated tin and kept in a cool place. The larvae I collected in Sussex
pupated in May and emerged during June. |
J. Cooter (3290)
THANKS, LINNAEUS!
In the year 1735, a book was published in Holland written by a young
Swedish biologist, Charles Linné or to give him his Latin title—Carolus
Linnaeus. The book was written in Latin and its title “Systema Naturae”’
indicates what it was about. It was an attempt to classify the world of living
things in an orderly manner.
It was so great an advance on anything of the kind that had appeared
before that people thought it to be the result of a life-time’s study. At that
date the author was in fact only twenty-eight years old. He continued with
his work of classification throughout his life and published numerous
other works. The Systema Naturae was revised again and again and ran to
ten editions. His system has now been in use for about 200 years and
thanks to it we have an International Language of Science which enables
the whole world to call the same living thing by the same name. Although
Linnaeus’ first interest was Botany, his method was applied to Zoology,
the binomial system by which each item is identified by a specific name
which identifies it to a type and a generic name, defining its closest relation-
ship with other species. He also devised the system of classifying according
to Order, Class, etc. Without his work the progress of natural science
might have been held back for many years.
C. P. J. Samson (4601)
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 151
COCKROACH CULTURE
The following describes a method for the culture of cockroaches that I
have found to be successful and economical in time.
The most suitable container is an 18” x 10” x 10” aquarium tank—a
larger one for a strong culture. About an inch of litter is placed on the floor.
I use wood shavings or vermiculite, but I have seen silver sand, or a mixture
of peat and silver sand, used instead. The litter is important for many
species as the nymphs burrow into it. On top of the litter is put one or more
insect hides, a pad of moist cotton wool in a dish, and the food.
Insect hides are made from inverted cardboard boxes, each with a
piece cut from one side.
A larger one can be placed over a smaller one; the insects will rest
between the two boxes.
ve COVER( Optional)
3" ROUND TOP
SMSARED WITH
VASELINE
INSECT HIDES
WET COTTON ee 2
AQUARTUM TANK
- FOOD
1" LITTER.
AQUARIUM TANK FOR COCKRCACH CULTURE
For food I use the pellets (diet 41B) as sold for feeding laboratory
mice as a basis, but this may need modification. Generally they will take a
wide range of dried foods, provided that they are not rich in protein. The
pad of moist cotton wool is kept moist by means of a glug bottle.
A 3” ring of Vaseline is smeared all round the top to prevent escapes.
The insects (except Gromphadorhina spp.) are generally unable to climb up
clean glass. However, the glass becomes dirty after a time and they can
climb up this.
A sheet of glass can be put over the tank, leaving a gap at one end.
When the colony becomes strong the glass can be removed entirely. The
aim is to keep the humidity relatively low but allow the insects access to
wet cotton wool. In this way infestation by mites can be avoided—other-
wise the humidity generated by the evaporation of water from the mass of
insects encourages their development. I lost a very strong culture of the
Madeira Cockroach in this way. The mites covered everything, including
the insects (which they do not attack directly). To cure this I transferred
some of the insects to a fresh tank set up as above. 2 weeks later they were
152 NOVEMBER, 1973
moved to a second tank. The combination of a drier atmosphere and 2
changes of container overcame the trouble. This is the only serious
““disease”’ that I have had so far.
The cockroaches do better when crowded, and there is some evidence
(for the American Cockroach) that the presence of frass, as in an old
culture, hastens development.
A culture set up as described may last for 3 years or more, the surplus
insects being removed when it becomes overcrowded (usually indicated by
the insects being found outside of the hide during the day). If a colony is
started with only a few individuals, some species may take 2 or more years
before they become really numerous.
The following are two of the species that I have kept under the
conditions described; no doubt many more will respond to the same
treatment. There are others, such as the Wool-eating Cockroach, which are
reputed to be difficult and need special conditions, but are interesting to the
specialist.
The Madeira Cockroach (Leucophea maderae) is an insect which is
approximately the same size as the American Cockroach. It exhibits false
ovoviviparity. The ootheca (egg case) is formed in the usual way and
protrudes from the abdomen of the female (this can occasionally be seen),
it is then rotated through 90° before being withdrawn into the brood pouch
on the underside of the abdomen. The rotation enables the egg case to fit
into the flattened body. Here the eggs are protected from dessication (the
coverings of the ootheca are thin) and from parasitism. The nymphs hatch
directly from the brood pouch. The method of reproduction of Blaberus
spp. 1s similar.
The adults can fly—I have witnessed this occasionally, but the flight is
weak, and they do not seem able to gain height, which is just as well, as they
are kept in an open aquarium tank! This species likes fruit. A very strong
culture in a 2 ft. tank ate 2 whole apples (cut in half) in 24 hours! However,
fruit does not appear to be essential. This species has been recorded as a
pest, so perhaps some care is needed in handling it.
Blaberus craniifer is a large species, about 24” long and over |” wide
(over wings). The common name, “Giant Death’s Head Cockroach’, is
due to the markings on the pronotum which have a fanciful resemblance to
a skull (a little far-fetched, I think!). The nymphs are most attractive, with
light and dark brown markings, flattened, but appear almost round when
viewed from above at certain stages. When disturbed they either feign death
or burrow into the litter. The life cycle takes about a year. The natural
habitat of this Mexican species is under rotten logs. B. discoidalis, which is
also in culture in this country, is similar, but smaller.
Cockroaches are a specialist interest, without the bright colours
associated with other groups, and with unpleasant associations in the
minds of some people. However, the very large tropical species repay study,
as relatively little is known of their biology as compared with the American
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 153
Cockroach. It is to be hoped that the number of species of these un-
demanding insects that are available will increase. This can only benefit the
study of entomology.
I would like to thank B. Gardiner Esq., Dept. of Zoology, Cambridge
University, for his advice on the culture of cockroaches.
P. S. Clark (4488)
REFERENCES
CORNWELL, P. B. (1968). ‘The Cockroach’ (Hutchinson).
REARING ANTHERAEA YAMAMAI Guérin-Meneville
FROM EUROPEAN OVA
In August 1968, while staying with some friends in S. Austria near a
town called Mureck, I found a female silkmoth beneath an electric light on
the wall of their farmhouse.
Being unable to identify the moth, I confined it to a box to obtain ova,
which I did. As they did not hatch out within the following three weeks I
assumed them to be infertile, or that they would overwinter as ova.
But they did hatch out the following year in mid-April. I supplied them
with a variety of leaves on which to feed (Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Rose,
Plum etc.), and found most of them preferred Hawthorn. I reared them on
this until their 3rd instar. (This is when I obtained a copy of the Silkmoth
Rearer’s Handbook and was able to identify them as A. yamamai). Then I
gave them a mixture of Oak and Hawthorn, and found they relished one as
much as the other.
They fed up and pupated in June, spinning white, whole cocoons, the
outer layer of which varied from pale green to yellow.
The adults started emerging in August and as no information on
pairing was present in the Silkmoth Rearer’s Handbook I confined three
adults (2 males, 1 female) to a 36 cm x 22 cm x 22 cm high box, the top of
which was covered with netting.
The moths started to fly as soon as the light faded, and two of them
paired some ten minutes later, staying as such for only 15 minutes. This I
found was the rule, and only occasionally did a pair stay together until
morning.
Ova of the above pairings were kept and reared the following year.
In subsequent summers I was able to observe A. yamamai in the wild and
collect fresh ova, and make the following observations.
(1) The adults occurred and came to light during August; most of the
ones coming to light being males. The moths also occurred in large numbers
and could be found in S. Steiermark and S. Burgenland in S. Austria and
Slovenia in N. Yugoslavia.
(2) Adults occurred in many colour-forms, the most common being a
greyish-yellow the rarest being a canary-yellow.
154 NOVEMBER, 1973
(3) The larvae can be fed on Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Beech and Sweet-
chestnut, but prefer Oak to all of these.
The moth is spreading northwards in Europe, according to the Vienna
Natural History Museum, and has become firmly established since it’s
initial introduction in the 1860’s. It is a native of Japan.
A. R. Pittaway (4802)
A STAINING TECHNIQUE FOR WING VENATION
STUDIES
For some time now IJ have been looking for a method of preparing the
wings of micro-lepidoptera in a way that would demonstrate clearly the
pattern of wing venation. When dealing with the larger moths and
butterflies it is often quite sufficient to remove the scales by rubbing the
wings between one’s fingers but clearly this is liable to damage the smaller
and much more delicate micros. In Mr G. Thomson’s article in the May
1965 edition of the Bulletin (Bull. amat. Ent. Soc. 24: 56-57) a method is
described whereby wings are first bleached and then used like a photo-
graphic negative to produce a print on photographic paper. To do the same
for the smaller moths would inevitably require the use of an enlarger.
The most successful technique I have tried so far has evolved from a
series of experiments in which certain stains were found to colour the veins
much more strongly than the wing membrane, thus producing a preparation
in which the detailed structure of the wing is very clearly seen.
The materials necessary for carrying out the work can be obtained
from any of the firms selling microscopical equipment and reagents.
MATERIALS. Lignin Pink powdered stain. Several small dishes
Isopropyl alcohol eg. solid watch glasses
Gurr’s Neutral Mountant. Small bottles to hold the
Conc. Hydrochloric acid.* stain and the bleach.
Household Bleach. Slides and coverslips.
It is important that the mountant be miscible with the alcohol. If
another mountant is used it may be necessary to use a different alcohol.
THE STAIN. 10 drops of cone. HCI are added to 10 mls. of alcohol. A
minute quantity of the powdered stain (as much as will cover the tip of a
penknife blade), is dissolved in a little water and then added to the acidified
alcohol; the ingredients are then thoroughly mixed together.
THE BLEACH. This should be diluted to half its strength with water.
PROCEDURE. Small quantities of the diluted bleach, the stain, and the
alcohol should each be poured into small glass dishes. Ideally, there should
be three dishes for the alcohol to avoid any mixing of the solutions during
the operation.
*Editor’s note : Care must be taken with dangerous chemicals.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 155
I find that wings are most easily removed from set specimens since it is
then possible to get close to the base with very fine forceps.
1. Transfer wings to alcohol—1 minute.
2. Transfer to bleach—usually less than 5 minutes. If left for too long the
wings tend to soften.
3. Rinse in alcohol—30 seconds.
4. Stain—at least 2 hours. Hind wings take longer than forewings and do
not stain so deeply.
5. Wash in alcohol to remove excess stain.
6. Mount in Neutral Mountant on a microscope slide and cover with a
coverslip.
The main drawback in this method is the length of time required for
staining. I have tried using different stains but have found that in some
cases, for example with aceto-carmine, aniline blue, and nigrosin, the
scales became so densely coloured that the veins were totally obscured.
With safrinin “O”, or eosin, there was practically no staining effect.
Aqueous eosin is precipitated from solution by acid.
Glacial acetic acid gave fairly good results when used with lignin pink
but there was a tendency for the scales to stain more heavily. Acid seems to
be an essential ingredient of the staining solution, since I was unable to get
any results when it was omitted. Doubling the quantity of acid did not
reduce the staining time.
