Meeparh ee Links oes Soa at Pues ogy mares wine a ae hn amet eis tS hore fied : pueay sn eed if i : ; Ports babar rps New in and _ * hms < ane. bray ean, on £ ‘i sas Petsmart x ats me = Fae ra Se herr w. Lire coat emmy a ro ee eer : : eevacatescat ; Een - o - ; = eat eomedc : = ee eae ee i ead ee a RD &\. 1999 = v = . \ is The Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society World list abbreviation Bull. amat. Ent. Soc. Index to The Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society Vol. 56 (1997) and to Invertebrate Conservation News Vols. 22, 23, 24 (1997) Edited by Wayne Jarvis B.Sc. Index compiled by Jacqueline Ruffle Edited by Wayne Jarvis Published by The Amateur Entomologists' Society P.O. Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG ISSN 0266-836X AUTHOR INDEX Amateur Entomologists' Society AES policy on exhibitionysalespse ee eee, pee ee eee eee ICN 22: 2-3 Policy on providing facilities for trade in biological specimens ................... 411: 39-40 Bateman, Hilary Cyprus -holiday myStenies see Se eee. eee. ee eee ee ee ee cee 415: 224 Beaumont, Richard Lepidoptera at mercury vapour light,.1996 7. cei eee. ee pee 414: 168 Belverstone, Deborah Study of the size variation of Wood ants, Formica rufa, in an ancient, mixed coppice woodland: in South=Cast SSK «ce sc-o, tes. eceete sent aee ee eee 414: 190-209 Best, Graham Milechigh machGon.ne3 a ok terscn eset peeineeeog Beee eee in Ss sek ieee te ae eee 415; 231 Relax OhinSeCts cis iesd a ioe tae ee ere eee eden has ate ee 415: 215 Boler, Ian Incidence of the Cerambycid Arhopalus rusticus (L.) in Surrey ..........:000: 411: 75-76 Bowtho, Alan COcOOM TECy Clim Soc. cise esc oaes ieee Pareto Seca tete oe et eee ce ee 411: 62 Bragg, Phil Rearing’ semizaquatic icocki@a ches secrete rere meee nee anes ae aaa 412. 117-121 Semii-aquatie cockroaches id entities en rene eee eae ee 415: 232 Brock, Paul D. Breeding the stick-insect Phasma gigas (L.) from Papua, New Guinea....... 414: 181-183 Jungle nymph, Heteropteryx dilatata (Parkinson) ............:ccsccecssseeesseeereeeeees 412: 109-112 Maenificent:Malaysianyinsectsy..0..-ee eee cee oh eee ont he 413: 135-136 Butterflies for the New Millenium .......0...00...000000 cc eceeceeeeeeeeeeteeeeeneees 411: 58 Casebourne, William C. Early buttertliessinemortit Wales. ..-: seen emer eeu eee ane p tee eee ae 412. 125 Cleverly, Arthur Tt Sra Ae on trish ee eS 7 00 RR OO ened oe ge 412: 100-106 Clynes, Wayne @rmamented woodlouse insGatesheacigwr ma eenese eee on 3s ones cte 7 cece ee 412. 121 Cole, Stuart Notes on the Common social wasp Vespuld BErMANICA ......cccc.cccccceeeeeeeeees 411: 73-74 Cooper, J.E. Invertebrates and their care discussedhineMexicom Srxtatee.<.<.cc.-ce eee 411: 70-71 Crawforth, Anthony Gibraltan' butterflies <....:.¢soie. cee ae ee ee A 412: 116 Cronin, Alan and McNamara, Don TSR ETE Oi ULE CHE a SM ROY re an x0 sn ay Pn em On ee 415: 233-234 Dawson, M.J. TEL LG DS ccsascccotostlelsecoucsheesen gee Gee Slge gues ee a aE Soe Peo ee 410: 21 Winte-tetter hairstreak, (Sirymonidia W-album) .22.....iicccs2 icicles veceecsecccsens 411: 66 Dawson, M.J. and Hemmings, J.S. SPESOS WS 5c dosnshoceddblitenaeogs Santas ae eee Cae Re are pee ee lies er Aree am 415: 220-221 Dillion, A.D. Mierenidse — AV Le pIdOPleniSt's SECIEL WEAPON .........0.....ccesnccncesseeecasnceeemeaenee 413: 149-152 Dowty, P.G. Fimmmine pind wnawKMoth — A SiQMUNG .220...s.08.cccceekssseecccaccscsssednacscosaeseserecnces 411: 72 Eales, Harry T. BagMicd MloOgmalion Othe Large Meath 5c ccscsscec.edeceseccseeessseseacuesdeqedeodtineseccs 410: 28 Eden, Steve Bec aamiiral-and its associated plant (New Zealand):..::..2.....c..ccseccceceseneeeees 411: 83-85 Eiland, Murray Neics en Bcckcepineg in the Georgian Republics .:.a..0:..2i2s. sccs.seenbie caddies’ 412. 123-124 Fry, Reg Ma NAI Ii UNINC earn NR 5a nase sna augue adie saddacic dann sahencvmnsinflebntenaeaniasiouens ones 412.91 Gale, Matthew PREM ee IN OH ONG NATIT OS ooo 9 oops e cee se sacnsiinndiocnsacnedcceersnctonsdepSacedhesuqadeeeesessasuae 414: 172-174 Co-operation & conflict during the colony-founding stage of Lasius niger. 413: 157-161 Gardiner, Brian O.C. Life & habits of the clothes moth in relation to the pianoforte.................... 413: 132-134 SOTMD | TTEAITEE ty CAN 901 0) 116 (o. eeseee eee eee nee eee 412: 125 Hardwick, Bill Request for assistance — beetles of north Germany ...........:cccceieeeees 412: 106 Hargreaves, R.A. Some observations of butterflies in Sikkim, India, 1995.00.00... cecccceeeeeeees 415: 228-230 Harvey, Martin NemIGEEFOMmmtNe “Als ATCA: REDIESEMUALIVES | s.20.c. <..cce-neseonecexsns0e(oadenandeosbartdecnnas ICN 22: 5-9 ICN 23: 5 ICN 24: 7 Hemmings, J.S. see: Dawson, M.J. Holford, Nick eT EO CC ONC SS oo since dls Suu cule cao de Wanlusiees catenin saGasw eae oveSvens ZS E PAE? Iley, Mark feat ayy cla eality, die SULLOl ke eee secs Loe hscll cael acct eticenleb kc ebuansncisee snd sd 413: 141 Johnstone, Jenni General ecology of the Winter moth, Operophtera brumatd@.................0000+: 414. 175-179 Wildlife and agriculture: problems of pest species:---22 5 a eee 411: 77-82 Jukes, Andrew Bog bush cricket (Metrioptera brachyptera) — A difficult little customer ..... 415: 222-223 Killingbeck, John Survey of Roesel's bush cricket near Spurn, East Yorkshire.............0.....02- 413: 137-141 Knight, Gordon INA BLA TAO LES cd secs bea Se eee eae otic ee Se eee Rn 415: 249-250 @range tap) ta, Pembrokeshire 25 2. sete sep asso. 2c aces ae eee eee 411: 59-60 Neer beetle inPembrokeshiresor 40" os ee Se ee 411: 64-66 Korycinska, Anastasia Eatin oshabitsiof the Indian StuckaimSeCt 22: cers---2toce soccer 415; 213-215 Koryszko, Jan TACOMA Ata ees sere ceca acee eae cde creed ceceaaeg et eS Ss eee ce eee 413: 147 TAO MAST POSER AON 26s Sacto wc ssa Gon ce oak ae open eee eR NS ae 413: 153 Meadowabrownmobsemvation) ies. a ecees ce oy. eee eee 415: 251 Small tortoiseshell butterfly attracted to glue vapour ............0.ecceeeeeeeeneees 413: 134 Some interesting Dragonfly records from Staffordshire, 1996............0..0:00. 415: 250 Visit to Barleston Rough Close Common, Staffordshire............0...cceeeeee 415: 231 Visit to Highgate Common, Staffordshire, & the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. 474 184-185 Visit to tandudno; North: Wales 6 2. io). s.cticsauctssactaty, Den se ene ee eee eee 495-723 Visit to Prees Heath, Shropshire & Hem Heath & Burnt Wood, Staffordshire.. 412: 126 Kudrna, Otakar Mapping European! butteriiies: Project outline..:..0..-- ee 410: 27-28 Latham, Paul Edible: Caterpillan Prosramme Bas Zaires | Ss ee ia Se eee 413: 154-156 Lewis, Keith Paria Che eee sierra. cease sea Sanlwt at cetn eect ec acs Ue ae ee 411: 82 Woman kulled by caterpillar. pecs <\...zv:-.2 See Rhee Boke rceee es. ren ene eee ere 412. 94 MacNamara, Don see: McNamara, Don Majerus, M.E.N. see: Revels, R. Majerus, Michael E.N. and Majerus, Tamsin M.O. Cannibalismiramone Ta Gy inds ye oe cet tan Socata co ace ene a eee 415: Peedingrot Lepidoptera OntOak mer Sap 2o.siccnee eae cak es eee 410: Majerus, Michael e7.a/. Two notes on migrating Painted lady butterflies (Cynthia cardui).............. 411: Majerus, Tamsin M.O. see: Majerus, Michael E.N. Martin, Jerry Abstract — A study of the biology & behaviour of Odontognophos dumetata hibernica living on Rhamnus catharticus...... 413: 61-62 McCann, Frank eriscemmemonn laivac (CEAWINGS) oo Feds. oh dec sacc sesso ajoannardae tacheos aeiavba ides Be 414: 174 MESEDIS C1) Se SO Ae ee re Ga eed Rn eee Een eee 410: 2 era ig BRIAN NSA ON Me ates 02 coi slaaiine cng ance v isto onesseanndoviednwtctdeschecanis eas 411: 85 EelDUEtS iP Gules: OF aoe eS eee See eA CSE ice ara oe Pa ME eR ee 411: 56 SMC MUMIA STATA MITOUIS! OF GAS SOW ..0.cccs-.cccc.ccceescsesectsessdeosesstevedchesccseteets 410: 6 TNSERES NCU Ivey Gayo cee eee ie ee 413: 105 McNamara, Don MOL Tinie on MEA IDIA OSAUITS CE GELT))2 2-00. ccesenccsensctesdecssbuceubatsOiearencunrcheccsenssouerses 412: 122 DO PLDOGIY SOULS hee Be lense er eae ee ee ee oe 415: 251 iInjpigise of Candytuft: an excellent nectar plant .s.cccct0...Lecse2-daseaeeesteeee de tees 410: 22 cH es BEM yIDUDINA GS MAES ICATINI oo 0 0 circ Seiss sa sndtoncotied Soa vaewoe de da shoucwecsesceadertapennSeesseanars AID: 252 Rete nonmneiaxinosibuttenles and moths x24 x... v2. Wicestscee fens ddhee es Macks esenee 413: 145-147 Notes on the Genus Brahmaea (Walker): The Brahmaeid moths of the Family Brahmaeidae................ccceeeeeeeeeeees 412. 107-108 McNamara, Don and Cronin, Alan Miao er aa GLAS POOL: S22... ocecetedscoscceesennencinsccticstacsoacsesersrovercnedterentece 415: 233-234 Norman, Alexander D. = (UMIOSUL. SS SS oly Gre a0 010 6 ser ena Ree Roi ae Rec ee re ee ee 414. 171 Parr, Adrian WIN STALTACOM Ys TECOLGINS PLOJSCE sei cee.c-c--cneelaceevhecetivesdeevesestasvocetenepevessee 411: 86-87 Pickard, E. pee = ad samMN SPOR TICe INe o cee Fe costes ogee ce co cued sGisen dts Sustsustbaodsaccasneianweateasesasbnees 410: 2 Pike, Anna Weaneetr OAL Sea Gl TOTCSEMMANAGEMENL.........0c 414: 169-171 Browne nainsireak survey in Pembrokeshire. ......2../..2...c.c00cccceccseourecenacdeeeee ICN 23: 9 Mme Nes TOR tne New IMillermiUtine, ees -ccssccc ceceaseceassstecescdcesacldseucdedearsnaeeae 411: 58 Butterflies of Northern Greece (Greek Macedonia, Pindos Mountains Bale AC UNI MV AUNTS) aecers ec ea dens MRRM aR ssc ets ad ga ac sunk saaateqedncsaseatensaacnceset 410: 7-20 Buterhies-of the; Chamonix Valley, Framee, 1995 .52.........0....000s.000esen0c00s-s 412. 95-99 Butterfly paintings — identification requested .............cccceeceeeseeeteeeseeeneeenes 413: 148 ermbcivelll beauby: ims Sullolkcswe: sto.) Let Ee ees. De. 4 413: 141 ARM OU Leni eSEIMMMORt Me WALES 06 ssh.5-0 sseessnearaeesesboakianacésacsdessborcneeaseedrants 412. 125 Further notes on the Brown argus (Aricia agestis L.) in Northamptonshire... 477: 63 Gl Or aIKRENM (OUUIMREST BES acca tedecee acenccoe sau e cece UECe CHERE ae enn eTee eee re ek eee eee oe 412: 116 Mappins European Buttertlies: Project Outline .-........c..ccs...0scceee-aseteeserco-een 410. 27-28 71 Meadow ‘brown @DSELvattOn 225522205 ..200 ines ctacevanesenesteesen ss Mile*highiACiaOrs Set eee ree eee ees ee cae he ee Orance tip in Pembrokeshine 128-2 eel ee es eo a es ee Red admiral ane aisvass@Ciated praca. < cere ece tere a ee ee ee Ringlet (Erebia) butterflies in Greece: Additions & @enccnons EM Re Loe Small tortoiseshell butterfly attracted to glue Vapour ...........0.0.::ccceeeeeeeees some-buttertlies"of Albarracia and Abejar Spain 2202. Some observations of butterflies in Sikkim, India, 1995...............0c0cccecs. Spring butterflies:in-Gambrdee. “Us ei. Sn ee ee Treading: on the: Giant's FOotg:.5: iv. tee ee eee Two notes on migrating Painted lady butterflies (Cynthia cardui).......... Wanted: Information:on the larce Redth? ==. isc ce ee Weavers fritillary Golona dia ©. in Wiltshire. 2. 2.c....02222.2.sesecte-n-acvouneee White-letter hairstreak (Strymonidia w-album)................ urea oe ee Moths General ecology of the Winter moth, Operophtera brumata................... Glassow moth larvae (drawings)... 2.c5-.32c:5.<-21-2-teee ee De A eee Hawkmoth'sightings in France. 1996 ......... seine Bee Se ee Hummingbird hawkmoth — A sighting .....2...2........<.-cdee.lea-sideno ee ooo eee Life & habits of the clothes moth in relation to the pianoforte................. More Moths:of, Glase OwWeecere fol oth 4 eerie oe Motta oles). Sec eeev a ov ses een a ee NTOtISYOf \GIAS SOW. AS coo ciectes sca oc eee ea scam Notes on the Genus Brahmaea (Walker): The Brahmaeid moths of the Ranaily Brahimaciaa cheeses aa tosses hcas a saceas i ciem aes wee wan ee Search for the Reddish buff moth Acosmetia caliginosa (Hubner) in Spain & France, May 1995, with records of other Lepidoptera seen .... Toericx motiin Glassows sees eee eee ee eee Malaysia Macnihicent. WMalaysiaty inSecisu.-.5 syncs aes ee Mantids — see: Dictyoptera Medical entomology Womiannkilled by caterpillar. MacRae a eho ee ee Meetings 1996 Peterborough: COMeheN Ces. 5 o.5 cae eer Ne ere oe 1997 Pefemsarouch: Confers Ge x22 5 cn. .-c0 sca vecton Nut eee AES COnsem ation JtelG WICCHN Gi cS ca coek eee deh eee AES conservation field meeting (Second announcemen?b)...............::::0c00 Gloucestershire Invertebrate Group field meetings ......................sccceseeeeeeeeess Migration Migrant dragonfly recording project.-.....:... sae INwe ee Two notes on migrating Painted lady butterflies (Cynthia cardut).............. Moths — see: Lepidoptera Neuroptera GLECCE’ LOOT Gosek cece swne ce once cath ac tek cen Re RO Tne ee ee 414. 175-179 414. 174 413: 132-134 411: 85 415: 249-250 411: 56 412: 107-108 412- 94 ICN 23: 10-11 ICN 23: 12-13 ICN 22: 13 ICN 23: 11 ICN 23: 12 411: 86-87 411: 61-62 415: 220-22 New Zealand fee CaM anteraleAan Gis ASSOCIATE! MIAN. :.. co ccc.cse.occtoeoscostoaaarevecos sontiodsdodenetedcluacent 411: 83-85 Odonata PR eet cRsen Fc I SUP 9 eae soe hate Se sac caste et onuanesioucaudcrracee\ove ogstevecannoste satan vesenneg IGN 22: 11-12 PEDO SDOTIOUT = Gee ei teae, saan tc See le eee rica eer ne nn ge eS 415: 251 [DPE C2 NT fll Oe escere daa ser dc Aah een nee ee Si ee ne 413: 147 Macramiectacontly TeCOrGimeuprOject <.::.:22cc.1arce¥i.desc cere A Gholi 411: 80-87 Some interesting dragonfly records from Staffordshire, 1996.............cc00 415: 250 Orthoptera Bog bush cricket (Metrioptera brachyptera) — A difficult little customer ..... 415: 222-223 Orthoptera Recording Scheme: Request for Devon records........0....0:cccee 412: 108 Persistence of populations of a rare grasshopper in a changing environment JCN 24: 11-12 Survey of Roesel's bush cricket near Spurn, East Yorkshire........0.......006 413: 137-141 Phasmida Breeding the stick-insect Phasma gigas (L.) from Papua, New Guinea ....... 414: 181-183 Eatiacnia aitsc Ott Ne-TNGiaM: StICK-ANSECL «<<. .i.c2.c.cca-ssacooeenaanedsedueesiesesnnssedeseZeereete 415: 213-215 Philately MMe ANAM ALBIN ASL SUANIND) os recctestan srncvsueadeasesesecdddnescdcaassusadaaedggecusacodesacardeandeanees AL 250 Poems PDE Aercol MMA UIAOS AUIS foe cae c seen sne ceowssseseenceetactiesencdias darog nent sesuptdeobsacemecteasentine 412: 122 Scotland Glas SOM MIMOL A ALVACT(GLAWINGS) ce. nce csesecccedeacaecsecenesnceneuccceqesseeesersemevenensuact 414. 174 Ds aes Lata SM HCN Ge UN RPIae PRRSe aa re yn sata sanioncidaniesiajoeiod buna dnedisewend cdendinntidtecisnnat cater 410: 2 IMSECIS Cl (G GSO secoat ecco SUE Te REOUIR Eee ReOS EEG: SEEM e ne Uo EE are een Eee een er Peer 410: 2 PAS mMIMOM I SHOE GIASS OW oo cisccey-tc.echadntcestecsiensivevasageatwensuncecedseneatenacdipunetoactervedes 411: 85 LAVOVENSS CLE (GilYS EXONS Tee ec ee Eo ee 411: 56 Some ommeriies and AMOths Of GlasGOw ...cicccesentensecesendennecsuteievntesescensecrenceess 410: 6 Mio ice N ENE ASE OW. Ao) 5.9.02. sencdanedondheadeassosesiescareanaccnassnndsveoanandeacnapeepness 413: 165 Spain : Search for the Reddish buff moth Acosmetia caliginosa (Hubner) in Spain & France, May 1995, with records of other Lepidoptera seen........ 411: 41-55 Some puttertics OF Albarracin and! Abejar, Spain....2....4.cc..c0cceonecevennesenneen ners 410: 29-30 Stamps - see: Philately Stick insects - see: Phasmida Techniques - see also: Breeding agra Ae AMS I GOPUEKIST'S SE CHEE WEAPON. 225.:.chc.cotconeesaceacevsnocecdecnancvadesesteonnas 413: 149-152 Notes enirelaxing lputterilies and mothise .c...ceecsec.c..-teesecetereeecereeeceenencre ness 413: 145-147 Ee EAA OM IIIS © CLS meme tne ee Aa ne aS A he cA ae ctl sh ue cuseoatingiaas soceaina ldinsicaenndiene 415: 215 Thailand TSEC Oe Sl GESTS HOES a sees te Ro 415: 217-219 Trade AES spolievioniexihibitiOmeSalesiann. x. 2sasccess-cceeecchcestnneemneeeeanas eenee eee eee ees TON 2222 Amateur Entomologists' Society policy on exhibition sales ...............00:::06 ICN 23: 2-4 Policy on providing facilities for trade in biological specimens ................... 411: 39-40 Wales Castlemartin Ministry of Defence firing range, Pembrokeshire..................... ICN 22: 12-13 Eatlysputtertlies amumorthy WALES iis.) oo. .castt ce heuee cc. c2:0eenc 2 eee een ee ee 412: 125 OrangextipsinuPembrokeshine: jh. see su: tana re wee toes ee 411: 59-60 Removal of fallen timber from the River Wye and its tributaries in Emolands ani Wales) seemed 2 vies uate oes nck noch ues ennai eutteala ashes tea mene ICN 24: 8-10 SelamGrasslands.Glamoroam cies tees conte ee pdenert nee tes eutene ne ene neee ICN 23: 6-8 Diger beetle in-Pembrokeshiies a. se wate et ee ee 411: 64-66 Visit tordandudno2Northo Walesie cs. Sn ee ce. ee 415: 223 Wasps - see: Hymenoptera GENUS/SPECIES INDEX PMO SMCLU ANCIAL IOUT OSA Sa eclot Aes orcease cnt u a2 febsandeesen/tosctgesicns Laud dnd nsebutintatawnndeees 411: 41-55 PAGO CIIEMMIIELAIE OSCR Foe enon Oe ood sco once Sales bes tae seo ce ode sect oe ns Soabepine satooanteetonenss. 412: 92-94 AL TIGIEEILIS UISTEBIS ossndoaeee ohh door Some OSE ONTO Fee TEE CRE ee CET REPT rE 411: 75-76 AEELE, CI BTAS sachebc Bae? set OB os te Oe TE Ee ee ee eee ee 411: 63 PASCAL STIL ACA OMS IAM ees Ga ssfae Sch cs seo /iciineissiiecpyensusandgh cease oie gabdetesinas ceveonesoaats 415: 220 OUSIDE POO ee SM ee ena Ae eageestanradatineda desu auoendeeteperadeedevaboenensnesdl 415: 221 PMI LETHOTOLA CLE SPM een ere res eos nee ce yaon Sousa entry wattcned ssexaegieasont@adsneotgunsgaoeadiins 415: 221 BQUOCEE: GHG so ov ocoosapngedesebete Soe TRON Le EERE EET Ree EC EEC EER EEE Rr eh ee eee 411: 72 IEVID) TINDDT son sacs nctijo good SO ROB SOI SEE DO DET es Oe ee 412: 107-108 RATA ISHEESHAT OO SUES Mery eS ein cca ene ace tt octsce Sindee sadsuhanenwetoeanebeesoededeaneaderas 415; 213-215 MG iE PITA CEU ALLE oc 5 AK hs Recah ee vocishaawaveidacostssAeSanectaheresceseateaencess 411: 61-62 LIA SOS LBL (OLISIO DOLCE | 17 has espe BSCR cor Br eRe CEI ee Pere eee CEA he, a ee ee 415: 249-250 EPELS ID -oec scat s0c720800 ube GS EONREEE OR aERCGSNO EEE EET EE LSE eee ea Re ote 411: 57-58 POLSON GD (LINZ snanadsonseesodoa dca edocte ee Cee once aPC EEE CHO NAc Oe act Se EeRAT Sh eS ae 414. 190-209 AAO RIC NAALICE DUCE Me tect ett sa enteteica tate wide oe sce radag ae a nacnieehs Heeonygeeeee ah sade 412. 109-112 EDSIDS THIEF sodooscadegGasbosoeee Boer soce6d pee ae ESE Ce eee oe EE CEE CREE Oe eer 413: 157-161 SLE n OCA AIP LCN DR ie a ee et SON bs docoeh oascenasdeagwacnaskiess oebdeiastesemisshedadonnncbeds 415: 222-223 OA OM OLUOPIOS AUDICIAIG DIDCTINICG 4 ini. .ecciesssesonntansivogesnnsctateccessusnadonncessoseedses 413: 142 ODER IIE: (OU TATULED ie ROAR A Oe CER EE LL ee e 414: 175-179 PM BOT OMI EA CII OU MRR ECR is EMEC hc oss cunistcer dah decdvscusdteztennedaheocdeesstcbenadepedeildedeences 415: 231 HE MSI SAIGON) ORR A rc Fe Hos No ee USAR s cls So sosae c bd oR loan sclinscntasuscdiiansaventsau 414. 109-171 NON LABOR ASE PROPROMEN rheltecrue eo) c dujey ge ocasieus aac sereiecricepigsianegdawsscdnoencuiuedceene’ 414: 181-183 WAAR HEU SEC LEAGI EI EIES CSOs cites cs sat eceonssstcecstiesrensnsghaanesede ovedsdadat daleves sdedsesedeieses 413: 142 AIRE ELLA) Rm SE oo, aa oe Sects adduced lecdeahlbecescdddscvaveeeee JE Ra ct eae. 415: 216 PSA LIPO SG NCMEO HUISTAIN 2 oi ecco las soc n «oa cudangncdect ton seandsansaatdeqiontiannesneBesecacoadae ance 411: 66 UTC AAOUALO PAP CA LISTR OLS ae acon cepees i opcnnge due neales Paina s eaves Soaneee bindu batndltes toaceshonss 415: 221 MG AAG IPSUM DILITCLALG Vin 5.8 ove usicosseaseas hse bdesadscageacsastousacsdilwanastesvacecaveubosnéueswat 413: 143-144 VIBES, SODCAND «sc sosoatte CRAB NAN abc deRoNGE ee Seen CoRR ERC EE A RS Ce cee 411: 83-85 Vespula ZerMQNiICG ..........002.++ 5500 SAR OHSS USO CE SGA EES ESCO DORE CEES aS can A re 411: 73-74 Note: (B) = Botanical name a) f= © The Amateur Entomologists’ Society Registered Charity No. 267430. 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Advertising Rate: | The following charges apply to adverts in the body of the Bulletin. Full page £60, Half page £40, Quarter page £25. Insert charges available on request to Advertising Secretary, address as above. NOTICE It is to be distinctly understood that all views, opinions, or theories, expressed in the pages of this Journal are solely those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, financial grants offered or sought, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, the Officers and Council of the Society, nor its Trustees, can be held responsible for any loss, embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon. Worldwide Butterflies Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4QN. Tel 01935 74608 Fax 29937 Colour Catalogue of livestock specimens and equipment. Please mention AES. 50p in stamps would be greatly appreciated. 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RESEARCH ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATED BUTTERFLY CATALOGUE Hunareds of butterflies from South America, Africa, Australia and the Far East. Many of our 18 NORTH ROAD specimens are ex-pupae or ranched. Specialists in Papilionidae, Morphidae and Brassolidae. CARDIFF CF1 3DY Our catalogue includes many hard-to-find species like female Morpho rhetenor, female Morpho adonis, female Morpho anaxibia, female Moroho vitrea, female Morpho insuralis, female Morpho goaarti, Morpho titei, female Papilio scamander, Papilio antimachus, female Papilio plagiatus and female Papilio hesperus! For Scientific and Technical information on Bees (Apoidea) especially Honeybees (ApisSP). Request our free Catalogue today! Please write to the above address for TRANSWORLD BUTTERFLY COMPANY details of publications and membership. APARTADO 6951 - SAN JOSE COSTA RICA TEL: 506-228-4768 FAX: 506-228-1573 A specimen copy of “Bee World” is obtainable for SOp. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine Caters for articles on all orders of insects and terrestrial arthropods, specialising in the British fauna and groups other than Lepidoptera. Published March, July and November (4 months per issue) Annual subscription £30 ($65). Entomologist’s Gazette An illustrated quarterly, devoted to Palaearctic entomology. It contains articles and notes on the biology, ecology, distribution, taxonomy and systematics of all orders of insects, with a bias towards Lepidoptera. Caters for both the professional and amateur entomologist. Published January, April, July and October. Annual subscription £27 ($60). NEW! Butterflies on British and Irish Offshore Islands by R.L.H. Dennis and T.G. Shreeve This new book provides an up-to-date synthesis of butterfly records for 219 of Britain’s and Ireland’s offshore islands, 144 pages complete with bibliography, checklist of species, figures and tables. Two appendices list rare immigrants and provide advice for making observations on the butterflies of islands. Price £16. Postage and packing £1 per copy. Payments by cheque or Giro Transfer to account no. 467 6912. _ GEM PUBLISHING COMPANY For eee derails Brightwood, Brightwell, pleasenuriterto: Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0QD CRIN. ee ~ ce Shox Sao xe Lororend 1godv” WUT Se Bull ti MRR SER BLEBRE ES SRIEPARROS ANE BLES ENRE DEKE AIO KOM EON: mm Exsonszasass s Recast, ate Secerss us Yesnececs Just a few of the entomological titles produced by Cravitz Printing Company Limited 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA Telephone: 01277 224610 © Fax: 01277 262815 E-Mail: 106240.2733@compuserve.com 1997 Member’s Day and AGM to be held at the Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 on Saturday 26th April 1997. Doors open at 10.30am and the day begins at 11.00am. There will be talks and a bug bunt aimed at all levels of interest. For details of how to get there see the map on the inside back cover of this Bulletin. The cover of this issue of the Bulletin features the Social wasp (Dolichovespula media). *, ISSN 0266-836X Editor: Vweyne } Photo: Nick Holford | = : THE NATURAL HISTORY RAUSEUM tnd A — 74 MAR 1997 Volume 56 *° Number 410 February 1997 Editorial The AES Bug Club is now up and running, and the first issue of the AES Bug Club News has been included with this Bulletin. Numbers of our Junior membership have already increased and we are looking forward to the events over the next twelve months. We are still looking for volunteers to help run junior events around the country. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. The Society’s Annual General Meeting and Member’s Day takes place on Saturday 26th April 1997 at the rooms of the Royal Entomological Society of London. The day begins at 1lam and involves a variety of talks and events aimed at all levels. The Society welcomes nominations of people who are interested in joining Council. These should be sent to the Secretary at the usual address. We are also looking for a person to step into the shoes of our current Advertising Secretary, Rob Dyke. Rob would like to stand down from this post at the Annual General Meeting and we therefore need someone to take over. Please contact the Secretary if you are interested to find out what the job entails. Finally, thank you to those who responded to the opportunity to air their views with regard to the policy on insect trade. These letters will be considered by the AES Council at the March Council meeting. 1997 Member’s Day and AGM at the _ Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7. Saturday 26th April 1997. Doors open 10.30am | PRESENTED ENTOMOLOGY LIBRARY | 2 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Insects in Aberdeen by E. Pickard (3928) 105 Kirkhill Road, Aberdeen AB11 SFT. A hedge of birch, hawthorn and beech encloses part of my garden and during the thirty years or so of its existence it has often been able to provide something of entomological interest. “Regulars” include the Brimstone moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) and the Grey dagger (Acronicta psi) whose distinctive larvae are to be found on the hawthorn every year (Plate 97A, Fig. 1). This year, however, they extended their range to a nearby rose bush where I found and photographed some well grown caterpillars. This autumn provided a good number of Painted ladies (Cynthia cardui) (Plate 97A, Fig. 2) in the Aberdeen district, a species which I have not noticed in numbers for the past few years. Two specimens were noticed on Buddleia (davidii) on 6th August 1996 and from then until 10th October 1996, Painted ladies were met with during every day when the sun shone. Although mostly on Buddleia, where they outnumbered Red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) and Small tortoiseshells (Aglais urticae), | also found them on Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and later Orpine (Sedum telephium) which came into bloom after Buddleia. At the beginning of August there was also a huge eruption of SIlver Y moths (Autographa gamma) when the insects seemed to be everywhere both day and night for about three weeks. Insects of Glasgow by Frank McCann (6291) 3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY. Whilst walking in Alexandra Park in Glasgow, around llam, on 18th August 1996 I saw two interesting butterflies. One was a Small copper and the other a Painted lady. They were at the edge of a wood and both were flying over cut grass. There were some Hawkweed plants growing there, along with docks and dandelions. I also saw a number of medium-sized grasshoppers — green in colour. I have seen and heard the same species at various other places in Glasgow recently. I have also noticed a species of black ant in places in and around Glasgow. oe Volume 56 « February 1997 3 Solitary bees in my garden by Neil Robinson (10002) 3 Abbey Drive, Natland, Kendal, Cumbria LAY 7QN. In 1993, in preparation for resuming my boyhood interest in Solitary bees and wasps on my retirement in 1995, I began by taking a look at the bees which were visiting my garden in Natland about two miles south of Kendal, Cumbria. There are about 200 species of Solitary bees in Britain, far more than the social Bumble-bees (Bombus, 19 spp. of which only six are really common) and their parasites the Cuckoo bees Psithyrus (six spp.). Solitary bees have no workers and the cells are constructed and provisioned with honey and pollen by individual females. Exceptions are a few species which have a simple social structure — and a larger number that are cleptoparasites which do not build cells at all but lay their eggs in the cells of other bees. The cells are most commonly constructed in tunnels in the ground excavated-by the bees themselves but some species use holes in wood or hollow stems. The cells are closed after egg-laying so there is no tending of the young. The females have stings which cannot penetrate human skin — though they can prick! They are generally rather inconspicuous little insects but a few are quite brightly coloured. I was intrigued to find that, in addition to the six common species of Bumble-bee (Bombus terrestris, B. lucorum, B. lapidarius, B. pratorum, B. pascuorum and B. hortorum) and one Cuckoo-bee Psithyrus bohemicus, my garden was being visited by thirteen species of Solitary bees (one of which was distinctly uncommon) — twice the number of social species. I suppose the garden would be described as “small suburban” because, although Natland is a village surrounded by farmland (permanent pasture), our house is about 20 years old on a modern estate. The garden has a typical suburban layout consisting of lawns, borders with perennials and flowering shrubs, and a few trees, extending around three sides of the house and totalling about 420 square metres (0.1 acre). I cannot claim much credit for the contents as most were established by previous owners, but fortunately they include flowering shrubs such as Cotoneaster, Escallonia and Pyracantha which have shallow open flowers that are much loved by the short-tongued Mining bees. Cotoneaster in particular must produce a lot of nectar because it is always crowded with hive and solitary bees. Our patch is not in any way designed as a “wildlife garden”, which usually involves 4 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society o¢ creating a pond (not practical in our garden for various reasons) and planting flowers to attract butterflies, but I was fascinated to discover the range of Solitary bees which were visiting what might be termed “ordinary” garden plants. In spring some of the beds are over-run by self-seeding forget-me- nots (Myosotis sp.) which are very popular with the Mining bees, especially small species such as Lasioglossum calceatum (Scopoli), L. villosulum (Kirby) and Andrena subopaca Nylander. At this time the garden is also visited by Osmia rufa (Linnaeus), the commonest of the Mason bees, whose thorax and abdomen are brightly covered with red- brown hairs. The female has two distinctive horns on the face which are used for fashioning its clay cells. It nests in holes in walls and wood and is notorious for entering the keyholes of old-fashioned door-locks and filling up the mechanism with its cells made from mud pellets. In June the Cotoneaster comes into flower and attracts, in addition to lots of hive and bumble-bees, some of the larger mining bees: Andrena scotica (Perkins). Very common in spring, easily overlooked because it closely resembles the dark strain of hive bee, but has a flat abdomen whereas the other is cylindrical and, although it has hairy legs for pollen collecting, it lacks the neat pollen baskets. It is often found on the inside of windows because its questing behaviour causes it to fly in through transoms (which hive bees do not do). Take a closer look at bees which you find on your windows in the spring — they are very likely to be this species. It is misnamed in older books A. trimmerana (Kirby), which is now known to be a rare southern species. A. haemorrhoa (Fabricius). Another common spring bee. The females have rusty-red hair on the thorax (hence the name) and a shiny black abdomen with a red tip. A. fulva (Muller in Allioni). The “tawny mining bee”: about the size of a hive bee, conspicuous by the velvety orange-brown hair on the female’s thorax and abdomen. Also known as the “Lawn bee” from its habit of throwing up mini-volcanoes of sand around its holes in lawns in the spring. A. chrysosceles (Kirby). Also common, golden legged as its name suggests, with white bands across its abdomen. A. helvola (Linnaeus). A rather nondescript brown bee which was a real surprise because it is rare in the north of England and scarce in | bg Volume 56 « February 1997 5 the south, where it seems to be associated with woodland rides and the woodland spurge, Euphorbia amygdaloides L. (George Else, Natural History Museum, London, pers. comm.). I took it at the Cotoneaster in June 1993 and 1994. In June 1995, when the Cotoneaster was not in flower because the spring was so cold and late, it came to the Pyracantha. Also to be found in the garden at this time are two Nomad bees: Nomada marshamella (Kirby) and N. ruficornis (Linnaeus) which are the cleptoparasites of Andrena scotica and A. haemorrhoa respectively. These look more like wasps than bees, being black or orange with yellow stripes, more or less devoid of hair. They sneak into the nest- holes of their hosts, which have no workers to guard them, and lay an egg in the cell wall, from which the larva emerges to eat the host’s egg and then its food supplies. Another wasp-like bee is the tiny Hylaeus hyalinatus Smith which is shiny black with some yellow markings and no hair at all. It is believed to swallow pollen and carry it with nectar in its crop, to its cells which are usually made in hollow plant stems. It is often to be found crawling round the stamens in the centre of Geranium flowers and is also very fond of goat’s beard (Aruncus) which produces masses of dusty pollen — and gives me hay fever if I stand too close. Most of these bees have finished their cell provisioning by July and are not seen again until the following year, but at this time Megachile centuncularis (Linnaeus), the common Leaf-cutting bee, is still active. It has a short pointed abdomen with white bands above and a dense orange pollen brush on the underside. It makes its cells in tunnels in wood from pieces cut out of rose leaves: oblong for the sides and round for the ends. For some reason it does not fancy my roses for nest construction, evidently it prefers someone else’s, but it does like the large golden heads of Centaurea macrocephala with its long projecting stamens. On this its behaviour is very distinctive, as it hurries about with its abdomen flexed into the vertical, transferring pollen from the long anthers to the brush on its underside with its hind legs. As far as I have been able to discover, only the Osmia, and probably the Hylaeus, are actually nesting in the garden. I have put up some bundles of hollow twigs and canes to see whether I can attract some “aerial nesters”, but I have to admit that this is more for my benefit than the bees, which are obviously managing for themselves somewhere else. The attraction of the garden is clearly as a pollen and nectar source. In this respect Natland stands out as an island of floristic 6 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3d diversity in a uniformly green landscape of improved grassland, thin hedges and stone walls. The only other place of any value for Solitary bees which I have been able to discover in the vicinity are a few stretches of roadside verge and some slopes beside the river which are too steep for the farmer to improve. It looks as though the gardens at Natland are supporting the Solitary bee population, at least as far as pollen and nectar sources are concerned, in much the same way as suburban areas support populations of some species of birds. I suspect that this is true also for a wide range of invertebrate groups (a friend has identified over 70 species of spider from her house and, admittedly large, garden), if we did but look — but our attention does tend to be grabbed by butterflies and moths! Some butterflies and moths of Glasgow by Frank McCann (6291) 3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY. Recently, around the beginning of September 1996, I found a Peacock butterfly at Easterhouse. I found it dead on the roadside at Wellhouse, it had probably been struck by a passing vehicle. It was quite a large specimen and I put it into a jar with pieces of damp paper to relax its wings and a few days later I set it. This is the first Peacock I have seen in Scotland. Recently I have seen some Red admirals and Small tortoiseshells in my travels around Glasgow. Also as I mentioned in my last note, Painted ladies and Small coppers. I have noticed various micro-moth species especially just after dark at Riddrie, Glasgow as well as seeing other moths such as the Silver-Y, various species of the Wave family — but I have not noticed many Carpets which IJ usually see resting on stone walls around this time of year. On the 29th September 19906 also in Riddrie, Glasgow, I was looking at the leaves of a bindweed plant, when I found a batch of small moth- eggs, fifteen in number. They were laid in three rows of about five to a row, on the underside of a small convolvulus leaf (which I think is the Greater bindweed) near the base of the plant. I think the eggs are those of the White plume moth, which I discovered last year in the area (a female which laid a few eggs). ae Volume 56 ° February 1997 7 The butterflies of Northern Greece (Greek Macedonia, Pindos Mountains and Mount Olympus) by Matthew Rowlings (9108) 87 School Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 SDL. At the age of 23 I consider myself very fortunate to have realised one of my earliest ambitions — hunting butterflies in Greece. I've been looking at the distribution maps of Higgins and Riley since the age of twelve and have always been amazed by the variety in the butterfly fauna of south-east Europe. At the end of May 1995 my father and I enjoyed this variety at first hand. Our experiences are recorded in this article. Having decided roughly which area we wanted to travel to, the next question we asked was: “What do we want to see there?” Our previous trips to the continent had always been in high summer to fit in with school and university terms, so for a change we thought we would like to see some of the spring butterflies (Pierids and Papilionids in particular) at the expense of the greater variety found in summer. Our decision was based on information in several readily available field guides to European butterflies. A crude analysis of distribution maps (themselves a crude but invaluable guide to a species' range), descriptions of flight times (also of variable accuracy when considering a particular area) and habitat all pointed to May as the most productive time and northern Greece seemed to offer most variety. The unusual and endemic species found in southern Greece and the Peloponnesus will have to wait for another trip. In the absence of specific site information we maximised our chances of seeing what we were looking for by working out a provisional route by overlaying distributions onto road/relief maps. The maps we used were Michelin's 1:700,000 covering all Greece in acceptable detail and the 1:300,000 Euro-Map for Greece and the Islands which gives more detail but doesn't cover the far east of northern Greece. Unfortunately neither map has a reference grid, so I'll have to use road numbers and place names for descriptions of localities. On 29th May we flew from Luton to Halkidiki airport at Greece's second city Thessalonika. In the baking heat outside the small airport we took delivery of our 1.2 Corsa and were sucked into the busy traffic 8 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Lo at about 2.30pm. Within 30 minutes we had left the town and its busy roads behind and hit the typically good and very quiet roads of rural Greece. Heading east (along route-16 towards Arnea) across the low plains towards the promising dry hills of Halkidiki we stopped to find our first butterflies on a small patch of roadside land rising up from the farmed valley floor at Galatista. It was a very tense ten minutes before we saw anything on the open flowery meadow-land — and that was a Small copper (Lycaena phlaeas). With relief, it wasn't much longer before our concern about the area was way-laid by the disturbance of Oriental meadow browns (Hyponephele lupina) and a Balkan marbled white (Melanargia larissa) from low scrub. We later noticed that low bushes or shrubs were common places for (mainly) Satyrids to shelter from the blazing sun. Also in this small scrubby patch were a couple of “yellow-flowered-trees” that provided a feast for ten or so Ilex hairstreaks (Nordmannia ilicis), Brown arguses (Aricia agestis) and several Oriental meadow browns (Hyponephale lupina). Two beautiful Little tiger blues (Tarucus balkanicus) were resting on a nearby lump of waste concrete. For some reason I was prompted to say “This could be the only place we see these blues.” Little did I know how true my prophecy would be. We moved on and climbed up into the wild almost uninhabited hills. The extremely dry slopes were covered in dried-up grass and scrub and looked like rich hunting ground. We weren't mistaken, even at 5.00pm. Ilex hairstreaks abounded — hundreds were put up from the stunted oak scrub. Several Fritillaries, particularly the Lesser spotted fritillary (Velitaea trivia), were present along with the Black- veined whites (Aporia crataegi) and Baton and Chapman's blues (Pseudophilotes baton and Agrodiaetus thersites). Painted ladies (Cynthia cardui) were common. A slightly green patch of grass yielded one Dappled white (Euchloe simplona) — (this is a genus where little consistency is found in English names between the field guides). Time was late for butterflies so we decided to find accommodation — not as easy as we expected in this land famed for tourism, even taking into account our rural location. So we pushed on and got into the greener, higher hills of eastern Halkidiki (up to 850m) and stopped in a large but deserted, and thankfully cool, hotel in the small town of Paleohori. Here we sampled our first Greek style greasy food — substantial, functional food it is too, but not objectionable. | bd Volume 56 * February 1997 9 Day 1 — 30th May 1995 We rose early with a strong appetite for butterflies but not for the plain bread and ham that greeted us for breakfast. The day's plan was to follow the coast and move up to the southern foothills of the Balkan mountains in the evening. Our first few stops were in the uplands (5000-5800 m) amongst green well-treed hills. Butterfly numbers were surprisingly low but there were a few highlights. Notably the Cardinal (Pandoriana pandora) was showing well on thistles, Purple shot coppers (Heodes alciphron) were also feeding. A few Scarce swallowtails Uphiclides podalirius) were swooping from higher slopes and the holiday's only Sloe hairstreak (Nordmannia acacide) was found in the vicinity of some of the abundant (only along road verges) flowering broom. The close inspection of a tortoise led to a scare as Peter's spectacles fell from his shirt pocket un-noticed; later a little detective work was needed to lead us back to the unharmed glasses. One open meadow overlooked the beautiful Aegean Sea and the jagged coast-line including some of the well-known Athos peninsula famed for its monasteries and the exclusion of women and female animals. Here we found