The stain described above can also be used for genitalia preparations,
and for this, satisfactory results are often obtained with a staining time of
five minutes.
B. Morrison (3761)
BEETLES IN YORKSHIRE
On a recent visit (on the 4th March 1973) to the site of a coleoptera
survey being carried out by a colleague and ourselves, the area under
investigation was the north facing hillside sward near the scarp of the
Yorkshire Wolds. Under the turf high on the hillside we discovered many
larvae (about twenty to the square foot). Some were taken for further
observation. By using the “‘Coleopterist’s Handbook’’—our most useful
asset—we identified them as belonging to the family Dascillidae, of which
only two species occur. On reaching the adult stage, we were able to
identify them as Dascillus cervinus L. A week later than the above visit
there was no trace of the larvae to be found at the site although those in
captivity had not yet undergone metamorphosis. Digging deeper and
breaking the turf failed to reveal signs, yet there was no evidence of pupae,
imagines or parasites. We would welcome any opinions as to what had
occurred. Other species found were Agriotes obscurus L., Serica brunnea L.
and Feronia madida Fab.
R. D. Cawkwell (5076) D. G. Sanders (4898)
156 NOVEMBER, 1973
AN UNUSUAL HABITAT
This article is about one and a half years of moth trapping in an area
where one would hardly expect much at all, but to my surprise and delight
the area has proved quite productive.
The area in question is the highly urbanised East end of London.
Although there are not many factories around the area in which I lived
(Newham) there is certainly not much open iand. The majority of Newham
consists of terraced houses and skyscraper blocks (Remember Ronan
Point?). There is however, a piece of land some 400 yds. x 200 yds. which
used to be the council rubbish dump (hence its local name of “The Dumps’’).
This area I know very well and it is now covered with many species of low
plants. There are also many bushes, most of which are Elder (does anything
feed on this?), but there are one or two sallows, poplars and hawthorns. It
is this area which, I believe harbours most of the insect population that
appeared in my trap.
“The Dumps”’ is about 4+ mile from my house, in the garden of which
is situated my trap (125 watt MV pearl bulb). The 30’ x 15’ garden has a
40’ high wall at the bottom and 6’ high walls either side, so how the moths
see the light is a mystery.
The list below includes all species taken in the trap which was running
between July 1971 and August 25th 1972. They are listed in accordance
with the latest edition of South’s British Moths.
Mimas tiliae Linn. Cc Ceramica pisi Linn.
Smerinthus ocellata Linn. 4 Discestra trifolii Hufn.
Laothoe populi Linn. Cc Hadena bicolorata Hufn.
Deilephilia elpenor Linn. Cc H. bicruris Hufn.
Harpyia bifida Brahm. 1 Orthosia gothica Linn.
Cerura vinula Linn. c O. stabilis Schiff.
Phalera bucephala Linn. 1 O. incerta Hufn.
Tethea ocularis Linn. 10 O. gracilis Schiff.
Cilix glaucata Scop. 1 Leucania pallens Linn.
Orgyia antiqua Linn. few L. impura Hiibn.
Euproctis chrysorrhoea Linn. 3 L. lythargyria Esp.
E. similis Fuess. few L. conigera Schiff.
Cucullia umbratica Linn.
C. asteris Schiff.
Xylocampa areola Esp.
Allophyes oxyacanthae Linn.
Anchoscelis litura Linn.
Cirrhia icteritia Hufn.
C. ocellaris Borkh.
Cryphia perla Schiff.
Apatele aceris Linn.
A. megacephala Schiff.
A. psi Linn.
A. rumicis Linn.
Amhipyra tragopognis Clerck
Mormo maura Linn.
Dyptergia scabriuscula Linn.
Apamea lithoxylae Schiff.
A. monoglypha Hufn.
A. sordens Hufn.
A. secalis Linn.
Leucoma salicis Linn.
Agrotis segetum Schiff.
A, puta Hiibn.
A, exclamationis Linn.
A, ipsilon Hufn.
Spaelotis ravida Schiff.
Diarsia rubi View.
Ochropleura plecta Linn.
Amathes c-nigrum Linn.
A. xanthographa Schiff.
Axylia putris Linn.
Euschesis janthina Schiff.
E. comes Hiibn.
E. interjecta Hiibn.
Noctua pronuba Linn.
Lampra fimbriata Schreb.
Mamestra brassicae Linn.
Melenchra persicariae Linn.
Diataraxia oleraceae Linn.
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AES BUELETIN; Vol._32 157
X. ferrugata Clerck
Euphyia bilineata Linn.
Pelurga comitata Linn.
Lygris mellinata Fab.
Dysstroma truncata Hufn.
Epirrhoe alternata Mull.
Eupithecia linariata Schiff.
E. pulchellata Steph.
E. centaureata Schiff.
E. absinthiata Clerck
E. assimilata Doubl.
E. vulgata Haw.
E. icterata de Vill.
E. succenturiata Linn.
E. indigata Hiibn.
Chloroclystis rectangulator Linn.
Gymnoscelis pumilata Hiibn.
Operophtera brumata Linn.
Abraxas grossulariata Linn.
Campaea margritata Linn.
Gonodontis bidentata Clerck
Crocallis elinguaria Linn.
Ourapteryx sambucaria Linn.
Opsthograptis luteolata Linn.
Lycia hirtaria Clerck
Biston betularia Linn.
Menophra abruptaria Thunb.
Cleora rhomboidaria Schiff.
Ttame wauaria Linn.
Chisma clathrata Linn.
Zeuzera pyrina Linn.
Hepialus humuli Linn.
H. lupulina Linn.
Procus literosa Haw.
P. furuncula Schiff.
Eremobia ocholeuca Schiff.
Luperina testacea Schiff.
Phlogophora meticulosa Linn.
Thalpophila matura Hufn.
Caradrina morpheus Hufn.
C. alsines Brahm.
C. ambigua Schiff.
C. clavipalpis Scop.
Gortyna micacea Esp.
G. flavago Schiff.
Pyrrhia umbra Hufn. 1
Cosmia trapezina Linn.
Rhizedra lutosa Hufn.
Arenstola pygmina Haw.
Catocola nupta Linn.
Euclidimer mi Clerck
Polychrisia moneta Fab.
Plusia gamma Linn.
Unca triplasia Linn.
Scoliopteryx libatrix Linn.
Nola cucullatella Linn.
Spilosoma lubricipeda Linn.
S. lutea Hufn.
Cycnia mendica Clerck
Phragmatobia fulignosa Linn.
Arctia caja Linn.
Callimorpha jacobaeae Linn.
Hemithea aestivaria Hiibn.
Calothysanis amata Linn.
Sterrha vulpinaria H.-S.
S. interjectaria Boisd.
S. aversata Linn.
Xanthorhoe fluctuata Linn.
I use the term “few” for old approx. records and it can be taken to
mean between 5-20.
The S. ravida that were taken were a male (31/8/1971) and a female
(21/8/1972). The female laid approx. 350 eggs which (all but a few) changed
from a pale straw colour to a shiny grey, however they did not hatch.
Among the C. per/a were 3 bright orange specimens (ab. ochracea ?),
a very dark grey specimen and several darker than normal forms (Melanics ?)
Of the 17 B. betularia, 16 where ab. carbonaria and one was a type.
Other melanics where C. rectangula (all), M. abruptaria (50%), A. mono-
glypha (3 only) and C. rhomboidaria (one only). Several of the other species
contained darker than normal forms.
Well if this article has a moral, it is that the collector would perhaps be
doing the entomological world a greater service by trying out areas that are
not ““known”’ collecting areas.
Iam now at 10 Elms Farm Road, Elm Park, Hornchurch, Essex, and
would appreciate hearing from anyone who knows/lives in the area, or
indeed from any fellow collectors.
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W. Coster (4697)
REFERENCES
ALLAN, P. B. M. (1943), Talking of Moths. The Montgomery Press, Newtown.
Forp, PR. L. E. (1963), Practical Entomology. Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd., London.
158 NOVEMBER, 1973
REARING THE LESSER SWALLOW PROMINENT
PHEOSIA GNOMA FAB.
According to Newman and Leeds, it is a moth very difficult to rear in
captivity—I agree. The larvae are scarce in the Doncaster region and of the
odd ones I have managed to beat in 25 years collecting, never once did I
succeed in rearing them. In the early 1950’s a Wakefield entomologist
published a solution in a local journal, saying that unless his method is
followed you are doomed to disappointment. In 1956 I managed to beat a
couple of larvae, and put it to the test. They can be reared indoors until
they are nearly full fed and then must be sleeved out on growing Birch.
As a preliminary, you need a pot about 5” diameter—the modern
plastic ones are admirable, as they are very lignt, and fill it with a nice
friable mixture of sandy soil and powdered peat, which must be damp.
The open end of the sleeve is then tied round the pot, which may require a
little support from a higher branch; the larvae readily pupate in this, and
after a lapse of time, can be retrieved and the cocoons placed in your pupa
box.
Both my specimens emerged in 1957, and are the only ones I have ever
bred.
L. G. F. Waddington (169)
FURTHER NOTES ON THE YEAR 1972
On reading Mr Cribb’s notes on the 1972 season I immediately took
out my notebook to compare our “years”. Most of the notes did not look
too good but here are some of the best.
May 11 Orange Tip, Anthocharis cardamines L., males on the wing.
May 17 Peacock, Jnachis io L., Pieris brassicae L., P. rapae L., P. napi L.
and Cinnabar Moth, C. jacobaeae L. all seem to be fairly
common.
June 1 Went to Holme (just outside Scunthorpe) with Mr Johnson
(4074) and observed female Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni L.,
flying around a Buckthorn Bush (Rhamnus sp.). On searching we
found one egg which proved to be infertile. Other Lepidoptera
seen were Aglais urticae L., J. io. the Wall Butterfly, Lasiommata
megera L., the Mother Shipton moth, Euclidimera mi Cl. Also
taken various larvae of Geometridae and the Vapourer Moth,
Orgyia antiqua L. Found larvae of the Orange Tip.
June 15 Orange Tip larvae already in 4th instar. Pupae of P. brassicae
(overwintered) still not hatched.
June 17 Larvae of Garden Tiger, Arctia caja L., on waste ground in
Scunthorpe.
July 1 Saw imago of Wood Tiger, Parasemia plantaginis L. on visit to
Turbury Nature Reserve, Epworth, Lincs.
AES BULLETIN. Vol. 32 159
July 7 Normanby Hall M.V. meeting. Fair number of moths including
Plain and Beautiful Gold Y (Plusia iota L. and P. pulchrina Haw.),
Biston betularia L. (Melanic) Eumichtis adusta Esp., and the Peach
Blossom, Thyatira batis L.
July 26 Caught an immaculate Habrosyne derasa L. at light in garden.
Aug. 7 Caught fresh Scalloped Oak, Crocallis elinguaria L. in garden.