some of the large Amanda's blues (Agrogiaetus amanda) that were enjoying nectar from large bushy vetches. These were joined by Bath whites (Pontia daplidice) that do occasionally rest/refuel during their rapid flight schedule. We dropped down to the coast at Stratoni and travelled north. A deserted white sandy beach with a wooded hinterland looked interesting. Southern white admirals (Limenitis reducta) were feeding on the “yellow-flowered-tree” but again there were few butterflies on the wing. A fresh water patch in a small glade was being used by a few butterflies for liquids. A single Two-tailed pasha (Charaxes jasius) flew from the muddy edge never to be seen again. In a neighbouring little glade was another butterfly that we saw only once — a wonderful fresh male Grecian copper (Heodes ottomanus) that was supposed to be between broods. After some lunch in a cool, shaded and deserted café (part of a deserted but obviously very popular night-club and bar area) we pushed north, still somewhat disappointed with the low number of butterflies being found. Even though the quality was equal to any previous holiday, we hoped the change of area would lead us to better things. Before leaving the coast we stopped on a windy hillside near Nea Kerdilia just before entering the devastated agricultural lowlands of the Strimonas and Xiropotamos rivers. Large ant-lions were fairly 10 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36 common; four inches from head to tip of the hindwing, these transparent lime-green and black insects were a common feature for the rest of the holiday. Peter found an exciting local Greek speciality sitting deep inside a bush — the Latticed brown (Kirinia roxelana). Its large rounded hindwings give the butterfly an unusual proportion and the spotted/mottled hindwings and deep veining of the upper forewings make this insect very interesting to the eye. We put-our-foot-down for an hour an a half to get inland to Drama, a regional capital city. Typically for Greece, most of the out-of-town journeying was a solo affair on nearly empty roads, only in the larger towns did traffic cease to flow and sign posts become non-existent. Drama was no exception. After not-just-a-little cursing and double- backing on ourselves, we found the right road out of the city. Going north towards Livadero and up into the foothills of the Balkan Mountains proper, we went into greener land. An open grassy/scrubby hillside was our first stop at 3.00pm and, to our mild disappointment, yielded similar butterfly numbers to the coast. However, two very exciting Yellow banded skippers (Pyrgus sidae) turned up — quite large and with a lot of white on their upperwings, their flight is slower than their “Grizzled” cousins. The yellow-on-white underside hindwings are as dramatic and unexpected as the field guide illustrations lead the imagination to suggest. At a narrow stream in a small village further up the valley, a meadow was the first site where we found the Green underside and Mazarine blues (Glaucopsyche alaxis and Cyaniris semiargus). The former was personally significant as it was the only butterfly we found on the holiday that was new to me but not to my father! Incidentally, not being familiar with the Green underside blue or the Pontic blue (Agrodiaetus coelestinus, which I don't believe we saw) how could I be sure I hadn't found the latter in the field? — some of our Green underside blues had deep blue uppers and dark underwings. Further on, the road went up a much narrower valley. The habitat varied from dry to damp and from meadows to forests. We stopped at a small bridge in a forested area with artificially created meadows and regrowth beside the bridge. The only vehicles on the road were large logging lorries (one coming down the valley every ten minutes) and our little Corsa. At 4.30pm the sun was disappearing behind a haze and was sinking out of the valley. At last butterflies were common and could be seen all around. And my, oh my! What we found! In 45 minutes we had doubled the day's species count and added some ae Volume 56 ° February 1997 11 striking records to the holiday list. A Southern comma (Polygonia eged) was absorbing the late afternoon heat off a west-facing cliff, a Chequered blue (Scoliantides orion) was flying over short road-side turf, a Blue argus (Aricia anteros) and Southern small whites (A7togeia mannii) were passing through and the best of all was a Common glider (Neptis sappho). The name “Common” suggests “plain” and is a real misnomer for this aptly named “Glider” — a better common name would be regal glider, as it soars slowly past with hardly a wing beat, allowing one to admire its inherent black and white beauty in slow motion. While I know how unsettling name changes can be to a naturalist (specifically changes to scientific names) if ever there was a case for breaking the rule, a change from the established “Common glider” to something more expressive would surely be justified! The sun gave up and we decided to return to Drama to look for some food and a bed. Suffice to say we were very excited by our afternoon successes and were looking forward to returning in the morning. Day 2 — 31st May 1995 We could not leave the hotel soon enough. Good humour was not on the menu after a particularly bad night — hapless insects were being explosively vapourised by the biggest butchers! actinic tube bug killer I have ever seen (located just below our window), road noise was bad all night (heavy trucks accelerating up a hill from traffic lights), the temperature and humidity were very high, our neighbour played music loud enough to bounce us off our beds between two and four in the morning .. . Back at the bridge at 8.45am the sun had already woken everything up. The “Regal” gliders (Neptis sappho) were flying slowly past, four feet above the ground and were feeding photogenically on Euphorbias. In addition, Large tortoiseshells (Nymphalis polychloros) were probing for salts on rocks in the morning light and Eastern short-tailed blues (Everes decoloratus) came out of the grass. Both the Wood white and the Eastern wood white (Leptidea sinapis and L. duponcheli) were present but we were unsuccessful in finding the Fenton's wood white (Z. morsei) that shares the same foodplant as the glider. We saw our first very tattered and faded Brimstones (Gonepteryx rhamni), that were to pop up unexpectedly throughout the rest of the holiday, and always caused excitement in our quest for the Powdered brimstone (G. farinosa). Sadly that quest was fruitless. The only other addition for this site was the Mountain small white (Artogeia ergani) — a dainty butterfly readily distinguished from the other Small whites by the almost completely unmarked underside forewing. 12 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society tL Our photography done we tore ourselves away and drove on deeper into the hills. The twisting switchback of a road climbed through almost completely undisturbed open woodland. Unfortunately, as far as any photography was concerned, we were in a no-photo zone. We were in (militarily vulnerable?) border country with Greece's volatile neighbours (Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia) and photography was forbidden. All military installations (and these are numerous all over the north) are protected in this way. This is a shame because the military have provided so many lovely roads into otherwise inaccessible or remote mountains. The Greeks lock people up for months for taking photos of aeroplanes efc., so we abided by this constraint, even though there was absolutely nobody around to catch us. It was so quiet that we didn't see another vehicle until the early afternoon! There were so many nice spots that we had to be very choosy when selecting places to get out and walk. Everywhere (literally) we stopped we found something new. One slightly marshy patch produced our only Twin spot fritillaries (Brenthis hecate) — five or six butterflies gliding above the tiny area. We stopped when we saw our first Erebia species: the Woodland ringlet (Erebia medusa). This became quite common at 300 to 400 metres above sea level. Also at this spot we found one of our target Papilionids — the Southern festoon (Zerythis polyxena). Distinguished from other white butterflies at quite a distance by its gliding flight with wings flat (nymphalid style), a short sprint up the road saw it in the net and being admired by its captors. Quite an exotic, the zigzag markings give the impression of deeply scalloped wings. One corner in the road was flatter than most and more open. Orange tips (Anthocharis cardamines) first caught our attention in our hunt for the Gruner's and Eastern orange tips (A. gruneri and A. damone) — two target pierid species. We were not in luck today but we did find our only Marbled and our first Pearl-bordered fritillaries (Brenthis daphne and Clossiana euphrosyne) of the holiday. We were walking opposite ways around a large rock, about 15 metres high and about 100 metres round, when I heard Peter yell, in excitement, for a second opinion on a large butterfly slowly descending our rock. Without question it was the Eastern festoon (Zerynthia cerisyi). This was a sight for already happy eyes. This is a butterfly enthusiast's butterfly: large, exotic (south-east European special), and with a beautiful three-colour pattern; subtle black markings on a creamy-yellow ground colour with just a suggestion of red spots. A definite personal favourite of the European fauna. Unfortunately this was the only one we have ever seen. > Volume 56 « February 1997 13 We pushed on through wonderful unspoilt countryside of deep wooded valleys whose remoteness should protect them from development for the near future. Other stops produced the Duke of Burgundy fritillary (Hamearis lucina), Clouded apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) and Southern small white (Artogeia mannii). It was 2.30pm when to our complete bemusement we came upon a huge and obviously vastly expensive road development. There was a small army of workers constructing two huge concrete bridges across two valleys to improve access. Access from where and to where we could not possibly imagine — at least 30 miles of tortuous narrow lane from the nearest main road and going nowhere! The only explanation we came up with was a military one. Unfortunately it is possible that such developments may hasten any opening up of this wilderness area with a potential loss of some of its wildlife. After a beer in a bar (guaranteed never to have hosted tourists before) we turned around and headed west into heavy thunderstorms towards our next destination — 200km to the eastern foothills of the Pindos mountains. Unable to find accommodation in the city of Gianitsa we diverted to the attractive city of Edessa where we found the quiet room and nice beds required for a refreshing sleep. Day 3 — 1st June 1995 The storms had passed and a little more travelling across another over- farmed plain found us at the base of a 500 metre escarpment. A road climbed this and we got an incredible view of the plains disappearing in the haze several tens of miles to the south. The only grassy areas on an otherwise rocky cliff were heavily grazed. However, some butterflies were found here, including two species we only found in the Pindos — the Russian heath (Coenonympha leander) and Tufted marbled skipper (Carcharodus flocciferus), and two Niobe fritillaries (Fabriciana niobe) found nowhere else on the holiday. The small village of Nimfeo welcomed us at the top. We stopped for a drink and were joined by an elderly but able gentleman who spoke very good English. As a native of the “original” Macedonia (dating back 2300 years to Alexander the Great and beyond) he made it quite clear why Greece is objecting to the new state from former Yugoslavia calling itself Macedonia. Despite the obvious pride for his homeland he had seen tremendous declines in the local populations because of migration of the young to the cities. 14 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS We left with the directions we needed for neighbouring Pericopi but had no warnings of what we were about to experience. The maps suggested we would find a road — the dirt began 100 metres from Nimfeo. Immediately we almost hit disaster. With two wheels on a muddy verge, we took a run at a long puddle that filled the road, only to feel ourselves helplessly sliding sideways down into it. We got through but we were trapped as we didn't dare turn round to go back — anyway it was only five miles to Pericopi. It took a long two hours travelling on rough dirt tracks through unproductive Beech woodland at over 100 metres above sea level. The butterfly count was low and we didn't find anything different. The butterflies seen were mainly Heath fritillaries (Wellicta athalia), Small heaths (Coenonympha pamphilus) and Meadow browns (Maniola jurtina) with the occasional Small white (Artogeia rapae), Orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) and Clouded apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne). It was a sorry loss of valuable holiday time spending so long wandering around on dirt tracks with a misleading map. We came out of the woodland and onto open grassland. A pack of large upset dogs chased us for half a mile and made any walking impractical. Luckily there didn't seem to be anything flying over the fields anyway. Eventual arrival at Pericopi revealed a completely uninhabited village. Not long deserted, it was only accessible by dirt tracks, so we were destined for more slow, bumpy journeying. Eventually we got back to civilisation and took a smooth road towards the nearest town for afternoon refreshments near Florina. From there we swept round the tortuous, never ending E86 through some dramatic unspoilt mountain districts which were apparently and most surprisingly, dead to butterflies and other insects. We were unable to find any different habitat for the rest of the day and had to settle for the lowest daily species count of the holiday — still, not bad at 44. We dropped off the high ground to the pretty lakeside city of Kastoria and found another empty hotel to rest our bodies weary from too much travelling. Day 4-— 2nd June 1995 The next morning saw us travelling west again and into the northern Pindos Mountains. There was plenty of evidence of the limestone base rock in the form of striated cliffs but the surface soil was fairly rich and low plants were more rank than is usually food for a variety of butterflies. However, very early on in the day Peter caught a very fresh specimen of the Freyer's fritillary (Velitaea ardiunna). A cross between the Glanville and Knapweed fritillaries (VW. cinxia and M. phoebe) (both also present), it i ae Volume 56 ° February 1997 15 was instantly recognised by the outward curving borders of the submarginal band on the underside hindwing. We had three hours of travelling to do during the day, so we had to keep moving to take in as much of the area as we could. The E90 road took us through a remote wilderness area along the border with Albania. The same unproductive beech woodland abounded, particularly at higher elevations. Lower down at the valley bottom shrubs of various descriptions were dominant, but there were few butterflies anywhere. However, our day list increased steadily with a final total of 45 including nine blues, eight fritillaries and seven whites. We found the Tufted marbled skipper (Carharodus flocciferus) again suggesting it is widespread in north- western Greece. Several Osiris blues (Cupido osiris) were found during the day. Our route took us to the unusual countryside around Eptahori. The whole area looked like the mountains and soils were made of unmixed cement. The weird grey soil did not produce much of a change in fauna despite a switch from the beeches to pines. However, we slammed on the brakes when we saw our first yellow “Papilio” swallowtail (i.e. not the Scarce swallowtail Uphiclides podalirius)). We were far enough west to be on the edge of the range of the Southern swallowtail (Papilio alexanor) but the unidentified swallowtail sped off never to be seen again. However, just nearby was an unusual bush covered in large seed pods, and around this bush a huge blue was flying. It was flying extremely fast and erratically and it took patience waiting the right moment to lunge at it with the net to secure its capture. It was the Iolas blue Uolana iolas) — a first for the holiday. The bush was presumably the foodplant bladder senna. It wasn't far beyond a small road junction guarded by police in an armoured personnel carrier and signposted “Albania 6km” that we began dropping off the elevated land and the beeches gave way to more interesting vegetation. It was 4.00pm when we stopped at a small sheltered sunny valley near Konitsa. There were several blues taking salts at a stream. The Turquoise blue (Agrodiaetus dorylas) was showing well with its striking blue uppers and distinctive white bordered underside forewing. Escher's and Chapman's blues (A. escheri and A. thersites) were also taking liquids. The Tufted marbled skipper (Carcharoudus flocciferus) was present. These repeated sightings illustrate just what care should be taken when using field guide maps — Higgins and Riley do not have this butterfly in the region whereas Higgins and Hargreaves do. There is a case here for consolidating knowledge on the distribution of European butterflies (and moths) and publishing updated distribution maps at regular intervals (rather than waiting to tag the new information in the next new field guide). 16 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ad As we dropped rapidly down towards a heavily farmed plain, we stopped for a drink from the back of the car. The scrub oak behind the lay- by looked like it warranted a walk. The holiday's only Camberwell beauty (Nymphalis antiopa) was flying down the dry valley. It was an extremely worn and faded specimen. A dead oak tree beside us had met a mysterious fate: its trunk and main branches were partially engulfed by a smooth ginger-brown bark belonging to some unwanted (and, to us, unknown) plant. Further on we thought we saw another Swallowtail so we stopped to look for it. We were on an extremely dry cliff face with only scarred bare rock nearby. It was very, very hot and not at all a nice place to be. We were surprised to find any butterflies here. In fact we only found one but it was the Mediterranean skipper (Gegenes nostrodamus) — The only place I've ever seen one. It was basking on red-hot rocks, a habit the species is known to enjoy — rather it than me! Having done too much travelling (again)-on a hot day it was nice to put our feet up in a cool hotel in Ioninia that evening. Day 5 — 3rd June 1995 Our destination for the day was Meteora, near Kalambaka in central Greece. Our route was to take us over the Afhin Kataras pass on the E92 — the highest pass in the Pindos Mountains at 1705 metres. After a good start at lower levels, butterfly numbers dropped as we climbed. We encountered the same problem as further north — the soils were too rich to support the variety of plants needed for a wide range of butterflies. There were, however, some very nice meadows and one of these bordered a stream in a narrow mountain valley near Mikra Peristeri. It had a healthy number of insects flying in it. Adonis and Escher's blues (Lysandra bellargus and Agrodiaetus escheri) were plentiful but the highlight of the day came as we were leaving. The shout “There's a yellow Orange tip down here!” got me hurtling down the narrow valley. A tremendous sweep of the net made sure we were to get a good look at our one and only Gruner's Orange tip (Anthocharis gruneri). It's a miniature, dainty orange tip with a lime/lemon ground colour. As we got higher we had the distinct feeling that we were too early in the season to see much in the picturesque meadows. Clouded apollos (Parnassius mnemosyne), Blue arguses (Aricia anteros) and Black-veined whites (Aporia crataegi) were widespread but nothing else was common. The Blue argus was a puzzle as once again we found some with and some without a spot in the underside forewing cell — what's going on? Can 34 - Volume 56 «+ February 1997 17 anybody help? They were almost certainly not Polyommatus eros or P. erioides — neither of which we found. Anyway, we decided we'd be better off down at warmer elevations. Back down at plain level we identified our first Swallowtails (Papilio machaon). These appeared to exist in small localised colonies as we only saw them three or four at a time, Opposite to previous experiences in western Europe in which they have tended to appear anywhere in ones or twos. We arrived at the town of Meteora at 3pm. This was the first place we visited that lies on the tourist trail — there were several bus loads of people there with ample facilities to cope with a lot more. The attractions are the 15 or so monasteries that are built on top of high pinnacles of sandstone — used as the set for one of the James Bond movies. Our main interest was lower down amongst the verges of rural roads just off the bottom of the plain. Latticed browns (Kirinia roxelana) were easy to find by tapping the bushes in which they were resting. Our only two Marbled whites (Melanargia galathea f. prodica) were found here flying alongside the Balkan marbled white (WV. Jarissa). They are very different to our version of the Marbled white having much bolder black markings and a creamier ground colour — altogether a contrasting black and deep yellowy-cream striped butterfly. Green and Ilex hairstreaks (Callophrys rubi and Nordmannia ilicis) were feeding on bramble with Southern white admirals (Limenitis reducta) and Common blues (Polyommatus icarus). We had planned to travel the hour and a half to Mount Olympus that evening so we drove up to Meteora at 4.30pm to pay our homage to the tourist attractions. Driving through the town we spotted a “yellow-flowered- tree” covered with an amazing spectacle of more than 50 Nettle tree butterflies (Libythea celtis). In fact the whole area was teeming with them. The road took us up and above the monasteries, so we could look down on them. Two Swallowtails were courting so we jumped out of the car to check for the Southern swallowtail (Papilio alexanor) only to find they had completely vanished. Shortly after this another Swallowtail flew nearby. The steep slopes prohibited any chases but I was convinced we had the Southern swallowtail. We waited in vain in the failing light for the chance to catch one and confirm my suspicions. The Yellow-banded skipper (Pyrus sidae), Queen of Spain fritillary Ussoria lathonia), Large tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros) and Clouded yellows (Colias croceus) were the only things we caught for the rest of the evening but we decided to stop at Meteora for the night and clear up any doubts about the Swallowtails in the morning. The proprietress of the entirely empty hotel gave us an 18 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36 explantation for the quietness of the hotels — the weather in the north can be cold and wet (everything's relative!) even to the end of May. I guess we'd been lucky with this season. Day 6 — 4th June 1995 Our last full day in Greece started with a brilliant sunrise through the sandstone spikes of Meteora. We went straight back to find the Swallowtails. We split up and walked separately along the road. I was ahead when I heard a giant call from far behind me. On looking round Peter was walking rapidly up the hill some 300 metres behind with his net folded over and looking very smug. A fabulous Southern swallowtail (Papilio alexanor) was trying to get out. The previous night's hunch had paid off and we could relax then with that question answered. It is a bigger butterfly than the Swallowtail (P. machaon) but its black stripes make it look sleeker and the reflective sky-blue scales in the outer black stripes on the upperwings accentuate elegance. Despite what several authors comment on the butterfly's affinity for thistles, all thistles we staked out drew blanks. Also nearby were our only small golden skippers — the Essex and Small skippers (Thymelicus lineola and T. flavus). Nettle tree butterflies (Libythea celtis) were as common as the previous evening and Latticed browns (Kirinia roxelana) were actively dodging between hiding places in bushes. One patch of bramble amongst deciduous woodland assembled a selection of Ilex and White-letter hairstreaks (Vordmannia ilicis and Strymonidia w- album), Common and Holly blues (Polyommatus icarus and Celastrina argiolus), Peacocks Unachis io) and Southern white admirals (Limenitis reducta). Our second Iolus blue Ulolana iolas) was flying around an isolated bladder senna with exactly the same vivacity as our first. Unfortunately, the tourist levels built up too high to be much fun so we moved to a hillside on the opposite side of the valley. A dirt-track led up to a large monastery (called Vitouma, near Megarhi) well above the plains. It was very dry and soils were dark. Beyond the monastery however the dirt-track continued upwards and into the limestone heights. The change to limestone was gradual but distinct with streaks of white stone becoming more frequent as we went higher — finally we had left all dark soil behind. There was no obvious change in numbers of butterflies flying but the variety had increased noticeably, as we expected (and hoped) it would. As I had just finished off my handful of food a White-banded grayling (Pseudochazara anthelea) dropped in over Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 1. Larva of the Grey dagger (Acronicta psi). (E. Pickard — Insects in Aberdeen) Pr, Fig. 2. The Painted lady (Cynthia cardui). (E. Pickard — Insects in Aberdeen) PLATE 97A Volume 56 « February 1997 L Fig. 3. Ascalaphus tialicus. (M.J. Dawson — Italy 1996) Fig. 4. Ascalaphus ottomanus (d) (M.J. Dawson -— Italy 1996) PLATE 97B Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 5. Red admirals feeding on oak tree sap slick. (M. Majerus & T. Majerus — Feeding of Lepidoptera on oak tree sap) Fig. 6. Large yellow underwing sucking oak sap. The proboscis is clearly visible. (M. Majerus & T. Majerus — Feeding of Lepidoptera on oak tree sap) IWMI QE, Volume 56 « February 1997 Fig. 7. A female Large yellow underwing with highly distended abdomen feeding on oak sap. (M. Majerus & T. Majerus — Feeding of Lepidoptera on oak tree sap) Fig. 8. After feeding, Copper underwings moved up the oak trunk to rest. (M. Majerus & T. Majerus — Feeding of Lepidoptera on oak tree sap) PRATE S7® ad Volume 56 * February 1997 19 the car. This is the only Grayling I have seen that I would call beautiful rather than handsome. It had large black eyespots on the upper forewing in a lovely white and orange-red band. Further on our little Corsa finally failed us — it simply did not have he traction of four-wheel drive necessary to carry us up the slope, so we parked it and walked on. This was one of the best moves of the holiday. Five hundred metres further on, the otherwise steepish rocky slope opened into a shallower grassy slope. As soon as we entered this grassy area | caught a Mazarine blue (Cyaniris semiargus). It had orange submarginal lunules on the hindwing similar to those typical of the Greek mazarine blue (C. helena). However, its size was that of the Mazarine blue and without dissection I consider it to be the subspecies of the Mazarine blue (C. s. parnassia) found only in central Greece. Mazarine blues lacking the orange lunules were found nearby. Purple shot coppers (Heodes alciphron) and Adonis blues (Lysandra bellargus) were frequently encountered. The Oriental marbled skipper (Carcharodus orientalis) rather that the Tufted marble skipper (C. flocciferus) appeared. Although not an exciting skipper it is at the extreme western end of its range in Greece which made it worth seeing. Within minutes we found the much more interesting Tessellated skipper (Syrichtus tesselum). It is very heavily spotted with white on the upperwings which makes it look almost striped. Three were seen in dryer more sparsely-grassed areas. A perfect Southern swallowtail (Papilio alexanor) flew through. Unfortunately, time had caught up with us and we had to leave and begin heading back east towards the airport for the morrow's departure. The very last butterfly we caught on the way back to the car was a white — unbelievably it was a male Kreuper's small white (Artogeia kreuperi) with predominantly green underside hindwings. It tied up an excellent day's butterflying. The hour and a half journey across arid barren lowlands to Mount Olympus took us two hours with traffic delays in the ancient town of Larissa. Our hotel room had a dramatic panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, the plains up to Thessalonika and the peak of Mount Olympus — the cloud- covered home of the gods. Day 7 — 5th June 1995 The day of our departure had suddenly arrived. Our plan was to spend three hours around the massif of Mount Olympus then travel straight to the airport an hour and a half away. We took the road to the top but we soon saw a sign indicating, without any ambiguity, that the netting of butterflies 20 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Lj was strictly forbidden. One hundred metres further on the road was closed due to resurfacing work, so (thankfully?) we were spared the ordeal of butterflying without the net. We decided to try the advertised walking trail up to the top but it too had signs shouting “No butterfly nets!”. In fact, the country was almost devoid of butterflies despite its wilderness. Only the Chequered blue (Scoliantides orion) was found in any numbers. So we left the area early to go hunting near the airport. , The countryside around Thessalonika had dried perceptively since our arrival a week earlier. We found a bank of flowering thistles near Panorama that was attracting numerous Cardinals (Pandoriana pandora) and fresh, mostly female Cleopatras (Gonepteryx cleopatra). Unfortunately, no new fritillaries were found, nor were there any Powdered brimstones (G. farinosa). Higher up on a hillside we found another Tessellated skipper (Syruchtus tessellum), but clouds developed and our butterflying was effectively ended. A delay at the airport saw us watching military aircraft operations for two hours — but strictly no photographs of their movements. Day 8 — 6th June 1995 — UK Thoroughly exhausted but most satisfied we lay-in contemplating everything we had seen. A total of exactly 100 species were found in our single week's hunting (more details — sites, general information — can be provided to anyone interested). Our only regret was travelling so far and not taking a little time to see some of the remnants of the ancient Greek civilisations. One particular hint for any visitor to Greece is that the valleys/plains of the north are completely devastated by agriculture and almost certainly of limited interest, whereas the mountainous regions are less damaged. A return visit is inevitable for us, perhaps at a different time of the year, and the area must be heartily recommended to any butterfly/natural history enthusiast. Nomenclature follows Higgins and Riley (1980). References Higgins, L.G. and Riley, N.D. (1980). The Butterflies of Britain and Europe. 4th Edition. Collins. Higgins, L.G. and Hargreaves, B. (1983). The Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins. Whalley, P. (1990). Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide to Butterflies. Mitchell Beazley. — , (1993). Butterflies: Mitchell Beazley Nature Handbook. Mitchell Beazley. 4 Volume 56 * February 1997 24 Italy 1996 by M_J. Dawson FLS, AES (9130) 66 Tivoli Crescent, Brighton BN1 5ND. Having obtained permission to capture insects (including Ascalaphids) from the Agricultural Entomology Institute (Faculty of Agriculture), John Hemmings and I travelled to Italy, together with an expert lady driver. Having a driver is most essential, as it meant that the car could be stopped immediately and we could tumble out as soon as an Ascalaphid was seen. Two years ago we went to Greece; if anyone can handle the Athens traffic, they can drive anywhere. Our sincere thanks to Tessa for her expertise in missing all the cars. There are six species of Ascalaphid in Italy/Sicily. We saw many of each except Deleproctophylla australis. An old olive orchard in Sicily near Novara (north coast) produced a few specimens, one of which was retained for photographic purposes. Of the other species, Ascalaphus longicornis was found up to around 1500 metres (Torres Orsaia, Italy). A. coccajus was plentiful in grassy meadows. The most common species was A. italicus (Plate 97B, Fig. 3), found on open grassland in large numbers. None was seen in Sicily. The indigenous race in Sicily is A. ictericus siculus and was widespread. __ Ina suitable spot, a hundred or so could be seen. A. ottomanus (Plate 97B, Fig. 4) was not common but found all over Italy. It was found in some numbers on mountains on the Adriatic coast _ near Trebisacci (Albidona). In the latter area, A. italicus was flying on a suitable field next to the sea (Marina di Amendolara). In my article on Spain 1995, Bulletin 405, April 1996, photograph _ number three states the Ascalaphid as A. variegata. This should have | been A. australis. To show the worldwide popularity of the AES, four persons contacted me after the above article appeared, one from Spain. Also, a | parcel arrived from life member Mr Kinoshita of Osaka, Japan, with eight magnificent specimens of Ascalaphids and four other Neuroptera. They arrived in super condition. They were exhibited at the AES Exhibition at Kempton Park in October 1996. Should any members wish to contact Mr Kinoshita, perhaps they would like to get in touch with me in the first instance. His main interest is in Bombycoidea and Noctuidae. 22 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a In praise of Candytuft: an excellent nectar plant by Don MacNamara (5537) 6 Fulham Close, Hillingdon-Uxbridge, Middlesex UB10 OSU. First of all there are two kinds of Candytuft, a perennial, which is no good for butterflies, looks nice though, and the annual one to which I refer in my article, Bulletin 55, October 1996, p. 231. The annual comes mainly in pinky-purplish or white, the colours are not that stable, but any colour seems to attract the butterflies. All the species of butterflies that come into the garden end up on the Candytuft. On a warm July night the moth activity around them is quite considerable. Bees are quite keen too. I refer to the planting of seeds. I sprinkle them in October and November and this lot will be blooming in May onwards — sometimes, if a mild winter occurs, earlier. ’'ve had them flowering all the year round. I then put some more in about the end of February. If you plant patches every six weeks throughout the year you will get perpetual displays of flowers. They grow to a height of six iene to about 12 inches-(15 to-31em). They are very hardy, frost-resistant and although they do not like too much competition in the early stages (keep broad-leaved “weeds” away) they will come up in any soil. They survive occasional slug and snail attack. The ones that are planted in the autumn will sprout quickly (again depending on the weather) and form sturdy plants for the spring and summer season. When they bloom off, wait until the seed heads are a golden or straw colour — pick them and use the seeds for the next planting. You can pull up the whole plant and bottle it to stand in a butterfly cage or grow them with the foodplants. I do this but if bottled lightly spray the blooms with water once a day to keep the nectar “topped- CON As they continually produce new flowers over a long period they are an ideal nectar source. I am surprised that the butterfly garden books don’t appreciate its value. The seeds can be stored for as long as you like, keep them dry though. a6 Volume 56 + February 1997 23 Feeding of Lepidoptera on oak tree sap by Michael E.N. Majerus and Tamsin M.O. Majerus Department of Genetics, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH. Four years ago we reported some brief observations of Red admiral butterflies (Vanessa atalanta) and hornets (Vespa crabro), amongst other insects, feeding on sap oozing from a wound in a mature oak tree trunk on the Dartington Estate, near Totnes, Devon (Majerus, 1993). Visiting the estate again this year from 17th-22nd August, we were able to make rather more detailed observations. Immediately on arrival at Dartington, Mrs Judith Horam reported to us that she had seen large flocks of butterflies around one of the oak trees along the drive that runs through the estate. At the earliest Opportunity, we visited the sessile oak (Quercus petraed) (tree 1) where we had observed Red admirals four years previously. As we approached, over a dozen Red admirals could be counted flying up from the trunk and settling back down on it (Plate 97C, Fig. 5). Examination of the trunk revealed that the wound that had been issuing sap four years previously was still doing so, and that a second wound on the other side of the tree had also formed a sap slick. The slicks were attended by a variety of insects. In addition to the Red admirals, both male and worker Common wasps (Vespula vulgaris) were seen feeding on the sap together with many species of fly. On that first visit, the Red admirals were feeding in numbers. The second, more recent, slick was better attended that the first by about a 5:1 ratio. Most of the butterflies, which were frequently disturbed by passing cars, alighted close to one of the slicks and walked the few inches to the sap, usually with wings closed, but intermittently flicking their wings open and closed again. We passed this tree a number of times each day over the six days, and only on 22nd August, a much cooler and more overcast day than those preceding, were no Red admirals seen. Otherwise, anything from two to 18 butterflies were seen on this tree during the main part of the day. The first butterflies arrived at or shortly after 9.00am, and the last disappeared a little after 6pm. During the stay, two oak trees were found to be attended by Red admirals. One of these (also QO. petraea) (tree 2) was also on the main drive through the estate. The sap slick on this tree was much smaller and it was rarely attended by more than a couple of butterflies at any one time. The third tree was a large, mature Turkey oak (Q. cerris) (tree 3), on the main lawn outside the Great Hall. A single large sap slick on 24 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society a this tree was attended by up to ten Red admirals at a time, along with two or three Hornets, several Common wasps, and many flies. Unlike four years ago, no antagonistic interactions between the hornets or wasps and the butterflies were seen at any of these sites. It is worth noting that although Red admirals were the most common butterflies on the estate during this period, several other species were also common. In particular, Painted ladies (Cynthia cardui) and Peacock butterflies (Inachis io) were abundant on Buddleia, while Large whites (Pieris brassicae), Small whites CP. rapae), Green-veined whites (P. napi), Meadow browns (Maniola jurtina) and Gatekeepers (Pyronia tithonus) were common. However, during our observations this year, no other butterflies were seen feeding on oak sap on the estate. Previously, Commas (Polygonia c- album) and Speckled woods (Parage aegeria) have been observed feeding at such slicks at Dartington (Majerus, 1993). That they were not observed doing so this year is not significant as the former was not seen during the visit, and the only three Speckled woods seen were very worn and were’on the other side’ of the estate. mm fact, one Speckled wood was seen feeding on a sap slick, together with two Red admirals, on a visit to the beautiful gardens at “The Garden House” neat Tavistock, where a sap slick was found on a Turkey oak in “the Dell. The lack of many of the other species of common butterflies at the slicks suggests that the feeding behaviour observed is practiced by only particular species, the Red admiral being the most prevalent. We find this surprising. If the sap of oaks is nutritious, it might be expected that other species that overwinter as adults in Britain (or attempt to), such as Painted ladies and Peacocks, would also use this food source to build up reserves. The observations of butterflies and other insects feeding on oak sap in the day, prompted us to visit the trees on the nights of 20th/21st and 21st/22nd August, to see whether nocturnally active insects ever visited the slicks. | In four visits on the two nights, some ten species of moth were observed feeding at the slicks (Plate 97C, Fig. 6). Details of these are given in Table 1. In addition, many wood lice, a small number of earwigs, and on tree 3, a very large number of small ants, were seen feeding on sap. On the night of 20th/21st, three Lesser stag beetles (Dorcus parallelopipedus) were also seen on tree 1. These beetles were not seen feeding on sap, and it is suspected that they were using the Table 1. Volume 56 * February 1997 25 Details of moths visiting sap slicks on three oak trees over two nights in August 1996. Species Tree 1 Large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba) Copper underwing* Dark arches (Apamea monoglypha) Shuttle-shaped dart (Agrotis puta) Mouse (Amphipyra tragopoginis) Dark sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon) Knot grass (Acronicta rumicis) Common rustic** (Mesapamea secalis) Square-spot rustic (Xestia xanthographa) Angleshades (Phlogophora meticulosa) Tree 2 Large yellow underwing Copper underwing Tree 3 Large yellow underwing Copper underwing Square-spot rustic 20th 21st 21st 22nd 10.00pm 1.00am 4.00am 1.00am * Includes both the Copper underwing (Amphipyra pyramidea) and Svensson’s copper underwing (A. berbera svenssoni). Collection of six individuals revealed both species to be present, but assessment of the exact numbers of each in the field at night was not possible. * No determination of whether Mesapamea secalella was present among these moths was made. 26 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society t sites as a convenient feeding ground attacking insects visiting the sap. The finding of several Large yellow underwing CVoctua pronuba) wings at the foot of this tree is certainly suggestive of this explanation. The moths that came to these trees to feed tended to alight, like the Red admirals, a few inches from the slicks and then scuttle to the edge of the slick to feed. Duration of feeding was not stringently monitored, but one female Large yellow underwing that was found feeding at 1.00am on 22nd August, and already appeared bloated at the time, with a considerably distended abdomen (Plate 97D, Fig. 7), continued to feed for a further 48 minutes. Most of the moths moved a short distance away from the slicks once they had finished feeding, and appeared to rest for some time before flying off. The Copper underwings (Amphopyra pyramidea and A. berbera) were the exception to this, for they typically walked some distance up the trunk before stopping to rest after their meal (Plate 97D, Fig. 8). It is notable that all the moths seen at the slicks were noctuids. The abundance of Large yellow underwings at the sap slicks is probably simply a reflection of their extraordinary abundance on the estate this year. We ran a mercury vapour moth trap each night during our stay, and this moth was the commonest species by an order of magnitude each night. Conversely, the large number of Copper underwings that were seen on the oak trunks was less expected, for this species was not very common in the moth trap, only one or two being taken each night. This moth is well known for its attraction to “sugaring” strips, and these slicks are certainly a natural alternative to artificial “sugars”, at least for some species. Reference — = (al) j J a — try .N. (1993) Red admirals and Homets. Bull. amat. Ent. Soc.. 52: 23. 1997 Member’s Day and AGM at the Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7. Saturday 26th April 1997. Doors open 10.30am a6 Volume 56 « February 1997 27 Mapping European Butterflies: Project Outline by Dr Otakar Kudrna Gesellschaft ftir Schmetterlingsschutz e.V., Karl-Straub-Str. 21, D-97616 Bad Neustadt. The butterflies — the best-known group of insects — are sensitive to environmental changes and serve as most valuable bioindicators providing indispensable information on the state and evolution of the European environment under the impact of changing land use practices and other anthropogenic pressures. Numerous butterfly species are considered threatened and many have been given legal protection on local, regional, European or even a worldwide scale. In spite of this, there is no data bank, no distribution atlas, no scientific assessment of the degree of threat and no conservation concept for indigenous butterfly species on a European scale. Against this background, the Gesellschaft flr Schmetterlingsschutz e.V. (GfS) and the Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. (NABU) — the latter represented by the “BFA Entomologie” and “BFA Internationales” — have resolved to start the project Mapping European Butterflies (MEB). The main objectives of the project are: e to set up a data bank on the distribution of indigenous European wild butterflies and e to publish an annotated distribution atlas of European butterflies. The atlas will contain dot maps (about 14x18cm each) for all European butterfly species; the maps will be based upon geographical co-ordinates of reference localities. The Reference Locality System (RLS) has been especially devised for this project. Further aims of the project are: e to assess the conservation status of indigenous European butterfly species, e to identify all important butterfly areas of European significance and e to determine priorities in the conservation of European butterflies and their habitats. All these aims are from a European point of view, based chiefly upon the evaluation of their present distribution patterns. The project should be completed within four years, resulting in the publication of the distribution atlas in the autumn of 1999 or the spring of 2000. The great significance of a distribution atlas for taxonomic, biogeographic and ecological research but above all as a scientific base 28 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ee for effective conservation of nature is generally acknowledged. Scientifically based butterfly conservation deserves an exceptionally high priority. The natural and seminatural habitats of about 180 German indigenous butterfly species are co-inhabited by ten to twelve thousand insect species (Kudrna 1986). The significance of butterfly habitats for the maintenance of biodiversity on a European scale is much higher. The earlier availability and utilisation of a distribution atlas could have prevented the grave errors in the selection of butterfly species listed in the annexes of the “Fauna Flora Habitat” (FFH) Council Directive 92/43/EC (Kudrna & Kihling 1995), thus making this important act really work. The Gesellschaft fir Schmetterlingsschutz is a member of the IUCN — the World Conservation Union. Wanted: Information on the Large heath by Harry T. Eales 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood, Derwentside, Co. Durham NE17 7PN. I am carrying out a study on the decline of the Large heath butterfly, C. tullia Muller, in England. Its present status is far from certain, but it is known that many sites have been lost to agriculture, afforestation, draining and peat extraction, during the last decade alone. I am seeking data regarding sites, no matter how well known, number of specimens seen, site area, site altitude and any threat either direct or indirect which may affect any colony. Information from data labels in collections, photographic or notebook records, in fact any data from any date period whatsoever, would be most welcome. I intend to contact museums holding collections of this species, to extract any data which may be available. This will give me historical records, but current information is in very short supply. All information will be treated in confidence where this is requested. At the present time I would estimate that Northumberland has 75% of all the colonies in England. I have just completed a second year of a five-year study of this species in this county, and I have located it on 116 separate’ sites, lanticipate that there are at least, amother 100 colonies awaiting detection. The rest of England is less fortunate, and it may not be long before many of the more southern sites lose their resident populations. ae Volume 56 « February 1997 29 Some butterflies of Albarracin and Abejar, Spain by Graham Stevens (10417) Urb. Pla. de Les Clotxes Il, 46450 Benifayo, Valencia, Spain. Every year my wife and I travel to England from our home in Valencia, Spain, via Santander in northern Spain and the ferry to England. This year I persuaded my wife that it would make a pleasant change to take an alternative route and travel via Teruel and Abejar and visit the areas made famous by Allcard and Manley in their book The Butterflies and Burnets of Spain, and attempt to follow in their footsteps, especially as we had two days to spare before we caught the ferry. Albarracin is situated 125 kilometres north of Valencia and 35 kilometres west of weruel: We set off early on the 1st August 1996 and arrived at Albarracin at llam. The weather was hot, with temperatures around 88°F and a bright blue cloudless sky. I found a large layby bordered on one side by a lightly-wooded area with a small river running through the centre and on the other side by a stony meadow on a hillside. I started my search along the meadow and was immediately struck by the vast number of different species that were in this one area. We spent three hours in this area slowly moving up river to the town of Albarracin. The next day saw us above the village of Abejar which is situated 250 kilometres north of Teruel and 30 kilometres west of Soria on the N234. The area is mountainous and covered in lush green fields. We spent a further three hours in this area before moving on to Santander. I visited the area of Albarracin again on 20th October 1996 and covered exactly the same area as before. Once again it was a sunny hot day with temperatures in the high 70s. Below I list the specimens that I saw in those two visits together with their locations. ? 30 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 1st August 1996 Clouded yellow Berger’s clouded yellow Ripart’s anomalous blue Oberthur’s anomalous blue Adonis blue Long-tailed blue Common blue Green-underside blue Mazarine blue Mountain argus Painted lady Swallowtail Red admiral Small tortoiseshell Great banded grayling Small copper Meadow fritillary Marbled white Esper’s marbled white Bath white Cleopatra Spotted fritillary Queen of Spain fritillary High brown fritillary Silver-washed fritillary Dusky large blue Rock grayling Dark green fritillary Violet fritillary 20th October 1996. In the Painted lady Common blue Clouded yellow Clouded yellow Berger’s clouded yellow Bath white Cleopatra Meadow brown Wall brown Long-tailed blue Adonis blue (females dusted in blue scales) Colias croceus Geoffroy Both areas C. australis Geoffroy Albarracin Agrodiaetus ripartii Freyer Albarracin A. fabressei Oberthur Albarracin Lysandra arragonensis Gerhard Albarracin L. coridon caelestissima Verity Albarracin L. bellargus Rottemburg Both Lampides boeticis Linne Both Polyommatus icarus Rottemburg Both Glaucopsyche alexis Poda Albarracin - Cyaniris semiargus Rottemburg Albarracin Aricia montensis Verity (f. montanabella) Both Cynthia cardui Linne Both Papilio machaon Linne Both Vanessa atalanta Linne Both Aglais urticae Linne Both Brintensia circe Fabricius Both Lycaena phlaeas Linne Both Mellicta parthenoides Keferstein Both Melanargia lachesis Albarracin M. galathea Linne Both M. russiae Esper Both Pontia daplidice Linne Both Gonepteryx cleopatra Linne Albarracin. Melitaea didyma Esper Albarracin Issoria lathonia Linne Both Fabriciana adippe Denis Both Argynnis paphia Linne Both Lysandra austuriensis de Sagatra Abejar Maculinea nausithous Bergstrasser Abejar Hipparchia alcyone Denis Abejar Mesoacidalia aglaja Linne Abejar Clossiana dia Linne Abejar area of Albarracin. Cynthia cardui Linne Polyommatus icarus Rottemburg Colias croceus Geoffroy ssp. f. helicina C. australis Geoffroy Pontia daplidice Linne ssp. f. raphani Gonepteryx cleopatra Linne Maniola jurtina Linne Lasiommata megera Linne Lampides boeticus Linne Lysandra bellargus Rottemburg Aricia cramera Eschscholtz In abundance DA 3 1 33 12 6 18 In abundance y, D, 8 In abundance In abundance 8 1 9 (worn) 13 (worn) 6 (worn) 3) 1 (worn) 4 4 (worn) 1 6 (worn) numerous 18 3 24 In abundance 8 it In abundance In abundance + In abundance Volume 56 * February 1997 Sil Book Reviews at :¥ .)\ LA = 2 | Mariposas Diurnas De La Provincia De Granada | by Miguel G. Mufioz Sariot, 1995, hardback, 22cm x 30.5cm, 105pp, 209 colour photos Clarge size), text in Spanish. Price is 7500 pesetas (plus | 400 pesetas P&P). Available direct from the author: Miguel Gines Munoz Sariot, Cuesta de San Antonio n°29, l°izda, 18011-Granada, _ Spain. (Payment by Postal Order). ISBN 48-605-4288-2. If you have an interest in European butterflies, this is an excellent volume, the result of many years study by the author, who has bred most of the Iberian species. Covering around 104 species, the book has the most impressive collection of photographs that I have seen in recent years. Many photos of the larvae are hitherto unpublished: Agriades zullichi, Lysandra sagratrox, Pylaon hespericus, L. golgus, Aricia morronensis, Cupido lorquini, Iolana iolas, Pseudochazara hippolyte williamsi, Eurodryas desfontainii, etc. . . Even if you don't understand Spanish, this is not a problem, as species names and foodplant names are in latin and I find that I can follow the text quite easily. At around £40, the book is not cheap, but the quality is superb. The photos feature some superb action. Swallowtails in copulation, a freshly emerged Charaxes jasius hanging from the chrysalis case, a pair of Apollo in flight. Black-veined whites, Dingy skipper and Anthocharis euphenoides in flight, a pair of Colotis evagore in pre-mating posture, and many, many other brilliant shots of larvae, chrysalids, foodplants and copulation, as well as a number of habitat photos. With many lepidopterists holidaying in Spain these days, you just cannot afford to be without this excellent publication, if you are planning a trip, and if you're just an armchair lepidopterist — it's worth every penny. You won't find a better book on the butterflies of southern Spain. Paul W. Batty (8926) 32 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society b=] | ay ji/)) by C. Philip Wheater and Helen J. Read. A5, pp. 90; 4 colour and “2 monochrome plates; numerous diagrams. Naturalists’ Handbooks ¥ No. 22. Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd. 1996. Price: hardback £15.00, paperback 48.95. One of my greatest childhood pleasures was turning over logs and stones, not to mention other debris, such as rusty corrugated iron, old sacks efc-in order to see the.teeming activity as the creatures underneath flee for safety. It was easy enough to recognise the difference between slugs, snails, beetles, mice, woodlice, worms and centipedes, although with few exceptions not to species, nor even to family. Pill millipedes are often confused with Pill woodlice for instance. With all the concern over conservation and declining numbers, even the extinction of a few species, I still find that turning over a stone or log still produces a hive of activity from the inhabitants and this makes me wonder just how common or rare they may be. Now here at last is a book from which they can be studied and recorded without having to consult some dozen or so volumes on the various orders. The book commences with the environment to be encountered under logs and stones and this is followed by a brief account of the various orders to be found there and this quotes books for further reading. The bulk of the book is taken up with keys to the many species that are to be found and this includes, on plate 6, an illustrated “guessing guide” which should enable one to jump straight to the correct Order. All the keys are appropriately illustrated with line diagrams where necessary. The keys are followed by a section on techniques; how to collect, keep, preserve, study and then write up about the animals. There is a very extensive bibliography and, as is now adopted by these publishers, this is headed by useful information as to how to obtain and/or consult the books and journals quoted. The index looks to be very thorough. A page is devoted to useful addresses and I am pleased to say that the AES is included. This is a book that deals entirely with invertebrates, but it does briefly mention that a number of vertebrates such as toads, slowworms, mice etc may also be occasionally found. The colour plates illustrate the commoner species of all Orders and we understand that a wall chart of these with keys to the Orders is available separately. The various volumes of Naturalists’ Handbooks, which have been under the degis of the Company of Biologists for the past three years o¢ Volume 56 «+ February 1997 33 have been going from strength to strength. Written by experts in their various fields they are now of a high standard of production and are an important and unsurpassed introduction to the subject in hand, particularly for the amateur and the student starting on his or her biological studies. One slight criticism of this one is the duplication of several diagrams; Figures 3 and 37 as well as Figures 4 and 36 are identical. This does not detract from a book on a subject where invertebrates are almost invariably still to be found and without too much trouble at that. One just has to be very quick in order to catch most of them and with this volume to hand the means of identification is now readily available. Brian Gardiner Mm Grasshopper country: the abundant orthopteroid insects of Australia by David S.F. Rentz. Hardback. pp. 284, 425 colour photos, numerous black and white photos and figures. ISBN 0 86840 063 7. University of New South Wales Press, Sydney, 1996. (in UK available from Pemberley Books, 34 Melrose Close, Hayes, Middlesex UB4 OAZ. Tel./Fax: 0181- 561 5494 — Price £42). This beautifully illustrated and well-designed volume, with an attractive dust jacket, covers all Australian orthopteroid insects i.e. the Orthoptera (grasshoppers, katydids, crickets and relatives), Blattodea (cockroaches), Mantodea (mantids) and Phasmatodea (stick and leaf insects). In addition to a very informative text from a world-renowned expert, there are 425 colour and 150 black and white photographs, nearly all taken by the author in the field and in the laboratory. A range of good quality figures is also included. Part 1 (pp. 1-45) of this book deals with several introductory sections, basic characteristics, taxonomy, conservation, “singing” orthopteroids, mating and courtship, collecting, rearing, killing and preserving the colourful Australian fauna. The last section also includes useful notes on dissection of genitalia. Within the text, the enthusiast will discover useful practical hints, such as using a mini bat detector. 34 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society sé Part 2 (pp. 40-208) covers the Orthoptera: grasshoppers, katydids and crickets, which are spilt into respective groups. Keys to subfamilies, tribes and/or genera are provided, along with sketches showing key anatomical characters. The text includes useful notes on culture methods, classification and preservation, along with remarks on representative species within families, taking into account any relevant research, behaviour, distribution and foodplants. Part 3 (pp. 209-257) covers the remaining orthopteroid orders i.e. the cockroaches, mantids and stick and leaf insects in exactly the same comprehensive manner as described above. Pages 258-284 includes sections dealing with References, photography, special interest groups, formulas and recipes, a brief glossary and an index. What more can the orthopterist want than this highly accurate, colourful volume?; David Rentz has included invaluable observations from his collecting trips across Australia and the outstanding plates show numerous species, including their behaviour, mating, moulting and camouflage. This attractively-priced book will also cater for readers interested in nature or general entomology. I can do no better than sum up with an accurate statement from the dust jacket “Grasshopper Country is one of the most comprehensive and best illustrated books on orthopteroid insects anywhere in the world, and a milestone in Australian entomology.” It is understood that CSIRO, Australia are promoting the book with an accompanying CD, which it may be possible for interested parties to purchase separately. Alternatively, order both the book and the audio CD direct from CSIRO Publishing, PO Box 1139, Collingwood, 3066 Victoria, Australia — Australian $79.95 (for customers outside Australia or New Zealand US $79.95 — payment by credit card possible). More than 130 species are included on the CD. Paul D. Brock (4792) Volume 56 ° February 1997 35 Hawkmoth sightings in France 1996 by Ben Trott (9354) Les Hauts Champs Moiteaux, 35270 Combourg, France. Iam reporting my Hawkmoth sightings for 51996" haver ibecenmsusimecea fluorescent light trap, and have been collecting larvae: Moths 11 Elephant hawkmoths — light trap 5 Poplar hawkmoths — light trap 4 Privet hawkmoths — light trap 1 Pine hawkmoth — light trap 1 Small elephant hawkmoth — light trap 1 Narrow-bordered bee hawkmoth on a Privet bush 1 Broad-bordered bee hawkmoth on Balsam 17 Hummingbird hawkmoths Larvae 88 Willowherb hawk larvae 22 Elephant hawk larvae 2 Small elephant hawk larvae 1 Hummingbird hawk larva This makes a total of 154 sightings. It has been a remarkable year for me, in. a normal year I would find a few Elephant hawk larvae and see a small number of Hummingbird hawkmoths. Being a junior member some years ago in 1991, I was encouraged to rejoin by the sheer abundance of sighting this summer. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society te To make the diary effective contributions are needed from members. Any relevant items should be sent to the Bulletin Editor. No charge is made for entries. Please allow three months advance notice. 26th MAY 17th AES AGM & Member’s Day At the Royal Entomological Society of London, 41 Queen’s Gate, SW7. There will be talks and a bug hunt aimed at all levels of interest. Doors open at 10.30am, start 11.00am. For further details see inside back cover of this Bulletin. 3 I: Wayne Jarvis 0976 828142. Emperor moth expedition and bug bunt. 2-5pm at Snelsmore Common Country Park, Berkshire (SU463710). Meet at main park entrance just off the B4494 Donington to Wantage Road. Children welcome for this bug-hunt at which we hope to attract the spectacular day-flying emperor moth, and will also be finding what other mini-beasts inhabit the woods and heathland of Snelsmore. Please bring a bug-box. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Joint with Butterfly Conservation and the AES Bug Club. I: Martin Harvey (01491) 671889). Spring moth-watch at Snelsmore Common. 8pm until late, at Snelsmore Common Country Park, Berkshire (SU463 710). Meet at main park entrance just off the B4494 Donington to Wantage Road. Please bring a torch and warm clothes (and a Thermos flask to ward off the British spring!). Please contact leader in advance to find out about access details (the car park is locked after dusk). I: Martin Harvey (01491) 671889). Published 25th February 1997 by the Amateur Entomogists’ Society (Registered Charity No. 207430), from PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. New and now available in paperback The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland — Volume 3 (Yponomeutidae to Elachistidae) edited by A. Maitland Emmet “. .one of the most eagerly awaited volumes in this excellent series. ’— Entomologist’s Record “.. an impressive book that augments information only previously available in continental works.’ — Antenna Volume 3 covers about 240 British species in the microlepidoptera families Yponomeutidae, Epermeniidae, Schreckensteiniidae, Coleophoridae and Elachistidae. Like previous volumes, it is written by a team of authors with specialist knowledge of the families they describe. The Yponomeutidae are treated by David Agassiz; the Epermeniidae by Charles Godfray and Philip Sterling; the Schreckensteiniidae (represented by only one species) and the Coleophoridae by A. Maitland Emmet, with important contributions by John Langmaid, Keith Bland and Martin Corley; and the Elachistidae by Keith Biand. The nine colour plates of adults have been drawn by Richard Lewington who has also depicted the larval cases of all the coleophorid species. Genitalia drawings for critical yponomeutid species have been drawn by Tim Freed; those for all the coleophorids are by Professor J6zef Razowski of Krakow, author of a similar work on the Polish Coleophoridae; and those for all the elachistids by Keith Bland. Distribution maps on a vice-county basis are provided for 240 species. Following the practice of other volumes in the series, there is a special introductory chapter, by David Agassiz, on ‘Invasions of Lepidoptera into the British Isles’. There are also extensive reference and index sections. 25 x 20cm., 454pp., incl. 11 col. pls., 8 duotone plates of larval cases, several hundred text figs and 240 maps. H/B ISBN 0 946589 43 7 £75.00; P/B ISBN 0 946589 56 9 £37.50 A Systematic Catalogue of the Zygaeninae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) by Axel Hofmann and W. G. Tremewan Although the subfamily Zygaeninae, the Burnets, consists of only 116 extant, currently valid species, their frequent and sometimes extreme individual and extensive geographical varia- tion and their fascinating biology have long attracted attention. This new Systematic Catalogue includes all nominal taxa at subspecies level and above and updates and augments the catalogue of the genus Zygaena (Reiss & Tremewan, 1967) to reflect modern concepts of systematics at the generic, species and subspecies level and to bring stability to the nomenclature. Range and larval hostplants are given for all taxa. The new literature references in the Cata/ogue, which is designed as a companion volume to A Bibliography of the Zygaeninae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) (Tremewan, 1988) (a supplement to which is included), are annotated with and indexed under the same key words as in that work. Indexes of valid nominal taxa and their synonyms, and of hostplants complete the work. 21 x 15cm., 252pp., H/B ISBN 0 946589 57 7 £42.50 Bibliography & Catalogue together ISBN 0 946589 59 3 £60.00 To HARLEY BOOKS, FREEPOST, Great Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4YY (01206 271216) | enclose my cheque/P.O./Please debit my charge card for copy/copies of MBGBI Volume 3 @ £75.00/£37.50 copy/copies of Systematic Catalogue @ £42.50 copy/copies of Bibliography @ £27.50; set(s) @ £60.00 Mastercard/Visa/Amex a/c no. p. & p. @ £3.50 per book £ Total £ N.B. Please quote account address and expiry date and/or further details of Address SPECIAL OFF PRINT AVAILABLE FROM THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY Notes on the natural history, distribution and identification of British reed beetles by LS. Menzies and M.L. Cox, 26 pages, 2 colour plates, £4 (+P&P 30p, overseas 80p). This important paper, covers all British reed beetles (15 spp Donacia, 4 spp Plateumaris, 2 spp Macroplea). Fully illustrated keys allow accurate identification of these attractive, but sometimes confusing chrysomelids. Full species accounts cover foodplants, distribution, habits and behavioural observations. Sixteen of the species are illustrated in two plates of spectacular colour photographs. Originally published Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1996; 9: 137-162. Send cheque made out to “Brit. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc.” with order to : BENHS Sales Secretary, G. Boyd, 17 Gainsborough Close, Cambridge CB4 ISY. Other special offprints also available: The British species of Metzneria, Paltodora . . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff and E. Bradford, 6pp, 1 col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1990; 3: 23-28. The British species of Monochroa, Chrysoesthia . . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff and E. Bradford, 8pp, 1 col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 36-44. The British Epermeniidae (Lep.) by H.C.J. Godfray and P.H. Sterling plus the British species of Caryocolum (Lep.: Gelechiidae) by P. Huemer, together 20pp, many figs, | col. plate, £3.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 141-160. A review of the British Opomyzidae (Diptera) by C.M. Drake, 18pp, many figs, £2.00. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 159-176. Postage and Packing £0.30 (£0.80 overseas) for each of these special offprints. BENHS members are eligible for special reduced prices on these and other Society publications and receive the quarterly British Journal of Entomology and Natural History. For sample copy and Society details write to the Editor, Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist., 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SEi5 3DE. BENHS is a registered charity, number 213149 ARE YOU MISSING OUT? THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD and Journal of Variation Publishes notes, observations, articles and reviews, | mainly on the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera of the British Isles and Europe. Founded in 1890 by J. W. Tutt, and still going strong, we publish six issues a year — alternating with the AES Bulletin. This means there is now a first class entomological | journal available every month of the year! Our subscription price is £22 per year. If you would like to see a specimen copy, please send your name and address, and a couple of second class stamps to cover postage to: The Editor, 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2QP. Write now! You never know what you could be missing. The Entomologist's Record is an independent, non profit making journal. To ensure high standards of production we use Cravitz Printing Company. Midlands Entomological Fair Granby Halls, Aylestone Road, Leicester Sunday 23rd March 1997 10.30am until 4.30pm Adults £1.50 — under sixteens 5Op ALL MAJOR DEALERS IN ATTENDANCE e Livestock e e Papered stock e e Collecting and Breeding equipment .- e Books and periodicals « Affinity groups e e Insects e e Invertebrates - e Large Reptile and Amphibian Section e EVERYTHING FOR THE ENTHUSIAST - SEVENTY STANDS Ample car parking Bar and cafeteria Enquiries: Jack Harris — 01455 846310 A NEW REPRINT FROM THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS' SOCIETY PRACTICAL HINTS FOR THE FIELD LEPIDOPTERIST by J.W.Tutt Written in three parts at the turn of the century, this book has been reprinted because it still represents the most comprehensive field guide covering both macro and microlepidoptera. Parts I to III all give a month by month guide to which species and stages to look for and how to find them. Part III also contains an extensive biological account of the early stages and how to keep, rear and describe them. 422 pages, Hardback. (Reprinted 1994). A separate supplement has been prepared which cross-references old to current scientific names and the English names of the species covered. Total price only £21.00. OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE FROM THE A.E.S. INCLUDE Habitat Conservation for Insects - A Neglected Green Issue (Hardback 262 pages, 15 figures+ 32 pages colour plates). . . . . .£12.00 A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figs, 13 plates) . . 9 eee oes |) A Guide to Moth Traps and their Use (60 pages, 21 figures, 8 plane 2 £500 Breeding the British Butterflies (60 pages, 6 figures,5 plates) . . . . £3.95 Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (56 pages) . . . . . £3.95 Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40 pages, 11 fig.). . £3.40 An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Gentalia of Lepidoptera (l6pp) . £2.35 A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (Hardback, 225pp + 32 colour plates showing 74 photographs of larvae and adult moths) . . ... .£13.75 Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . . £2.85 The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp, 10 figs.) . . £3.40 Collecting and Studying Dragonflies (24 pages, 12 figs, 2 plates) . . . £2.35 The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated). . . . . . . £8.50 Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages). . . . . . £2.00 A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . . £15.50 Host plants:or BrutisimBeetles 4ipaces) iis Vist Ss. e200 A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, iliustrated) . . . . pee BS) G) Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 figs. 7 plaies)s . £5.00 Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates) . . . . £2.85 Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages, 2 plates). . . . . ... £1.80 All the above publications sent post free to U.K. addresses. Outside U.K. please add 10% to order value for postage by surface mail. For postage by air-mail outside Europe please add 30% to order value. Please make all cheques/postal orders payable to 'AES Publications’ and send to: AES Publications, The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, COLCHESTER CO7 7JN. Telephone 01206 251600 AES MEMBERS' DAY AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Saturday 26th April 1997 it the Royal Entomological Society of London, 41 Queen's Gate, SW7 HOW lO GETTHERE vere is no car parking facility at the R.E.S. and it is therefore strongly advised that public ansport is used. y Train: The nearest mainline station is London Victoria from which the underground or bus systems should be used. y Underground: South Kensington Station is served by Piccadilly, Circle and District Line trains. Gloucester Road Station is served by Circle and District Line trains. To Hyde Park imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine imperial cee Road Royal Pe po le nemclosical Sorte Society 41 Queen’s Gate Science Museum Natural History Museum Queen’s Gate Place s Gate Place Victoria and Albert Museum Queen’s Gate Baden Powell House Exhibition Road A4 Cromwell Road co noe ee outh Kensington Tube Harrington Road ; (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines) elh ath Stree Cromweli Place AS % % %, Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society CONTENTS E.. Pickard. Insects in’ Aberd@en 22 -c.0c.2: .sesesecaeacsaceeesdosseencee sooo aeeeooee ee v N. Robinson. Solitary bees in my garden .........:s.scssessssssssssesesscssoecesesnsusssnsseseranscasenens 3 M. Rowlings. The butterflies of Northern Greece (Greek Macedonia, Pindos Mountains and Mount Olympus) »...:...0:.5.<2200.0:0-ass ‘Sy > Ss £ S + o) vy c- = st fess ~< Founded in 1935 Where to write For all Society business, please write to: AES PO. Box 8774 London SW7 5ZG Telephone: 0976 828142 Officers of the Society President: — Richard Jones Secretary: Wayne Jarvis Treasurer: Andrew Locke Registrar: | Nick Holford Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis General Editor: | Mike Bonsall Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke Exhibitions & Meetings Secretary: | Maxwell Barclay Youth Secretary: Darren Mann ICN Editor: Wants & Exchange: David Lonsdale Caroline Willmot Habitat Conservation Officer: | Martin Harvey First subscription (including entrance fee) £12, or £8 under 18. Renewals £10 or £6 under 18. Overseas members £12. Family membership £15 (Includes Bulletin and Bug Club). Overseas Family membership £17. Subcription due by the 1st January each year. Subscriptions: The following charges apply to adverts in the body of the Bulletin. Full page £60, Half page £40, Quarter page £25. Insert charges available on request to Advertising Secretary, address as above. Advertising Rate: NOTICE It is to be distinctly understood that all views, opinions, or theories, expressed in the pages of this Journal are solely those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, financial grants offered or sought, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, the Officers and Council of the Society, nor its Trustees, can be held responsible for any loss, embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon. Worldwide Butterflies Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4QN. Tel 01935 74608 Fax 29937 Colour Catalogue of livestock specimens and equipment. Please mention AES. 50p in stamps would be greatly appreciated. ALSO on request, Specialist Catalogues of British, European and Exotic set and papered specimens ae LEI “sit Worldlife ) Registered charity Z, At Compton House, Nr. Sherborne, Worldlife has evolved from Worldwide Butterflies. As well as magnificent butterfly displays, conservation organisations are showing what is being done for the environment, and how all can become involved. Situated on A30 Yeovil-Sherborne Road. | Open daily Apr-Sep. Tel 01935 74608 E.W. CLASSEY LTD ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKS BY MAIL SINCE 1949 * Antiquarian, second-hand and New books | s Special offers and forthcoming book news | . Booksearch service. Please send your “wants’ list . Regular free catalogues and specialist lists | * Books bought | | * Valuations Oxford House, Marlborough Street, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7DR UK Tel. 01367 244700 ‘Fax. 01367 244800 Our Faringdon shop has a large stock of Entomological & Natural History books and prints Since 1976 . . serving lepidopterists worldwide TRANSWORLD BEE BUTTERFLY CO. RESEARCH ILLUSTRATED sant caralosue =| ASSOCIATION Hunareds of buiierflies from South America : Africa, Ausiralia and ihe Far East. Many of our 18 NORTH ROAD specimens are ex-pupae or ranched. Specialisis | n Papilionidae, Morphidae and Brassolidae CARDIFF | CF1 3DY Our catalogue includes many harc-to-find species ~ ke female Morpho theitenor, female Morpho _ | € < phe adonis, female Morpho anaxibia, femaie Morpho | : — : Tioga. Notions fod ionho 1) For Scientific and Technical eeeet Wie’ ho tite; famole Danilin sCOmMmOoNn r | > = : > B =) id : GON, IMOTPNO MEL, TENNIS FOPEO SCOMANGEH, -| information on Bees (Apoidea) Papilio antimachus, female Papilio plagiatus anc ai : =maie Papilo hesoeus especiaily Honeybees (ApisSP). Request our free Catalogue foday! Please write to the above address for TRANSWORLD BUTTERFLY COMPANY | details of publications and membership APARTADO 6951 - SAN JOSE A specimen copy of “Bee World” is COSTA RICA obtainable Jor SUP. TEL: 506-228-4768 FAX: 506-228-1573 ee ae ee ee Se ee ee ee eee THE 3rd E.L.G. SPRING ENTOMOLOGICAL FAIR SUNDAY 18th MAY 1997 Once again at PATTISHALL VILLAGE HALL (between Pattishall and Astcote), Nr. TOWCESTER, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE * MAIN LIVESTOCK DEALERS ATTENDING * *BUTTERFLY/MOTH LIVESTOCK & SPECIMENS * * INSECTS, SPIDERS, EQUIPMENT & PLANTS * * EXCELLENT RANGE OF LEPIDOPTERAL LINES TOS ENT ELIS nA oO * OPEN 12.00 — 4.00pm * NORTHAMPTON Refreshments available ADULTS £1.00 CHILDREN 50p E.L.G. CARDHOLDERS 50p Tel: 01327 830853 (Mike Bayley) Tel: 01909 550272 (Paul Batty) PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA. Tel: (01277) 224610 Fax: (01277) 262815 THE BUTTERFLIES OF ESSEX — a 200pp hardback tetrad atlas of Essex butterflies with historical and conservation details for all species. In addition a status list of all Essex moths (macros and micros). The book will have a cover-painting and forward by Gordon Beningfield and over 40 full-colour photos. Royalty payments will be shared by the Essex Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation (Cambs & Essex). Readers may reserve a copy by letter (do not include payment: this will be invoiced on publication) at £15 plus postage. Price on publication £22. Reservations must arrive by the end of May 1997. Reservations to: Butterflies of Essex, Tye Green House, Wimbish, Saffron Walden, Essex CM10 2XE. The td ie = Bulletin = of fhe Amateur Entomologists Saciety Aprif #99 FN BEER STN Eeitioes Seine gars Bde FOR SALE AO ~~ ees Victorian Mahogany Entomological Cabinet 5 FEET HIGH AND 6 FEET LONG. 57 GLASS-TOPPED DRAWERS. EX-OXFORD UNIVERSITY ZOOLOGICAL DEPT. FULLY INTACT AND IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION. GENUINE REASON FOR SALE. £ 3000 Call Jonathan on 0171-782 5333 or 01883 344167 The cover of this issue of the Bulletin features the Longhorn beetle (Pogonochoerus hisidulus). Photo: Nick Holford of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society Volume 56 ¢ Number 410 April 1997 Editorial The AES has recently been formulating a new trading policy for use at the Society’s annual exhibition and in its publications. We asked for our members’ opinions on the subject in an earlier Bulletin, and received 35 replies, for which we are thankful. The policy which we drew up hastily last year, resulted in a list of “unwelcome” species of butterflies and moths, Lepidoptera non grata, if you will. It was based on four established lists of specifically rare and threatened species, but it was clearly not sensible, as we realised when the full extent of the list was seen. We rescinded this list for the 1996 exhibition as a result of this realisation, despite reports to the contrary in some other publications which had suggested that pressure from dealers and the lobbying of other groups had effected the change — it had not. The exhibition was, as we have come to expect, a success, with a slight increase in attendance for traders and visitors. The letters that we received before the 31st January 1997 deadline have all been read and points taken from them. Views ranged from those who wanted the exhibition to remain as it has done for years, to those who wanted to see a restriction in the trade of endangered specimens of deadstock and livestock and those who wanted to see the sale of ALL specimens to be banned. Council met in early March and formulated a new policy on the trade of specimens, and this will be implemented for the 1997 exhibition and all advertisements in any Society publication. The policy is an attempt to show those who would ban specimen sales that entomologists are not the zoological equivalent of stamp collectors. Amateurs provided much of the entomological knowledge we have today, and they continue to contribute to it. A valuable part of this knowledge has come about through the exchange and sale of live and dead specimens, and this material should continue to increase our knowledge and enhance our understanding. Some people have actively criticised the previous AES policy, but they have done this in other publications, rather than approach the Council direct. And despite a questionnaire being distributed to members of another entomological society, these vociferous outbursts have still not been backed up by any formal approach or level 38 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society to] argument addressed to the Society. This is not an appropriate way to further anyone’s points of view. Behind both the previous Lepidoptera non grata list and the current policy is the recognition that entomologists must face disapproval from certain quarters. This disquiet is felt by some non-collectors who view rows of set specimens for sale and see nothing more than collecting for collecting’s sake. There is general agreement that collecting is not a threat to the survival of species, when compared to the huge loss to the habitats in which these creatures live, indeed, without collections there would be no records for most insect species, no knowledge of their habits and habitats, no appreciation of their ecological needs and no chance to encourage or protect them. The availability of specimens for sale (both live and dead) further enhances entomology, because it means that reference collections can be more easily assembled, old data are not lost or destroyed, newcomers and youngsters are easily encouraged and breeding skills and interests are developed. But to some people, these specimens for sale smack of a Victorian exploitation of the environment and an anoraked nerd’s need to “get the complete set”. This view belittles entomology and we should do all we can to counter it, by actively pointing out the importance and necessary part that exchange and sale play in the study of insects. The policy, which follows this editorial, aims to set the sale of live- and deadstock in its rightful context, as part of an overall aim to further, and encourage the study of entomology. On a lighter note, the Society Treasurer, Andrew Locke has announced that he will be leaving the post as of 31st May. We are, therefore, looking for a replacement to fill this important position within the Society. Any one interested in doing so, or filling the post of Advertising Secretary, should contact me at the PO Box address or on 0976 828142. The Annual General Meeting is also looming, taking place on Saturday 26th April at the Royal Entomological Society of London. We have organised talks and demonstrations, and also a Bug Hunt in the nearly Natural History Museum gardens. Specimens may also be brought along for identification and as always, the Society’s publications will be available for sale, including our two new volumes, A guide to moth traps and their uses by Paul Waring and Reg Fry (Price &5) and Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera by Mark Shaw (Price £4.50). They can of course also be ordered by sending a cheque to AES Publications, The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, Colchester, Essex €O777 JIN: | | ae Volume 56 + April 1997 39 Also at the Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting , the AES Bug Club will be running activities for our Bug Club members, showing how best to handle insects and during the afternoon we will (weather permitting) be demonstrating field techniques as we look around the Natural History Museum’s Conservation Garden on our Bug Hunt. This will also be helping the museum document those species that have colonised the area. The AES Bug Club Newsletter received a very warm welcome with its first issue (sent to all AES members) in February. We would be grateful if those of you that have “finished” with your copies could pass it on to your local school or a friend to have a look at and maybe increase our membership! The costs of producing both the Bulletin and the AES Bug Club Newsletter are still not covered by the cost of subscription, and we need to obtain as many new members as we possibly can to try and change this situation, or inevitably, we shall have to increase the cost of membership! Finally, before I fill the pages of this Bz//etin totally with ramblings, a quick note regarding the submission of articles. It helps us a great deal if the articles are sent double-spaced (hand-written articles are acceptable if they are legible!) following the same format as Bulletin articles, particularly with the references. Please include your name, membership number and address at the top of each article and on any illustrations or slides/photographs on the reverse side. Latin names should be included wherever possible but they should not be underlined. We always require articles, both for the Bulletin and the Bug Club Newsletter and will always attempt to publish them. If you are not sure about submitting an article, please drop me a line or phone 0976 828142 and I will attempt to persuade you to do so! Enough of me for now! the Society’s trading policy follows . . . Wayne Amateur Entomologists’ Society Policy on providing facilities for trade in biological specimens The Society provides facilities through its Wants and Exchanges List and its annual exhibition. It does so to help fulfil its overall aim of furthering the study of insects, which can only be pursued effectively through the observation of dead and living specimens, with the aid of books and equipment. 