Aug. 13 Caught ancient Gothic moth, Phalena typica L. on Buddleia,
quite inebriated.
Generally it was a poor year for migrant insects in Lincolnshire. I did
not see one Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui L., or Red Admiral, V. atalanta L.
There were few Small Coppers, Lycaena phlaeas L., and no Common Blues,
Polyommatus icarus Rott. One dreams of times when summer came in the
summer.
R. K. Moore (4508)
OBTAINING BUTTERFLY EGGS IN CAPTIVITY
Many moths will lay their eggs on the sides of cages or boxes. Whole
families, such as the Saturniidae, do not feed as adults. Butterflies however,
are more troublesome. All feed as adults. Furthermore they will rarely lay
on anything except their foodplant.
Butterflies may be fed on either natural or artificial flowers. Should
natural flowers be used the lower leaves must be stripped off and the stems
placed in a jar of water, the neck being stuffed with cotton wool or a
““Kleenex’”’ tissue. It is best to renew the flowers every two days. The kind of
flower to use depends on the species of butterfly, some preferring one sort,
others another. This is something that can only be learnt by observing
which flowers the butterflies normally visit in the field. There are however
certain useful standbys on which most butterflies will feed, such as Valerian,
Buddleia, Mint, Lantana, Lucerne and Lobelia. If butterflies are being bred
regularly it is an excellent plan to have various flowers in pots. The last two
mentioned above grow both well and quickly when sown from seed.
Artificial flowers have many advantages. They do not take up so much
room in the cage, nor do they make a mess by dropping petals. The food
used in them consists of a 10% solution of clear honey in water, but equally
good results are obtainable by using sugar in most cases. The bulk supply
of food is best kept in a polythene “‘squeeze bottle” and can be stored for
several days in a refrigerator, the flowers being topped up daily and cleaned
out two or three times a week.
These artificial flowers are not those usually associated with the word
and sold in the place of real flowers for decoration. They consist of a glass
tube, 4” x 14”, which holds the honey solution, the lip of the tube being
surrounded by a painted corolla made of thin cardboard and glued to the
160 NOVEMBER, 1973
glass with “Araldite”. This corolla is 14” in diameter and must be painted
white with blue or yellow rays. Six such flowers should be mounted on a
piece of plywood which in turn is supported by a strong wire so that the
flowers are positioned two thirds up the height of the cage of butterflies.
There are a number of variations on these flowers. For durability and
ease of cleaning the glass tubes may be mounted directly into holes drilled
in a sheet of perspex, the corolla then being painted direct onto the perspex
around each tube.
Butterflies vary considerably in their ability to feed on artificial flowers.
Even different individuals of the same species show variation. As examples
no trouble has been experienced with Pieris rapae, Inachis io or Danaus
plexippus, but while some broods of Pieris brassicae will come and feed
happily, others will not. Neither will Papilio machaon. When it is noticed
that they are not coming to feed then they must be hand-fed. To do this,
pick the butterfly up, between finger and thumb, with the wings folded over
the back. Place it on the flower so that its feet are able to get a grip, then,
using a spreading needle, gently uncoil the proboscis and insert it into the
tube of honey. In the majority of cases the butterfly will commence to feed
and may then be released when it will continue to do so.
Contrary to popular belief many butterflies are comparatively long-
lived. Besides those, such as members of the genera Ag/ais and Gonepteryx,
which hibernate and therefore live for nearly a year, it should be possible to
keep many species alive in captivity for several weeks. If they die within a
week this is a sure sign that they are not getting enough food or are being
kept too hot and dry.
Having attended to the feeding, the next consideration is pairing. In
the case of the wild caught females this problem will not at first arise, as the
chances are very high that she has already mated. Nevertheless there
should be males in the same cage for, with a few exceptions (Parnassius
being physically incapable of pairing twice), most butterflies will mate
several times during their active egg-laying life. It has in fact been shown
that maximum egg production is only attained in P. brassicae when several
pairings take place. I have also noticed that Papilio tend to mate only once
but Danaus seem to mate every few days.
In order to obtain successful mating and oviposition it is essential that
they should be warm enough and I think that many failures may be
explained by their having been kept too cold. Whatever butterflies may do
in the field they do not always react to quite the same conditions in
captivity, and I find that below 20°C most species are rather inactive.
Between 25 and 30°C is a good optimum temperature for both mating and
oviposition. This must be regarded as a daytime temperature and it is best
to allow a considerable drop at night. Keeping up this temperature
continuously will only shorten their lives and, except in the case of tropical
species, will do more harm than would a touch of frost.
Wild caught butterflies are often already fertile. Bred ones however,
AES BUEEETIN. Vol.-32 161
must be mated or they will commence to lay infertile eggs. It is often stated
that sunlight is essential, but this is not entirely true. P. brassicae and I. io
have both been bred for several generations entirely by artificial illumina-
tion. Both these species as well as others frequently pair on dull, overcast
days. Pairing is, however, so much more likely to occur in sunlight that
advantage should be taken of it whenever possible. Not all species like the
direct blast of the sun, however, and a knowledge of the natural habitat is
useful in this respect. Some wood-loving butterflies which normally fly half
in shade prefer to have their cages partially shaded as well, the genus
Pararge for instance.
There is also an optimum age for pairing which in P. brassicae is 2-3
days, but this age will depend both on the species and the temperature at
which the emergent adults have been kept. At times pairing takes place
within hours of emergence, especially of the female. Hibernating butter-
flies though will not pair until the following spring and these are discussed
below. Generally speaking any butterfly over a day old is ready to pair.
Over this and the readiness to do so falls off.
There are two aspects to mating butterflies. Firstly, when there are a
number of both sexes available and, secondly, when only one pair is
available. In the first instance there is often little trouble and they will pair
up almost at once. In the second case, and this is one which arises whenever
genetical studies are being undertaken, it may often occur that no pairing
takes place. Like many animals butterflies may at times show a distinct
preference in their choice of partners and reject an otherwise apparently
suitable mate. One method of encouraging pairing is to keep the butterflies
away from all daylight for a couple of days and then, ensuring that the
temperature is high enough, bring them out suddenly into bright sunlight.
If this fails then it may be worth making an attempt at hand pairing. I must
point out, however, that I have never had great success at this myself. It is
a method developed for hybrid Papilios and with these fairly good results
have been obtained. It might also work with other large butterflies. With
small species there is considerable risk of injury during manipulation.
Nevertheless, especially with a rare species, or an important genetic
combination, it is at least worth giving a try. The male and female are
picked up, one in each hand, using finger and thumb as already described
for feeding. The male should be so held that very gentle pressure can be
exerted on the abdomen, this causing the claspers to open. The tips of the
two abdomens are now carefully juxtapositioned so that the female tip lies
between the claspers. They should now be held still for a few minutes. With
luck the male will grip the female and pairing will take place, the pair then
being carefully returned to their cage.
Once the butterfly is fed and mated she is ready to lay eggs. This will
be done over a period of days or weeks. At first only a few eggs will be laid,
the number gradually rising and then tapering off. After about a week an
opportunity should be allowed for a second pairing, it being best in fact to
162 NOVEMBER, 1973
leave the male or males in the same cage as the females all the time.
With a few exceptions the correct foodplant must be provided. A few
species, mainly Satyridae, will scatter their eggs on the floor of the cage.
Even these though are best provided with a pot of grass. There is no doubt
that a growing foodplant is best and, when a planned breeding programme
is being undertaken, this can be catered for in advance. Usually however
one never knows what butterflies may be coming to hand. Even in such
cases it is often possible to find and dig up wild foodplants and transfer
them to a pot.
The alternative to a potted plant is of course cut stems placed in a jar
of water. The great disadvantage of these is that the leaves seldom stay
fresh until the eggs hatch. Plants show great variations in keeping times in
water. Cabbage and Willow wilt very quickly, Privet, Nettles and Carrot
keep well. Once the eggs have been laid it is therefore best to remove them
to small plastic boxes in which the newly hatched larvae may also be
reared. It is also best not to allow too great an age scatter of eggs to
accumulate on the foodplants. Apart from the fact that some newly
hatched butterfly larvae are cannibals, small larvae hatching in a large cage
are easily lost.
For Satyrids which may lay over the floor of the cage, a good plan is to
line it with paper and gather up the eggs daily on this. Most grass-feeding
species I have reared go well on young wheat. This should be sown thickly
in shallow earthenware pans and when kept warm comes up in only a few
weeks, ready for use. Most grass feeders also lay readily on this young
growth.
There are a number of butterflies that present both difficulties and a
challenge when it comes to obtaining their eggs. These are the Lycaenidae
and the hibernating species.
In their early stages the Lycaenid caterpillar tends to feed internally in
flowerbuds, on which the eggs are laid. It is therefore almost essential to
have growing food for these. Furthermore, if there is more than one egg
per flowerbud only one larvae will survive. the first to hatch eating any
later rivals. Failing growing food, the only thing to do is to remove the
eggs and put them in plastic boxes. Keep a very close eye on them and as
soon as hatched transfer to freshly picked flowerbuds.
The other difficult group is the hibernators. With these, patience is
required. Normally such butterflies emerge in the autumn, feed for a
varying period and then hibernate until spring. Some of them however may
have one or more summer generations and it is therefore only the last
generation that presents any difficulty. One method of dealing with these is
to keep them fed and allow them to hibernate normally. If they are kept
warm however it will be found that a percentage of them will eventually
cease to have the hibernating desire and commence to pair. This occurs
with J. io and Vanessa atalanta, but it may be two months before they start
to lay eggs.
AES BUEEETIN; Vol._32 163
There remains the important question of where to keep the butterflies
and what to keep them in. All kinds of cages may be used. They should all
be light and airy. Small cages of a few cubic feet are in many instances
satisfactory, but the larger the butterfly then the larger the cages should be.
My own are of 25 cubic foot capacity, wood-framed, the sides mainly of
glass except for half of the front which is of muslin and allows entrance.
The top also is of muslin. In such cages I have kept many species. Where to
keep the cages is more important. One thing to be born in mind is that
butterflies pair much better when the light is coming at them from all
directions. A greenhouse is therefore the best place. Care must then be
taken, firstly that they do not get too hot during the day, which involves
keeping a close check on the ventilation, and, secondly, that they can be
kept warm enough during periods of inclement weather to ensure satis-
factory mating and oviposition. If an already heated greenhouse is available
well and good, but a far cheaper method is to install a low wattage tubular
heater inside the butterfly cage, controlled if possible by a thermostat.
Most of us however do not have a greenhouse available and have to make
do with a garden shed, corner of the garage, or perhaps a spare room in the
house. There is little doubt that butterflies do not do so well in such
situations. Whenever possible, therefore, remove the entire cage outside
into the sunlight.
At times, in spite of having given apparently ideal conditions, the
butterflies refuse to mate. In such cases the cause is almost certainly in the
butterflies themselves although the exact reason is hard to define. In-
breeding may be one cause, for it is said that this may “‘weaken”’ a stock,
although this does not by any means always happen. It may well be that
close relatives, such as brother and sister, have an inbuilt inhibitory
mechanism to prevent them pairing. I have had certain Pieris butterflies
refuse to pair and these same insects have later paired readily with an
unrelated stock. At other times, although normal pairing has taken place,
only infertile, or poorly fertile eggs are laid. This may also be due to
inbreeding, or, in the case of certain genetic strains, a lethal factor. It is
also known that if the larvae of the moth Arctia caja be reared at too higha
temperature, infertile eggs result in the next generation. A similar mechan-
ism may well occur in some of the butterflies. These factors account for the
occasional failure; it is only if there is consistent failure that it is necessary
to re-examine our breeding conditions.
Brian O. C. Gardiner (225)
A CORRECTION
Referring to my article in the February 1973 Bulletin on my trip to
Greece, I find that on closer examination the butterfly referred to as
Cyaniris helena Stdgr. is in fact Agrodiaetus admetus Esp.
G. Smith (4950)
164 NOVEMBER, 1973
NOTES ON LEPIDOPTERA BREEDING CAGES
During the Winter I take stock of my entomological apparatus and
think about replacing it. With Spring being not so far off, I thought of
breeding cages and here are my views on them.
I rear Lepidoptera to familiarise myself with larvae so that I can
identify them when I meet them again, occasionally to photograph them
and, in the case of “‘micros’’, to obtain cabinet specimens. This is probably
the easiest way of obtaining “‘micros”’ and certainly an interesting one. It
would serve no purpose to describe the many types of cage possible (many
varieties are dealt with in various AES publications, although the materials
used are often much out of date). A cage must necessarily keep its occu-
pants in, preferably be cheap, be easy to clean and robust, and allow for
observation and experiment.
Most commercially available cages fall short of these demands. They
are usually some type of box or cylinder. The cylinder type is one of the
cheaper and better varieties, but I do not use it. After a few years the
cellulose acetate cylinder darkens and becomes brittle. Moisture condenses
on the sides when any reasonable amount of foodplant is placed in them
and the foodplant is difficult to remove or replace. Larvae which pupate
underground are easily accommodated but those which spin up on the
sides of the cage are not. Cylinder cages are easy to make, but tins for the
bases are hard to come by.
Of the box type of cage I use Worldwide Butterflies’ “Economy Cage”
which is essentially an eight inch cube of cardboard and netting. It is fairly
cheap and not as flimsy as it sounds. The top does not fit very well, but a
little bending of the cardboard sides leaves gaps no larger than the netting
mesh. It obviously cannot be used out of doors, but I have liberally
varnished some of mine for use in a damp garage and they have stood up to
it very well. I use this cage because it is cheap, very light in weight, the
netting is easy to see through and it is easily stacked. Although small it can
be crammed with foodplant without any fear of water condensation. When
rearing “‘macro”’ larvae indoors I use this cage extensively. It is also useful
as an emergence cage since moths can climb the netting or cardboard sides
and hang from the top. I have kept ten fully grown larvae of the Indian
Moon Moth (Actias selene Hiibn.) in one of these cages without any
difficulties due to overcrowding. It would be easy to make these cages, but I
do not think they would work out much cheaper than if they are bought.
Larger cages made from net covered wood frames and a hardboard base
would be useful and cheaper than commercial cages of the same size.
The cage I use most often is simply a plastic box. These are cheap,
transparent, very easily cleaned and can be written on with a wax pencil.
A box two inches in diameter is ideal for a single, small larvae. I rear all my
Totricids right through to imagines in these boxes, clearing out the frass
and adding a fresh leaf occasionally. When used indoors condensation is
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 165
not much trouble and can be overcome by opening the box for a few hours.
When dealing with large numbers of “micro” larvae from various habitats
it is essential to keep each separate or records become very confused and
small plastic boxes here become essential. Larger boxes are useful when
large caterpillars or several small ones of the same species are being reared.
Clear sandwich boxes with a transparent, airtight, push-on lid, measuring
yee wands), X45" x 2” are the best to use.
I also use plastic boxes for newly hatched larvae but great care must be
taken to avoid condensation on the one hand and drying of the foodplant
on the other. If I have a reasonably large batch of ova (twenty or more) I
usually rear half of the newly hatched larvae in a sleeve out of doors and
half indoors. The likelihood of losing them all is reduced and the com-
parison of growth rates is interesting. The larvae reared outside should
mature naturally so the imagines can be released in a suitable locality to
mix with the wild population.
Most of my breeding is done indoors where the temperature is fairly
even, hence the caterpillars are not in anything like their normal environ-
ment and, while I record details of hatching, etc., they cannot be considered
to apply to the wild population.
My few outdoor cages are all sleeves used when a growing foodplant is
available or for hibernating larvae; sleeves are very useful but I am apt to
forget about them. I have used muslin and nylon netting for sleeves and I
prefer a netting sleeve as there is no need to undo it to look at the inmates
and the mesh lets the frass through. Muslin has the advantage of imprison-
ing small caterpillars but it shrinks fearfully in the rain. Fine mesh nets are
rather expensive, but nylon netting and muslin are both cheap.
My choice of cage is influenced by the foodplant as well as by the
larval size. Flower-feeding caterpillars do not do well in plastic boxes as
most flowers quickly rot and cannot be removed without serious inter-
ference: sleeving a growing plant is best. Some twigs do not keep well in
water, particularly birch and oak, while oak in a plastic box keeps little
better than a flower. Hazel is often a good substitute for oak.
My range of cages is very limited but I find it suitable for most
caterpillars as well as many other insects. I do not believe in spending a lot
of time in making cages, as it is better spent on observation.
| B. Coles (3533)
BUTTERFLIES ON FRESH TAR
Mr Stallwood’s mention of butterflies being attracted to fresh tar in his
interesting article in the May Issue of the Bulletin reminds me that I once
captured three male specimens of Apatura iris L. which were flying along
and settling on a freshly tarred road which ran through a Wiltshire wood.
D. W. H. Ffennell (4020)
166 NOVEMBER, 1973
A CAGE FOR REARING CATERPILLARS |
Aside from providing decent board and lodging for caterpillars, an
indoor larval cage which is to be produced in reasonable quantity should
be simple to construct, cheap, and able to withstand a certain amount of
rough handling during the hectic days of summer. Also, I personally find
that the water container for foodplant is a nuisance when placed inside the
cage. The following design thus allows for the siting of the water container
(jar, bottle, or plastic box) underneath the cage floor with, it must be
admitted, loss of a certain amount of breeding space.
The construction of the cage is as shown in the diagram. Side walls,
for lack of money, I have made chiefly from discarded pieces of plywood
(we live next door to a carpenter’s workshop), but the odd pieces of hard-
board that have come my way have proved far more satisfactory. The
rough side of the hardboard forms the inside walls and “‘lid’”’ and gives the
larvae excellent purchase. Plywood may be covered with netting or rough
cardboard if desired, but this adds to the work.
The two open sides I generally cover with butter-muslin to simulate
the semi-gloom of the great forests, but mosquito-netting or curtain
material makes for easier observation.
The top may be secured by means of an elastic band fitted over the
wire loops (a strong arrangement), or a hinge can be made from wide
masking-tape or similar material.
When fitting the second side, incidentally, secure it with one nail, then
stand the cage upright and adjust until it does not rock. Then nail firmly
into place.
The floor I have in some cases provided with a single large hole (cut to
specific sizes with circular saws fitted to a power drill), in others with several
smaller holes. The main problem here is that you must decide in advance
what size water container you will be using with a particular cage, and drill
the holes accordingly. The bottom of the cage clears the top of the water
container by 5-10 mm., and so long as you work within the circumference
of the latter, there is considerable lee-way as regards size, number and
arrangement of holes. The holes are drilled before assembly.
I do not myself fit a second floor beneath the water container since I
can then lift the whole cage, complete with food-plant, when required to
replenish the water. With the slight clearance given and the protection of
the two sides it is not possible to accidentally knock the water container
over with the cage in position. When lifting the cage, the thickness of the
wooden floor (constructed of combination-board or equivalent) prevents
the stems of the foodplant from slipping very far sideways.
Small holes when not in use are plugged with cotton wool. For one big
cage with four large holes I simply nailed a piece of plywood to one surface
of each of the discs cut out, and these can now be used as a sort of bung for
holes not in use.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 167
The height of the cage depends mainly on the use to which it will
generally be put. Long, thin stems such as those of grasses require a long,
slim cage (wide enough to put your arm into, however); low-growing
plants such as violets (Viola spp.) and Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus sp.) fit
nicely into a cage of ““dumpy” stature. If only a few cages are to be con-
structed, it is obviously better to make these fairly tall, as they can then be
used for all types of foodplants.
I have successfully used such a cage on occasion for egg-laying female
moths, after covering the wooden sides and top with paper lightly glued in
place to facilitate removal of the eggs. With the opening at the top,
however, raising the lid will more often than not result in your nimble
butterfly sallying forth into the great world, and personally I am sick of
chasing butterflies up window-panes.
irom 973 Leigh Plester (2968)
168 NOVEMBER, 1973
BUTTERFLIES IN JAPAN
I would refer to the article by Mr Harrington in the Bulletin on his
visit to Japan (Harrington, 1972). As I am familiar with the butterflies and
moths of Japan I would like to add my comments to his observations and
suggest some corrections in regard to the species described.
Graphium doson albidum is a southern species and in Japan occurs
only in the south west. Kyoto is central and I have not heard that this
species has been captured in this city. There are two species of Graphium in
Japan, the other being G. sarpedon L. which is very common and a familiar
butterfly in this area. It is found even in the cities as Kyoto because the
food plant grows in the streets, on school playing fields or in the gardens of
shrines and temples. I think the species described by Mr Harrington was
G. sarpedon.
Ypthima motschulskyi Brem. et Grey is a western species and not
common or very rare because it is very localised in Japan. The Asagiri
heights are 800-1200 metres above sea level and this is higher than the
normal altitude for this insect.
Of the species of the genus Limenitis, we have L. populi Linn. which is
very rare on the mainland of Japan. There are also Limenitis (Ladoga)
camilla Linn. and L. glorifica. The latter is less common than L. camilla.
Neptis hylas Linn. is a very southern species and not recorded on the
mainlands. It is found in the southern islands (Amami and Ryukyu). There
are six species of Neptis in Japan and WN. hylas and N. aceris are difficult to
distinguish apart but their distribution is different and it would seem that
this Neptis would be N. aceris.
Among the Colias there are two, C. palaeno L. an alpine species, and
C. erate Esp. which is found throughout Japan.
Zizina otis otis F. is not a Japanese species. There are two similar
genera Zizina and Zizeeria in Japan. Zizina are a southern group while
Zizeeria which was separated from Zizina in 1941 is very common in Japan.
The two genera are difficult to separate.