40 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ee The Society does not believe that trade in invertebrates is generally detrimental to populations in the wild, but recognises that such harm is harm is possible where species are already in serious decline for other reasons (such as habitat loss), or where they are being over-exploited. The Society further believes that it is preferable for traders to obtain their specimens through captive breeding or bone fide ranching systems rather through capture from the wild, as an assurance that natural populations and their habitats are not being harmed. In accordance with this policy, the Society’s rules for trade at its annual exhibition and through its Wants and Exchange List are as follows: Ak. Species that are protected under all the provisions of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), or for which there is a total ban on international trade under CITES, may not be offered for sale. . Species that are listed in Schedule 5 of the above Act as protected from trading, except by licence, may not be offered for sale unless the licence number is provided by prior application to the appropriate officer of the Society; i.e. the Exhibitions and Meetings Secretary or the Wants and Exchange Editor. At the annual exhibition, the licence must also be available for inspection, and the licence number must be prominently displayed on the trader’s stand. . There is no restriction on trade in species not included in categories (1) and (2) above. Traders are, however, requested to provide their customers with information on the origins of all live or dead specimens on sale. The Society suggests that this information should be based on the following categories: a) Captive bred, from self-sustaining stock. b) Reared from wild-caught immature stages, including gravid females. c) Wild-caught (in whatever stage is offered for sale). d) Bred from a bone fide ranching system. e) Specimens from old collections. Traders must note that, although information is requested, rather than required, further details must be provided if the specimens are stated to be derived from categories (d) or (e). These details are as follows: Category (d) — the address of the ranch or ranching agency. Category (e) — the origin of the collection and the year in which the specimen was collected. Bo Volume 56 + April 1997 41 A search for the Reddish buff moth Acosmetia caliginosa (Hubner) in Spain and France, May 1995, with records of other Lepidoptera seen. Peter M. Potts' and Paul Waring’ (4220) ’ Hampshire County Council’s Countryside Service, Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, Cliff Road, Hill Head, Fareham, Hampshire PO14 2/T. ? 1366 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 OLS. Introduction In mid-May 1995, we undertook an expedition with the principal objective of visiting the two known sites in western Europe, where the Reddish buff moth has been reported in the last decade. One of these is on the north coast of Spain and the other is just across the border in France. The aim was to document the condition of the habitat at each site, for comparison with the single locality to which the moth is now confined in the UK and with reintroduction and possible reintroduction sites in the UK. The former consists of heathland on the Isle of Wight, where PW is working with the English Nature Species Recovery Programme to ensure that the habitat remains suitable for breeding and that additional areas of former heathland are returned to optimum condition. The moth breeds in open heathy areas dominated by ling heather Calluna vulgaris, amongst which other low plants grow, including saw-wort Serratula tinctoria, which is the sole larval foodplant of the Reddish buff. The Species Recovery Programme is also concerned to identify other potentially suitable sites within the former range of the Reddish buff in England, into which the moth might be established, to restore the number of British colonies to former levels. At the end of the nineteenth century the moth was known from several sites within the New Forest in Hampshire (Tutt, 1901-1905 and data labels from preserved specimens). In the 1930s an additional colony was discovered in a wood outside the New Forest, near Fareham in eastern Hampshire (Cardew, 1931). It had also been recorded from the Isle of Wight, where it is now known to have occurred on at least four sites (Waring, 1992a). The current plan is to return the moth to the mainland and to improve its status on the Isle of Wight. Hampshire County Council CHCC), by whom PMP is employed, are actively assisting with the former at one of their sites. Recent study of the moth and its requirements in Britain has had to be based largely on its one remaining site. As a result of Hampshire 42 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae County Council’s European initiatives programme PMP was offered the opportunity of a study tour to visit continental sites and develop contacts, hence this joint expedition was planned (with PW participating at his own time and expense). Additional aims of the expedition were to record and report the other species of moths encountered while searching for the Reddish buff, to develop contacts with the Spanish authorities who issue the permits now necessary for collecting voucher specimens of insects, and to accept an offer extended to PMP of a guided tour around the Biosphere reserve and regional park of Urdaibai, near Bilbao. The offer was extended by Basoinsa, a Spanish environmental consultancy based in Bilbao, which has been involved in the Urdaibao project and which had previously visited a similar HCC site (Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve). Basoinsa have subsequently provided us with detailed vegetation maps which will assist further work on the Reddish buff in Spain. Background information about the Reddish buff in Europe Within Europe the Reddish buff has been recorded from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Sweden, Norway and the former USSR. It is locally quite common in the Czech Republic and Sweden (M. Fibiger, pers. comm.). Within Spain the moth seems only to have been reported form two localities as far as we are aware. Jose Yela (pers. comm.) has seen two specimens collected by T. Seebold and reported by Seebold in 1879 (Anales de la Sociedad Espanola de Historia Natural 8: 104-107). These are in Seebold’s collection at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, and are labelled Bilbao. They are the only Spanish records in the literature. In 1987 Norman Hall was light-trapping along the north coast of Spain and collected four specimens of a moth unknown to him and subsequently identified by Barry Goater as the Reddish buff. These were found at Torimbia, some 160km west of Bilbao. Later, in 1994, Norman Hall discovered similar-looking moths near Osse-en-Aspe, close to Accous, at the western end of the French Pyrennees. Jacques L’Honore (pe?s. comm.) has searched some of the French literature and reports that the moth has also been recorded from Jarnca, Charente, in the past. The sites we visited: We light-trapped all night at Torimbia (10-17/5), the Urdaibai reserve (17-18/5) and above Osse-en-Aspe (18-19/5) and recorded 106 species of macro-moth. ae Volume 56 + April 1997 43 During our expedition we also visited Jarnac, near Angouleme, Charente. We failed to find any heathland or any other likely looking habitat for saw-wort in this area, in spite of an extensive tour round the main roads and some minor ones in the vicinity. A large proportion of the ground around Jarnac is planted with vineyards and it is possible that these have been established on former Reddish buff habitat. Former sites in the UK may also have been lost to agricultural development. Jarnac is sited on the former floodplain of the Charente River and land which is not used for buildings or agriculture has been planted extensively with trees, especially poplars Populus spp. in the damper low-lying areas. In view of what we saw, it seems unlikely that the Reddish buff is still to be found in or near Jarnac. Torimbia, near Llanes, Asturias, Spain 16/17 May @late- 97 Eris. 1) Playa Torimbia is a sandy beach which is reached via the village of Niembro. Above the beach is a steep-sided headland covered in heathy vegetation and it is on these slopes, below a telephone repeater station, that the Reddish buff moth was discovered by Norman Hall in 1987. He collected four specimens between the 9th and 13th August. The narrow track up from the village leads to a place that has recently been bulldozed to create a car-parking area large enough for about ten cars. The westward side of the heathland, which faces Torimbia bay and the prevailing wind, consists of a heather dominated sward well-populated with saw-wort. The saw-wort grows as scattered small rosettes, so densely that one or more rosettes are present in every pace. In terms of plant structure, the sward looked very like breeding grounds of the Reddish buff on the Isle of Wight, though amongst the ling heather and saw-wort were plant species not present in the UK breeding ground. These included: St. Dabeoc’s heath Daboecia cantabrica, common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris, white asphodel Asphodelis albus and spring squill Scilla verna, all of which were common and in flower. Other low plants growing with the saw-wort included: purple moorgrass Molinia caerulea, common gorse Ulex europaeus, dwarf gorse U. minor, tormentil Potentilla erecta and wood sage Teucrium scorodonia. A small rock sample was collected and was later identified as quarzite, which can lead to a neutral to mildly acidic soil which agrees well with the heathy habitat described above. The saw-wort rich sward covered several large slopes by the sea and comprised perhaps 50-100 acres (20-40 hectares) in total. Within this 44 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS] there was considerable variation in sward height, though the sward length within each slope was much more consistent. There were obvious signs that some parts of the slopes had been burnt, including one area within the last year. A fire was observed in progress on a small patch of heathland (4-5 acres or 2 hectares) on a heathland immediately to the east during our visit. The fire was obviously deliberate and was attended by people, but the timing was not the best from the point of view of wildlife. Sheep dung was found in places and a flock of about twenty Soay-type sheep was seen at the base of the heathland. Both fires and grazing combined with the sea-winds, are probably responsible for maintaining even sward heights. Several of the more sheltered slopes were more rank than the Reddish buff would breed in on the Isle of Wight, with saw-wort becoming swamped by grasses and other vegetation. Such places produced Boorman drop-disc height measurements in excess of 30cm (see Waring, 1992). Clearly, without continued management these swards could become too rank for the moth. There were few trees or bushes anywhere on the site, but those noted included patches of blackthorn Prunus spinosa, bramble Rubus fruticosus, alder buckthorn Frangula alnus and grey willow Salix cinerea. There was no hawthorn Crataegus monogyna or birch Betula sp. which are present on the breeding site in the UK. Two Scots pines Pinus sylvestris were present on one of the upper slopes, but it was not clear if these had been planted. Also royal ferns Osmunda regalis were noted growing on the banks and in the gullies. Because of a stiff sea breeze which was sweeping the westward- facing slope with the shortest and most promising looking sward for the Reddish buff (Table 1), we chose a more sheltered slope for the light- trapping. One Robinson trap was operated on the slope, amongst saw- wort, and another was operated on a narrow track through the sward, in the lee of a bramble patch, 100m distant from the first trap and by saw-wort. Additionally, an actinic trap was operated at the base of the neighbouring slope, about 200m away. It was a dry, mild and cloudy night with no moon, with the temperature at dusk 15°C dropping to a minimum of 10°C. A total of 35 species of macro-moths was recorded (see Appendix 1). The catch included one female Reddish buff (in slightly worn condition), in the Robinson trap on the slope, and several species normally associated with heathland, including the Emperor moth, the Heath rustic and the True lover's knot. The mean sward height where the Reddish buff was trapped was 22.5cm (see Table 1). By contrast, the most recently burned slope, upon which small rosettes 3é Volume 56 + April 1997 45 of saw-wort were already regenerating, produced a mean sward height of 6.3cm (see Table 1). Table 1. Sward height measurements using the Boorman drop-disc technique on three slopes at Torimbia (see Appendix 2 for measurements) Mean sward Sward height height (cms) range (cms) 13-24 15.5538 all Butterflies seen included Speckled wood Pararge aegeria, Common blue Polyommatus icarus, Holly blue Celastrina argiolus and an egg of a Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni on an alder buckthorn leaf. The Small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae, Painted lady Cynthia cardui and Large white Pieris brassicae were noted though these may have been only passing through the site. Interesting bird species seen on the heathland included: common buzzard Buteo buteo, peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus, nightjar Caprimulgus eurpaeus churring on the slopes, singing tree pipit Anthus pratensis, stonechat Saxicola torquata, singing grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia and melodious warblers Hippoldis polyglotta, a pair of chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, raven Corvus corax and singing corn bunting Emberiza calandra. Col de Houratate, Osse-en-Aspe near Accous, Atlantique, France 18/19 May (Plate 97E, Fig. 2) This site was found without difficulty, using precise notes and a sketch map from Norman Hall. It is completely different from Torimbia and consists of a grassy hillside with relatively small patches of ericaceous plants and much bracken Pteridium aquilinum and common gorse, much of which had been cleared in the last year and may be kept in check annually. The site is high up in the Pyrennes (at about 1110m above sea level) and 2.6 miles (4kms) up the road running north from Osse-en-Aspe (as measured on the car mileometer). The soil is most probably calcarious with the underlying rock identified as dolomite; this agrees well with flora noted. 46 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tT We recorded as many of the plant species as we could to give a good indication of the type of habitat. The list includes many species associated with base-rich ground and the more acid-loving species, including the ling heather, were mainly confined to slippages and overhangs on the slope. The sward on the open slopes included dwarf gorse, tormentil, bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, ling heather, betony Betonica officinalis, and woodsage, but large parts of sites had prominent populations of salad burnet Poterium sanguisorba, marjoram Origanum vulgare and bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus. The following species were also recorded in abundance: creeping and meadow buttercup Ranunculus repens and R. acris, herb-robert Geranium robertianum, red clover Trifolium pratense, white clover T. repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, wood-spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides, docks and sorrel Rumex spp., thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia, bugle Ajuga reptans, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, cross-wort Galium cruciata and yarrow Achillea millefolium. Grasses included: tor grass Brachypodium pinnatum, yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata, common fox-tail Alopecurus pratensis and sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and purple moorgrass. The last- named was mainly in a recently burned area with gorse. Other plants included: stinking hellebore Helleborus foetidus, shepherd’s-purse Teesdalia nudicaulis, milkwort Polygala spp., perforate St. John’s-wort Hypericum perforatum, violets Viola spp., red campion Silene dioica, greater stitchwort Stellaria holostea, spring pea Lathyrus vernus, wild strawberry Gragaria vesca, great mullein Verbascum thapsus, germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, hedge bedstraw Galium mollugo, oxeye daisy Chrysanthemum leucantbemum, daisy Bellis perennis, hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabimum, dandelion Taraxacum officinale, hawksbit Leontoden spp. and a spotted leafed orchid Orchidaceae which was not in flower and some ferns. Importantly, we could find no saw-wort at the site or in the adjacent land. The sward height was very variable and patchy, but as short as 2-4cm on the steepest slopes and burnt areas. The open sward was bounded by a hedgerow dominated by mature trees with woodland nearby. The woody perennials included: wild cherry Prunus avium, beech Fagus sylvatica, oak Quercus spp., hazel Corylus avellana, alder Alnus glutinosa, ash Fraxinus excelsior, some birch Betula spp. and spruce Picea spp. We operated one Robinson trap exactly where Norman Hall had placed his on the open bracken-covered bank, a second Robinson trap about 75 metres away on a large patch of bilberry. td Volume 56 + April 1997 47 It was a cloudy night with occasional rain, the dusk temperature was 11°C which dropped to a minimum of 7°C during the night. We had a very good catch with 66 species of macro-moth recorded. No Reddish buff was seen. Among the more interesting species were the Lace border (two individuals), Silver cloud (five), Horse chestnut (two) and a single Black-veined moth. The full catch is listed in Appendix 1. No butterflies were seen at this site, but as there was intermittent rain when we arrived late in the evening and it was overcast the following morning, conditions were far from ideal. However, we did see a male Emperor moth and a Common heath moth on the wing as we left. On the way up to this site from Osse-en-Aspe, in similar habitat, we saw two red-backed shrikes Lanius collurio by the roadside. We also had excellent views an of Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus and booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus at the trap site. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, near Bilbao, Pais Vasco/Euskadi, Spain 17/18 May (Plate 97F, Fig. 3) The Urdaibai reserve consists of an estuary and its surroundings; it includes a range of habitats from intertidal mud-flats to woodland rich in the evergreen oak Quercus ilex. It was not possible to operate our light traps in the estuarine marsh at this site, or to examine this habitat in detail during our guided tour around the reserve, but we were able to set up a light trap on a farm overlooking the marsh. The trap was set up in the grounds of a farmhouse owned by Ma. Belen Ozamiz ADetAsuliinala©ZO0lo..»Ozollo, Zelaietas,. five kilometres west of Gautegiz Arteaga, on the east bank of the estuary. The trap was about 500 metres from the marsh, in the corner of a cultivated field and small orchard. On the hills to the east was an area of woodland, including conifer plantations, but no birch was present. It is unknown whether any moths have been previously recorded within the reserve — we were simply interested to find out what was flying and to make a contribution to the biological data for the site. Some 43 spp. of macro-moths were recorded (Appendix 1), the most notable of which were the Oblique carpet and the Pinion-streaked snout, both of which are likely to be dependent on the marsh. Other species which we were particularly interested to see were the Fox moth, Orange moth, Tawny prominent and the Orache moth, though all of these are probably common and widespread in this area. Few birds were seen of note with a nightjar calling at dusk and singing firecrest Regulas ignicapillus perhaps being the most notable. 48 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists'’ Society sé Miscellaneous sites and records: Much of our time on this expedition was spent driving between sites, but some interesting records of Lepidoptera were collected en-route. We saw three Black-veined white butterflies Aporia crataegi on the wing during a brief comfort stop on the banks of the Embalse de Yeas by the Monasterio de Leyre, about 50km east of Pamplona, in arid scrub habitat on 18th May. The stop also produced some good birdwatching with black kites Miluus migrams, Egyptian vulture, some 50 griffon vultures Gyps fulvus, goshawk Accipiter gentilis and five crag martins Ptyonoprogne rupestris. We operated a Robinson trap for an hour after dark on the south bank of the river close to Jarnac, on the cold clear night of 19/20th May. The following moths came to the light: Clouded border Lomaspilis marginata, Elephant hawk-moth, Setaceous hebrew character, Angle shades and Burnished brass Diachrysia orichalcea. The trap was set up on the edge of the camp site on recently mown grass and close to a plantation of Lombardy poplars Populus nigra. At least six singing nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos could be heard from the trap site. Also a singing golden oriole Oriolus oriolus and a pair of cirl buntings Emberiza ciclus were recorded here. Small tortoiseshell and Common blue were seen at the camp Site. 3 On the drive north through France to meet our return ferry back across the Channel to the UK we stayed overnight on 20/21st May at the municipal campsite at Menil off the D28 road, near Chateau- Gontier south of Laval, Mayenne (Plate 97F, Fig. 4). This was again on a river bank, opposite a large chateau and a substantial block of broad-leaved woodland. The campsite itself consisted of neatly laid-out hedges of hazel and grey willow to divide up the grassy plots. There were some riverside willows Salix spp. and we placed a Robinson trap under a mature walnut Fuglands regia. We experienced another dry, cold and clear starlit night, with the temperature just 8°C at dusk and dropping fast! The trap was operated until 23.40 hours but only three moths came to the light — an Orange footman Eilema sororcula, a White ermine and a Flame shoulder. An actinic trap operated all night at the other end of the plot caught only two moths — a Poplar hawkmoth and a Muslin moth. A larva of the Gipsy moth Lymantria dispar was found on a leaf of crack willow Salix fragilis on this site. A Red admiral Vanessa atalanta was seen the following morning. During the night a barn owl Tyto alba screeched and flew around from the adjacent church yard. be Volume 56 « April 1997 49 Discussion and conclusions from the work on the Reddish buff moth Acosmetia caliginosa (1) Bivoltine life-cycle in Spain? The Reddish buff moth is univoltine on the Isle of Wight and in captivity in Peterborough and it normally flies from mid or late May through to late June, with occasional adults in July. Norman Hall’s records of the moth from Torimbia and Osse-en-Aspe are of fresh adults in early August. From the latter dates we suspected the moth might be bivoltine in parts of southern Europe and decided to visit Spain in mid-May, just before they were due to fly in England, to allow for the more advanced season further south. Our finding of a slightly worn specimen at Torimbia on 16th May indicates that there are either two generations or an even more protracted emergence period than in the UK. (ii) Breeding requirements The habitat at Torimbia is similar in many ways to that at the Isle of Wight colony and this suggests that our knowledge of the moth derived from studies on the Isle of Wight may be applied more generally to other sites. The conditions at these two sites provide an objective to aim for in bringing other sites into suitable condition for establishment trials. (iD) Larval foodplant The reported occurrence of the moth at Osse-en-Aspe, in the apparent absence of saw-wort S. tinctoria, suggests there may be at least one alternative foodplant. In the nineteenth century it was reported that the larva also fed on salad burnet P. sanguisorba and this observation is often repeated in later literature. This plant happens to be common at the Osse-en-Apse site but PW questions its suitability as a foodplant, at least in the British context. During a captive rearing project for the Species Recovery Programme, many larvae originating from the Isle of Wight stock have been successfully reared on saw-wort, but salad burnet has been consistently ignored by larvae, even when growing adjacent to saw-wort and even when hungry larvae were offered nothing else. It would be interesting to establish whether races from other parts of Europe are different in this respect. (iv) The status of the moth at Torimbia and elsewhere on the north coast of Spain Although only one Reddish buff was seen on our visit, the extent and condition of the available habitat suggests that a large colony is likely to 50 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a6 be present. Saw-wort is considered an uncommon and localised plant in Spain (T. Cascan pers. comm.), so Torimbia could be one of only a few sites for the moth in Spain. It is the only Spanish site currently known for the moth and its protection and conservation is recommended, for the Reddish buff and all the other wildlife it supports. This paper is being sent to the Spanish authorities to highlight the importance of the site and to find out what protection, if any, the site has currently. The adjacent headlands on both sides of Torimbia are lower in altitude and have been extensively cultivated. However, there may be other similar heathy headlands along the 160km of coastline east to Bilbao where the moth was previously recorded, and perhaps elsewhere on the coast. Driving back towards Santander at Treceno 4km west of Cabezon de la Sal, we noticed a hillside covered in heathy habitat with gorse, partly planted with Eucalyptus spp. The distribution of the moth in this area needs investigation. Colleagues from Basoinsa have kindly supplied us with vegetation maps which show that there are extensive areas dominated by ling heather C. vulgaris west of Bilbao and they hope also to be able to identify for us areas where saw-wort S. tinctoria has been recorded, to assist future survey work. : (v) Management of the Serratula heathland at Torimbia From our observations at Torimbia it appears that the Serratula-rich heathland would deteriorate in the absence of management, perhaps in just a few years. The current state seems to be the result of light sheep- grazing, fire and the stunting effect of sea winds. We were surprised to see heathland being burned in May, rather than at the end of the growing season, which is better for nesting birds and other wildlife, and wonder if this is a long-established tradition in the area. We were pleased to see that the fires were attended and are apparently restricted to a small part of the heathland in any one year. This will allow the Reddish buff and other wildlife to survive in the unburned areas, from which burned areas can-be recolonised when the vegetation regenerates. (vi) Current status of the moth in France The records of the moth in France should be collected together and scrutinised to see how many colonies currently survive. Our experience at Jarnac leads us to suspect that some localities with past records have changed greatly and that colonies have been lost. ee Volume 56 + April 1997 51 A note on obtaining permits from the Spanish authorities Veijo (in press) has outlined the current position regarding Spanish legislation which affects the collection and study of insects and explains that it is apparently necessary to obtain a permit to light-trap moths. The contact to write to for permission for Asturias is the Regional Director of nature reserves at the Principado de Asturias at Oviedao. We were able to obtain a permit from them once we had explained our objectivess in a letter. We had to collect the permit from their local office at Arriondas. We shall be supplying a copy of this paper to the authority concerned. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Countryside & Community Department of Hampshire County Council for their support and financial assistance to PMP in the planning and execution of this expedition. Without Hampshire County Council’s foresight this trip would not have been possible. We would also like to thank Christine Bond Unformation Manager Countryside & Community Departmentof HCC) for all her help with the advance preparations, for her interpretative skills and logistical support. We also thank our European contacts for all their help with information, including Michael Fibiger, Jacques L’'Honore, Victor Sarto, Jose Viejo and Jose Yela of Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica and Miriam Gonzales, Teresa Cascan and Gotzon Cuesta of Basionsa. We thank Jorge Marquinez Garcia, the Regional Director of nature reserves for the province of Asturias for permission to work on the Reddish buff at Torimbia. Lastly, we thank Norman Hall for his pioneering work in locating the moth in Spain and France and for providing us with detailed directions to find the localities. Without his detailed information this expedition could not have achieved its results so effectively. References Cardew, P.A. (1931). Acosmetia calignosa in Hampshire. Entomologist 64: 188. Tutt, JW. (1901-05). Practical hints for the field lepidopterist. Facsimile reprint 1994. Amateur Entomologists’ Society 23. (Nb. Tutt’s note may be drawn largely from Ramsey and Cox 1869. Entomologist 4: 369). Viejo Montesinos, J.L. and Cumlido, C.S., in press. Butterfly protection rules in Spain: reality or fiction? Proceedings of the 9th Congress of European Lepidopterology Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica. Waring, P. (1992a). Reddish buff moth, Acosmetia caliginosa Hubner 1813 — recent history, ecology and conservation in Britain. Species Recovery Report 1992. 170pp. Confidential report to English Nature, Peterborough. — , (1992b). Slipping a disc in the grass. Butterfly Conservation News 50: 51-53. 52 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society aed Appendix 1. List of moths trapped on a trip to northern Spain and France May 1995. Log numbers taken from Bradley & Fletcher. Night and site of catch ABW UILT/9T ABW Y4IL1/9T ABW YILT/9T ABW UIST/LT adsy-ua-3ssQ ABW 461/81 adsy-ua-3sso ABW 4161/8 adsy-ua-asso AYW YIG6L/ST vIqUuIEIOL vIqUuITIOL = 5. : SS Trap type actinic reqrepsn, 0017 Common Swift Hepialus lupulinus 0018 Map-winged swift H. fusconebulosa 0464 Diamond-back moth Plutella xylostella 1336 Eudonia pallida 1356 Garden pebble Evergestris forficalis 1395 Udea ferrugalis 1398 Rush veneer Nomophilia noctuella 1428 Bee moth Aphomia sociella 1638 Fox moth Macrothylacia rubi 1643 Emperor Pavonia pavonia 1652 Peach blossom Thyatira batis 1653 Buff arches Habrosyne pyritoides 1680 Maidens blush Cyclophora punctaria 1687 Lace border Scopula ornata 1714 Portland riband wave Idaea degeneraria 1719 Oblique carpet Orthonama vittata 1734 July belle Scotopteryx luridata plumbaria 1738 Common carpet Epirrhoe alternata 1762 Dark marbled carpet Chloroclysta citrata 1769 Spruce carpet Thera britannica 1776 Green carpet Colostygia pectinataria 1817 Foxglove pug Eupithecia pulchellata 1846 Narrow-winged pug E. nanata Eupithecia oxycedrata 1858 V-pug Chloroclystis v-ata 1862 Double-striped pug Gymnoscelis rufifasciata 18607 ‘Treble-bar Aplocera plagiata plagiata 1894 Latticed heath Semiothisa clathrata clathrata 1902 Brown silver-lines Petrophora chlorosata 1903 Barred Umber Plagodis pulveraria 1905 Horse chestnut Pachycnemia hippocastanaria 1904 Scorched wing Plagodis dolabraria 19060 Brimstone moth Opisthograptis luteolata 1918 Lunar thorn Selenia lunularia 1924 Orange moth Angerona prunaria 1931 Peppered moth Biston betularia™ 1937 Willow beauty Peribatodes rhomoidaria 34 Volume 56 « April 1997 53 Night and site of catch APW UYILT/9T ABW UPL1/9T ABW UIL1/91 AeW WI8T/LT adsy-u3-assQ AYW 4IG6T/8T adsy-ua-assQ AYW 61/8 adsy-u3-assQ AYW YIG6T/8T vIqUITIOL, vIqUITIOL, vIQUITIOL, reqrepsn, Trap type j y | actinic actinic 1939 Ringed carpet Cleora cinctaria cinctaria 1 1941 Mottled beauty Alcis repandata repandata Pale oak beauty Serraca punctinalis Common heath Ematurga atomaria Bordered white Bupalus piniaria Common wave Cabera exanthemata Barred red Hylaea fasciaria Black-veined moth Siona lineata Grass wave Perconia strigillaria Privet hawkmoth Sphinx ligustri Eyed hawkmoth Smerinthus ocellata Poplar hawkmoth Laothoe populi Striped hawkmoth Ayles lineata livornica Elephant hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor Buff-tip Phalera bucephala Puss moth Cerura vinula Lobster moth Stauropus fagi Pebble prominent Eligmodonta ziczac Tawny prominent Harpyia milhauseri Great prominent Peridea anceps Swallow prominent Pheosia tremula Coxcomb prominent Ptilodon capucina Pale prominent Pterostoma palpina Pale tussock Calliteara pudibunda Muslin moth Nudaria mundana White ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda Buff ermine S. luteum Ruby tiger Phragmatobia fulignosa fulignosa Least black arches Nola confusalis Turnip moth Agrotis segetum Heart & Dart A. exclamationis Dark sword-grass A. ipsilon Flame Axylia putris Flame shoulder Ochropleura plecta Large yellow underwing Noctua pronuba True lover’s knot Lycophotia prophyrea Pearly underwing Peridroma saucia Setaceous hebrew character Xestia c-nigram Euxoa vitta sub. rondoui 54 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe Night and site of catch VIQUIEIO, AVW UWILL/9L AVW UWILE/9L VIQUILIOL AVW WILI/91 wqrepay AVW WIRT/LE adsy-ua-a8so AVI UIGL/RT odsy-ua-a88sCE AVW W6OL/RL odsy-a-a88sQO AV 61/81 VIQUITIOL, H 4 Trap type Red chestnut Cerasiis rubricosa Pale-shouldered brocade Lacanobia ibalassina Bright-line brown-eye JL. oleracea Campion Hadena rivularis Silver Cloud £gira conspicillaris Common quaker Orthosia cerasi Clouded drab O. inceria 2190 Hebrew character O. goibica 2194 White-point Mythimna albipuncia 2195 Delicate AV. viiellina 2203 White speck M. unipuncia 2216 Shark Cucullia umbratica 2221 Mullein C. verbasci Early grey Xylocampa areola Dark brocade Mnioiype adusia Knot grass Acronicia rumicis Coronet Craniopbora ligusiri Orache moth Trachea airiplicis Small angle shades Euplexia lucipara Angle shades Phlogophora meiiculosa Clouded-bordered brindle Apamea crenaia Rustic shoulder-knot A. sordens ho bo bo bo iS) Qh OW Ov Gd Gb Ov Tawny marbled minor Oligia lairuncula i) NY Rosy minor Mesoligia literosa bo Common rustic Mesapamea secalis Treble lines Charanyca tnigrammica Vine’s rustic Hoplodrinia ambigua Reddish buff Acosmetica caliginosa Bordered straw Heliothis peltigera Marbled white spot Proiodeliote pygarga Nut tree tussock Colocasia corli Me to Nm WNW CS) Ly) Ly) Ly) wm Ww pa) bo \O Silver-Y Autographa gamma Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix Straw dot Rivula sericealis Snout Hj)pena probescidalis Pinion-streaked snout Schnankia cosiaesirgalis * Note that not all pyralids caught were fully identified, hence the list is incomplete. ** All were typical specimens. >be Volume 56 « April 1997 55 Appendix 2. Sward height measurements taken using the Boorman drop-disc technique taken at Torimbia, Asturias, northern Spain. Slope A WAFS hear OM era a2 225.4 75 135141015) 9.195 «15.5 1S Mel One21708 18/0) 24105 2116.0) (175° 118:5% 113.0 £S:07 515.0 B Ree DO rye) tO 20. «24.0.5 20:0 4222-00220 Upyetisys- 265.’ 23.0 18:0. 26.0 . 2 20>, e320 2D ae 010. 18:05 22 525 24:5-249.5 |) 19:5.0626.0;1 18.5 19.51218:0 € oomeeo0) 10:0 705-702 715.0 5.0 ~ 5.5 Vermeer 2400 5:0 as 9.0 3.0) 9 4.5 2 7.0 Tp FOO) ye OD 07-0) 1997 Member’s Day and AGM to be held at the Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7. on Saturday 26th April 1997. Doors open at 10.30am and the day begins at 11.00am. There will be talks and a bug hunt aimed at all levels of interest. For details of how to get there see the map on the inside back cover of this Bulletin. 56 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Se Moths of Glasgow by Frank McCann (6291) 3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY. Recently in the Blackhill and Riddrie areas of Glasgow I collected two interesting moths. I could not identify them properly but they were both the same species. The first I found was a female and the second a male. The female was caught whilst it was resting on a rose leaf above the M8 motorway, the male was collected from a privet hedge about one mile away. The female laid eggs on the rose leaves I provided — around 100 eggs in all. I released both moths, the female into my garden and the male near to where I found it. I think the species is the Lunar thorn or the Early thorn but I couldn’t study it properly. The larvae which hatched out are of the Geometer type and just out of the egg they are quite slender with a large head and some hairs on the body. They are greenish in colour and the head is darker. I supplied them various plants — a young growth of birch, rose and cotoneaster as well as a few leaves of plantain, dandelion and dock from my garden. Whilst searching for larvae in my garden I found three different species. The first was a Geometer type of larva which looked about half-grown — deep-green in colour on garden mint, which has spread around the garden a great deal. The second caterpillar I found was on the underside of a large prickly thistle leaf — the larvae was bright-green with a yellow stripe below the spiracular area. The third larva I found on the underside of a plantain leaf growing next to the white campion plants which I had grown from seed. This larvae was very interesting — it was in the shape of a woodlouse and was pinkish grey with markings along its back, I am puzzled to what type of insect it is. I released the three species back into the garden — each onto the plants on which they were found. There is a lot of ivy growing in front of my window and upwards to the verandas above (J planted it around 1979 and it has spread very much since then). Some of the ivy was coming through into the living room via the window. I cut the ivy growth which had entered the house and noticed on the underside of one of the ivy leaves a batch of moth eggs which had obviously been laid from inside the house. The eggs in question are in a closely compacted batch and are hemispherical, very beautiful with ribs and markings. a4 Volume 56 + April 1997 57 Ringlet (Erebia ) butterflies in Greece: Additions and Corrections by Andrew Wakeham-Dawson (9379) The Game Conservancy Trust, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SPO 1EF. Thanks to kind contributions of information from a number of AES members (David and Sheila Howell and Andrew Hinett in particular) and a more extensive review of literature (aided by Gaskin’s 1996 review of butterfly research in Greece), I can make a number of additions and corrections to my review of Greek Erebia (Wakeham- Dawson, 1996). Erebia ottomana bulgarica Drenowski 1932. Fresh males of this species were flying on rocky, sub-alpine slopes above 1500m on Mount Tymphristos (Veluchi) on 11th July 1995 (Wakeham-Dawson, in press). The larval foodplants are grasses (species not named) and the pre-adult stages are shown in Tolman (1995). Proterebia phegea pyramus Louker & Dils 1987 was first found near Kozani (north Greece) in 1984 (Louker & Dils, 1987). Phegea has features which made it poorly placed in the genus Erebia (Higgins & Riley, 1980). It was placed in a new genus Proterebia in 1980 (Louker, 1984). E. epipbron roosi Arnscheid & Sterba 1987. This species has been recorded from the Vernon mountains (Florina, north-west Greece), where it was flying on 14th July 1984 with E. ottomana at 2000m (van der Poorten, 1985). Sheila and David Howell also found the species near Florina in 1987 (pers. comm.). E. rhodopensis Nicholl, 1990. This species was found between 1800m and 2300m on the top of Mount Grammos (north-west Greece) in 1984 and 1993 (Koutroubas, 1994). References Gaskin, D.E. (1996). Research on Grecian Butterflies: A Bibliography. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 108: 49-61. Higgins, L.G. & Riley, N.D. (1980). A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins. Koutroubas, A.G. (1994). Erebia rhodopensis (Nicholl, 1900) espece nouvelle pour la Grece (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae). Phegea 22: 9-13. 58 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 32 Louker, S. & C. De (1984). Onderzoek naar Proterebia phegea dalmata Godart (Lepidoptera, Satyridae). Phegea 12: 67-75. Louker, S. De & Dils, J. (1987). The occurrence of Proterebia phegea Borkhausen in Greece with descriptions of a new subspecies (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae). Phegea 15: 157-1060. Tolman, T. (1985). Sexual dimorphism in the pre-imaginal stadia of Erebia ottomana Herrich-Schaffer, 1848 in Greece (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae). Linneana Belgica 15: 6-8. van der Poorten, D. (1985). Erebia epiphron Knoch, een nieuwe soort voor de Griekse fauna (Lepidoptera, Satyridae). Phegea 13: 3. Wakeham-Dawson, A. (1996). Ringlet (Erebia) butterflies in Greece. Bull. Amat. Ent. Soc. 55: 33-30. — (in press). Some notable butterfly records from Greece in 1992 and 1995. Ent. Rec. J. Var. Butterflies for the New Millennium The Butterflies for the New Millennium project is based on a concern for butterflies and their habitats and the need to provide up-to-date information on all species as many species continue to decline. This major project — launched in 1995 by Butterfly Conservation and the Biological Records Centre is the largest and most comprehensive survey of butterflies ever undertaken in the UK. Butterflies for the New Millennium is undertaking a detailed audit of the populations and distribution of butterfly species in Britain and Ireland. This will culminate in the production of a comprehensive atlas for the year 2000. This intensive five-year survey is covering the period 1995-1999, although recording will continue beyond the year 2000 to keep information up-to-date. The resulting database will be a vital tool for the conservation of endangered butterflies as we enter the new millenium and a means of reviewing conservation priorities. It will underpin future recovery plans for butterfly species identified as being at risk of serious loss or extinction. The project is now starting its third year. If you are not already contributing butterfly records to the project but would like to, please write, sending a large (A4 — approx. 9” x 12”) stamped addressed envelope (1p) to Butterfly Conservation (Head Office), PO Box 222, Dedham, Colchester, -EssexiGO7 ODEs You will *be*seat-amitee information pack which includes recording instructions, recording forms and details of your local co-ordinator from whom more forms can be obtained. ae Volume 56 + April 1997 59 The Orange tip in Pembrokeshire by Gordon Knight (10332) 12 Ffordd-y-Felin, Trefin, Haverford West, Dyfed SAO 5AX. Identification Without the lovely Brimstone to announce spring’s arrival, Pembrokeshire has to be content with the Orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) as the Pieridae’s contribution. The males of course, are unmistakable, but at a distance many of the females are written off as just “Cabbage whites”. Near to, even without the orange tip of the male, the females are distinct from other whites because of the parsley-sauce pattern on the under-surface of their hindwings. Foodplants Without doubt the Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis) is its principal foodplant in Pembrokeshire, mainly perhaps because despite intensive farming there still remain many damp sites where this popular member of the Cruciferae flourishes. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an alternative foodplant, but it is not common along the hedgerows in Pembrokeshire as it is elsewhere in Britain. I also once saw a female lay eggs on Dame’s violet (Hesperis matronalis) in a garden. I do wonder about Oil-seed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera) in Pembrokeshire but have no information on it. Cannibalism One obvious advantage of using Cuckoo flower as a foodplant is its abundance in Pembrokeshire, but there are two quite serious disadvantages. Not being a robust species it provides only sufficient food for one caterpillar, although one must not of course exaggerate its frail appearance compared with other marshland species: it is a perennial, having a knobbly rhizome not unlike a miniature version of that of the Primrose, and it does grow in April and May, thus avoiding serious competition. A further potential danger is that another cruciferous-loving White (Pieridae) might lay eggs on it, particularly the Green-veined white, which is on the wing at the same season and was frequent about the same damp sites. Molluscs also attack the plant. Not surprisingly, therefore, in view of the critical nature of the food supply, the first Orange tip larva to become active on a particular plant will not tolerate another of the same species — it eats it! I don’t know what happens apropos larvae of other species. 60 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3 Finding larvae Finding the orange eggs, which are laid just under the flowers, was easy in May and June. Finding the young larvae was easy. They are long, tubular and, to my eye, a sort of indeterminate grey. But finding larger larvae on Cuckoo flowers was impossible, however hard I tried. On 21st May 1990, for example, in a local flood-plain of the young Western Cleddau river, below Mathri (SM 898318), a count of Cuckoo flowers revealed the following: Plants with no eggs or larvae 46 Plants with one egg 24 Plants with two eggs ) Plants with one larva 10 Plants with two larvae Z Total = 87 July is the problem season. By then the plants have ceased flowering and are swamped by other marsh-loving species and so are difficult to find. Because of this, I marked with stakes 11 groups of Cuckoo flowers at the same Mathri site on 12th May 1995, but by 18th June I could only find four stakes: even the stakes were overgrown! In other words, without being eaten by larvae, the plants were difficult enough to find in the first place, which also applied to all the other Cuckoo flower meadows I visited in Pembrokeshire, many of which were unbelievably rich in plants in May. Add to this the fact that by the time the caterpillar has had its fill and is full-grown it will have completely demolished the plant, one can understand the difficulty of studying its life-history on the Cuckoo flower. And incidentally when I inspected some of the staked sites the following year, 1996, in one or two cases there were no Cuckoo flowers, which could mean that either it is a short-lived perennial or that “predation” even by a single caterpillar can exhaust its underground food supply. I have found and photographed medium-sized Orange tip larvae on Garlic mustard without difficulty, but then it is a much larger plant, providing a more robust food supply. I suppose my only answer is to pot some flourishing Cuckoo flowers with their attached Orange tip eggs (preferably more than one egg!) and monitor progress at home. But what is the betting that some further unforeseen problem will frustrate my efforts! aé Volume 56 + April 1997 61 Two notes on migrating Painted lady butterflies (Cynthia cardui) by Michael Majerus, Rachael Atkinson, Miranda Ager, Clair Brunton, Danielle Kemp, Lowenna Thomas and James Stalker Department of Genetics, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH. In this extraordinary year for the Painted lady (Cynthia cardui), a couple of observations that we have made seem sufficiently out of the ordinary to be worthy of report. The first occurred on the night of 26/27th June in the grounds of Juniper Hall Field Centre, Mickleham, Surrey. We were operating a novel type of mercury vapour moth trap, developed by engineers at Anglia Polytechnic University, which rotates automatically during operation at fixed time intervals. This effectively splits a night’s catch into six parts, each part being contained in a different segment of the static base container. On emptying the trap following the night question, a male Painted lady was found in the section corresponding to the hour between midnight and 1.00am. This observation seems of interest in two ways. First, it suggests that night active butterflies may be attracted to light. Because of the nature of the trap, we can be confident that, in this case, the butterfly did not enter the trap at twilight or dawn. Second, while it is obvious that migrating species of butterfly must fly at night when crossing wide expanses of sea, records Orrniemetiving-over land at night are rare. Yet, this is the only explanation of the trapping of this individual in the middle of the night. The second record of interest involved the sighting of three Painted lady butterflies in Lapland in July. While seeking two sub-Arctic species of Colias at high altitude (>500m) in the Albisko region of Swedish Lapland, we made the following observations. Rakkasorda, at 600 metres, 1.00pm, 11th July 1996, a male Painted lady flying fast very close to the ground (in the main, less than 200mm above the ground), up a steep slope in a south-westerly direction, directly into a strong wind. Same location (within ten metres of the same spot), 1.55pm, same day, female Painted lady behaving in precisely the same manner. The butterflies were netted for examination of condition. The colours of both were worn and faded with age, and the outer edges of all the wings showed the tattered signs of wear. Lairecohkka, at 750 metres, 20th July 1996, worn Painted lady (sex not determined), flying low in a northerly direction up the eastern side of a narrow gorge. 62 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists'’ Society 36 Henriksen and Kreutzer (1982) note that the Painted lady has been recorded throughout Scandinavia, including The Abisko region of Sweden in 1976. However, the species does not reach this latitude every year by any means. The sighting of the three individuals mentioned above suggests that the flight this year must have been substantial. The magnitude of the northerly migratory flight of Painted ladys this year emphasises one important conundrum in respect of this species and others that behave this way. Why does it do it? Painted ladys generally do not survive the winter in Britain or Lapland. Nor, as far as we are aware, is there a significant southerly flight of this species in the autumn. So, is there a convincing explanation of why Painted ladys, and for that matter Red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) and several sphingids that are regular migrants to Britain but rarely survive the rigours of our winter, behave in this apparently maladaptive manner? Why has natural selection not reduced the extent of this apparently mad and ultimately fruitless annual dash towards higher latitudes, or is there some selective advantage to the sojourn northwards? Reference Henriksen, H.J. & Kreutzer, I.B. (1982). The Butterflies of Scandinavia in Nature. Skandinavisk Bogforlag: Odense. Cocoon recycling by Alan Bowtho (7931) 23 Homewood Avenue, Cuffley, Hertfordshire EN6 4QQ. ~ While trimming a Birch tree in the garden at the end of September I found a lone Poplar hawk larva in its final stage prior to pupation. Putting leaves and a large piece of bark into a cage with the larva it was quickly gone. Three weeks later on clearing the cage there was no sign of a pupa. The answer was in the bark, it had previously been used for breeding Puss moths. The Poplar hawk had carefully cleaned out an old cocoon, removed pieces of the old pupal shell and larval skin and sealed itself within. Do members have other examples of this resourceful approach? 3 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 1. Heathland habitat of the Reddish buff moth Acosmetia caliginosa at Torimbia on the north coast of Spain, 17th May 1995. (P. Potts & P. Waring — A search for the Reddish buff. . .) Fig. 2. Light trap site at Osse-en-Aspe, French Pyrennes, 19th May 1995. (P. Potts & P. Waring — A search for the Reddish buff. . .) PLATE 97E Volume 56 « April 1997 Fig. 3. Light trap site in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve near Bilbao, Spain, 18th May 1995. (P. Potts & P. Waring — A search for the Reddish buff . . .) Fig. 4. Paul Waring and Peter Potts recording the catch at Menil by Chateau-Gontier, Mayenne, France, 21st May 1995. (P. Potts & P. Waring — A search for the Reddish buff. . . PEATE STE Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 5. Aricia agestis ab. glomerata + ab. obsoleta. (P. Tebbutt) Ag Fig. 6. The Tiger beetle, Cicin (G. Knight — The Tiger beetle in Pembrokeshire) PEAME 97G Volume 56 + April 1997 36 ries fa aia Fig. 7. A firebreak in the coastal Pinus forest on the island of Poros, Greece. (C. Turner — An outline of seasonal entomology . . .) Fig. 8. Coastal fringe along the north coast of Poros, Greece. (C. Turner — An outline of seasonal entomology . . .) PLATE 97H dé Volume 56 + April 1997 63 Further Notes on the Brown argus (Aricia agestis L.) in Northamptonshire by Peter Tebbutt (7941) 112 Broadway East, Abington, Northampton NN3 2PR. In the AES Bulletin Vol. 54 page 204 I had a short article published melanme to the spectacular appearance of the Brown argus in Northamptonshire. I was delighted that this prompted several other articles on the subject and I also received some private correspondence on the matter. It would seem that many new areas now have populations of this delightful little butterfly, its spread and sudden appearance bearing some resemblance to the impressive spread of the Comma (Polygonia c-album L.) that occurred earlier this century. Some of the Northants colonies appear to have been transient, but this may simply be because the forest areas in which they appeared had been mown, but the grasses etc. have grown to their original density and may have choked the larval foodplants. These losses have been more than compensated for by other new colonies which seem to be establishing themselves. The subject of larval foodplants created some confusion, but at least on the major sites Cut-leaved cranesbill (Geranium dissectum L.) is being used, and possibly other cranesbills are being utilised. @me, colony is quite remarkable, not merely-in the number of adults that abound, but also the frequency of major aberrations that occur. The most extreme have the forewing submedian spots drawn in close to the discal spot, whilst most of the hindwing spots are absent, often only a small spot either side of the discal spot are the only ones that remain (ab. glomerata Tutt + ab. obsoleta Tutt). Any number of intermediates can be found, and on several occasions I have seen about 20 of these aberrations among something like 250 adults. This is quite an extraordinary number of aberrations in any species, but even more so in one that is normally very constant in its markings. It has been commented that this may be an indication that the colony is about to crash, as the most spectacular and numerous aberrations in the Chalkhill blue (Lysandra coridon Poda) occurred just before this species suffered a dramatic decline around the early 1920s. I am hopeful this is not the case with this particular colony, but only time will tell if the gene(s) responsible have a detrimental effect. 64 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 4 The Tiger beetle in Pembrokeshire by Gordon Knight (10332) 12 Ffordd-y-Felin, Trefin, Haverford West, Dyfed SAO 5AX. The Green tiger beetle (Cicindella campestris) that runs along Pembrokeshire’s 180 mile coast path (henceforth c.p.) could hardly be more different from the two other beetles that walk the c.p., the Oil beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus) and the Bloody-nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa). They walk slowly, the Tiger beetle runs; they are typically beetle-black, like so many British beetles, he is green; he takes off at the slightest provocation, they have abandoned flight; he is a savage predator,they are. gentle) herbivores, (But abovecallancsis a-sum worshipper while they appear indifferent. The c.p. is the Tiger beetle’s strip of Africa. In fact it is an important, permanent and unique habitat in its own right, attracting dozens of insect species because it is warm, dry (though not quite always), sheltered from winds, with good all-round visibility and on a firm soil. Indeed the ground beneath the many tramping feet of c.p. walkers, along with its “verge”, is home to thousands of larval bees, beetles and ants. When the sun shines the three-centimetre long, long-legged, sharp- eyed Tiger beetle quickly detects movement in this open habitat, runs down its prey and dispatches it with large, white jaws. This can be seen along most sections of the c.p. on sunny days between March and mid- June if one stands still, but of course most walkers rarely stand still except to look through their binoculars, although even they should notice the green beetles that constantly lift off in front of them, to land a few metres further on. If the day is not “African” enough, they will merely run Of more likely, creep into, a crevice: Mating was observed in April and May only, the smaller, lighter- green male seizing the female’s square shoulders without ritual and hanging on for at least an hour while she goes about her business as if unaware that she is giving him a piggyback. Indeed he is often still there while she oviposits in the hard, preferably somewhat moist path surface or while she “trowels up” some soil beforehand with her rear end. : Actually I have only seen c.p. Tiger beetles catch ants, small beetles, wolf spiders and nomads, but Shelford (1908), observing the behaviour of the related C. purpurea, recorded the capture of land crustacea — presumably he means woodlice, centipedes, dung flies, butterflies and oe Volume 56 * April 1997 65 sundry larvae. My poor results are not due to impatience so much as the difficulty of stopping on the c.p. in the summer because of the continual “traffic”. Studying Tiger beetle larvae along the c.p. was even more difficult. Their peculiar shape and behaviour is illustrated and described frequently in the literature and all I wish to do, is to describe my own observations. One needs the patience of an angler to observe any action, for when the larva is “angling” for prey it remains totally immobile for minutes, perhaps hours, at the entrance to its vertical burrow with its flat, lid-like head flush with the ground surface, so that neither prey, nor human observer are aware that there is anything there, but a slight movement by the observer, tapping the ground, or the landing of an insect too large for prey, e.g. a Wall butterfly, and the larva swiftly withdraws to the bottom of its burrow, revealing a hole on the surface. I did once observe a Wolf spider disappear into the depths naturally, 7.e. without encouragement from me, and likewise sundry small larvae, their remains being forcefully ejected three minutes later. A fly dangled on a thread, one centimetre above the surface, was snatched down and ejected after ten minutes and likewise a dangled Small heath butterfly, in both cases the thread being tugged down five centimetres. But as can be appreciated, dangling flies and butterflies above the busy c.p. surface is an exercise bound to attract more than passing comment, and futile attempts at explaining the activity would merely add to the onlooker’s apprehension! Excavations revealed that the larger five-centimetre diameter burrows could be as deep as eight centimetres including the oval chamber at the bottom. In any terrain they are easily distinguished from other insect holes, by their resemblance to precision Black and Decker drill holes, but the disappointment was that the majority of holes were old and empty, albeit retaining their new appearance. In addition, there were of course holes of different diameter and even holes that had been closed by the occupant either for moulting or for hibernation, so that when excavating, one occasionally unearthed larvae from ground where there were no visible surface holes, which brings me to the most difficult part of the study, the development of the larva and, in particular, the length of its stay underground. At the end of its first summer, the larva closes the entrance to its burrow and retires to the cell at the bottom, where it hibernates until the following June. Then according to Enoch (1903) it resumes feeding for another summer until about August when it pupates, shortly 66 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t afterwards “emerging” as an adult, but remaining in its cell until the following spring. I have to say that once only have I recorded an adult along the c.p. in August. In other words it hibernates over two winters. My own observations neither confirm nor deny the above life- history as it applies to the situation in Pembrokeshire, but it does make sense. For example, the winters of 1993/94 and 1994/1995 were extremely wet, much of the coast path being under standing water for weeks on end, and to make matters worse, Pembrokeshire was assaulted by a vicious, wet, southerly gale on 16th and 17th May 1993, at the height of the Tiger beetle’s active, above-ground season. Very few Tiger beetles were seen in the summer of 1994 and only five during the “African” summer of 1995, when the c.p. should have been overrun with them. And only a few more were seen on Ramsey in May/June 1996. Having thus an extended life-history reminds one of dormant seeds. Possibly at the end of a good summer, with good summer “catches”, adults are produced in quick time, but some or most larvae survive in a “dormant” state over more than one season, “biding their time.” References Enoch, F. (1903). Life history of Cicindela campestris. Ent. Soc. of London. 1903 X-XIX. Shelford, V.E. (1908). Life history of the Tiger beetle (Cicindela purpurea). L. of Linnean Soc. XXX (1907-1910), 157-184. White-letter hairstreak (Strymonidia w-album) by MJ. Dawson (9130) 66 Tivoli Crescent, Brighton BN1 5ND. A small butterfly was hit by a passing motor car in the centre of Brighton in New England Road on 3rd July 1995. It fluttered on the pavement before expiring. It was a specimen of the White-letter hairstreak. There are a few elm trees along the main Brighton to London railway line, a few hundred yards away. It, no doubt, came from there. I have preserved the specimen, which is in very good condition. Observation of the tops of the trees visible from the road did not reveal any flying hairstreaks. a Volume 56 « April 1997 67 An outline of seasonal entomology on the coastal fringe of Greece by C.R. Turner (7709) 19 Pew Tor Close, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9QJ. Following several visits to Greece I discovered that collecting can be very different when compared to Britain. The areas of Greece I have visited are exclusively those near the coast and generally within close vicinity of Athens. Most of my visits have been to the island of Poros, adjacent to the south-eastern end of the Pelopennes. The entomological seasonality in the coastal areas is overall very distinct. The emphasis on various groups varies from spring to autumn and August is generally the poorest month entomologically. This is an unfortunate situation as many people take their holidays in August. I have given a general outline to the pattern I have observed over the years. It should be stressed that it will vary with the weather and the distance from the coast. Many of the larger islands will vary from the trends outlined, which will also be the case where watercourses are to be found. The sort of habitat related to here can be divided into two main types. The first is the pine (Pinus sp.) woodland that dominates the less disturbed islands and coastal fringes. These areas are usually continuous woodland and hard to penetrate but increasingly they are criss-crossed with fire-breaks. These fire-breaks and other uncultivated areas, sometimes with herds of sheep or goats, consist of a low scrub which primarily consists of holly oak, heather, grasses, rockrose and herbs. All the Neuroptera collected have been from the tail-end of August and early September, the vast majority captured at light. The several species of antlion are difficult to see arriving at the light source but in spite of this are best caught in flight. Many settle a distance away and even on a whitewashed background can be difficult to spot, the same can be said of the many lacewings I have captured. The antlions tend to arrive throughout the night individually at varied intervals but the lacewings usually arrive in bursts of several individuals at once. The numbers of antlions and lacewings captured tend to gradually increase through the last week of August and the first week of September. Lacewings are most frequent in early September and the timing for these can be quite critical. I have previously only captured one or two in a week or as many as 150 in the same period in another year. 68 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Lo ] The Coleoptera are most frequent in April and May when there are still occasional showers and the temperature is gradually rising. The appearance of increasing numbers of beetles in April is very dependant on the weather and can be very hit and miss. For this reason it is best to hunt for Coleoptera at the end of April and into May and early June. In the cooler years such as 1995 there may still be a few beetles around in August but usually they are few and far between. The Hemiptera have tended to follow the same pattern as the beetles. The Lepidoptera tend to follow no distinct trends as a group but when divided into butterflies, macro-moths and micro-moths then there is some semblance of a pattern. The butterflies are few and far between until the end of April when a small number of species emerge, mostly Nymphalids and Satyrids. Into June several more butterfly species emerge but towards August the emphasis lies more with migrants arriving to feed on the nectar of those few still-flowering plants. The macro-moths are most frequent in April and May but few occur later and earlier. The micro-moths are present throughout the spring, summer and autumn but tend to drop off in the hotter parts of August. The greatest Lepidopteran diversity seems to occur in the April/ May period. The Hymenoptera are present in numbers from spring to autumn but their highest diversity appears to be around May. The ants are present throughout the spring, summer and autumn as are many of the hunting wasps. A peak in the numbers of solitary bees and wasps seems to occur in the April/May period but their numbers can still be relatively high going into August in the cooler years. In August the hunting wasps and scavengers such as Vespula predominate. The Orthoptera are most frequently caught as adults in the late summer, July/August/September. Several Mantis species come to light at the end of August and into September and can also be swept from vegetation. The grasshoppers and crickets are best located by walking over areas of ground hoping to disturb them and listening for their calls. The cockroaches are to be found throughout the year although juveniles seem to predominate in the early spring (April. Spiders are to be found throughout the year but by far the best time is April/May when adults dominate. Watch out for the large burying grey Lycosa. The millipedes and centipedes are frequent in the April/May/June period but disappear as soon as the full heat of summer arrives. Occasionally some may be found in August if damp areas exist. t Volume 56 + April 1997 69 The woodlice Usopods) follow a similar pattern to the centipedes and millipedes but some can be found in the Pinus leaf litter all year round. Many of the groups of insects I have dealt with above can occur in abundance outside their usual seasonality where permanent water or irrigation occurs. In August a good hunting ground is hotel grounds, public parks and areas of pipe leaks where vegetation is still green and thriving. Many entomologists are required to allow for the wishes of their non- entomological spouses and the following may serve to encourage them. The temperatures in the spring are usually in the low 20°C range but beware of the sun which is much hotter because the protective dusty atmosphere prevalent in August has not yet developed. There are frequent showers in April/May/June with some major rainstorms but in my experience it is generally pleasant. The sea is a few degrees cooler than in August but still comfortable to swim in. In late August/ September the temperature is again in the low 20°C range, with the occasional shower/rainstorm, but the sea is warm and sun hot. August is usually a scorcher with 30+°C not unusual and usually very dry. Obviously the nearer to winter you get at either end of the year the MOnemiiecly~nl 15 t© fain SO! be prepared\to take your chances: In the spring the coastal fringe is green with the flourishing vegetation many of which are flowering. In addition holiday expenses tend to be lower in the spring as it is not yet peak season and consequently the beaches are usually less crowded! It is usual for most people to travel through Athens when arriving in Greece and the city is more pleasant in the spring and autumn than in the summer. Basically the best overall collecting time is around April/May but if you are prepared to look there are always insects of some description around the coastal zone of Greece. 70 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society to] Invertebrates and their care discussed in Mexico by J.E. Cooper (2343) 8 Scotchel Green, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 5AY. The 1996 conference of the AAZV (American Association of Zoo Veterinarians) was held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from Monday 4th to Friday 8th November. Nearly 400 people attended — almost all of them veterinary surgeons involved with non-domesticated animals in zoos or in the wild — and while the majority of the registrants were from the USA, Canada and Mexico, there were small numbers from South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. A novel part of the AAZV’s programme this year was a session on “Invertebrates: Medicine and Management”, organised and chaired by Dr Mark Bodri. Ms Susan Kenny was the first speaker, from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, USA, and her talk was aptly entitled “All star lineup of marine itrvertebrates for public display”. With the aid of excellent slides she discussed the features of such groups as cnidarians, crustaceans and cephalopods and pointed out that they were becoming more and more popular in zoos and aquaria. The theme of aquatic invertebrates was continued by Mr Julian Spring, a private consultant and author from Florida, USA, who covered “Identity and husbandry of soft and stoney corals”. He outlined the ecosystem management necessary to maintain corals, including biological filtration, water changes, use of supplements and the maintenance of calcium alkalinity. Attention then turned to terrestrial invertebrates, with a presentation by Mr Randy Morgan from Cincinatti, USA, on “Arthropod public display, rearing and containment at Cincinatti Zoo’s ‘World of the Insect’ exhibition”. Mr Morgan described how his zoo’s Insectarium, which opened in 1978, had been adapted in order to provide education and entertainment for visitors and thus teach them about insects and other arthropods. “The husbandry of desert arthropods” was the subject of Mr Steve Prchal’s talk, based on his work at the Sonoran Arthropods Studies Institute, Arizona, USA. The various centipedes, millipedes and arachnids that originate from the Sonoran Desert region were discussed and Mr Prchal pointed out that they were of special interest and value in collections because of their long lives and the relative ease in caring for them. Dr Nancy Greig, Houston Museum of Natural Science, USA, introduced her audience to the beauty and charm of the Lepidoptera in | | ae Volume 56 « April 1997 71 a presentation entitled “Butterflies are not free: live butterfly ‘zoos’ in North America”. Dr Greig discussed the evolution and refinement of live butterfly exhibits over the past 15 years. Such collections have long been popular in Europe, especially Britain, but are a fairly recent concept in North America. Butterflies are excellent subjects for display and offer many opportunities for education. iihexconcludine paper. ini the session, “Hoppers, hermits: and haemolymph: a veterinary approach to invertebrates”, was by Professor John Cooper from the National Avian Research Center, Abu Dhabi. Professor Cooper pointed out that there had been awareness of diseases of invertebrates for centuries but only a modest involvement by the veterinary profession (a handful of pioneers from both sides of the Atlantic) and that in recent years. The field remained a fertile one for zoo veterinarians and for those with an interest in comparative pathology. He discussed how invertebrates should be handled and examined, the methods available for diagnosis and investigation of ill- health and some practical approaches to treatment and prevention of disease. This session proved to be very successful. The speakers were all enthusiasts, with a deep and long-standing interest in invertebrates, and very effectively conveyed to the audience the interest, pleasure and excitement of working with these creatures. The veterinary profession clearly still has much to learn but, working together with entomologists and others, could contribute substantially to the health, welfare and conservation of invertebrate animals — both in the wild and in captivity. EDD THE AES UB Merchandise The following items are available from the AES Bug Club stand today at the following prices: PENS 35p WINDOW STICKERS SOp BUG CLUB BUGS 50p BADGES 30p Alternatively send a self addressed envelope and 38p in stamps to: AES BUG CLUB, PO BOX 8774, LONDON SW5 5ZG 72 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t | Weavers fritillary (Boloria dia L.) in Wiltshire by Peter Tebbutt (7941) 112 Broadway East, Abington, Northampton NN3 2PR. On 15th July 1996 two male Weavers fritillary were seen within a few yards of each other in Wiltshire. Originally thought to be aberrations of Small pearl-bordered fritillary CB. selene D.&S.), it soon became obvious they were something different, and the better of the two was retained for identification and presented to me. A quick check in Higgins and Riley, Butterflies of Britain and Europe, soon confirmed the true identity. However, one question immediately springs to mind, where did they come from? This is not a noted migrant, and even if this was the case it is highly unlikely that two would have travelled so far inland and still be so close together. So despite 1996 being an excellent year for some migrant species, it would seem likely that these were released, as they were too far from human habitation to be escapees. I know some larvae were “put down” on the Surrey North Downs during July 1984 and these produced some adults, but I have been unable to find out about any other attempted introductions of this species. Were these the only two released, or were several introduced to this area? If the latter, then when, how many and at what stage? If anyone can offer any answers to these queries I would be most grateful. I shall, of course, treat all information in strict-confidence unless. told otherwise. Hummingbird hawkmoth — A sighting by P.G. Dowty 6 Hindhead Close, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 STQ. I would like to report a definite sighting of a Hummingbird hawkmoth feeding on my phlox in the afternoon of 22nd August 1996. The temperature was about 22°C and the weather was sunny. oé Volume 56 + April 1997 73 Notes on the Common social wasp Vespula germanica by Stuart Cole (10159) 24 Broom Close, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OR]. The following are some observations on unexpected aspects of behaviour in the social wasp Vespula germanica and are taken from my notes made some years ago on colonies in south-west London. In July 1992 I discovered that a colony of V. germanica had made their nest in a cavity in the outside wall of my flat at the top of a building in Putney High Street. The wall formed the wall of my bedroom and throughout the following months of August and September I could hear the insects ceaselessly scraping at something during the night until as least 2.40am. Worker wasps are diurnal, or at least are not seen outside the nest after dusk, but it seems that they may be active during the night within the nest. From the noises they were making, the wasps were, presumably, enlarging the cavity in the brickwork. The original cavity was probably quite small, a fault or decay in the solid brick wall of a mid-Victorian building and far too small for a normal sized colony of Vespula. The material they were working was much harder than the wood or soil they would usually have to deal with. Perhaps the insects were making the most efficient WseeOttncir time Dy loosening the material during the, night and disposing of it outside in the daytime. When these wasps make their nest in an earth bank, workers can be seen in the daytime flying out of the entrance at the surface carrying pellets of soil. The insects fly some distance before dropping the material; this may be so as not to attract attention to the nest site — this is certainly the case with some solitary wasps such as the Sphecids. When damp weather arrived in October, the scraping sounds in the wall ceased. The colony was no longer expanding and the workers would be dying off quite rapidly; there were few still to be seen flying in and out of the hole in the brickwork. At this time of the year the adult wasps may deliberately kill off the remaining larvae in the cells. In October 1989 I observed the workers of another colony of V. germanica in Kew carrying full-grown grubs out of their nest and dropping them on the ground just outside. The larvae appeared to be already dead or dying, possibly after having been stung. This particular nest in Kew was situated beneath the floorboards of the ground floor flat that I had moved to from Putney. The wasps’ 74 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae access to the nest was through an airbrick in the outside wall about 12 inches from the ground. When I sat in the room immediately above the nest at night I would clearly hear, every so often, buzzing from the multitude of wasps below. A dull rhythmic humming would occur at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes and would last about one minute. I assumed that the reason for this activity was temperature control with the worker wasps vibrating their wings to create an air flow. I did not notice the sound during the daytime and it was probable that heat became a problem only after dark when the whole colony were in the nest together. In the summer the noise was quite faint but as the colony reached maximum numbers in early autumn the buzzing became so loud that it was easy to imagine the horde was about to invade the room. Incidently, I never heard a similar noise from the wasps in the wall at Putney — perhaps it did not get so hot in this nest. One incident of puzzling behaviour was of a worker wasp that I came upon crawling sluggishly about the ground one cold, damp October day. When I placed her on my hand she appeared to bite at my skin but when she came to my watch something about the metal made her get quite excited. She crawled all over it, moving her mandibles over the casing. When I placed the watch on the ground the wasp continued her interest for some minutes until I removed it. She reacted in a similar way over a length of wire on a wall but not for so long. She then wandered off along the wall after stopping to clean her feet and antennae thoroughly. I wonder if there is any connection between the wasp’s attraction to metallic objects and the behaviour of some ants which I once observed in Australia. Sitting in one of the harbourside reserves in Sydney, I noticed some worker ants of a species of Chalcoponera dragging along small fragments of silver foil from a chocolate wrapper. The pieces were taken to their nest almost immediately upon being discovered but the ants had difficulty in pulling the foil down into the hole in the ground. After I tore some of the pieces into a more manageable size, two or three millimetres or so square, the ants took them straight down into the nest. What possible use they would have for silver foil I cannot imagine. Perhaps readers might have some views. AES PUBLICATIONS Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera by Mark Shaw Price £4.50 tf Volume 56 + April 1997 75 An incidence of the Cerambycid Arhopalus rusticus (L.) in Surrey by Ian Boler (8720) 3 Lincoln Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1TE. At home on the evening of the 18th August 1996, I happened to place my hand on the arm of my sofa and came up with a surprisingly large, brown longhorn beetle. This adult beetle was about one inch long and with relatively short antennae (for a longhorn), short head, long, straight elytra and powerful-looking mandibles. This species turned out tO bean example of Arhopalus rusticus (Linnaeus, 1758), of the subfamily Aseminae of which there are three species in Europe. In Britain it is scarce but present locally in the southern part of England and seems to be spreading. This species is also found in North America (as four geographic races). A. rusticus lives mainly in pine forests and flies from June to August, especially in warm twilight hours, and is known to be attracted to light. The eggs are laid in the scales of the bark of slightly decaying or recently dead stumps of Pinus, apparently especially those whose roots have been scorched by fire. The larvae prefer the roots, initially living under the bark, then boring downwards into the wood, making longitudinal galleries. Pupation occurs in the roots or in the base of the stump in June and July, usually near the surface of the wood or in the bark, the cell lying parallel to the grain. The adults emerge after three to four weeks in July and August. This species has occasionally been found infesting structural timbers in France, seriously damaging roof _ timbers, the adults boring through wood, zinc plating and even solder on emerging! “Sofie” as we came to call her, proved to be a female, and had mated as she proceeded to lay eggs in the collecting box. These were small (about 2mm long) elongate cylinders with rounded ends. They were laid in batches of five to fifteen (about 40 in total) in gaps in the base of the box and were pale yellow with very soft cell walls which collapsed easily when pushed with a soft paint brush and unfortunately most were destroyed when attempting to move them. Of those that survived, five hatched within two weeks into tiny white grubs with small black head capsules. This occurred during our holiday and, unfortunately, when we returned both “Sofie” and all but one of her larvae were dead. The remaining grub (“Sofie jnr.”) was kept alive for a further five days on sugar water soaked into a cotton wool ball. 76 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society S34 Although introduced to small pieces of pine dark, it showed no inclination to bore within and eventually also perished. On searching around, no recently cut or fallen pine stumps were located in my immediate area and presumably it must have flown some distance searching for some. Extensive pine woodlands occur nearby on Box Hill and Leith Hill and it is likely to have originated from one or the other. That it was located in town, away from the woods, suggests that it was having difficulty finding a suitable oviposition site and this example highlights the difficulty such specialist “dead timber” species have in finding correct habitat. Fortunately, a breeding colony exists in its original habitat as the female was already mated and fertile, and the species appears to be spreading, but competition for relatively few breeding sites may have caused this one to seek elsewhere. A. rusticus females are known to lay around 150 eggs, so, hopefully, “Sofie” managed to lay most of her eggs in suitable pine stumps before flying in through my lounge window (and not on the legs of my settee). Many thanks to Dr M.L. Cox of the International Institute of Entomology, based in the Entomology Department of the Natural History Museum, London, for helping