Udapses species are not recorded from the Japanese mainlands, being
found only on the islands at the southern tip. I was puzzled as to what
species these could be but believe that they were Daimio tethys Men. as the
Kanto form of the butterfly has a similar colour and pattern to Udapses.
In regard to the Moths, we have two Actias in Japan. One 1s Actias
artemis artemis Bremer and Grey and the second is A. se/ene gnoma Butler.
A. artemis is distributed throughout Japan but is not common and sub-
species are recorded in Korea, and Amur. A. se/ene is found in Hokkaido
and on the mainland but is very rare and quite difficult to distinguish from
A, artemis.
I hope that Mr Harrington will find these notes useful and that other
members will show an interest in the Lepidoptera of Japan.
31.5.1972 Yukiharu Mori (4657)
(Editor: Authors have been omitted in those cases where it has not been
possible to ascertain them).
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 169
REARING THE FOX MOTH (MACROTHYLACIA RUBI
LINN.)
The larvae of the Fox Moth are very handsome, in the first stages they
are a rich dark brown, almost black, with golden rings around the body.
They grow to a fine size and when fully grown are a velvet black, covered
in short chestnut and long glossy brown hairs.
All the literature I have seen on this species indicates that a high
proportion of the larvae die during their winter hibernation, the cause of
this being a white fungus or mould which attacks them as they lie torpid
during the winter months. Since, according to P. B. M. Allan (1943)
“Sudging by his (the Fox Moth) frequency he has no difficulty in braving
the winter when at large, yet to bring him through frost and snow, let alone
rain and fog (in captivity), is, ordinarily, quite a feat’. When I came across
a number of these larvae in early August on a hillside near Ystradfellte, a
village in Breconshire, South Wales, I returned to my home in Hertford-
shire wondering whether I had any chance in overwintering them.
Initially I placed the larvae in a cylindrical breeding cage and fed them
on Sallow (Salix caprea Linn.) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus Linn.) which
were freshly cut in the evening and placed in a food jar in the cage, taking
the usual precaution of packing the mouth of the food jar with moss to
stop the larvae crawling into the water and drowning.
About mid-September I took a large flowerpot and filled it with soil to
about three inches from the top. I cut a turf of fairly long grass, placed it in
the top of the pot and trimmed it to size. Grass at this time of the year is
beginning to die off and the larvae get right down amongst the base of the
stems to keep dry and warm when hibernating.
I buried a small glass food jar in the turf, flush with the surface, into
which I placed a spray of Bramble as foodplant since Sallow at this time of
the year is rather tough. Taking two withies from a hazel bush, I pushed
these down the sides of the flowerpot and bent them over, pushing them
into the opposite sides of the pot forming two cross over hoops. I then
covered this structure with muslin secured around the base with string.
Before I put the larvae onto the turf, two to a pot since they like a lot
of room, I checked the turf to make sure it was free of spiders and earwigs,
etc. I renewed the food supply daily since the weather at the end of Septem-
ber varies and the rubi larvae feed intermittently if it turns warm. I also
considered it important to remove daily any frass on the surface of the
grass as this would quickly encourage mould.
I continued to renew the food supply and to remove the frass until the
weather turned cold and the larvae crept down into the grass to hibernate
by making a hollow in the turf into which they curled in the form of tight
balls. Once the larvae had become dormant I covered them with loose, dry
grass as I felt it important to keep them fairly well protected from the
worst of the weather.
170 NOVEMBER, 1973
The flowerpots were kept in a sheltered place against the side of a shed
facing south and I erected a board over them to take the worst of the heavy
rainfall, but positioned it in such a way as to allow some moisture onto the
muslin.
At the beginning of March, as the weather became warmer, the larvae
crawled up to sun themselves (success!) and a few days later spun their
cocoons of grass mixed with their own hair. After a month I brought them
indoors and placed them on moist peat in an emerging cage. It was more
than satisfying in mid-May to find the moths starting to emerge.
I am not certain as to why I obtained complete success with my larvae,
a contributing factor could be that the conditions in which I kept them
were as natural as possible, although, R. L. E. Ford (1963) suggests that
rubi suffer high losses in the wild during the larval state due to mould. I
would like to feel that my success with these larvae was due to removal of
frass each day from the breeding cage, thus discouraging any mould
growth. However, it could be that mould is an unavoidable natural
condition and that I was lucky.
If, as Ford suggests, the losses are high in the wild state, one would
expect the Fox Moth to be uncommon, but it is not. Does this then indicate
that rubi is so numerous as a larvae that even after heavy losses it is still
widespread ? This would suggest a situation, although on a smaller scale,
not unlike that of Pieris brassicae Linn. (Large White Butterfly) which is
attacked by the parasitic Ichneumon Fly (Apanteles glomeratus) but
never-the-less is still common.
Philip Jenner (4647)
DWARF ORANGE TIPS
In recent Bulletins there have been references by K. A. Mosely and
S. H. G. Humfrey to the occurrence of dwarf imagines of Anthocharis
cardamines L. I have one taken at Horam in Sussex of which the wing span
is 35 mm. I also have a specimen of the Small White, Pieris rapae L.,
measuring only 32 mm.
A. J. May (4347)
Editor’s Note. In my experience such dwarf specimens are due to inadequate
food supply either due to the ovum being laid on an isolated plant, too
small to support the insect properly, or to plant dessication. This is
particularly true in the case of the Orange Tip as the egg is so often laid on
the flowers of an isolated Cardamine pratense L. plant. When more than
one egg is laid the larvae are cannibals and reduce the competition for food
but even then the larvae may be undernourished. It is well known that
many butterflies producing a second brood in hot climates, subject to arid
conditions, are often only half the size in the second brood and this seems
to be due solely to the dessication of the food plant. It is quite easy to
produce these dwarfs in captivity by under-feeding.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 171
REARING THE PINE HAWK
During a most unfruitful trunk-searching session on July 20th last I
suddenly caught sight of a large grey object perched about twenty feet up
on a Scots Pine trunk (Pinus sylvestris).
After a rather hair-raising climb during which I was supported mainly
by dead and rotting branches, I succeeded in boxing my desire in the
largest pillbox I had with me.
Upon my return to terra firma I[ discovered it was a magnificent
specimen of Pine Hawkmoth (Hy/oicus pinastri Linn.).
On my return home I placed her in a shoe-box together with a sprig
of Scots Pine, and in about six hours she had deposited twenty-five
yellowy-green eggs on the needles. These I snipped off, together with a
small piece of needle and placed on blotting paper in a small plastic box.
As I had already reared this species before (and in this I am indebted
to G. V. Day (29) for much useful information concerning it) I was wise to
a few of its idiosyncrasies, and thus when the eggs eventually hatched I
transferred the minute green-grey larvae to a fresh sprig of pine.
For a week or so they were kept in a small plastic lunchbox, but when
they had grown large enough I put them in a large cylindrical cage where,
even though the foodplant was not in water (which I had been advised
rendered them liable to a condition from which they rarely recovered),
eleven of them I found lifeless at the bottom of the cage. Fearing an epi-
demic I gathered up the remaining larvae and put them in a meticulously
clean cage, where they enjoyed Five-Star comfort with all ““mod. cons’’.
The larvae had, by the beginning of October changed from green to a
rather oily brown, as though they had fallen in a vat of castor oil. As they
were getting quite large now, I filled the base of the cage with peat, and by
the fifteenth of October a few of the larvae had disappeared into the soil.
The remainder swiftly followed, bar two which, due to a parasitical cause
began to shrink, and in a few days they were both limp and lifeless.
At the end of November, I decided to store the pupae in an airtight
box, and after excavating about five cms. I found the first pupae which had
made itself a flimsy cell. All the others had also pupated at around this
level even though there was ten cms. of peat available.
The pupae were carefully laid in a plastic box on cellulose wadding (a
material which has served me well for this purpose, as it has no tendency to
stick to the pupa as cotton wool does). During the winter months I
inspected the pupae about once a month, and gave them a light mist spray
of luke warm water.
In May they were taken out of the box and laid on moist peat in a
spacious cage where the first moth (a male) emerged on May 30th and
eight more between then and July 12th. Two of these I kept and the rest
were released where I had found the original female so that they might
reinforce the wild breeding stock of the area.
Clive Sheppard (4431)
172 NOVEMBER, 1973
KEEPING THOSE ANTS AT BAY (AND ALIVE)
I refer to I. Scott’s troubles with keeping his ants. I offer the following
observations which he may find helpful. Insects flourish best in captivity
when given as much space as possible so the Formicarium should be as big
as is convenient. Ants can roam over any surface, even when upside down,
within their foraging area. The ants’ nests at the London Zoo are given
about three feet in each direction but this may be too large for the average
amateur. A moat of water is still the best way to confine the ants but the
base of the “island” should slope gently towards the water and not end
abruptly in a “cliff over which the ants are sure to fall. They need water
and can get what they want from the water’s edge of the sloping shore.
Water will have to be added daily in hot weather to compensate for
evaporation and a wide wall brush should be passed over the surface to
remove debris and film which forms on the surface and enables ants to
cross over. Outdoor cages should be protected from birds and it is suffi-
cient to form a frame of timber which is then covered with nylon netting of
the type used to cover fruit bushes.
BOWL FoR NEST
CEMENT
WATER
MoAT WOODEN
BASE
Section at Formicart
The making of the cage can be as follows. A plastic washing-up bowl is
placed on an old table top or similar flat board of the dimensions suggested
above, in the centre of the board with the bowl mouth upwards. A mound
of cement/sand mixture is built up round the bowl to its lip and then
dished away and down to be raised again at the periphery of the table so
that a moat is formed around the central island (see sketch). The ant’s nest
is set in the bowl with soil and litter from the original site of the nest if
possible. It is a heavy contraption so should be made in situ.
Do not use DDT to prevent roaming as the ants will bring it back into
the nest with fatal results. Suitable food for the ants to collect can be
placed in spots around the island.
T. P. Payne (4688)
THE GLOW WORM—A GENERATOR OF COLD LIGHT
When one switches on an electric bulb, a certain amount of light is
obtained but at the same time much energy is wasted in heat. About 15 % of
the energy is producing light and this is a great waste of resources. The
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 173
ideal would be to produce “cold light” where all the electrical energy was
used to produce light. Nature has solved this problem in the Glow Worm.
If a specimen is touched you will observe that the source of the light glow is
cold. The Glow Worm is a member of the Genus Lampyris which is
comprised of several species of Beetle (Coleoptera) and the glow is con-
fined to the female of the insect in the case of the British Lampyris noctiluna
L. and she is also wingless. Some foreign species are winged in both sexes
and may both bear a “‘lamp”’.
The larvae of the Glow Worm are carnivorous, living in the soil, litter
or in crevices of woodlands, hedgerows, etc. Their main food is snails
which they anaesthetise by injection and drink when the contents of the
Shell have deliquesced.
The Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon which occurs not only
in insects but also in other living organisms such as Myriapods, certain
fishes, etc. The Glow Worm produces light as a result of respiration.