me identify this species and for providing me with references and information. References Cherepanov, A.I. (1990). Cerambycidae of Northern Asia, Volume 1 — Prioninae, Disteniinae, Lepturinae, Aseminae, EJ. Brill: Leiden, pp. 569-577. Duffy, E.AJ. (1953). A Monograph of the Immature Stages of British and Imported Timber Beetles (Cerambycidae). British Museum (Natural History), London, pp. 147-151. Harde, K.W. (1984). A Field Guide in Colour to Beetles, Octopus Books. The insect society for young entomologists Membership includes a regular newsletter, field trips, competitions and much more! For more details, please write, enclosing a SAE to: AES Bug Club, PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG 3 Volume 56 « April 1997 77 Wildlife and Agriculture: problems of pest species by Jenni Johnstone (9214) 10 Ruthrieston Circle, Aberdeen AB10 7/JX. As long as man has been growing and harvesting domestic crops there has been both beneficial and damaging interactions between the crops and other wildlife. Agroecosystems are habitats in themselves and rely on other organisms for pollination, predation on pests, breakdown of leaf litter and for the recycling of nutrients. Agricultural land is not a stable environment; it is forever changing. Farmers may grow different crops each year or every few years, but each year there is an aggregated concentration of any one resource and this can lead to the problem of pest species. A pest can be defined as a “species that has become so abundant and so injurious to some commercial plant” (Wardle). The majority of pests are from foreign origin and have spread, migrated or been introduced from other areas. A high percentage of these are insects. Why should it be that crops are so vulnerable to attack and what causes an insect to become a pest? To answer these questions we must firstly look at the differences between natural communities and agricultural communities. An insect’s distribution is chiefly determined by the distribution of its food. In agricultural communities there is a plentiful supply concentrated in one area thereby providing an ideal environment for insect pests. Frequently species are introduced to an area and, in the absence of their natural predators, have nothing to regulate their populations. Native species can acquire the status of pest by switching their original host plant to a cultivated crop. As a result annual primary productivity is much lower in agricultural communities than in natural systems. This is especially so in areas such as western Europe where rapid technical advances in agriculture have led to the presence of more pests. The problem of controlling pests has become a constant battle for farmers. The majority of pests attack the foliage of crops but some will also feed on or utilise seedlings, seeds, flowers, stems, roots and fruits. Crops can withstand 30-40% defoliation without this resulting in any harm to the final harvest, but damage to seeds and/or flowers can have more devastating results. Foliage damage can vary from that done by leaf miners, which are among the smallest insects and live in tunnels made between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, and locust damage which can destroy entire fields of crops. Foliage is also 78 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society L : commonly attacked by insects such as other grasshoppers, caterpillars, aphids and leaf bugs. Some insects bore into roots and shoots, feeding and pupating there. Pest problems are worldwide and occur in a variety of different agricultural crops. In south-east Asia crops such as rice, tea, coffee and cotton are attacked. Scolytid beetles are the main pests of tea and coffee; Xyleborus fornicatus attacks tea plants whereas Stephanoderes hampei attacks coffee plantations. In Central America and West Africa sugar Cane is preyed upon by Pyralid moth larvae which tunnel into the stems. In north-western Europe cereals are attacked by Hessian flies but pests of cabbages and potatoes are also main problems. The Euro- Asiatic region also has cereal pests such as the Swedish fly Oscinella frit. Cutworms of the moth family Noctuidae, for example, Euxoa segetum, feed on many other crops. North American tobacco plantations often succumb to predation by Spningid moths, Protoparce sexta and P. quinquifasciata are two examples. In Australasia pests of sugar cane and cotton are common and in South America, banana plantations are frequently attacked by butterflies of the genus Colias. These are just a few of the crops and their pest that occur throughout the world. Farmers are constantly trying to find and implement methods of controlling or eradicating pests. In order to do so a thorough knowledge of the pest and his crop are necessary so that effective practices can be suggested and then adopted. Pest control includes any factor which kills, repels or in any way interferes with the normal life- cycle of the insect. Control factors which are used include both natural and artificial means. Natural control of pests results from weather conditions; temperature, light intensity, humidity, air currents; physical and biotic factors including predators, parasites, viruses and disease. One, often effective, means of control a farmer can use is concerned with the timing of planting and harvesting his crops so as to avoid synchrony with the insect’s life-cycle. In some cases early planting is necessary whereas late planting is required in other cases. Delayed planting, of two. to, three jweeks) canny decrease simes mum pci. On generations and, for example, in the Hessian fly whose adults only live a few days, planting should be delayed until after the last flies have emerged. Another fairly simple yet effective method of control is to have a system of crop rotation. Some insect grubs have a life-cycle lasting two or three years, as in the case of the corn rootworm. This feeds ——— E———E————————— ae Volume 56 + April 1997 79 exclusively on corn and no other alternative is acceptable therefore, by rotating crops and planting a different one each year the population will soon die out. Research has shown that potatoes planted in a field that the previous year contained another crop such a rye or wheat, produced 40 times more harvest than potatoes that had been planted in a field previously containing potatoes. Deep ploughing can remove the breeding and over-wintering places of insects thereby keeping their population numbers to a minimum. Any crop residue should be destroyed or utilised soon after harvest, in particular, decaying fruit should be disposed of to reduce infestation by fruit flies. Weeds should be removed if they are likely to provide an alternative host plant to the pest but if these weeds provide food and/or shelter for any natural enemies of the pest then they should be cultivated and encouraged. If a farmer knows his crops are under attack by a species of insect then there are a number of other measures that can be taken. Insect repellents do not actually harm the insect but deter it from feeding on the crop plant. Light traps and physical hand picking help to keep numbers down. Alternatively predators, parasites or disease can be introduced into the population but these must be carefully controlled to avoid any non-desirable consequences. Finally, farmers may decide to use insecticides. Insecticides have been used since early times, indeed as far back as the Roman times man knew the potential of chemicals like arsenic and mercury. The increased use of insecticides in the last twenty years has resulted in an average 50% increase in agricultural productivity. However, there are many side-effects associated with the use of insecticides; continuous use can lead to serious ecological disturbances in agroecosystems. The use of DDT, a chemical insecticide introduced in the late 1930s, has virtually stopped now because of its disastrous effects on other organisms in the environment. Many insecticides can cause pollution. One problem with insecticides is that they are not species specific and therefore useful species such as the Honeybee (Apis spp.) may also be destroyed upsetting the natural balance, and there is always the possibility that insects may become resistant as often happens. Inerefore, insecticides must be used with care and the situation carefully monitored to ensure that they are helping the situation and not causing further problems. We will now look at a few specific examples of agricultural crops and their pest species. Seventy-nine percent of the world’s rice is produced in south-east Asia in countries such as India, Burma, China, Borneo and Java. Rice is, 80 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t without doubt, an extremely economically important crop and so the control of its pests is vital. Pests of rice range from moth larvae, flies, and aphids but one of the most important is the Pyralid moth Schoenobius incertellus commonly known as the yellow riceborer. This is an indigenous species originally thought to have fed on wild grasses. The adult moth lays eggs in clusters on the leaves of young rice plants. The caterpillars hatch, feed, and when they are fully grown make their way into the stems where they pupate and spend the summer. After the rice has been harvested short stalks known as stubble are left still containing the pupae so an easy way to try to control this pest is to destroy any remaining stubble. Pieris brassicae and P. rapae (the Large and Small white butterflies) are European pests of cultivated and garden plants. Their larvae feed on plants of the family Brassica namely cabbages, cauliflower, brocolli, brussel sprouts and the garden plant nasturtium. P. brassicae is a major problem in Britain where the indigenous population is reinforced by migrants from the continent. The caterpillar skeletonises the leaves of Brassicas often destroying the entire plant. P. rapde is sometimes found in the company of P. brassicae and feeds in the hearts of cabbages so damage is often not seen until it is too late. This butterfly is more of a problem in eastern Europe and Russia than it is here. Another crop of immense importance is the potato, with 90% of world production being produced in Europe. It is a hardy, short season crop which is able to mature further north and at higher altitudes than any other crop except barley. This combined with its ability to adapt to different soils makes it an ideal crop to be grown in Britain. Two main pests of potato are the Chrysomelid beetle Leptinotarsa decemlieata, also known as the Colorado beetle, and the Potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella. The latter is a Pyralid moth whose caterpillars tunnel in the tubers of the potato. Its presence was first noticed to be a problem in 1906 whereupon measures were taken to destroy infected potatoes, disinfect any contaminated premises and store any sound potatoes under a layer of sand. Thanks to these procedures a potential catastrophe was avoided. This moth and the Colorado beetle are pests in countries such as Britain, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland and Russia among others. Both the adult and the larva of the Colorado beetle feed on the foliage of potato plants and had become firmly established as a pest by 1922. Again, measures were taken to prevent extensive damage and included lead arsenate spraying, daily hand picking, soil sterilisation and prohibition of any imports from America where there was also a problem. ad Volume 56 « April 1997 81 Finally any assessment of worldwide insect pests cannot be complete without examination of the case of the locust. Schistocerca gregoria, or the Desert locust has caused the most serious damage of any insect pest. Mass swarms of these insects have devastated huge areas of agricultural land, caused human starvation and famine, and spread disease. The Desert locust has both a solitary and gregarious phase. During most years there is only enough available food to sustain small populations of the solitary phase, however, the locust can suddenly change to its gregarious phase and this usually happens after there has been heavy rains. There is now an abundance of food to exploit and bands of hoppers, or locust nymphs, march great distances leaving everything eaten in their wake. Once the adults begin to emerge the swarm takes to the air covering more distance and causing more devastation. Between 1948 and 1963 several swarms were recorded as exceeding 160 square kilometres. The areas mainly affected were in North Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and part of India. These huge populations were eventually stopped by natural means, for example, the Alps in the north and the sea to the west. Unfortunately, too much damage was already done by the time the locust swarms had reached these physical barriers. The Anti-locust Research Centre was set up many years ago and its work has proved extremely valuable. There has not been a locust breakout of any considerable size since the 1960s. Agroecosystems are forever going to have problems with pest species and the solution must lie in controlling these insects in the most acceptable way possible. Scientists working in the field of agriculture face pressure from all sides, from farmers, the public, conservationists and other countries. Fortunately there are a variety of different methods farmers can now use to control insect pests but as insects become resistant to insecticides and more persistent in their nature man must find new ways of controlling them. To conclude, there will always be conflict between wildlife and agriculture but we must not forget the vital parts insects do play in agriculture, in particular, in pollination, for without them we would not have these crops. References Barbosa. P. & Schultz, J.C. (eds) (1987). Insect Outbreaks. Academic Press, Inc. Baron, 5. (1972) The Desert Locust. Eyre Methuen, London. Begon, Harper & Townsend (1990). Ecology: individuals, populations and communities. Blackwell Science. Carter, DJ. (1984). Pest Lepidoptera of Europe. Dr W. Junk Publishers. Chinery, M. (1993). Insects of Britain and northern Europe. Harper Collins Publishing. 82 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t Evans, K. (ed) (1991). Agricultural Zoology Reviews. Intercept Ltd. Vol. 4. Gullan, PJ. & Cranston, P.S. (1994). Insects: An Outline of Entomology. Chapman and Hall. Little, V.A. (1972). General and Applied Entomology. Harper and Row Publishers. Odum, E.P. (1969). Fundamentals of Ecology. W.B. Saunders Company. Price, P.W. (1984). Insect Ecology. John Wiley & Son, Inc. 2nd ed. Wardle, R.A. (1929). The Problems of Applied Entomology. Manchester University Press. Hardtack by Keith Lewis (3080) 108 Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 15S/. Included in Bulletin 52, page 282, “Ant takeaway” I reported on the interaction between the swarming of the Garden ant Lasius niger and the Common wasp Vespula vulgaris. On the 17th August 1996 whilst sitting in the garden I thought I was seeing a similar encounter. A wasp was showing particular interest in an entrance hole located in a mound of extracted earth from which ants were swarming. The wasp would fly around the hole and, although many ants were going in and out, it would squeeze its body into the hole and would stay in this position for up to two minutes, its body pulsating. It then withdrew and would fly off but with nothing in its jaws that I could see. Taking a stick I moved away some of the earth and observed what I thought was a small twig about 3mm diameter and 75mm long. The wasp was soon back and went straight to the twig and began rasping it with its jaws. I assumed it was gathering wood to chew into paper to enlarge the nest. After watching this a number of times I picked up the twig and found that it was in fact a desiccated worm. The worm was so hard and dry it is puzzling to see the point of what the wasp was trying to achieve. EDIE) AES PUBLICATIONS A Guide to Moths Traps and their use by Reg Fry and Paul Waring An essential guide to the use of moth traps and getting the best from them. This illustrated guide is a must for anyone interested in the subject. Price £5.00 including p&p Available from AES Publications The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, Colchester, Essex CO7 7JN. ad Volume 56 «+ April 1997 83 The Red admiral and its associated plant by Steve Eden 14 Stafford Street, Waihi, B.O.P., New Zealand. The Red admiral (Vanessa gonerilla) has long been a favourite butterfly of mine, due to the fact that it was always there in the mountainous ranges over the last 30 odd years when I had gone deer-stalking. This butterfly has the tendency to bring a flash of gaiety under the dark damp bushland. It would land on a silver beech trunk, and open its wings to face the source of the filtered sunlight. Sometimes it would be searching for the fermented sap that weeps out of the bark. The New Zealand form of the Admiral has different markings from the European specimen. It also has a different foodplant which is the tree stinging nettle Urtica ferox which usually prefers to establish itself along the edges of bushland. Sometimes it can be seen beside little streams in the bush where the light has penetrated overhead. This plant is dangerous if you inadvertently fall against or onto it. So much so that One man some years ago did this very thing, and his body was found near the plant some time later. The cause of death is shock. Eighteen years ago my brother and I were collecting the pupae on a patch of tree nettle and I was stung slightly on my wrist. The pain was immediate, severe and also quite long-lasting. It simply amazes me how the admiral can alight among these forests of hypodermic-like needles and place her egg upon the side of one of these. The greatest enemy of these pretty insects is the parasitic ichneumon wasp called Echthromorpha (intricatoria) which is about 14mm long. 7 Coloration: Jet black, bright orange, with white spots along its thorax and abdomen. This wasp is an expert at detection, seeking out the pupae then stinging it with her ovipositor in order for ~herE- Ofispring to be provided with ready food. If you kill or just brush against the adult wasp, it will emit a musk stench-like odour. 84 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ee Fig. 1. New Zealand Red admiral. Fig. 2. A leaf tent of the larva. Fig. 3. The parasitic ichneumon wasp, Echthromorpha intricatoria has orange legs and glossy black body. Fig. 4. The barrel-shaped egg placed on a neddle. a ad Volume 56 « April 1997 85 Conclusion This butterfly has been slowly declining over the last ten years. Reports from people scattered over the North Island tell the same story — “We haven’t seen a Red admiral for years!” they say. Why? Well, farmers are being a lot more industrious in clearing up those areas adjacent to native bush land, which means tree nettles as well. However, back in 1994 the German wasp Vespula germanica had a massive population explosion which caused scientists a lot of concern. It seems that global warming is the culprit. That is really a story all of its own. However, it is my opinion that these wasps, as well as others that have toddled over from our closest neighbour, Australia, have resulted in some pressure on our Red admiral. And let’s face it, how do you convince New Zealanders that a noxious weed is a friend? More Moths of Glasgow by Frank McCann (6291) 3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY. On the morning of 5th August 1996 I found a small nicely marked moth at Riddrie, Glasgow. It was resting on a low wall of a school, near lichens and some mosses. I managed to secure it and noticed the wings had dark markings and blotches. I put it in a small container with lichens from the wall (confluent species) and another piece of lichen from a tree. I have still to examine it more closely to determine exactly what species it is, but it looks very much like the Marbled beauty. There are lots of moth species which I find difficult to recognise or identify in the field, so I usually refer to my books and plates therein for identification — I am still very much an amateur entomologist. Two nights prior to this a moth came into the house via the kitchen window which was open slightly. It looked very much like the Scalloped oak. I examined it as closely as I could and released it back into the wild. CSD AES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND MEMBERS’ DAY at the Royal Entomological Society of London on Saturday 206th April 1997 — Doors open 10.30am 86 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a Migrant dragonfly recording project by Adrian Parr 10 Orchard Way, Barrow, Bury St. Edmunds IP29 5BX, Although many adult dragonflies remain relatively close to where they emerged, certain species may sometimes undertake long distance movements or migrations. This was dramatically illustrated by the events of 1995, which can have escaped few naturalists’ attention. In Britain, migration is most obvious in the occasional appearance of non- resident species, but there are also influxes of several species where there are already resident populations. Substantial movements, but entirely within our own isles, can also apparently occur with a number of species. Unlike the migration of -birds,;-and even of some Lepidoptera, the details of such dragonfly movements are however often very poorly understood. Their conservation significance is also not clearly defined. With the growing number of enthusiasts interested in dragonflies this situation seems likely to change. A major recording programme designed to focus attention on dragonfly migration has recently been initiated by the national Odonata Recording Scheme and British Dragonfly Society. Several people, including myself, will be involved in getting this up and running, and ultimately it is hoped to establish a computer database of all known migrant sightings. Although the events of 1995 are unlikely to be repeated for many years, it has become clear that a number of species are currently almost annual visitors to Britain. These include Sympetrum fonscolombei (Red- veined darter) and Hemianax ephippiger (Vagrant emperor). For much of this century S. flaveolum (Yellow-winged darter) also used to be a regular visitor, and it is hoped that the invasion of 1995 may signal a return to this status. Immigration of certain species which also have resident populations, e.g. Aeshna mixta (Broad-bodied chaser), L. quadrimaculata (Four-spotted chaser), Sympetrum danae (Black darter), S. sanguineum (Ruddy darter) and S. striolatum (Common darter) must also be far commoner than is currently documented. Even in a “quiet” year there is thus great potential for migrant recording. In addition to the species mentioned above, other documented immigrants which might potentially be observed on migration include A. affinis (Mediterranean hawker), Crocothemis erythraea (Scarlet darter), S. pedemontanum (Banded darter), S. meridionale (Southern darter), S. vulgatum (Vagrant darter) and Pantala flavescens (Globe skimmer). Other species of dragonfly are also likely to be recorded as migrants in years to come (including even perhaps some American species?), and in ad Volume 56 + April 1997 87 addition it seems probable that certain species of damselflies might also occur as migrants. One problem with migrant recording is in deciding exactly which individual insects are “migrants”. Species which do not normally breed in Britain seldom present problems in this respect, though there is evidence that at least S. fonscolombei and S. flaveolum have produced “locally-bred” individuals following major invasions. Where a species has an established resident population, then individuals must be carefully assessed for migrant status. In years gone by, records from manned off-shore light-vessels provided useful information on movements of such species, but nowadays this sort of evidence is hard to get. The occurrence of extra-limital forms and direct observations of individuals coming in off the sea, or all travelling in the same direction, provides evidence of migration. The sighting of a species outside its known breeding range, or its preferred habitat, is also a good clue. Large concentrations of dragonflies sometimes also indicate migrant origin, though the possibility of a mass emergence must not be overlooked. Instances of individuals attracted to light, or otherwise found flying at night, might similarly suggest migration, since this may continue overnight provided that the ambient temperature remains sufficiently high. It must be remembered, though, that non-migrating individuals of some species (e.g. several from the genus Aeshna) can also fly well into evening during suitable warm weather. Recording of migrants has been taken up by the national Odonata Recording Scheme, and for those interested in taking part formally, details of sightings should be submitted on special RA72 forms available from Brian Eversham at I.T.E. Monks Wood, or from me. These forms allow a range of relevant information to be concisely summarised. Completed forms should then be submitted to me as early as is convenient. For those who wish to submit records a little less formally, I would be happy to receive casual records in any sensible format. Recorders should be able to support their identification of the rarer species by field notes or photographs, though at present these need not automatically be submitted with the records. 88 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS] Diary Dates To make the diary effective contributions are needed from members. Any relevant items should be sent to the Bulletin Editor. No charge is made for entries. Please allow three months advance notice. MAY 17th 2l1st Emperor moth expedition and bug bunt. 2-5pm at Snelsmore Common Country Park, Berkshire (SU463710). Meet at main park entrance just off the B4494 Donington to Wantage Road. Children welcome for this bug-hunt at which we hope to attract the spectacular day-flying emperor moth, and will also be finding what other mini-beasts inhabit the woods and heathland of Snelsmore. Please bring a bug-box. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Joint with Butterfly Conservation and the AES Bug Club. I: Martin Harvey (01491) 671889). Spring moth-watch at Snelsmore Common. 8pm until late, at Snelsmore Common Country Park, Berkshire (SU463 710). Meet at main park entrance just off the B4494 Donington to Wantage Road. Please bring a torch and warm clothes (and a Thermos flask to ward off the British spring!). Please contact leader in advance to find out about access details (the car park is locked after dusk). I: Martin Harvey (01491) 671889). Make a start with moths. BBONT/Reading University Saturday School. 2-6pm at Reading University, London Road, and then 9pm until late in the field. With over 800 larger moths, plus about 1600 micromoths, trying to identify these creatures can be a daunting task. The first step is to recognise the family grouping to which each moth belongs, and this one-day course will help you to do just that. The course is open to all, no previous experience of moths is required. The course costs £12 (concessions £8) and must be booked through Reading University Extended Education Department. Tel: 0118 931 8347. Information available from course tutor: Martin Harvey (01491) 671889. Published 25th April 1997 by the Amateur Entomogists’ Society (Registered Charity No. 267430), from PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. a Volume 56 + April 1997 89 Obituary Ralph Sydney Tubbs, OBE (1912-1996) (AES 3684) ' It is with great sadness that we have to report the death on 24th November 1996 of Ralph Tubbs. Ralph was educated at Mill Hill School and then trained as an Architect at the Architectural Association School in London. After qualifying he gained experience within established practices and was greatly influenced by both Erno Goldfinger and Walter Gropius, both of whom he worked with before setting up his own _ practice in 1948. He was heavily involved in the 1951 Festival of Britain _ and was the architect of the popular Dome of Discovery, then, at 305 feet _ diameter, the largest dome to be constructed, but it was sadly demolished by orders of the newly elected Conservative Government after the end of _ the Festival. He was deservedly awarded the OBE for his Festival work. Ralph was not just a keen entomologist but had an equal interest in | many aspects of nature. He served on the RES Council 1981-84 and was Honorary Treasurer 1984-1989. He also served as President of the | British Entomological and Natural History Society as was a long- standing member of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society. His main interest was in the experimental breeding, of and studying of, the _ genetics of various varieties of the British butterflies, all of which _ species he managed to breed at one time or another during his long life. In this he was particularly successful with some of the so-called | “difficult” species. The results of his breeding investigations were regularly exhibited, particularly at the British Entomological and Natural _ History Society’s meetings. Ralph’s philosophy and common-sense approach is best summed-up by his remarks in his 1978 paper The breeding of butterflies with special reference to the genetics of aberrational forms (Proceedings and Transactions of the British | Entomological and Natural History Society 11: 77-88) where he stated: | “It is only by breeding that you really get to know an insect. I am an _ inquisitive naturalist. I am not satisfied with just having an aberration | killed on capture in the wild. I want to know how it came to be different. To kill an aberration without getting eggs or a pairing is killing the | Golden Goose, I do not collect butterflies, I collect genes. Of course it is a gamble, the insect may ruin itself without laying eggs — but the prize, both in terms of knowledge and in bred specimens is worth the risk.” A quiet and unassuming man he was excellent company and always ready with help and advice. His editorial help will be greatly missed. To his wife; children and grandchildren we extend our sympathy. Brian Gardiner. Reprinted by kind permission from the Entomologist Jan 1997) 90 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t ] AES Annual General Meeting and Members’ Day Saturday 20th April 1997 Royal Entomological Society of London (See Map on inside back cover for travel details) Programme of Events Doors Open 10.30am for coffee 11.00am Talk Dr Ian Menzie — Insect trickery. Midday Annual General Meeting 12.30pm Lunch Incorporating a Publications Committee Meeting and AES Bug Club Activities. 1.30pm Talk Subject and Speaker to be finalised. 2.30pm Natural History Museum Wildlife Garden Bug Hunt Wander across the road and help the Natural History Museum update its records by hunting the bugs in their conservation garden. We will be demonstrating techniques for beating, sweeping and pond dipping for those who wish to attend as well as attempting to identify those species which we find. (Indoor activity will take place if weather is unpleasant.) Other attractions: Competition for Bug Club Members Bring your own specimens for us to identify AES Publications with copies of the Society’s two new publications: A Guide to Moth traps and their use by Reg Fry and Paul Waring and Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera by Mark Shaw Please note: there are no parking facilities at the RES and we urge all members to travel by public transport. There are numerous places to purchase food at lunch, however, please feel free to bring a packed lunch. FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE SOCIETY ON 0976 828142 SPECIAL OF FPRINT AVAILABLE FROM THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY Notes on the natural history, distribution and identification of British reed beetles by LS. Menzies and M.L. Cox, 26 pages, 2 colour plates, £4 (+P&P 30p, overseas 80p). This important paper, covers all British reed beetles (15 spp Donacia, 4 spp Plateumaris, 2 spp Macroplea). Fully illustrated keys allow accurate identification of these attractive, but sometimes confusing chrysomelids. Full species accounts cover foodplants, distribution, habits and behavioural observations. Sixteen of the species are illustrated in two plates of spectacular colour photographs. Originally published Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1996; 9: 137-162. Send cheque made out to “Brit. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc.” with order to : BENHS Sales Secretary, G. Boyd, 17 Gainsborough Close, Cambridge CB4 ISY. Other special offprints also available: The British species of Metzneria, Paltodora . . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff and E. Bradford, 6pp, | col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1990; 3: 23-28. The British species of Monochroa, Chrysoesthia . . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff and E. Bradford, 8pp, | col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 36-44. The British Epermeniidae (Lep.) by H.C.J. Godfray and P.H. Sterling plus the British species of Caryocolum (Lep.: Gelechiidae) by P. Huemer, together 20pp, many figs, | col. plate, £3.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 141-160. A review of the British Opomyzidae (Diptera) by C.M. Drake, 18pp, many figs, £2.00. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 159-176. Postage and Packing £0.30 (£0.80 overseas) for each of these special offprints. BENHS members are eligible for special reduced prices on these and other Society publications and receive the quarterly British Journal of Entomology and Natural History. For sample copy and Society details write to the Editor, Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist., 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE1I5 3DE. BENHS is a registered charity, number 213149 Credit Card No. Expiry Date BIRTHDAY PRESENT PROBLEMS? Why not give a years subscription to Country-side and membership of the BRITISH NATURALISTS’ ASSOCIATION Hon. President: LORD SKELMERSDALE Hon. President of the Youth Section: DAVID BELLAMY BSc., PhD, FLS FIBiol. The BNA is a national body for naturalists and offers:- Address Field Activities for everyone Lectures Branch programmes throughout the country Journal COUNTRY-SIDE Field trips in the UK and abroad Natural history publications endorsed by the BNA at reduced prices for members Insurance cover on branch and national activities Blake Shield annual competition for young people Free Pack of WILDLIFE Notelets for every new subscription SUBSCRIPTION RATES Ordinary members (or if entitled to a state Retirement Pension .. £10.00 p.a.) Youth members Family members (In which there is at least 1 ordinary member . . . £3.00 p.a. 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A separate supplement has been prepared which cross-references old to current scientific names and the English names of the species covered. Total price only £21.00. OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE FROM THE A.E.S. INCLUDE Habitat Conservation for Insects - A Neglected Green Issue (Hardback 262 pages, 15 figures+ 32 pages colour plates). . . . . .£12.00 A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figs, 13 plates) . . See 0) A Guide to Moth Traps and their Use (60 pages, 21 figures, 8 plates) 7 £5.00 Breeding the British Butterflies (60 pages, 6 figures,5 plates) . . . . £3.95 Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (56 pages) . . WEES 95 Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40 pages, 11 fig. ). . £3.40 An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Gentalia of Lepidoptera (l6pp) . £2.35 A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (Hardback, 225pp + 32 colour plates showing 74 photographs of larvae and adult moths) . . . .-.£13.75 Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . . £2.85 The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp, 10 figs.) . . £3.40 Collecting and Studying Dragonflies (24 pages, 12 figs, 2 plates) . . . £2.35 The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated). . . . . . . £8.50 Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages). . . . . . . £2.00 A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . . . £15.50 Host.plants of British, Beetles'24 pages) —-- Gs =) 2) cote. 1 eee OU) A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, illustrated) . . = £950 Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 fies. 17 platen). = <£5-00 Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates) . . . . £2.85 Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages, 2 plates). . . . . . . £1.80 All the above publications sent post free to U.K. addresses. Outside U.K. please add 10% to order value for postage by surface mail. For postage by air-mail outside Europe please add 30% to order value. Please make all cheques/postal orders payable to 'AES Publications’ and send to: AES Publications, The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, COLCHESTER CO7 7JN. Telephone 01206 251600 AES MEMBERS' DAY AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Saturday 26th April 1997 : the Royal Entomological Society of London, 41 Queen's Gate, SW7 HOW SO 'GET THERE Ire is no car parking facility at the R-E.S. and it is therefore strongly advised that public ; sport is used. ‘Train: The nearest mainline station is London Victoria from which the underground or bus systems should be used. Underground: South Kensington Station is served by Piccadilly, Circle and District Line trains. Gloucester Road Station is served by Circle and District Line trains. To Hyde Park Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine eaten the College Road Royal ee Raval Enconiological Sode Society 41 Queen’s Gate Queen’s Gate Gs eae 1 s = S g 1 “ (-4 5 = Victoria and | 3 Natural History Museum = Albert Museum | Baden Powell oO 2 House x A4 Cromwell Road a ye xe" THe outh Kensington Tube Harrington Road (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines) Pelham Stree, Cromwell Place AN & % ec 4 go con o® fo) 50 100 Metres Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society CONTENTS P. Potts & P. Waring. A search for the Reddish buff moth Acosmetia caliginosa in Spain and France, May 1995, with records of other Pepicopter SCCM ee: 4] _G. Knight. The Orange tip in’ Pembrokeshire ....0..).cccccccceccceccestee ee 59 M. Majerus et al. Two note on migrating Painted lady butterflies (Cynthia cardui) .... 61 G. Knight. The Tiger beetle in Pembrokeshire 2 ..2)...:.- is (bh Par, fy \\ 7 PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED => 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA. Tel: (01277) 224610 Fax: (01277) 262815 RECENT PUBLICATIONS FROM THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS' SOCIETY A Guide to Moth Traps and their Use The first sections deal with the measurement and properties of light leading into the types of lamp available and the electrical circuits needed to operate them. The next sections give details of the construction of the most popular traps used in the U.K. The last half deals with the practical use of traps in the field including when and where to trap, limitations of traps and their relative performance. 64 pages, 21 figures, 8 plates (1996). Price £5.00 Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera This booklet provides information on the parasitic Hymenoptera to enable successful studies to be made of this little understood group of the British insect fauna. Details are given on the general biology of parasitic wasps, rearing principles, efficient rearing practices and detailed methods of dealing with adult wasps. 52 pages, 4 colour plates (1997). Price £4.50 To order either of these books please refer to the full page advert for AES Publications. The cover of this issue of the Bulletin features the Buprestiid beetle (Agrilus laticornis) a JONN WEG BAGOX Tidieors Base Fars BSc Photo: Nick Holford | i i| . Volume 56 © Number 411 June 1997 Notice from Council by Reg Fry The AES Council, has over the years, been doing their upmost to improve the quality and frequency of the Bulletin in order to attract (and keep) more members, as those of you who have been members of the Society for several years will appreciate. In addition, we have recently launched the Bug Club Newsletter for our younger members this year. Unfortunately, none of these initiatives have as yet been particularly successful, and your Society urgently needs your help to recruit more members — as the alternative will inevitably be to reduce the number of publications and/or to substantially increase subscriptions, which will be of great disappointment to us all. Although we have to rely on the written word for most of our communications, please remember that we are not a commercial organisation, but a Charity, which is totally reliant upon members giving up their time to run the Society and to write all its publications. How can you help? Well, most of us have friends who are interested in entomology — can you persuade one or more to join? Do you have a local museum, society, butterfly farm, school, etc. that you could place extra copies of the AES Prospectus on display? Do you have any ideas for improving our publications or suggestions for new titles? On the latter point, members sometime write in saying that they would like more articles on their particular interest — but are often apologetic when asked if they have written for the Bulletin! The only way that we get a mix of articles is if they are sent in, as the Bulletin Editor can only publish what you send him. He puts a great deal of his spare time in to producing the Bulletin and is not able to commission specific articles. We are also still seeking a Treasurer and Advertising Secretary for the Society.. Despite numerous attempts to fill these positions, we are still awaiting our first response! If you can help in anyway, either write to the Society or telephone 0976 828142 or 01206 251600. 92 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ad Argema mimosae Boisduval (Lep.: Attacidae) by Robert Vuattoux 409 Chemin des Caillades, 06480 La Colle sur Loup, France. Geographical distribution Moths belonging to the genus Argema only occur in Africa, including Madagascar; there are four species: A. mittrei, which is the largest, is confined to Madagascar. A. mimosae is the most widely distributed. A. kubnei from Zambia and A. besanti from Kenya and southern Ethiopia are very local and have so far not been bred in Europe. Ss . > SOUTH ee (50 Y - noian ATLANTIC OCEAN &, OCEAN % AFRICA : 1 AB SS Et a = \ INTERNATIONAL A BOUNDARIES SCALE ——=———— Recorded distribution in Africa of the genus A7gema. Equator ABb: Argema besanti AKk: A. kubnei AMm: A. mittret Amb: A. mimosae bouvieri Ame: A. mimosae elucida Amf: A. mimosae fournieri Ammi: A. mimosae mimosae Amx: A. mimosae ssp. (latest localities recently discovered in Nigeria) ad — Volume56 ° June 1997 93 Argema mimosae is widely distributed, and its range extends almost throughout Africa, especially south of the equator; however, it has been recorded from northern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. It certainly occurs elsewhere in this region, provided the foodplants are present, but has yet to be recorded. Several sub-species have been described, on account of this wide distribution: A. mimosdae bouvieri from southern Zaire, A. mimosae elucida from south-west Africa, A. mimosae fournieri from northern Cameroon. Foodplants This species seems to accept a wide range of plants, and larvae have been found feeding on Sclerocarya caffra, Spirostachys africana, Commiphora mollis, this seems to indicate that outside Africa the larva could be reared on various plants. Tests have been carried out, using Liquidamber, Schinus molle, Rhus typhina, Schinus terebinthifolius and Eucalyptus gunnii, and the results have been satisfactory. Biology The egg is of medium size, with a diameter of Imm, slightly flattened, and cream in colour. The larva much resembles that of Actidas selene, during the first instar it is russet-red with a darker saddle. In the second instar it is a uniform russet-red and changes to green with orange warts in the third instar. In the fourth and fifth instars the larva becomes dark- green throughout with bluish intersegmental rings, and very prominent tapering tubercules. The larva is now without any coloured warts and very closely matches its surroundings until it starts spinning its cocoon. When the larvae are reared in July/August under hot and humid Mediterranean climatic conditions, the larval stage lasts from 42 to 45 days. The pear-shaped cocoon is spun against a branch of the foodplant; it is very tough, silvery-grey and perforated with many small holes. The moth usually emerges shortly after nightfall; the pupal stage lasts three or four weeks. The moth does not take long to develop and paring takes place as from the first night. However, in Africa, pupae must need to enter diapause during the dry season, therefore if cocoons are kept under hot, dry conditions, then emergence should be delayed. The general appearance of this species resembles that of the larger, closely related A. mittrei from Madagascar, however, it is smaller (100 to 94 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe 120mm) and is yellow-green in colour. It is easy to obtain pairings in captivity and the female lays 200 to 250 eggs over three nights; these hatch after 12 to 16 days. Larvae sleeved outdoors are lethargic if they are well supplied with food. They appear to be hardy and can be bred in company. Note These moths are very closely related to those of the genus Actias, as far as their ways and habits are concerned, and it would be interesting to carry Out experiments to produce hybrids. References Darge, P. (1971). Description d’une sous-espéce nouvelle d’Argema mimosae Boisduval. Bull. Soc. Ent. Fr. 1971. Kuhne, K.W. (1973). Further notes on the African lunar moth Argema kubnei Pinhey (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 85: 27-30. (Translator’s note) McCrae, A.W.R. and Walsh (1973). The African moon moth in Northern Nigeria, The Nigerian Field. Pinhey, E.C.G. (1986). The Emperor Moths of Eastern Africa. Vuattoux, R. (1986). Argema mittrei, une espéce de plus en plus élevée, Sciences Nat. Bull. 49. Translated from Imago 37 1989 (4), pp. 19-21 and reproduced with permission from the author and OPIE. Woman killed by caterpillar by Keith Lewis (36080) 108 Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1S]. The following news item has been reprinted by kind permission of The Daily Telegraph, 1\th October 1990. And I quote: “Travellers to South America are being warned to avoid a species of caterpillar after a woman touched one in Brazil and died two days later. Hairs on the Lonomia obliqua contain a venom that stops blood clotting, causes uncontrolled bleeding and death, according to a report in the Lancet.” | 2 - Volume 56 * June 1997 95 Butterflies of the Chamonix Valley, France, 1995 by Tony Steele (4106) 57 Westfield Road, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 OLR. Topography Situated in the Haute Savoie region of France, and 85 kilometres to the south-west of Geneva, the Chamonix Valley runs approximately north- east to south-west at an average altitude of 1030 metres and is bordered on both flanks by mountains, including Europe’s highest, Mont Blanc at 4807 metres (Plate 97I, Fig. 1). The valley sides are afforested, with conifers at the higher levels and a conifer/deciduous mix lower down. Above the tree line there are alpine meadows rich with flora, backed by expanses of scree. There are several glaciers descending almost to the valley floor, including the famous Mer de Glace at Montenvers, with its ice grotto. The woodland is punctuated by clearings created by small- scale tree fellings, open areas under cable ways and the occasional avalanche site. During my week-long stay, I did not see any form of either agriculture or livestock keeping. The whole valley is well served by a network of buses, trains and cable-cars, giving access to some excellent habitats. I found that the easiest way of observing the native fauna and flora was to get a cable-car up, and take a leisurely walk down on one of the many marked paths, so I have documented my visit as a series of walks. Some visits were made to single localities, including one to Switzerland, which is only 18km away. The hotel in _ which I stayed was called Le Sapiniere, situated on the edge of _ Chamonix. It is ideally placed, just five minutes walk from the town ' centre, and very close to some woodland, so close that one evening a _ specimen of the Silver-washed fritillary CArgynnis paphia) was found in the dining room! Although I went fairly late in the season, 5th to 12th August, I still managed to record 38 species. All critical species were netted, identified, and then released unharmed. Les Plans (1065m) Situated on the northern edge of Chamonix and only five minutes walk from the hotel, it was wooded with wide paths and herb-rich clearings. Only an hour was spent exploring it, shortly after my arrival in Chamonix. The first species encountered was the Black-veined white (Aporia crataegi) which was moderately abundant. This was followed by a single Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria tircis), and then two specimens of the Wood white (Leptidea sinapis). Some large fritillaries 96 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae were seen feeding at the back of a large patch of bramble, and on identification proved to be Silver-washed. A singleton of the Small skipper (7Jhbymelicus sylvestris) was noted, and some smaller fritillaries were netted and identified as the Meadow fritillary (Mellicta parthenoides). Montenvers to Les Planards (1909m to 1100m) The start of this walk was through dense coniferous woodland on the shaded part of the valley side, consequently no butterflies were seen at first. It was not until I entered the sunny expanses that IJ started to record any. Large wall brown (Lasiommata maera) and Arran brown (Erebia ligea) were relatively common, as were Essex skipper (Thymelicus lineola) and Large skipper (Ochlodes venata). There were just singletons of False heath fritillary (Meliiaea diamina), Mountain ringlet (Erebia epiphron), Painted lady (Cynthia cardui), Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus), Dark green fritillary (Vesoacidalia aglaja) and Small white (Pieris rapae). Also two examples of the Large ringlet (Erebia euryale) ssp. adyte, were seen. Whilst on this walk, I had the opportunity to observe a Large wall brown egg laying amongst a tuft of annual meadow-grass (Pod annua). Planpraz to La Mollard (1999m to 1087m) At this high altitude, the Lesser mountain ringlet (Erebia melampus) (Plate 97J, Fig. 3) was particularly common on the grassy slopes, also in large numbers were the Scarce coppers (Heodes virgaureae), with their bright gold/red wings glowing in the sunlight (Plate 971, Fig. 2). Next to be seen were two specimens of the Alpine heath (Coenonympha gardetta) a true alpine species, and several late-flying examples of the Bright-eyed ringlet (Erebia oeme). As I descended through the meadows and woodland, I recorded Small pearl-bordered fritillary (Clossiana selene), Black-veined white, Large wall brown, Arran brown, Silver-washed fritillary, False heath fritillary, Dark green fritillary and Common blue (Polyommatus icarus). Les Grands Montets (3295m) An excursion was made by cable-car to this mountain-top attraction, for the spectacular views it offered over the glaciers and snow fields. Whilst there, three specimens of the Small tortoiseshell (Ag/ais urticae) were seen basking on the rocks. sé Volume 56 ° June 1997 97 Le Plagnolet to Argentiere (1250m) This short level walk was through coniferous woodland, from the lower Le Grand Montets cable-car station, to Argentiere village. Most of the species seen were just singletons starting with a Painted lady, and a Large wall brown. Three of the Hesperiidae were recorded, these being Small, Essex and Large skippers. Several small fritillaries were observed, and I netted three, upon identification they were Titania’s (Boloria titania) and Heath (Melicta athalia). Numerous examples of the Pieridae were seen, and of those netted, all were Small white (Pieris rapae) the singleton being a Black-veined white (Plate 97], Fig. 4). La Flegere to Les Plans via Le Jora (1877m to 1060m) This was the most rewarding walk of my week-long stay in France — 20 species. As I left the cable-car station there was a light shower of rain; undeterred I carried on with the walk, and after some ten minutes the rain stopped. Although it temained “cloudy, the ambient temperature was very warm. First species noted was Scotch argus (Erebia aethiops) which was quickly followed by Large wall brown (Fig. 1), Alpine heath and Small skipper. A stop was made in a natural amphitheatre just above the tree line, which was rich with flora, and here I observed Niobe fritillary (Fabric-iana miove) = (Eig) (2) yiLesser mountain ringlet, Scarce copper and Heath fritillary. Some bright yellow and black butterflies were flying around and I managed to, met one. Upon ident-ification I was - @eq surprised to find that it Fig. 2. Niobe fritillary, Fabriciana niobe was the Moorland clouded yellow (Colias palaeno Fig. 1. Large wall brown, Lasiommatta maera. 98 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae europome), which is a very local species and normally found further north in the Jura and Vosges mountains. As I made my way down the mountain along a wide track, there was a profusion of Silky ringlets (Erebia gorge) and a few examples of Mnestra’s ringlet (Erebia mnestra). Some of the other species seen were Provencal fritillary (Mellicta deione), Grizzled skipper (Pyrgus malvae), Brown argus (Aricia agestis) and False heath fritillary and a Green-veined white (Pieris napi). Barrage d’Emosson, Switzerland (1970m) Easily reached from Chamonix by train, coach or bus, it is a dam and reservoir Open to the public, with a restaurant, gift shop and toilet facilities, set high in the mountains overlooking the alpine village of Finhaut. The best location for butterflies was to be found across the dam, which itself is a magnificent sight. A warning though, if you suffer from vertigo, do not look over the landward side of the dam! There was the usual abundance of Black-veined white, Scarce copper and False heath fritillary. A single example of the Mountain clouded yellow (Colias phicomone) was seen nectaring on Shining scabious (Scabiosa lucida), alongside a Dark green fritillary. A female Sooty copper (Heodes tityrus) was seen, the only female “copper” seen during my week-long holiday. Other species noted here included Small and Essex skipper, Silver-spotted skipper (Hesperia comma) and Large ringlet. Conclusion Whilst the town of Chamonix itself is a highly congested place, the surrounding countryside provides some ideal habitats in which to observe the butterflies. When I went, 5th to 12th August 1995, the main flight season appeared to be almost over. This could have been due to the remarkably good weather that this region had earlier in the year. If so, it would account for the small number of some species seen. A full locality/species list is available. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the French Department of the Environment, for their helpful assistance during the planning of this visit. All the specimens that were captured were released unharmed after identification. References Higgins, L.G. & Riley, N.D. (1984). A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins, London. Ruckstuhl, T. (1994). Schmetterlinge und Raupen. Grafe und Unzer, Mtinchen, Germany. Volume 56 June 1997 99 Whalley, P. (1987). The Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide to Butterflies. Mitchell Beazley, London. Chistopher Grey-Wilson (1988). The Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe. Collins, London. Species list Hesperidae Small skipper Essex skipper Large skipper Silver-spotted skipper Grizzled skipper Pieridae Black-veined white Small white Green-veined white Wood white Mountain clouded yellow Moorland clouded yellow Nymphalidae Silver-washed fritillary Meadow fritillary Heath fritillary False heath fritillary Dark green fritillary Small pearl-bordered fritillary Titania’s fritillary Niobe fritillary Provencal fritillary Small tortoiseshell Painted lady Lycaenidae Common blue Brown argus Sooty copper Scarce copper Satyridae Speckled wood Large wall brown Arran brown Ringlet Large ringlet Mountain ringlet Lesser mountain ringlet Bright-eyed ringlet Mnestra’s ringlet Silky ringlet Scotch argus Alpine heath Thymelicus sylvestris T. lineola Ochlodes venata Hesperia comma Pyrgus malvae Aporid crataegi Pieris rapae P. napi Leptidea sinapis Colias phicomone C. palaeno europome Argynnis paphia Mellicta parthenoides M. athalia M. diamina Mesoacidalia aglaja Clossiana selene C. titania Fabriciana niobe Mellicta deione Aglais urticae Cynthia cardui Polyommatus icarus Aricia agestis Heodes tityrus H. virgaureae Pararge aegeria tircis Lasiommata maera Erebia ligea Aphantopus hyperantus Erebia euryale E. epiphron E. melampus E. oeme E. mnestra E. gorge E. aethiops Coenonympha gardetta 100 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a¢ Its my delight by Arthur Cleverly (7205) 32 Cornwall Crescent, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 5HG. There must be very many reasons for people to become poachers — hunger and poverty probably head the list. Another high on the list is the sheer joy that some people get from putting one over on the law, the land-owner and, of course, the gamekeeper. But there cannot be many who have taken up poaching because of moths, so perhaps this puts me in a class of my own and surely must have made me the youngest poacher in the district. I had been interested in, or perhaps I should say, mad about, butterflies and moths from an early age and at that time in the 1930s these insects were much more plentiful than they are today. My grandfather had encouraged this interest — he could name any wild flower, bird, beast and insect that one might see in our local countryside. He also told me that there had been a man in Devizes who had bred huge foreign moths such as the Himalayan moon moth which, said my grandfather, was the most beautiful moth that he had ever seen. This talk of course fanned my interest even more. Added to that was the fact that one of the few books in the house was Gene Stratton Potter’s A Girl of the Limberlost. This was a romance, and at that age I knew nothing about romances but the book was woven around the theme collecting the giant silk moths of North America such as Luna, the American moon moth and Cecropia, the Robin moth. Reading this book fired up my interest even further, if that were possible, and I had a longing to see and to breed such moths. This may have come to nothing had not someone given me a copy of Boys’ Own Paper and in it was an advert headed “Giant Moths of the Jungle”. It was offering a small catalogue of living material of moths that were available together with instructions on how to breed them. This was for me! I scraped together the necessary coppers needed to send away for this booklet which was to become my bible and I could scarcely sit still until it arrived. It was all that I had hoped for and more. I absorbed every word in it, practically learning the contents by heart. It even recommended species for the beginner, the door was open for me to become a breeder of these giant moths. Only one obstacle stood in my way. The lack of money. The cheapest pupa listed was sixpence, two and a half pence in today’s od? Volume 56 * June 1997 101 money. Now it sounds almost nothing, but to a small working-class boy in those days it was a small fortune; sixpences did not grow on trees. Somehow I had to find the means of earning money. As things turned out, maybe I should have said of the getting of money. We lived in one of a pair of cottages in a remote spot well off the beaten track surrounded by fields and woods just outside of the deer park of a large estate that employed gamekeepers whose job it was not only to breed and to tend pheasants for his lordship’s shooting interests but also able to keep out trespassers, poachers and the general public, but they took scarce interest in a small boy. I had very few playmates and spent most of my spare time roving these fields and woods. Anything going on of course acted like a magnet to me and it was not long before in my wanderings I encountered poachers. Not gangs of organised poachers of whom tales are told — men who would stop at nothing, men to whom violence was a way of life — but of men who were only out for a rabbit for the pot or maybe raise a bit of beer money. They usually operated in pairs, snaring rabbits or taking them with nets and ferrets. They knew just how to get a few rabbits without attracting attention to themselves. Guns were never used, the sound of a gunshot would have alerted the keepers at once and cartridges cost nearly as much as a rabbit would. Rabbits only were poached, never pheasants, they would never have been worth the risk involved, the keepers might turn a blind eye to a few rabbits being taken but pheasants or indeed any game at all would have been a very different matter, such things were taboo to all but his lordship and his guests, so a little “live and let live” existed but only up to a point, the rule it seemed was “don’t overdo it”. Like the gamekeepers, the poachers took little notice of a small boy hanging about as they worked, in fact they encouraged me, some times daring me to put a ferret inside my shirt as they did when carrying them. So it was that I soon learned how to poach if not to practice this art. Snares were the most popular method being quick and easy to set and not a big loss if they had to be abandoned. Rabbits are easy to snare, they are creatures of habit, so much so that if poachers are at work a rabbit is its own worse enemy, for they have their own paths that they always use. Even more than that, they always put their feet in exactly the same place. A rabbit hops along, a series of little jumps as it goes along its path to its feeding area, so it is easy to spot this path, it is a series of worn patches where its feet touch the ground and a tuft of grass where it leaps. So the poacher sets his snare, 102 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society sé a noose of wire well pegged down at one end over the tuft of grass. The leaping rabbit puts its head through the noose that at once tightens, strangling the rabbit almost instantly, it is all over in seconds and in silence. This type of snare was not illegal to use, only the taking of the rabbit was breaking the law. Though rabbits were more plentiful and to the farmers, a pest, they did belong to the landowner and most farmers were tenant farmers only, so there were regular court appearances of people charged with “trespassing in pursuit of conies”. The first appearance usually attracted a fine of ten shillings. | At that time there were hundreds, in fact thousands, of rabbits in the countryside all around me. Go into almost any field and a clap of the hands would start dozens of white tails bobbing to safety as the rabbits fled. Rabbits galore and I was in need of money and knew how to catch them. It had to be the answer to my problem. Only one link was needed, someone who could sell those rabbits. That is where my grandmother entered the scene, for she was willing to sell a few rabbits for me if I could catch them. It would only be a few since it would have been easy to flood the market. The best price that one could expect was sixpence if one was lucky, four pence was the more usual price. If a rabbit did not sell then grandmother's cat lived well and at least one could get a penny for the skin. I did not have parental support for my enterprise, but on the other hand they did not stop me. I already had a few snares that I had found so I was in business. It proved to be a very slow start, I found that knowing how to do it and actually doing it was not quite as easy as I had thought. At the end of the week I had caught two rabbits. These at least paid for a dozen new snares. Soon I was improving and my catch increasing, now all profits were set aside for my moth breeding programme. These profits were not great, for a poacher has many enemies beside the risk of getting caught. Foxes, badgers and crows heading the list. And to avoid being seen the snares had to be set and collected under the cover of darkness, so it was easiest to set them in a straight line across a field. But not only was this the easiest for the poacher, it made it easy for the foxes and badgers, a line of meals laid out for their feasting. They were able to see in the dark, a poacher could use no light at all for fear of attracting publicity, not only from the keepers but from patrolling policemen. Not that these guardians of the law actually patrolled in that area, but they had a habit of strolling down a nearby lane in order to have a quiet smoke so that the catching of a poacher oe Volume 56 + June 1997 103 would be to them an added bonus. It was the foxes and badgers that gave most problems. Often I would find just the head of a rabbit left in the snare, the rest having been carried away to be enjoyed in a safer place. Or sometimes a rabbit would be carried away complete with snare, so the loss of snares was quite high. This meant that the snares had to be visited at frequent intervals to gather up any rabbits that may have been caught. If the snares were left out overnight they had to be collected before it got light or the crows would arrive to have breakfast. Crows are choosy eaters, they always start on the eyes and then tear the body open to eat the liver, thus making the rabbit unsellable. I talk of working in the dark, this was always so because rabbits were only sellable during the winter months, outside of the breeding season. Bad weather then played a part in the operation, for rabbits are not only wary creatures, they like to look after their comfort a little. They rely on their acute sense of hearing to keep them out of danger so on noisy windy nights they will not venture far from the safety of their burrows. Nor do they venture far on wet nights but do not mind frosts. They will come out when snow is on the ground, but a poacher cannot, his tracks would be plain for all to see. There is yet another hazard. The saying has it that there is no honour among thieves and I could add to that by saying that there is certainly none among poachers either. On one occasion I lost a whole line of snares and their contents if any to a fellow poacher. Revenge, though, is sweet, I emptied his snares of rabbits the following night, but left him the snares. Two nights later I repeated the operation. More rabbits than I could possibly sell, grandma’s cat and all of the neighbours’ cats lived well that week! My fellow poacher took the hint, after that my territory was left alone. I don’t say that my snares were not emptied at times, but at least no snares were taken. I had never been scared of the dark, living where we did it was no good being scared, for the path that led to our house from the town and its gas lights led down a narrow lane by the side of the local cemetery where, on moonlit nights, the tall white marble headstones gleamed like ghostly figures in the surrounding darkness. Then the path narrowed as it plunged through a wood filled with sounds, sounds that one did not notice during the daytime, the creaking and groaning of branches as they rubbed together even on windless nights. But even more eerie were the sounds of the unseen, the rustles, the grunts, the scurrying of small feet as foxes, badgers and other small creatures went 104 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3¢é about their business in the darkness. It may astonish some people, but even worms can make a noise as they slither through leaves. Add to this the hooting of owls and one realises that woodland at night is not a place of silence. From the wood the path led across a few fields. Now cattle by day can be seen, but seem to be silent animals for the most part. By night however, they seem noisy, they crop the grass with a tearing sound, they breathe heavily and their hooves make loud sucking noises as they move on wet ground. There is nothing very quiet about cattle by night. Also in those fields one could be surprised by a grey wraith rising from the ground, herons often feed by night, stalking in marshy fields in search of frogs. No, if you are used to such things by night you are not scared of the dark, but the lights of home were still a welcome sight. One night I did get the worst fright of my life — never before or since did I experience such sheer terror. I can still recall that night and the sheer horror that I felt. It is as clear now as if it was only yesterday, even after more than sixty years. It was an ideal night for poaching, a night of broken cloud that from time to time obscured a near full moon. There was no wind and a touch of frost tempered the air. I had set a line of snares across a field a little further away from home than usual, that in itself made me just a little jumpy. I had crossed over a rise in the ground and was looking down towards an old deep mill pond around which was clinging a faint veil of white mist. There was an old tale about this pond, it was said that many years before, the owner of the estate had drowned himself in its dark waters. This tale and the white mist that clung around the pond made me think of ghosts. Just then a ragged dark cloud drew a curtain across the moon though it still shone its cold light on the pond making it look even more eerie. Suddenly, almost it seemed in my ear their was a most hideous scream as if from some tortured soul tormented in the flames of hell, or even worse, some awful fiend from the underworld that had selected me as its next victim. I was frozen in sheer horror. I felt my hair stand on end and am sure that for a moment my heart stopped beating. Then a wave of common sense prevailed, I realised that my fiend from hell was merely the scream of a fox, the sound often made by these ‘animals in the mating season, but it is truly a terrifying sound when one is not expecting it. But it had shaken me up, and I gathered oe Volume 56 + June 1997 105 in my snares as quickly as possible, for that night at least I had lost interest in rabbits and was not sorry to get back home. I did not give up poaching, but I never set snares in that field again. But the poaching paid for ova, larvae and pupae of those giant moths that I had been told about and had read of, soon I had live specimens of the moon moths and those beautiful silk moths that had featured in The Girl of the Limberlost. | had achieved my goal. By the time that war broke out I had rather gone off poaching, but oddly enough took it up again for a short time when in the army. This time it was not to pay for moths and the like or actually to pay for anything in particular, it was more a case of putting one over on the army and the system in general. It took place in deepest Hampshire and was the fault of a young lieutenant. We were on an overseas draft, had we known, it was to take us on the North Africa landings, but at that time we were doing nothing in particular, just killing time, training for something yet unknown. We had lectures on snakes and such hazards which lead us to believe that we were heading for jungle warfare. But that young officer had the bright idea that night exercises would do us the world of good, although we had no wish to spend our evenings and half the night creeping through nettles and brambles, such things had no appeal to us at all. The last straw though was the fact that he insisted that, on these unloved night exercises we fired blank cartridges and he examined our rifles to make sure that we had done so. This meant that we had, when we got back to camp, to clean our rifles thoroughly, pouring boiling water through the barrels and then cleaning and oiling them. This rifle cleaning took up nearly as much time as the exercises themselves, our spare time was getting less and less. Then I had an idea that I did not pass on to my comrades. On these night exercises I had noticed, silhouetted against the night sky, the shapes of numerous roosting pheasants in the tall thorn bushes that made up the hedges in that district. Well, I thought, there was no escaping the exercises, so I might as well get a little gain from them. So I scrounged a supply of ball-bearings from the vehicle maintenance section and once again I was in business. So, with my rifle loaded with blank cartridges I would creep along the hedges until I was right under a roosting pheasant, then dropping a ball-bearing down the barrel, aim up at the bird and fire. At such point 106 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society aed blank range I just could not miss and down would drop the bird. In hungry wartime England I had no difficulty in selling such birds and many changed hands at the local pub and no questions asked. The business became so good that the young lieutenant must have thought that he must have made a convert to military enthusiasm when I actually started to volunteer for his night exercises. As is always the case, all good things must come to an end and the Hampshire countryside was exchanged for that of Algeria, a country that was not much use for poaching, but a wonderful place in which to see and study butterflies, moths, mantids, scorpions and the like. Once more I was in my element. It was, too, the end of my poaching days for ever. Request for assistance — beetles of north Germany by Bill Hardwick (6408) 4 Caister Way, Over, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1LT. I have recently been contacted by Andreas Hermann from Germany with a request for assistance. I am no longer working the Coleoptera and consequently unable to help, but I am publishing this note in the hope that someone may be interested and willing to participate. Andreas and his colleagues are currently working on a new publication Verein ftir Naturwissenschaftliche Heimatforschung zu Hamburg e. V. documenting the fauna and biology of the beetles of north Germany. To facilitate the taxonomical aspect of their work they need as complete a collection of the European Coleoptera as possible. Andreas is therefore keen to make contact with anyone who is prepared to exchange specimens of species that may be relatively common here but rare in his part of Germany and vice versa. He is also particularly interested to learn of anyone with knowledge of the beetle fauna from regions outside of central Europe who may be prepared to help in their identification. If you would like to exchange specimens or help with the identification of the exotics, then please contact Andreas directly at: Andreas Herrman, BremervoOrder StrafSe 123, D-21682 Stade, Deutschland. 3d Volume 56 * June 1997 107 Notes on the Genus Brahmaea (Walker) The Brahmaeid Moths of the Family Brahmaeidae by Don McNamara (5537) 6 Fulham Close, Hillingdon-Uxbridge, Middlesex UB10 OSU. New discoveries The first article on this subject, Bulletin 49 (308), was concerned with (a) distribution — Middle East, Far East and South East Asia (with Brahmaea (Acanthobrahmaeda) europaea (Hartig) a lone species from Italy), and with (b) sorting out the two main groups, referred to as the “Wallichti group” and the “Certhia group”. The drawings on page 13 of Vol 49 illustrate this. A further note, Bulletin 50 (379), showed the problems with naming insects when different authorities make discoveries of the same species, their finds being separated by time or geographical location — in this case the confusion which arose regarding Brabmaea (Brahbmaea) certhia. Both groups, while being distinct as groups, show that the closely- related species (or sub-species) within each group are difficult to separate merely in terms of the appearance of the phenotypes. I suspect that this also contributes to the arising of synonyms — as in the case of certhia. During a visit to the “Leicester” on the 23rd May 1997 (the last to be held at the Granby Halls venue) several dealers had set specimens of the certhia group with the appellations “christophi?”, or “ledereri?”, and a couple of faded specimens from the Wallichii group, also with question marks after their species names. However, as mentioned in Vol. 49 it was thought that the development of the Chinese hinterland, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines “new and exciting forms” may appear. Indeed they have. Three new brahmaeids are illustrated in Entomotaxonomia (China), 16: (2) and 16: (4), under the joint authorship of ZHANG Xiurong of the Department of Agricultural Machinery of the PLA University of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Changchun, Jilin, and YANG Chi- kin of the Department of Plant Protection, Beijing Agricultural University, Beijing. These three insects are of the certhia “tribe” and according to the illustrations show little obvious differences either among themselves or to Brahbmaea (Brahmaea) certhia to which they ane likened. However, drawings of the genitalia confirm the differences. 108 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a6 These are described as: Brahmaea (Brahmaed) separata (Holotype male, Wuchang, Hubei Province — 13.viii.1964) Brahmaea (Brahmaea) recta (Holotype male, Mt. Xitianmushan, Zhejiang Province — 28.vii.1974) Brahbmaea (Brahmaed) goniata (Holotype male, Zhenan, Shaanxi — 8.vi.1977 Please note that the second name Brahmaea in brackets has been inserted to follow the consistency whereby the certhia group is distinguished from the wallichii group. Descriptions of the phenotypes are given in the editions of Entomotaxonomia — these describe very slight differences in pattern — as is a history of when and where they were collected. This was in English but the bulk of the articles were in Chinese. The actual specimens are kept in the Insect Collection of Beijing Agricultural University. My thanks to the staff of the Natural History Museum, Entomology Library, especially Julie Johnson. Orthoptera Recording Scheme: Request for Devon records by Peter Sutton (7388) Could members please send their Devon records of Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets), Dermaptera (earwigs), Dictyoptera (cockroaches) and Phasmida (stick-insects) to the new recorder for Devon: Dr Peter Sutton, 16 Belgrave Road, Mutley, Plymouth, Devon PL4 7DP or e-mail: pgsutton@plymouth.ac.uk It would be helpful if records received contained the locality, habitat, and if possible, the grid reference of the site where each species was recorded. I will be more than happy to help resolve any problems with recording procedure or species identification. If you require record cards, they can be obtained from the Biological Records Centre (BRC), Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon PE17 2LS. I thank you all in advance for your participation. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 1. Chamonix from Aiguille du midi. (Tony Steele — Butterflies of the Chamonix Valley) Fig. 2. Heodes virgaureae, the Scarce copper. (Tony Steele — Butterflies of the Chamonix Valley) PLATE 971 Volume 56 ¢ June 1997 Fig. 3. Erebia melampus, the Lesser mountain ringlet. (Tony Steele — Butterflies of the Chamonix Valley) Fig. 4. The Black-veined white, Aporia crataegi. (Tony Steele — Butterflies of the Chamonix Valley) PLATE 97] Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 5. Heteropteryx dilatata — the typical female colour form. Note particularly the darker green underside. (Paul Brock — The Jungle Nymph, Heteropteryx dilatata) Fig. 6. A rare yellow female colour form. (Paul Brock — The Jungle Nymph, Heteropteryx dilatata) PEACE O7KS Volume 56 * June 1997 Dk 8 ere ry _eerere FYE yrs Pe id A Wr? ’ Fig. 7. A male nymph, form with stripe which is often absent. Note the small left foreleg which is gradually being re-grown. (Paul Brock — The Jungle Nymph, Heteropteryx dilatata) Fig. 8. An adult male. (Paul Brock — The Jungle Nymph, Heteropteryx PLATE 97L —————————a SS aa eee tf Volume 56 * June 1997 109 The Jungle nymph, Heteropteryx dilatata (Parkinson) by Paul D. Brock (4792) “Papillon”, 40 Thorndike Road, Slough SL2 1SR. This beautiful species of stick-insect quickly became established in the 1980s as one of the most popular culture stocks, and a common sight in worldwide zoos and butterfly houses. Virtually all the culture stock originates from the Tapah Hills in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia, where thousands were collected alive for dispatch to the pet trade. Fortunately this trade appears to have diminished considerably, although many specimens are still used in the framing industry. It is unnecessary to collect such numbers from the wild, especially when they could easily be cultured on a large scale if entomological and pet dealers wish to persist in exploiting this species. The following observations, mainly from my forthcoming book, may be of interest to readers, especially those rearing, or considering rearing this delightful species. Fig. 1. Heteropteryx dilatata Description Females are usually apple-green, with the underside darker green (Plate 97K, Fig. 5). Very occasionally mustard yellow, with a green underside (Plate 97K, Fig. 6). This is a very broad, spiny insect, with large green forewings. Hindwings pink, short, concealed beneath forewings and 110 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe unable to fly. Body length 145-160mm from head to end of abdomen, which is extended into a hardened ovipositor, which is used to bury its eggs. Males are mottled dark brown, spiny, the long wings with a pale green or whitish margin (Plate 97L, Figs 7 & 8). When opened, the hindwings are bold pink, with a pattern of dark brown veins; body length 80-90mm. Distribution Extremely common in some parts of Peninsular Malaysia and its range extends to Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Sarawak) and Thailand. It is probably extinct in Singapore. Breeding tips In order to breed this species successfully, the rollowing points should be noted. — eggs should be buried in sand or peat for hatching (with the operculum upwards) and these typically take 8-18 months to hatch. Care should be taken if mould forms, as this may infect eggs. This should be carefully removed with a fine, small paint brush and carefully cleaned. A mould inhibitor, such as Methyl hydroxybenzoate sprinkled on the sand nearby, helps to prevent mould. — keep nymphs and adults in humid conditions, at around 21-27°C (70-80°F), rather than in well-ventilated cages. Plastic plant propagators are ideal for smaller nymphs. Regularly spray leaves but keep the container clean and beware of mould forming. Nymphs are robust and easily reared. Males are easily distinguished as they lack a developing ovipositor, or pointed structure, at the tip of the abdomen, and have a small bump underneath the end of the abdomen. Nymphs often have white patches on a brown body colour and males sometimes have a long white longitudinal stripe. Males reach adult stage after five moults, the females after six moults. Nymphs mature in 12-16 months and adults usually live about a year. — adults start egg-laying two to three months after reaching maturity. They must be given a container filled with peat, or similar, to bury eggs in. These tend to be laid in small batches of about six eggs, but may be laid in bulk rather than daily. When fully laden with eggs, females are very heavy and the 1982 Guinness Book of Animal Facts ad Volume 56 « June 1997 111 and Feats estimated a specimen in my collection to weigh at least 65g (2.290z) in its egg laying prime. — bramble, Rubus fruticosus, is the favoured foodplant in captivity, which is not surprising, as a relative, R. moluccanus (Rosaceae), is one of its natural foodplants. Guava, Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) is frequently used in south-east Asia and many other plants are used with varying degrees of success in Europe. Behaviour Defensive behaviour is very elaborate, particularly in the female. When disturbed she will cling to a branch rather than adopt the usual phasmid practice of dropping off and feigning death, before arching her body forward with hind legs splayed, displaying large spines on the hind legs. The fore and hindwings are rubbed together, producing a hissing sound. If this fails to produce the desired effect e.g. if a human is still holding its body, she will repeatedly drive home the spines with great speed, capable of inflicting a painful wound and, more rarely, attempt to bite. Both these actions can draw blood. The male operates a similar defensive display, but cannot produce a hissing sound and he is content to fall off the foodplant and feign death. Upon a further threat, he will probably open his wings, displaying bright colours and use the hind legs in a similar manner to the female. In the wild these insects are particularly plentiful following rains and one would expect this rather extreme behaviour successfully to ward off a predator. Gynandromorphism linc phenomenon occurs in ‘Several species of phasmid and is particularly striking in this species, of which | have seen more gynandromorphs than in any other phasmid. Gynandromorphs are abnormal individuals in which some parts of the body show female characteristics, while the remaining parts are male. Frequently one side of the insect is male ie. brown, and the other side female je. green (known as a halved gynandromorph), but mosaic forms, or partial gynandromorphs are also known. These have partial characteristics of one sex eg.I have a male with some green patches and the right-hand side of the pre-anal part of the hindwing reduced in size and coloured green instead of brown (for examples of these see Bull. Amat. Ent. Soc. 53: 33 plate NN: 9-10 (1994) and 55: 49-51 plate 95E: 1 (1995)). 