Oxygen is conveyed to the organs by means of spiracles and tracheae. The
exoskeletal structure of the posterior abdominal segments is modified. It
consists of a number of cells nourished by a dense network of tracheae—
ensuring a plentiful supply of oxygen. Among the cell structure are cor-
puscles that generate the light—the photogenic cells, impregnated with
luciferin, a fatty substance. When oxygen reaches the photogenic cells via
the spiracles, it combines with the luciferin. The chemical reaction is
accelerated by another organic substance, /uciferase, which acts as a
catalyst. The oxidated luciferase then becomes oxy-luciferin.
Oxy-luciferin is luminescent, but this is not the end of the process. Ina
car headlamp, the light is amplified by a reflector behind the bulb. In
principle the same is to be found in the Glow Worm. Behind the layer of
cells that generate the light there is another reflector layer consisting of
cells impregnated with urea and xanthein. This layer acts as a mirror, both
reflecting and amplifying the light from the photogenic cells.
The process of bioluminescence is a slow transformation by oxidation
of chemical energy into luminous energy. The resultant light is ‘“‘cold”—
none of the energy is used in producing heat and we have a 100 per cent use
of energy for light production. Man lags behind in this field as the most
advanced artificial lighting achieved by low-pressure fluorescence yields a
60 per cent light production. However some people take advantage of the
natural perfect light. In Central America and in the West Indies they catch
giant Glow Worms which emit a splendid light and keep them in cages—an
economical and remarkable means of illumination.
C. P. J. Samson (4601)
Editor: The other British Lampyrid is Phosphaenus hemipterus Goeze, a
rare beetle which the late H. J. Cribb used to find among the gravestones of
a Sussex Churchyard. Both sexes are luminescent.
174 NOVEMBER, 1973
A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF THE FOOD AND FEEDING
HABITS OF ADULT BUTTERFLIES (Concluded)
LYCAENIDAE
Lampides boeticus L.
My only encounter with the Long-tailed Blue was in France, when a
specimen was seen sitting on a cigarette packet. They appear to have a
liking for artificial objects. South (1921) refers to two individuals taken in
different parts of Britain in 1899 both sitting on a window. P. W. Cribb
tells me, in correspondence, that it visits moist patches and sheep-droppings,
particularly in Spain, in areas where there are no flowers. He has also seen
it settled on Leguminosae spp., but more likely ovipositing than feeding.
Kerner (1895) mentions it feeding from Colutea arborescens L. in
Europe.
Cupido minimus Fuessl. Proboscis: 5-54 mm
I have observed the Small Blue feeding from the flowers of its larval
foodplant Anthyllis vulneraria L. in the spring, and examples of the summer
brood on Lotus corniculatus L. It is no doubt attracted to other members of
the Leguminosae, and has certainly been observed to visit wet mud.
Everes argiades Pall.
My only experience of the Short-tailed Blue was in France, where I
found two worn females ovipositing on Medicago lupulina L., but unfor-
tunately they were not seen to feed. No doubt the small species of Legu-
minosae also supply the nectar they need.
Plebejus argus L. Proboscis: 7-9 mm
My records for the Silver-studded Blue show only Erica cinerea L. but
I should be surprised if it did not visit FE. tetralix L. and Calluna vulgaris
(L.) Hull as well.
Like many species of ““Blues”’ it is fond of water and has been recorded,
in Europe particularly, drinking in numbers from wet patches by streams.
Aricia agestis Schiff.
The Brown Argus is a flower visitor and I have observed it on Thymus
serpyllum L., Pulicaria dysenterica, (L.) Bernh., Trifolium repens L.,
Scabiosa columbaria L., Origanum vulgare L., and in France, on Lychnis
flos-cuculi L. a
Polyommatus icarus Rott. Proboscis: Male 7-8 mm
Female 8-10 mm
Except for visits to wet mud, the Common Blue is a nectar seeker and
has been observed to visit the following plants: Thymus serpyllum L.,
Lotus corniculatus L., Veronica chamaedrys L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.,
Origanum yulgare L., Scabiosa columbaria L., Pulicaria dysenterica,
Centaurea nigra L., Carlina vulgaris L., Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich.,
Trifolium repens L., Anthyllis vulneraria L., Senecio jacobaea L., and in
France, Scabiosa columbaria L.,
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 175
Lysandra coridon Poda Proboscis: 9-11 mm
The Chalkhill Blue is another flower lover and has been seen to visit
Scabiosa columbaria L., Knautia arvensis (L.) Coult., Origanum vulgare L.,
Thymus serpyllum L., Carlina vulgaris L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., and
Prunella vulgaris L. Males will congregate in large numbers on cowpats and
damp spots.
Lysandra bellargus Rott.
I have not seen the Adonis Blue since commencing this study, but
P. W. Cribb tells me that its favourite flowers are Origanum vulgare L., and
Thymus serpyllum L., particularly the former. He has also seen it visiting
Senecio jacobaea L. and in hot weather drinking from cow-pats and damp
patches on pathways.
Cyaniris semiargus Rott. Proboscis: 7-8 mm
From observations made in France, the Mazarine Blue was seen to
visit Lotus corniculatus L., but no doubt has many other sources of nectar.
It is a regular damp patch visitor.
Maculinea arion L. Proboscis: 8 mm
I have not met the Large Blue but Knuth (1906) records it feeding
from Vicia cracca L., while Wood (1883) gives Ajuga reptans L. and
Thymus serpyllum L. (its larval foodplant).
Newman (1871) also gives Thymus serpyllum L. and Ajuga reptans L.,
and adds “dwarf thistles’’. He states also that the butterfly was never seen
on Rubus fruticosus L. agg.
Celastrina argiolus L.
The Holly Blue has quite different habits from the other Blues, flying
high and consequently visiting quite different plants. It mainly feeds on
flower nectar and those visited being: Ligustrum vulgare L., Hedera helix L.,
Buddleia davidii Franch., Rubus fruticosus, Sambucus nigra L. (nectarless),
Viburnum tinus L., Thelycrania sanguinea (L.) Fourr., Mentha aquatica L.,
and Pentaglottis sempervirens (L.) Tausch.
Knuth (1906) lists several species of Salix and Hieracium in Europe
and other continental records include Grevillea spp., Lavandula spp., and
Cistus spp.
Other British records are for Ilex aquifolium L., Laurus spp., and
Ribes nigrum L.
It can be seen from the above that the butterfly favours flowering
shrubs rather than low plants, in keeping with its higher flight. In addition
to flower nectar I have seen it drinking at wet mud, attracted to the
unopened buds of dogwood (possibly for honeydew q.v.) and it has been
reported elsewhere at bird droppings and at running water. P. W. Cribb
has observed it persistently visiting aphid infested shoots of Pyracanthus sp.
Lycaena phlaeas L.
The Small Copper is a well known flower lover, particularly the
Compositae and I have observed it on the following members of that
176 NOVEMBER, 1973
family: Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L., Bellis perennis L., Senecio
jacobaea L., Hieracium spp., Taraxacum spp., Pulicaria dysenterica (L.)
Bernh., Anthemis sp., Aster spp., and Achillea millifolium L.
Other flowers visited include Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Ranunculus
spp., Stellaria holostea L., Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Erica cinerea L.,
Buddleia davidii Franch., Trifolium pratense L., Centranthus ruber (L.) DC.,
Scabiosa columbaria L., and the cultivated strawberry (Fragaria spp.).
It has also been recorded feeding from the froth of the ““Cuckoo spit”’
insect. (Hemiptera, Cercopidae), while I have personally seen it at wet
sawdust.
Lycaena dispar Haw.
I have no experience of the Large Copper, but it is said to be fond of
flowers. Ford (1945) gives Lythrum salicaria L., and Thalictrum flavum L..,
for the subspecies batavus. Oberth., while Jenkins (1859) writing of the
extinct British subspecies L. dispar dispar mentions its attraction to
Eupatorium cannibinum L.
Callophrys rubi L. Proboscis: 8 mm
The Green Hairstreak feeds on nectar and I have observed it on Lotus
corniculatus L., Ligustrum vulgare L., Fragaria vesca L., and in France,
Daucus carota L.
It has also been recorded by others on Endymion nonscriptus, Sambucus
nigra L. (nectarless), Syringa sp., Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Genista
tinctoria L. and Genista anglica L.
Thecla betulae L.
I have not met with the Brown Hairstreak but it appears to feed
mainly from flower nectar. Haines (1945) gives Eupatorium cannibinum L..,
and Rubus fruticosus, and Dunk (1956) Succisa pratensis Moench., and
Cirsium sp. It has, however, been recorded as feeding from a rotten apple,
which seems unusual for a member of the Lycaenidae.
Quercusia quercus L.
The Purple Hairstreak is generally considered to be addicted to
honeydew, which I have confirmed myself, but I have also seen it feeding
from the flowers of Rubus fruticosus. Knuth (1906) however, mentions
Eupatorium cannabinum L., in Europe, and Knaggs (1869) lists Tilia sp.
Strymonidia W-album Knoch.
The White Letter Hairstreak feeds mainly from flowers although it is
also addicted to honeydew. My only personal record for the species is on
Rubus fruitcosus L. agg., but there are numerous other records in the
literature which include Senecio jacobaea L., Ligustrum sp., Origanum
vulgare L., Cirsium spp., Centrantus ruber (L.) DC., Heracleum sphondylium
L. and Heracleum mantegazzianum Som. & Lev.
Strymonidia pruni L.
I have seen the Black Hairstreak on the blossoms of Sambucus nigra
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 Uva
(nectarless) and drinking from wet mud, but it is recorded elsewhere
feeding from Rubus fruticosus, Ligustrum vulgare L., Centranthus ruber,
and Ranunculus spp. and Hogweed, Heracleum spp.
PAPILIONIDAE
Papilio machaon britannicus Seitz. Proboscis: 18-20 mm
The only observation I have of the Swallowtail feeding in Britain is
that on a bred specimen that was released. It went immediately to Betonica
officinalis L. and then to Chamaenerion augustifolium (L.) Scop. and spent
some five minutes at these flowers before flying off. I was thus able to
watch the fluttering movements, as it fed, which are peculiar to this family.
Dunk (1956) records the following plants visited in Norfolk: Lychnis
fios-cuculi L., Trifolium pratense L., Endymion non-scriptus, Silene dioica
(L.) Clairv., Iris pseudacorus L.
Papilio machaon bigenerata Vty.
The continental subspecies has been recorded at the following
according to Knuth (1906): Centranthus ruber, Knautia arvensis, Lythrum
salicaria L., Anthericum ramosum L. and Syringa officinalis L. It has also
been recorded on Buddleia davidii and Lavandula sp.
PIERIDAE
Aporia crataegi L.
The Black-veined White appears to feed from nectar only. In France I
have seen it on Trifolium pratense L., Lychnis flos-cuculi L., Centaurea
scabiosa L. and Cirsium arvense. Knuth (1906) adds Echium vulgare L. and
Rubus fruticosus L. agg. Before it became extinct in Britain, Newman (1871)
recorded it on Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.
P. Taylor records males massed on wet mud in the Hautes Alpes in
groups up to 30 per sq. ft.
Pieris brassicae L. Proboscis: 16 mm
The Large White is another flower visitor with a well-known liking for
Buddleia davidii Franch. and Lavandula sp. Among the many other plants
it visits are Ajuga reptans L., Endymion non-scriptus, Senecio jacobaea L..,
Pulicaria dysenterica, Dipsacus fullonum L., Gentianella amarella (L.)
Borner, Knautia arvensis, Hieracium spp., Vicia sepium L., Taraxacum spp.,
Lythrum salicaria L., Centrantus ruber, Syringa officinale L., Lychnis
flos-cuculi L., Scabiosa columbaria L., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., as well
as many cultivated flowers.
Pieris rapae L. Proboscis: 13-18 mm
Other than drinking from wet mud puddles in hot weather the Small
White is also addicted to flower nectar. Buddleia davidii is one of its main
attractants, but it too frequents many wild and garden plants, some of
which are: Lavandula sp., Senecio jacobaea L., Chamaenerion augusti-
folium, Endymion non-scriptus, Pentaglottis sempervirens, Stellaria holostea
178 NOVEMBER, 1973
L., Epilobium hirsutum L., Pulicaria dysenterica, Helianthemum chamae-
cistus Mill. (nectarless), Tussilago farfara L., Convolvulus arvensis L.,
Trifolium pratense L., Crataegus monogyna, Taraxacum sp., Bellis
perennis L., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Lychnis flos-cuculi L., Lotus
corniculatus L. and Sinapis arvensis L.
Pieris napi L. Proboscis: 10-12 mm
Although I have seen the Green-veined White at wet mud puddles and
wet sawdust, it is otherwise confined to flowers. Like the other Pieris spp.,
it has a wide range of preferences of both wild and garden flowers some of
which follow: Pentaglottis sempervirens, Ajuga reptans L., Aster spp.,
Senecio jacobaea L., Stellaria holostea L., Endymion non-scriptus, (and
cultivated varieties), Epilobium hirsutum L., Vicia cracca L., Pulicaria
dysenterica, Buddleia davidii, Myosotis arvensis (L.) Hill, Sinapis arvensis L.,
Clematis vitalba L. (nectarless), Convolvulus arvensis L., Lychnis flos-cuculi
L., and Ranunculus spp.
Pontia daplidice L.
I have no personal records for the Bath White except that of a friend
who saw one on Buddleia davidii during the 1945 “‘invasion”’.
Knuth (1906) gives Anchusa officinalis L., and a species of Centaurea.
Anthocharis cardamines L. Proboscis: 12 mm
The Orange Tip appears to be solely confined to flowers: Ajuga reptans
L., Rubus fruticosus, Sinapis arvensis L., Veronica beccabunga L., Endymion
non-scriptus, Stellaria holostea L., Taraxacum sp., Vicia cracca L. and
Iberis sp.
Colias hyale L. Proboscis: 12-13 mm
The Pale Clouded Yellow is a flower visitor but the only times I have
seen it feeding was at Echium vulgare L. and Trifolium pratense L. No doubt
it has many other preferences but the butterfly is not frequent enough to
make many observations. Tutt (1895) gives “yellow trefoils” and Hieracium
spp. in the Alps.
Colias crocea Geoff.
The Clouded Yellow is also addicted to flower nectar and I have seen
it on Trifolium pratense L., Centaurea nigra L., Senecio jacobaea L.,
Taraxacum spp., Hieracium spp. etc. It has been recorded elsewhere on
Picris echioides L.
It is interesting to note that, according to my observations, croceus
avoids Buddleia. During the ““Clouded Yellow Year” of 1947 I did not have
one visitor to my tree although the species was frequent nearby on
Taraxacum, Hieracium and Pulicaria.
Colias australis Vty.
My sole observation of the feeding habits of the New Clouded Yellow
was on Echium vulgare L., but no doubt it is a flower lover.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 179
Gonepteryx rhamni L. Proboscis: 16-17 mm
The Brimstone is only to be found at flowers and as it is sexually
dimorphic it was not difficult to record the preferences shown by each sex.
I found males visiting: Crataegus monogyna, Silene dioica (L.) Clairv.,
Taraxacum spp., Pulicaria dysenterica, Viola spp., Primula vulgaris Huds.,
Gaillardia sp., Pelargonium sp., Lythrum salicaria L., Dianthus sp., and
in France Calystegia sepium (L.) R.B., Females: Ajuga reptans L., Vicia
cracca L., Centaurea nigra L., Lamium purpureum L., Lamium album L.,
Symphytum officinale L., and Phlox spp.
Both Sexes: Endymion non-scriptus, Betonica officinale, Buddleia
davidii, Helianthus spp. and Primula spp.
Leptidea sinapis L. Proboscis: 10 mm
Other than one record from France when it was seen at wine-tainted
mud, the Wood White appears to be a flower visitor. I have observed it at
Ajuga reptans L., Stellaria holostea L., and Epilobium hirsutum L. Knuth
(1906) gives Ranunculus acris L., R. bulbosus L., R. repens L., and Melam-
pyrum pratense L. I have seen it in France, myself, on Lychnis flos-cuculi L.
HESPERIIDAE
Erynnis tages L.
Mcleod (1947) referring to the Dingy Skipper says “It shows no
marked preference for any flower’’. Quite likely this is true, but I have not
observed the species sufficiently to confirm this. I have seen it, however, on
Pentaglottis sempervirens, Ajuga reptans L., Lotus corniculatus L., Ranun-
culus sp., Vicia sepium L.
Chalmers-Hunt (1961) records it feeding from a “‘sugared” tree and
at the flowers of Viburnum lantana L.
Pyrgus malvae L.
I have observed the Grizzled Skipper at flowers and at wet mud. The
plants visited were: Ajuga reptans L., Lotus corniculatus L., Endymion
non-scriptus and Ranunculus spp.
Carterocephalus palaemon Pall.
I have not met with the Chequered Skipper, but Knuth (1906) gives
Rubus fruticosus, and South (1921) Glechoma hederacea (L.) and Ajuga
reptans L.
Adopaea lineola Ochs.
The Essex Skipper is a flower lover, and I have seen it on Cirsium
arvense, Prunella vulgaris L., Trifolium repens L., T. pratense L., Pulicaria
dysenterica, and in France, on Erica cinera L. Knuth (1906) gives Daucus
carota L. in Europe.
Adopaea flava Brunnich (sylvestris Poda) Proboscis: c. 14-15 mm
The Small Skipper visits wet mud and I have seen in drink human
perspiration from the back of the hand, but otherwise it is devoted to
flower nectar. Plants I have observed it visit are: Buddleia davidii, Cirsium
180 . NOVEMBER, 1973
arvense, Centaurea nigra L., Origanum vulgare L., Betonica officinalis L..
Centaurium erythraea Rafn (nectarless), Chamaenerion augustifolium,
Vicia cracca L., Carlina vulgaris L., Echium vulgare L., Convolvulus
arvensis L., and Vicia sepium.
Thymelicus acteon Rott.
I have not met with the Lulworth Skipper, but Knaggs (1869) gives
“Yellow Thistle”.
Hesperia comma L. Proboscis: 15-16 mm
I have only one personal record for the Silver-spotted Skipper, and
that was at Cirsium acaulon which is confirmed by Tutt (1896). ““Dwarf
thistles’’ and South (1921) who gives ““Low-growing thistles”~. Symes (1957)
mentions Carlina vulgaris L., and that the males were fond of settling on
rabbit droppings.
Ochlodes venata Brem. & Grey. Proboscis: c. 16 mm
The Large Skipper is a great nectar seeker and I have observed it at the
following plants: Rubus fruticosus, Centaurea nigra L., Ajuga reptans L..,
Taraxacum sp., Solanum dulcamara L.. Pentaglottis sempervirens,
Anthyllis vulneraria L., Echium vulgare L., Medicago sativa L., Knautia
arvensis (L.) Coult., Geranium robertianum L., Lotus corniculatus L..
Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Linaria vulgaris Mill., Symphytum officinale L..,
Vicia cracca L., Ligustrum vulgare L., and Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R.Br.
After visiting the last named plant, the Fragrant Orchid, the butterfly was
seen to be carrying the pollinia on its head.
B. R. Stallwood (1547)
This completes the original observations of B. R. Stallwood on the
feeding habits of adult British Butterflies. For the first time members havea
very comprehensive study of the subject and this should form a basis for
further observations and new discoveries. Editor.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BuTLer, B. B. & Cove i, C. V. (1957), Megathymus yuccae in N. Carolina, Lepidopterists;
News, 11, 141.
Beauroy, S. (1947), Butterfiy Lives.
CLAPTON, O. (1834), Loudon’s Mag. of Nat. Hist., 7, 532-3.
CLARK, J. (1906), Victoria County History Cornwall. | a
Corset, A. S. (1934), Butterflies of the Malayan Peninsula.
Crips, P. W. (1966), A Label List of the Butterflies of North, Western and Southern
Europe. (Revised 1970).
Dunk, H. C. (1953), Flowers Visited by Strymon W-album, Entom., 86, 302.
Dunk, H. C. (1956), Entom., 89, 187.
Forp, E. B. (1945), Butterflies.
Forp, E. B. (1955), Moths.
Haines, F. H. (1945), Insects in Hampshire 1944. Proc, Hampshire Field Club, 16, pt. 2,
229.
Hes.op, I. R. P., Hype, G. E., & Srocktey, R. E. (1964), Notes and Views of the
Purple Emperor.
Huaains, H. C. (1953), Lepidoptera of Glengariff, Co. Cork. Entom., 86, 15.
Hunt, J. M. CHALMERS-, (1960), The Butterflies and Moths of Kent.
HUTCHINSON, J. (1946), Common Wild Flowers.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 181
HUTCHINSON, J. (1948), More Common Wild Flowers.
HUTCHINSON, J. (1950), Uncommon Wild Flowers.
JENKINS, E. C. F. (1859), Ent. Intel., 79.
Kirsy, W. F. (1896), Butterflies and Moths. Lloyd’s Natural History, 1, 1xv.
KERNER, A. VON MARILAUN, (1895), The Natural History of Plants, 3.
Kors, A. (1951), Field Guide to the Butterflies.
Kxiots, A. (1958), Butterflies and Moths.
Knaaos, H. G. (1869), The Lepidopterists’ Guide.
KNuTH, P. (1906), The Handbook of Flower Pollination.
Lona, A. G. (1957), Collecting in Berwickshire, Ent. Rec., 69, 87.
McLeEop, Sir M. (1947), Dorset Nat. Hist. & Arch. Soc., 68, 135.
NEwMaN, E. (1871), Illust. Natural Hist. of British Butterflies.
ST. JOHN, W. G. (1948), V. atalanta settling on wet tar, Entom., 81, 109.
SUMMERHAYES, V. S. (1968), Wild Orchids in Britain.
SouTH, R. (1921), Butterflies of the British Isles.
Symes, H. (1957), Lep. of some hill-top forts, Ent. Rec., 69, 112.
TAYLOR, SNEYD (1957), Notes on the Proboscis in Lepidoptera, Ent .Rec., 69, 25, 53, 151.
CUCKOO BEES (PSITHYRUS spp.)
It may seem strange to find a text book article in this Bulletin as it is
most likely that most insect orders and sections of those orders have been
covered a long while ago. The genus Psithyrus perhaps is one that has not.
Cuckoo Bees form a small part of the almost ‘forgotten’ order of Hymen-
optera. This large order which has more than six thousand species in Great
Britain has always merited more study than it has ever received. (This is
one good reason why I have switched some of my attention to this order
from the really over-studied and over-collected order of Lepidoptera.)
In Britain there are six species of cuckoo bee, all being generally
distributed, with the exception of Psithyrus bohemicus (Seidl) which is a
northern species only. The other five are Psithyrus campestris (Panzer),
Psithyrus barbutellus (Kirby), Psithyrus vestalis (Geoff. in Fourcroy),
Psithyrus sylvestris Lepeletier and Psithyrus rupestris (Fab.).
At first sight cuckoo bees look just like bumble bees (Bombus spp.)>
and it has been suggested that they are degenerate forms of the latter that
have taken to a life of ‘crime’. There is no worker caste, as in bumble
bees and wasps, in the genus Psithyrus; the cuckoo bees have found
means of doing without them. Identification is tedious as coat colours
are nothing to go by. They have darker wings than bumble bees and the
coat is very sparse; the shiny black plates of the abdomen can usually be
seen quite well. The underside of the abdomen also shows such plates,
and small bumps or callosities on the last segment. These callosities leave
no doubt to each individual species and are therefore a boon in the field
of identification of female specimens. A quick method of separating a
cuckoo bee from a bumble bee is to look for pollen baskets on the hind
legs of the female as the latter has them and the former does not.
Now, what of the earlier mentioned life of crime. One cannot help
but notice the ‘juggernaut’ or tank like appearance of the female cuckoo
182 NOVEMBER, 1973
bee, as though she were built for war. Indeed, she is built for war. The
female wakes from hibernation in a similar way to the bumble bee queen
(having spent the winter buried under the soil), but later. She feeds her-
self and then begins to look for a Bombus nest. The deep toned buzz she
makes is sufficient to tell her from a bumble bee immediately. On finding
a Bombus nest she will wait for the queen or workers to leave, and then
she hides inside. After several days of hiding and stealing honey she comes
out and challenges the nest’s legitimate residents. Her powerful structure
and longer sting usually enable her to win, killing many workers in the
process. Sometimes the female cuckoo bee loses the battle and is ejected
from the nest by sheer weight of numbers but not without heavy losses to
the nest occupants. Assuming the cuckoo bee does win she assumes the
queenright, and the Bombus workers now look after her brood, which will
hatch into males and females only. When all the original workers have
died off leaving no one to look after the nest it is deserted and the
gardens are full of male and female Psithyrus bees feeding, so to speak,
hand to mouth from the flowers. After mating the males die, leaving the
females to destroy another bumble bee nest the following year.
Each cuckoo bee has a certain host species of bumble bee, which it
resembles closely. These are :—
P. vestalis—Bomobus terrestris (Linn.) P. rupestris—B. lapidarius (Linn.)
P. campestris—B. agrorum (Fab.) P. barbutellus—B. hortorum (Linn.)
P. bohemicus—B. lucorum (Linn.) P. sylvestris—B. pratorum (Linn.)
Cuckoo bees can stray from their regular host species to another one,
and I have even seen females trying to enter bee-hives (without success,
needless to say!).
Only the very ‘basics’ have been given, every aspect of the cuckoo
bee and its life would fill a book and there are new things to be found out
about these insects all the time.
K. A. Moseley (4733)
BOOK REVIEWS
Klucze do oznaczania owadow Polski. (Keys for the Identification of
Polish Insects). Volume 19, parts 8, 13, 14, and 23. Published by the Polish
Entomological Society, obtainable by exchange through—Library of the
Polish Entomological Society, Wroclaw, ul Cybulskiego 30, Poland or by
purchase through “Ars Polona’’, Warszawa, Krakowslie Przedmiescie 7,
Poland.
The Polish Entomological Society is to be congratulated on producing
such a fine series of reference works. The entire Entomological fauna of
Poland is to be covered in twenty-nine volumes, and volume nineteen,
devoted to the Coleoptera, has been divided into one hundred parts, some
of which are again sub-divided into more convenient sized booklets.
AES BULLETIN, Vol. 32 183
There must be very few members of the Society able to read Polish, so
this will to some extent limit the use of these excellent works. Below is
given not so much a review, but an indication of their use to the British
Coleopterist only interested in indigenous species. Their use to anyone
interested in European beetles will in most cases be much greater.
The format is very similar to our own Royal Entomological Society’s
““Handbooks’’, although more detail is given. Each contains introductory
chapters on the biology and morphology of the Family in question;
doubtless a translation of these chapters would be most rewarding. These
are followed by a checklist of the species known to occur in Poland,
grouped into sub-genera and genera, synonymy and varieties are also given.
The checklist is useful to the British worker. However I would recommend
the accepted British nomenclature be used by us amateurs at least for the
time being. A description of each species is given and the characters of each
sub-family and genus are also listed. The works are very well illustrated
with numerous clear line drawings. These by themselves are of much
assistance to the British worker, especially if used in conjunction with an
English text. Thus a greater degree of accuracy may be achieved when
determining critical species, especially when no reference material is
available.
I can recommend these four books, but the prospective purchaser
should note that some of the Families covered have been revised fairly
recently by British workers.
Zeszyt 8 Gyrinidae, by Edward Tranda 1969. Pages 19, figures 54.
Eleven of the twelve British species are covered by this part. However
in view of the excellent works by the late Professor F. Balfour-Browne
(1950 and 1953) the Polish work is rendered almost of no use to us. The
figures are much clearer, being line drawings, than those in Balfour-
Browne’s books. As would be expected in a work dealing only with one
family, there are more drawings of diagnostic value, (e.g. outline of the
pronotum of six of the British species, and figures showing microsculpture).
Zeszyt 13 Catopidae, by Waclaw Szymczakowski 1961. Pages 69, figures
176.
This part includes all the British species except the easily recognisable
Catopidius depressus (Murray) and Bathyscia wollastoni Jan. For the
British Coleopterist without the excellent papers published in the Ento-
mologist’s Monthly Magazine in the nineteen-forties covering all the
British species, this book should prove extremely useful. It is well illustrated
with figures of the aedeagi of males and sexual sclerites of the females of
many species. It has been used already to correct one previously undetected
error, (see C. Johnson 1966).
Zeszyt 14 Colonidae, by Waclaw Szymczakowski 1969. Pages 28, figures 78.
Twenty-one species of this Family are known to occur in Poland, this
includes the nine British species. The Family was revised in the forties by
184 NOVEMBER, 1973
the late D. K. Kevan and obviously I would recommend this in preference
to the Polish work. However copies are rather scarce nowadays so I would
suggest this book be purchased as a very good alternative. It is possible to
determine ali the British species especially if used in conjunction with a
Polish-English dictionary. Also well illustrated, the figures being self
explanatory and have great diagnostic value.
Zeszyt 23 Scaphidiidae, by Ivan L6bl 1970. Pages 16, figures 28.
This Family is poorly represented in the British Isles and has never
produced many problems of identification. Two species Scaphium immacu-
latum (Olivier) and Scaphidium quadrimaculatum Olivier are instantly
recognisable and the two Scaphosoma are easily separated with the aid of a
hand lens. Nonetheless this work is most interesting and should not be
passed over. The aedeagi of all eight and the antennae of seven of the
Polish Scaphosoma are figured, this includes both the British species. I
would suggest that anyone with this book should dissect all their British
male Scaphosoma and make a careful examination of their antennae.
Ix>
REFERENCES
Browne, F. BaLrour-, (1950). British Water Beetles, 2, 316-371.
BROWNE. F. BALFouR-, (1953), Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects, 4, (3)
Hydradephaga.
JOHNSON, C. (1966), Some Amendments to the British List of Anisotomidae (Col.), The
Entomologist, 99, (1235), 106.
BOOKS RECEIVED
British Butterflies by George Hyde. Published in paperback by Jarrold
Colour Publications, Norwich—July 1973 in two books at 20p each.
(61 pp. 50 plates in colour, 30 plates in black and white).
These two books illustrate all the British Butterflies, mainly in colour.
They are taken from living subjects in natural surroundings and
although most are considerably enlarged, the wingspan is given in milli-
metres, together with the English and scientific names. A few of the early
stages are shown but these are almost all in black and white. The text is
clear and informative but deals rather sketchily with habits and early
stages. These reasonably priced volumes with their attractive colour make a
useful addition to the “‘Jarrold Nature Series” books and are likely to
appeal to the general reader who is interested in Natural History or to the
younger entomologist.
A.W.
Printed by V. B. Pike, Printers, Canon Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Published by the Amateur Entomologist’s Society,
355 Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham, Middlesex. 1973.
WE SPECIALISE IN TROPICAL LEPIDOPTERA.
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1948-49 British abberations of the Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small
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1949-50 Postscript on British abberations of the Gatekeeper, Meadow
Brown and Small Heath Butterflies. H. A. Leeds.
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The British Oecophoridae. pt. 2. One coloured plate S.N. A,
Jacobs. £3-00
1950-51 ‘The early stages of Odonata. Black and white plates.
A. E. Gardner.
The effect of light on night flying insects. H.S. Robinson. £1-50
1952-53 Separation of some British Noctuid Moths. Black and white
plates. E. W. Classey.
The British Lyonetiidae. Pt. 1. One coloured plate.
S. C. S. Brown. £3-00
1953-54 Experiments with Abraxas grossulariata. D. A. Ashwell.
Some remarks on the British Heteromera. F.D. Buck. £1-50
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Price 40p
obtainable from
ACESS. PUBLICATIONS AGENT,
137 Gleneldon Road, Streatham, London, S.W.16
LIVESTOCK
Silkmoths — British and Foreign Hawk Moths
Silkworms — Stick Insects, etc.
My 16 page illustrated catalogue for 1972 describes
many species and includes list of food plants, etc.
Catalogue 15p. Overseas $1.00 (or equivalent) sent by Air Mail
R. N. BAXTER
16 Bective Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 ODP
L. CHRISTIE
137 GLENELDON ROAD, (Postal Business only)
LONDON, SW16 2BQ ENGLAND.
New and Used
Entomological Equipment
BEE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Hill House, Chalfont St. Peter,
Gerrards Cross, Bucks. SL9 ONR
FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON
BEES (APOIDEA), ESPECIALLY HONEYBEES (APIS SP)
E. W. CLASSEY LID.
353 Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex.
Entomological Literature
CATALOGUES ON REQUEST
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