112 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society to] Local beliefs/medicinal . Malaysian newspaper reports from October 1989 caused quite a stir when it announced that a lecturer “discovered that droppings of the ‘stick-insect’ are an instant cure for diarrhoea”. This information was quoted out of context and related to the medicinal properties from guava leaves the insect feeds on. Traditional Chinese families, who know the insect as Char Kee Leng or Kee Loong rear stick-insects for the healing powers of the droppings. Dried excreta mixed with herbs are said to cure a number of ailments, such as asthma, stomach pains and muscular pains. To cleanse the body, a brew is also made from the droppings and drunk like tea. Droppings have recently been found to be a concentrate of Vitamin E. Malaysian people believe the presence of stick-insects in their house is a sign of good luck. However, Tamils believe that the presence of a stick-insect in a house is a sign that God has appeared in the house to punish the occupants for a wrong. Back in 1900, Annandale reported that the Kelantan Malays believed that the leaves of the jack-fruit tree, Artocarpus integrifolia, gave birth to H. dilatata. Rich men of the same region kept this species in cages to secure eggs, which they set in rings like jewels, and considered them ~@ a most powerful charm against all kinds of evil spirits. Postcards This popular species has appeared on at least three postcards, including one published by the Natural History Museum, London (1993) of a kokoro (giant robotic model) insect, which has been exhibited at various worldwide museums. Reference Brock, P.D. (in press). The Stick and Leaf- Insects of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. The Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. t] Volume 56 * June 1997 ‘ie Book Reviews The Copaxa of Mexico and their immature stages (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) by Kirby L. Wolfe. Tropical Lepidoptera Vol. 4, Supplement 1. 4to, pp26, many coloured illustrations. Association for Tropical Lepidoptera 1993, Price not stated. Obtainable from Dr John Heppner, c/o Florida State Collection of Arthropods, PO Box 141121, Gainsville, Florida 32614- 1240, USA: When I published my Si/kmoth Rearer’s Handbook fifteen years ago, the only Copaxa species then known to be reared in captivity was lavendera. Now we have no less than eleven species described and illustrated in full colour as both larvae and adults. This work is the result of nine years’ collecting in Mexico and rearing the species obtained over the years. All stages from egg to adult through the larval instars are fully described together with the successful foodplants used in captivity and the natural foodplants where known, although in a few species the larvae died before pupation, so the appropriate foodplant still remains a mystery. This is not just an account describing and illustrating the genus; its affinities to other groups are discussed, some taxonomy clarified and previous work on Copaxa cited. There is a brief mention of mating and rearing procedures and flight times and of course the distribution of the species in Mexico is given. To the would-be rearer of Saturniidae, however, the chief merit in this work will not be the scientific information and arguments, but the magnificent illustrations of all stages and the exceedingly useful and informative lists of foodplants, amongst which members of the family Lauraceae take pride of place. This family include the common “avocado” (Persea americana) to be found in all foodshops and AES members might be interested to hear that I have succeeded in 114 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae germinating the seeds, although they have not yet grown large enough to support any caterpillars! I feel that it is useful to give a summary of the species and foodplants dealt with in this journal supplement. Species Foodplant C. lavendera Schinus molle; Quercus; Salix babylonica; Persea; Rhus trilobata; Malosma laurinea; Cinnamomum camphora. C. mannana Quercus agrifolia; Q. suber; Q. ilex; Q. chrysolepis; Q. kelloggi; QO. lobata. Refused: Persea; Rhus C. muellerana ' Quercus spp. Died on Rhus; Refused Persea. C. copaxoides Avocado. One only survived to sixth instar but failed to pupate. Accepted but rapidly failed on Persea americana; refused Quercus or Schinus. C. cydippe Pinus radiata and P. thunbergiana; accepted Persea, Liquidambar and Salix but soon died. C. denda Persea americana. C. sophronia Unknown, not reared. C. rufinans Persea americana; Cinnamomum camphora; reluctantly accepted Quercus, Rhus. C. escalantei Persea americana. C. mazaoram Persea americana. C. multifenestrata Persea americana. Anyone interested in the genus Copaxa or in rearing Saturniidae, should obtain a copy of this work. The colour illustrations alone are worth it. Brian Gardiner (225) by V.W. Arnold, C.R.B. Baker, D.V. Manning, & I.P. Woiwood. Foreword by A.M. Emmet. Hardback, 1997, 24.5 x 17.5cm, 416pp + 104 colour plates. Retail price £20.00 (414.90 + £3.75 p&p (UK) from Gill Dickens, Hon. Librarian, Bedfordshire Nat. Hist. Soc., 9 Ullswater Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3PX). ISBN 0 950 6521 5 6. Limited edition of 500 copies. As far as the English County Lists go, this has got to be one of the extensive, comprehensive, exhaustive (and at the risk of over-taxing the superlatives) weighty volumes that I have seen since the Butterflies and Be Volume 56 * June 1997 115 Moths of Yorkshire (Sutton & Beaumont, 1989). Considering that Yorkshire is the largest county, making Bedfordshire look like a mere scrape in a sand-pit, the sheer size and quality of this book is more than ample testimony to the immense amount of work that has gone into producing it. There are over 1300 species listed and distribution maps (10km square format) are produced of nearly all entries. Species are arranged in the (well adopted) systematic list and nomenclature of Bradley & Fletcher, making cross-referencing to other standard county lists easier. Foodplants are also included for all the entries, alleviating the usual need for P.B.M. Allan’s Larval Foodplants in your other hand! Comprehensive introductory sections cover the various habitats, Bedfordshire Lepidopterists and Monitoring and there is an extensive Bibliography and Index. The colour plates are confined to 16 pages in the middle of the book and in all honesty, can be considered as no more than a short recreational hiatus in the middle of a serious | reference work. To sum up — if you want a good colour field guide, mecnem so and: buy a good colour field guide . ... but if you collect the / current county lists and you want one of the best available, then get a copy of this book. The quality is good, the hard-cover is like sheet-steel and the book weighs 1.2 kilos, so don’t drop it! Paul Batty (8926) (rs) My [lp by Carlos R. Beutelspacher-Baigts and Manuel A. Balcazar-Lara. ‘2 ™ Tropical Lepidoptera Vol. 5, Supplement 1. 4to, pp28. Association Pp piaop Pp Pp for Tropical Lepidoptera 1994, Price not stated. Obtainable from Dr jJonn Heppner, c/o Florida State Collection of Arthropods, PO Box | 141210, Gainsville, Florida 32614-1210, USA. The Lepidoptera of Mexico and of Costa Rica are by now perhaps the best known group of Central American insects and this journal supplement now lists all Saturniidae and the localities where they have Deemenccorded in :the.country..Sixteen percent;of all described me oavuTmiidac-occur in Mexico, .a-total. of 193: species, Of the four wecubiamilies there are mine, Arsenurinae; 35 Saturniinae; 41 | Ceratocampinae and 108 Hemileucinae. The list is compiled from three sources: Specimens in several relevant museums; a very extensive | literature search (there are five pages of these references) and on-going | studies from entomologists in Mexico. In such a vast territory there are 116 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3 still many unexplored areas and this publication is intended to bring the present knowledge up-to-date (the last listing was in 1942) so that people will know what and where to look. The first few pages are devoted to an historical discussion on the classification and the authors who have published on the Saturniidae, not necessarily specifically of Mexico but certainly of relevance to its fauna, such as Seitz, Hoffman, Michener, Peigler and Lemaire. The bulk of the work is then taken up with the list of species which is given under each genus and synonyms are also given. Many species are endemic to Mexico but where they are known to occur elsewhere, such as Guatemala or USA this is stated followed by their recorded Mexican localities. To anyone intending to go and collect in Mexico this listing is indispensable. It does have the slight draw-back that it is in (Mexican) Spanish which presents no problem over the locality listings but does make the introduction more difficult although there is a short summary of it in English. Brian Gardiner (225) Gibraltan butterflies by Anthony Crawforth (9510) Whilst climbing a steep path near the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar I was surprised to see and be able to positively identify a specimen of the African emigrant Catopsilia florella. The date was the 25th April 1997 at about noon. The weather was exceptionally fine although there was a slight breeze. My attention was drawn to the fast and furious flight of the butterfly which was a female and bright yellow. I knew this butterfly from travels in tropical Africa and of its distribution in the eastern Mediterranean and the Canary Islands but I did not know it could be seen in Gibraltar. Is this an unusual sighting? On the following Sunday, near the bullring at Mijas, I saw a Two- tailed pasha Charaxes jasius. 1 had previously seen this butterfly in Cyprus many years ago but never before in Spain. me ye | 6 - Volume 56 * June 1997 117 Rearing semi-aquatic cockroaches by Phil Bragg (8737) 51 Longfield Lane, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4DX. At the mention of cockroaches most people think of domestic pest species, make a disgusted grunt and change the subject. This is rather unfair since only about 1% of species are domestic pests, and most of these only occur in the tropics. The majority are found in rainforests and would soon die in a domestic environment: the rare escapees from my cultures appear to die of dehydration. A graphic example of the need for high humidity by rainforest species is provided by the semi- aquatic cockroaches of south-east Asia. Little has been recorded about their habits, and few species are recorded as semi-aquatic although there are probably many such species. Recently I managed to establish a culture of semi-aquatic cockroaches from Borneo. Identity and origin In November 1994, with the assistance of Ian Abercrombie, I collected a number of nymphs from the bank of the river Sarawak Kanan, near the Wind Cave at Bau in Sarawak (E110°08’N001°24’). They were collected at night and placed in a plastic bag. The bag was put in the boot of our hire car and left until the following morning when it was discovered that they had chewed through the bag and most had escaped! I returned home with four nymphs which developed into adults of two species: two males and a female of one species and a single male of the other species. The first of these species reproduced and gave rise to the culture discussed below. Both species belong to the Epilamprinae but due to not having a key to the subfamily, I have been unable to identify them so far. Both the male and female are fully winged with the wings extending to well beyond the end of the abdomen. The female is slightly larger than the male, typical lengths are: female 29mm, 39mm including wings; male 25mm, 33mm including wings. Adults are light brown, with speckles of darker brown and sometimes a few small black spots on the elytra, there is a small white patch near the base of the elytra; the ventral surface is creamy-white with black speckles. Females seem to be more a grey-brown than the males. The nymphs have a dark brown thorax, the abdomen is yellowish-brown with numerous rows of dark brown spots; they blend in quite well with the rotting leaves on the river bank. 118 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae 5mm Housing The cockroaches are housed in a plastic aquarium, 30cm long, 20cm wide and 20cm high which is fitted with a wooden lid. The lid has a ventilation grill made of net curtain material at one end, and a light fitting holding a 15W pygmy light bulb at the other end. The light is the only source of heating and is on from 0800 to 2100. The cage has sand at one end and a peat-based potting compost at the other end, the compost is kept moist, the sand is generally quite dry. Dead leaves are provided for cover (and potentially food). There is a water bowl 11cm in diameter which is never allowed to become more than half empty, a sloping piece of bark is provided so they can get a good grip when in the water. i i tt ad Volume 56 + June 1997 119 Ventilation Leaves Sand Fig. 2. Cockroach housing Feeding I provide pieces of fruit as the main food, usually apple, at intervals of one or two weeks. I also put leaves in the cage, adding one or two fresh bramble (Rubus sp.) leaves roughly every month, these slowly decompose im tie cage. Ido not have any evidence that the cOckneaenessiced on the leaves but neither can 1 exclude the possibility. In addition I occasionally put pieces of dead stick-insects into the cage. The peat-based compost is also a potential source of food. Fruit which starts to go mouldy is left in the cage unless several lots are visible, if there is fruit left after two weeks I put less in next time. Natural habitat This species was very common at Bau, it took only five minutes to collect twenty or more nymphs from the steeply sloping, sandy riverbank. I have collected specimens of what appear to be the same species: from similar habitats at Tarum in Sarawak (E111°28’ NO01°34’), Teraja in Brunei (E114°25’ N004°17’) and Singai Ratu Miri in Kalimantan Tengah (E113°35’ NO00°40’). The area around Bau is lowland rainforest with numerous large outcrops of limestone. The riverbank is largely 120 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a sand, there is no obvious vegetation in the river, but there are large numbers of fallen trees, branches and leaves both on the bank and in the fiver, lhe banks of the river are-covereduyatmatnces. winch overhang the river; little, if any, sunlight ever falls directly on the riverbank. The bed of the river is a mixture of sand and gravel. All rivers in the area are subject to frequent extensive flooding. Air temperatures are typically in the region of 30°C with little variation, humidity is very high and probably never falls below 80% in the area Meat Ine Liver: | I have collected adults of this and similar species at night from the leaves of low-growing vegetation, mainly from small tree saplings. The adults are usually no more than one metre above the ground. I do not recall seeing adults on the sandy riverbank at Bau, however this may not be significant as Ihave not deliberately looked for them and they would be better camouflaged on the sand than the nymphs. Behaviour Adults and nymphs are both nocturnal and not seen during the daytime when I think they hide in the leaf litter. Adults rest on leaves of low- growing plants and remain still when approached, however once touched, or before if the collector is wearing insect repellent, they become extremely active, running along the plant and dropping to the floor where they scuttle into the leaf litter and usually escape. The best method of collecting seems to be to ease a plastic bag over the leaf and insect, then knock the cockroach into the bag, closing it quickly. Nymphs walk about on the riverbank and run under the piles of decomposing leaves when approached. Nymphs near the water will run into the water and continue running under the water, on the river bed, eventually stopping and holding on to a stone or pieces of wood; they — remain under water long enough for me to become bored! In captivity both adults and nymphs hide under the dead leaves in the cage, wriggling into the substrate until their back is level with the surface; neither show any inclination to burrow below the surface. Adults and nymphs can also be found resting in the water (without having been chased there first). Sometimes after the light has gone out the adults will climb to the lid and rest on the light fitting, this may be to get the warmth from the light fitting or may be a desire to climb (there is nothing else in the cage on which they could climb). The adults are very fast runners and because the cage has such a large Opening I try to disturb them as little as possible. ad Volume 56 * June 1997 121 The males display to the females before mating. The male stands next to, or walks around the female with both his elytra and wings held vertically above his back. I have seen this display on two occasions, on both it took place on the lid of the cage in the early hours of the morning; the display lasted for at least ten minutes, I did not attempt to watch for any greater length of time. Current status of the culture The first captive reared generation became adult in early 1996, about nine specimens. One pair was given away at the Blattodea Culture Group meeting in May. Unfortunately my culture suffered from neglect during the summer of 1996; the water bowl dried out, and I now have only one pair left alive. They seem easy to keep in the conditions described above sO maintaining a long-term culture should be possible — providing they are kept supplied with water! Ornamented woodlouse in Gateshead by Wayne Clynes (10927) Ryton Willows Warden (Department of Leisure Services), Thornley Woodlands Centre, Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 1AU. I would like to tell you about one of my latest invertebrate finds on Ryton Willows which you may find interesting. Recorded on 10.3.96 and 28.3.97. I have started a mapping programme for Arthropods in Gateshead because when I looked through our recorder system I found that for the whole of Gateshead there were only three records of Isopoda (woodlice), all from one quadrat, which is very poor. While looking at different sites and recording species I was lucky to find under an old railway sleeper next to the Curling pond marsh (OS NZ154 647) a colony of Haplophthalmus mengi the Ornamented woodlouse. The woodlice in this spot will have to be looked at again this season to see if any of the other Ornamented species are present in this colony. As far as I can tell this record could be the first for Gateshead and may be the first record for the north-east, but information for this species seems so hard to obtain. 122 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ea Dancing with Dinosaurs And on the golden morn Who will put butterflies on her brow and at her feet? I see her neatly whorl around And wonder at her artist’s skill — Of dance, of paint, of brush. She captures flight’s rhapsodic sweep. Dreaming of Lara, Another time, a place, we marched silently Footsteps cushioned by the snow Brotherhood for all in the manifesto Of her chestnut eyes. ; I’ve been here before, Held in thrall, a maiden sways And says it all a thousand ways. A reassuring tug, The music brings me back, a gentle chide, A host of guys and gals sway in artificial mist Play on — Each step and gesture a creative urge To sculpt and morph Some force explained in terms of dance, A semaphore, It’s in the bones, Played out beneath this vaulted sky. I’ve been here before but not quite like this. Dancing with dinosaurs, a manic rock-opera. My cherished boyhood friend Balanced on her plinth of wired bones, Grins approvingly. Diplodocus, old Jurrasic chum, Gently sways. In this brick cathedral gargoyles leer, Sharp-toothed bat-stares, stone simian smiles Look down on our electric firedance, Eternal rite — Stroboscopic butterflies flock and pass before the stage, Fly the curtained walls, the floor, the dreaming night. As young Will said: Perchance to, but that’s the problem, What metamorphoses out of dreams is strange, Like fish deep in glacial slumbers arise and sway, Like our season’s frantic hop we hold and spin, Tap and feel, pulse and twist the Mayfly night away. Don McNamera (5573) —— oe Volume 56 « June 1997 123 Notes on Beekeeping in the Georgian Republic by Murray Eiland (9731) 1110 Eagle Nest Court, Danville, CA 945006, USA. During a recent trip to Caucasian Georgia, one of the countries that made up the former Soviet Union, I was interested to find that Georgian beekeeping continues, despite the fact that the bee museum had closed. Fortunately, there was some printed material available, and the Director kindly answered questions on what equipment was still available for study. There were apparently three types of hive used in Georgia before the introduction of the European type in about 1950, which completely replaced traditional methods. The most common was the log hive. Placed either in a tree four or five feet above ground, these hives varied in length, but many were about four feet long, although there were shorter examples. They were serviced through a lid that ran the length of the hive and divided the two sections into roughly equal parts. The opening, perhaps ten inches long, was located in the centre of the hive along the boundary between the two halves, and was often provided with a small wooden landing strip. Unlike bark hives, these examples were clearly made from hollowed logs. There were also hives similar to the latter type of hive but for their vertical position. These hives clearly offered little space for the bees and would prove to be more difficult to access by the apiarist, although they fequired ess skill to build. A typical example of “forest” type beekeeping, there is apparently no evidence as to the antiquity of the log hives in Georgia. Other hives were also in use, particularly skeps. A typical example was perhaps two feet high with a flat base a little over a foot in diameter, and these baskets quickly tapered to a small and easily defensible opening that was smothered with daub. From what I could understand bees in Georgia are harassed by wasps, although as yet there is littlke problem with pests such as the wax moth. There were also fantastic hives — with mythical or amusing figures — on display, but these examples were not related to traditional beekeeping. From information that I obtained from the Director, I found that Georgian bees — which apparently have not been hybridised with German and Italian strains — are now kept in European style hives. In order to keep stock pure they can export but not import bees into the region. By temper they are not aggressive and are easy to manage, and they will work in a wide range of temperatures. They behave like 124 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society to] European bees when subjected to smoke. The most particular physiological trait of the bees from this region is that for their size (they are small to medium sized by European standards) they have a very long tongue. In order to fertilise a range of plants and obtain varied honey products, the bees are set at low tropic levels to exploit Acacia in particular, and from the information that I received this tree is almost impossible to exploit by European bees because of its long flower. Hives are also taken above 3000 metres, but at this height, due to rapid changes in weather, they must be monitored. Alpine regions are particularly favoured for annual plants. The Apiarists Union is a state- run organisation of private bee-keepers who pool their products together for sale. Their output for 1995 was as follows: Honey — 30,000 kg/year Royal Jelly —1000 kg/year Propolis — 5000kg/year Venom — 100 kg/year Bread — 100 kg/year Queens — 20,000 year I have sampled some of the honey, which has a distinct flavour and should be of interest to the open market. Like many other industries in the region, however, the relative isolation of the Georgian Republic does not favour exchange, although they are eager to receive up-to- date technology. The Apiarists Union may be contacted at: 380100, The Republic of Georgia, 15a Tamarashvili Street, Apiarists Union of Georgia, Head of Presidium - Zara Menteshashvili. Request for help I would be very grateful if any members know of, or have access to, specimens of the Mazarine blue (C. semiargus) with data labels bearing any kind of the following key words: Epworth; Lincs.; Hudson. I require this information for research into the Epworth colony of this long extinct butterfly. If anyone can help would they please contact: Ted Rimington, 8 Riverside Drive, Sprotborough, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN5 7LE. ae Volume 56 * June 1997 125 Spring butterflies in Cambridge by Brian O.C. Gardiner (225) 2 Highfield Avenue, Cambridge CB4 2AL. March has been an unusual month in Cambridge with all the signs of global warming present, although it has often been cold at night with occasional frosts extending even into April. The days, however, have been warm and sunny and the rainfall almost non-existent — only about half a centimetre over the past five weeks! Although not as early as last year when the first Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) was seen in January, the first butterfly to appear was a Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) on 2nd March and this was rapidly followed by both Peacocks (Inachis io) and Small tortoiseshells (Ag/ais urticae). All these three species then continued to appear regularly throughout March and finally on Easter Monday, 31st March, no less than three Holly blues (Celestrina argiolus) and a Green-veined white (Pieris napi) put in an appearance. During the first week of April not only did Holly blues appear every day in my garden but everybody I spoke to mentioned, or asked me to confirm, that the butterflies they had seen in their gardens, which were spread throughout Cambridgeshire, with one indeed in Essex, were indeed Holly blues, so it looks as if this species has got off to a flying start in 1997. ZigeyNe : : Leg Early butterflies in north Wales by William C. Casebourne (5118) 3A The Oatlands, West Kirby, Merseyside L48 7HN. It may be of interest to hear that on the 30th March 1997, a warm sunny day, I saw four butterflies on a large bed of early flowering heather in the garden of a house 1100 feet above sea level in the Berwyn mountains in north Wales. Upon inspection these were found to be a Small tortoiseshell and a Red admiral, both in fair condition, and to my amazement a Comma and a Painted lady, both very battered but thoroughly enjoying their unexpected feast. In mid-April the Berwyn Moors were almost swarming with Emperor moths. 126 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe A visit to Prees Heath, Shropshire, and Hem Heath and Burnt Wood, Staffordshire by Jan Koryszko (6089) 3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST3 JAY. ON 13th August 1996, in the company of Charles Byatt and Derek Heath we set out for Prees Heath in Shropshire. The weather was fine and sunny, we arrived around 1lam. We saw only two female Silver- studded blues Plebejus argus but quite a few Common blue Polyommatus icarus, Small copper Lycaena phlaeas and Small skippers Thymelicus sylvestris. The most common moth was the July belle Scotoptery luridata plumbaria Fab. On the gorse bushes we also recorded a single True-lover’s knot Lycophotia porphyrea D.&S. on heather. The Painted ladies and Silver-Y were very common in the area. We then moved on to Burnt Wood, Staffordshire. Our first sighting was the Dark marbled carpet moth Chloroclysta citrata citrata L. Along with a number of common species, we came upon a patch of thistles and, what a sight for sore eyes, we counted 70+ Painted ladies Cynthia cardui on the small patch of thistles, along with Peacocks Inachis io, Red admirals Vanessa atalanta, and one Comma Polygonia c-album. Speckled woods Pararge aegeria, Gatekeepers Pyronia tithonus, around a dozen Large whites Pieris brassicae and 40 or so Silver Y’s Autographa gamma were also counted — it was a sight we will never forget. We then moved on to Hem Heath Wood where our first moth was a Small fan-foot Herminia nemoralis Fab. We also sighted the beautiful burying beetle the Sexton beetle Necrophorus vespillo but no dead animals were found, so it may have been flying through the wood. We then came to a small pond and I netted a fine male Southern hawker dragonfly Aeshna cyanea and let it go after identification. Again Silver Y’s and Painted ladies were very common. ae Volume 56 + June 1997 127 To make the diary effective contributions are needed from members. Any relevant items should be sent to the Bulletin Editor. No charge is made for entries. Please allow three months advance notice. JULY 5th Moths and butterflies at Bernwood. 10am. Meet at main Forest Enterprise car park, Bernwood Forest, Bucks/Oxon border. SP612117. Meet at the car park to view and release moths caught the previous night. Followed by a guided walk around this famous butterfly site. Organised by Forest Enterprise. There will be a small charge for this event. Uf you would like to join in with the moth-trapping on Friday 4th July please contact Martin Harvey) Joint with Butterfly Conservation. I: Martin Harvey 01491 671889. 5th Dragonflies and people — The first Corbet lecture. At the National Dragonfly Museum at 5.30pm. The first lecture in the museums series given by Philip Corbet will be entitled “Dragonflies and People”. The programme will be divided into two parts: first, the Lecture, and then a Buffet Dinner, enabling guests to circulate freely and to meet Philip. Tickets for the Lecture will cost &5 and tickets for the Lecture and the Dinner (including wine) will cost £15. Places can be booked by sending a cheque for either &5 or £15 to the information address. I: National Dragonfly Museum, Ashton Wold, Ashton, Near Oundle, Northants PE8 5LZ. Tel: 01832 272427. 12th West of England Creepy Crawly Show. At Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon. 12th Dragonflies and Waterplants. & 27th With K. de Koenigswarter and Stuart Irons. 10.00am — 5.00pm. ‘For further information please send SAE to the information address. Courses cost £25 per person (including lunch). I: National Dragonfly Museum, Ashton Wold, Ashton, Near Oundle, Northants PE8 5LZ. Tel: 01832 272427. 128 13th 20th Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t ] Hidden Gems: Summerhouse Hill and Stargate Pond. 2pm — 4.30pm. A three mile stroll taking in the orchids of Path Head Meadows, the dragonflies of Stargate Ponds as well as the panoramic views and butterflies of Summerhouse Hill. Meet: OS Map ref. NZ 163 633 off the A695 (West) in the lay-by on Stella Road, West of Blaydon roundabout. I: Matt Hawkins or Don Attkinson. Tel: 0191 477 1011 ext. 3442. Butterflies, Bugs and Beetles of Ryton Willows. : 2pm — 4pm. The afternoon will be spent exploring the woodlands, grassland and ponds for different types of invertebrates. All information gathered will be used to help protect this site for the future interest of naturalists. Meet: OS Map ref. NZ 152 647 at Ryton Willows on the village green near Ryton Church, approximately quarter of a mile north of the A695. I: Wayne Clynes. Tel: 01207 545212 (Thornley Woodlands Centre). AUGUST 2nd 2nd AES conservation field meeting at Devil’s Spiitleful, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire. A field meeting at this Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve, one of the few remaining areas of heathland in the county. The aim is to record a wide range of invertebrates and to provide a chance for entomologists who live in or visit the county to find out more about local recording and conservation activities. Joint with BENHS. 10.30am for daytime meeting, 8pm for moth recording. Contact leaders for directions/meeting place. I: Geoff Trevis 01905 774952 or Martin Harvey 01491 671889. LCES Field Meeting (inc. moth trapping) At Waunfawr, Caernarfon. Meet at Mike Hull’s house at 2.00pm. Specialities include Ashworth’s rustic, Weaver’s wave and Welsh wave. I: Mike Hull. Tel: 01286 650550. SEPTEMBER 10th- 12th Entomology ‘97. University of Newcastle, UK. First National Meeting of the Royal Entomological Society to run concurrently with the Society's Symposium on Population Ecology. Further information available from: The Registrar, Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW1 5HR, UK. Tel: +44 171 584 8361. Fax: +44 171 581 8505. e-mail: reg@royensoc.demon.co. uk I: Martin Harvey (01491) 671889). 14th 21st Volume 56 « June 1997 129 LCES Field Meeting At Whitegate Way (Leaf miners). 11.00am start (but will not be returning to cars for lunch) at Whitegate Station Car Park (SJ 617678). I: Mike Hull Tel: 01928 722274/Bill Hardwick Tel: 01606 594778. Nightwalk at the Thornley Woodlands Centre 7pm — late. A walk in the twilight world when everything in the woods take on new shapes and sounds. You will have the chance to see and hear owls and bats. There will be a mercury vapour moth trap running and there will be a display of specimens previously collected in the Derwent Walk Country Park. All identification guides will be available on the night. Meet: OS Map ref. NZ 178 604. Thornley Woodlands Centre, two miles south of Swalwell roundabout on the A694 Swalwell to Consett road. I: Wayne Clynes. Tel: 01207 545212 (Thornley Woodlands Centre). OCTOBER 4th 21st AES Annual Exhibition Kempton Park Racecourse. 1lam - 5pm. Entrance free to members on production of pass (to be issued with August Bu/letin). Information on stand booking to Maxwell Barclay, advertising in show guide and all other queries to Wayne Jarvis at usual PO Box address or phone 0976 828142. LCES First Ordinary Winter Meeting at Liverpool Museum commencing at 19.00hrs. Review of the 1997 season. Published 25th June 1997 by the Amateur Entomogists’ Society (Registered Charity No. 267430), from PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. A VALUABLE REPRINT FROM THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS' SOCIETY PRACTICAL HINTS FOR THE FIELD LEPIDOPTERIST by J.W.Tutt Written in three parts at the turn of the century, this book has been reprinted because it still represents the most comprehensive field guide covering both macro and microlepidoptera. Parts I to III all give a month by month guide to which species and stages to look for and how to find them. Part III also contains an extensive biological account of the early stages and how to keep, rear and describe them. 422 pages, Hardback. (Reprinted 1994). A separate supplement has been prepared which cross-references old to current scientific names and the English names of the species covered. Total price only £21.00. OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE FROM THE A.E.S. INCLUDE Habitat Conservation for Insects - A Rais Green Issue (Hardback 262 pages, 15 figures + 32 pages colour plates) . . . £12.00 A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figs; 13 plates) . . . . £7.50 A Guide to Moth Traps and their Use (60 pages, 8 plates, 21 figs.). £5.00 Breeding the British Butterflies (60 pages, 6 figures,5 plates) . . . £3.95 Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (S6pages, 9 plates) . £3.95 Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40pp, 11 figs.) . £3.45 An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Gentalia of Lepidoptera (16pp) £2.40 A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (Hardback, 225pp + 32 colour plates showing 74 photographs of larvae and adult moths) . . . £13.95 Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . £2.90 The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp, 10 figs.) . £3.45 Collecting and Studying Dragonflies (24 pages, 12 figs, 2 plates) . £2.40 The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated) . . . . . £8.50 Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages) . . . . . £2.00 Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera (52 pages,4 colour plates)... . £4.50 A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . 6 95 Host plants of British Beetles (4 pages). 5. > Se ee A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, illustrated). . . . £9.95 Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 figs. 17 Anes £5.00 Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates). . . £2.90 Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages,2 plates) . . . . . £1.85 All the above publications sent post free to U.K. addresses. Outside U.K. please add 10% to order value for postage by surface mail. For postage by air-mail outside Europe please add 30% to order value. Please make all cheques/postal orders payable to 'AES Publications’ and send to: AES Publications, The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, COLCHESTER CO7 7JN. Telephone 01206 251600 THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS' SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1997 Saturday, 4th October 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE, STAINES ROAD, SUNBURY, MIDDX. ACCESSIBILITY: The Racecourse is easy to reach by road and rail, and there is adequate free car parking. The M25 is very near and is linked to Kempton Park by the M3, which is less than a mile away. Sunbury Railway Station with trains from Waterloo, is a short walk away. The site is served by two bus routes, Green Line No. 290, and Red bus No. 216. Both these buses stop right outside. ADMISSION: Members free on production of pass to be issued with the August Bulletin. PARKING: in the free car parks only. NOT outside the Grandstand. Keep all entrances clear. EXHIBITORS AND DEALERS ONLY will be admitted between 8 am and 11 am. TROLLEYS are not provided and provision should be made for heavy loads. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEALERS are attending. REFRESHMENTS: Full facilities are available. All food and drink to be consumed in the Refreshment Area. SURPLUS MATERIAL: will be welcome for sale on behalf of the Society's funds. ANSORGE BEQUEST: Cash prizes and certificates to Junior Members for exhibits at the Exhibition. LIVESTOCK: It is the duty of both dealers and buyers to ensure that all livestock is kept in containers which are roomy, hygienic and secure against any possible escape. EXHIBITS which show long series of wild-caught, rare or endangered species will not be allowed. ALL ENQUIRIES: The AES, PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. Hetin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society CONTENTS R. Vuattoux. Arcema mimosae 5.2.0. ho he 92 1. Steele. Butterflies of the Chamonix Valley, France 1995::.. 2.22222 eee 95 A.-Cleverly. lt's my delight 2.2... 2080.02 ee 100 D. McNamera. Notes on the Genus Brahmaea. The Brahmaeid moths of the Family Bralirmaetd ac sca. -.tc.cc saacce ot once secsnccennnentuenssanecnetatdedcntnssiis merken se 107 P. Brock. The Jungle nymph, Heteropteryx Cilatata .........--.....-.2-0---ceccs-cerecserrsceeneeneens 109 P. Brave. Rearing semi-aquatic COCKrOaChes 2.2.2.5: - nsec ca TA M. Eiland. Notes on beekeeping in the Georgian Republic ...............eccsseeseeseeseeeeeeees 123 Short Communications K Lewis. Woman killed by caterpillar: ..-.....<.22,200cs..05 $ 2 el oD = fe Founded in 1935 Where to write For all Society business, please write to: AES P.O. Box 8774 London SW7 5ZG Telephone: 0976 828142 Officers of the Society President: — Richard Jones Secretary: Wayne Jarvis Acting Treasurer: Reg Fry Registrar: | Nick Holford Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis General Editor: Mike Bonsall Acting Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke Exhibitions & Meetings Secretary: Maxwell Barclay Youth Secretary: Kieren Pitts Habitat Conservation Officer: Subscriptions: Advertising Rate: David Lonsdale Caroline Willmot ICN Editor: Wants & Exchange: Martin Harvey First subscription (including entrance fee) £12, or £8 under 18. Renewals £10 or £6 under 18. Overseas members £12. Family membership £15 (Includes Bulletin and Bug Club). Overseas Family membership £17. Subcription due by the 1st January each year. The following charges apply to adverts in the body of the Bulletin. Full page £60, Half page £40, Quarter page £25. Insert charges available on request to Advertising Secretary, address as above. NOTICE It is to be distinctly understood that all views, opinions, or theories, expressed in the pages of this Journal are solely those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, financial grants offered or sought, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, the Officers and Council of the Society, nor its Trustees, can be held responsible for any loss, embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon. Worldwide Buon Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4QN. Tel 01935 74808 Fax'29937 Catalogue of livestock specimens and equipment. Please mention AES. 50p in stamps would be greatly appreciated. ALSO on request, Specialist Catalogues of British, European and Exotic set and papered specimens |“ Worldlife Registered charity At Compton House, Nr. ehabome Worldlife has evolved from Worldwide Butterflies. As well as magnificent butterfly displays, conservation organisations are showing what Wis being done for the environment, and how all can become involved. Situated on A30 Yeovil-Sherborne Road. Open daily Apr-Sep. Tel 01935 74608 E.W. CLASSE Y LTD ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKS BY MAIL SINCE 1949 Antiquarian, second-hand and New books Special offers and forthcoming book news Booksearch service. Please send your “wanis’ list Regular free catalogues and specialist lists Books bought Valuations + + F F OF Oxford House, Marlborough Street, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7DR UK Tel. 01367 244700 Fax. 01367 244800 Our Faringdon shop has a large stock of Entomological & Natural History books and prints Since 1976. . serving lepidopterists worldwide TRANSWORLD BEE BUTTERFLY CO. RESEARCH ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATED BUTTERFLY CATALOGUE Hunareds of butterflies from South America, Africa, Australia and the Far East. Many of our 18 NORTH ROAD specimens are ex-pupae or ranched. Specialists in Papilionidae, Morphidae and Brassolidae. CARDIF F CF1 3DY Our catalogue includes many hard-to-find species like female Morpho rhetenor, female Morpho adonis, female Morpho anaxibia, female Morpho vitrea, female Morpho insuralis, female Morpho goadarti, Morpho fitei, female Papilio scamander, Papilio antimachus, female Papilio plagiatus and female Papilio hesperus! For Scientific and Technical information on Bees (Apoidea) especially Honeybees (ApisSP). Request our free Catalogue today! Please write to the above address for details of publications and membership. A specimen copy of “Bee World” is obtainable for S5Op. TRANSWORLD BUTTERFLY COMPANY APARTADO 6951 - SAN JOSE COSTA RICA TEL: 506-228-4768 FAX: 506-228-1573 Ye Envoxovscss's Recoxn ” F dounsat or Vaarariex FOE SIRS NSDL R OR SH GRIST. REARING AND STUDYING STICK AND LEAF-INSECTS a Taga Bulletin = A GUIDE TO MOTH TRAPS ef the Anmatour Entumulrpicts” Sacicty AND THEIR USE etree tveetmentnntt REG FY ancl (AL WARING: gral aSace SRW BEALL Just a few of the entomological titles produced by apaulez Cravitz Printing Company Limited 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 ATA Telephone: 01277 224610 © Fax: 01277 262815 E-Mail: 106240.2733@compuserve.com Bedstraw Hawkmoth by Andrew Mackay Atropos \ The new lively publication for active .butterfly, moth and dragonfly enthusiasts ISSUE 3 OUT NOW Features include — Portland site guide; Lulworth Skipper; Latest migrant news and photographs; My Best Day, Potential British firsts; County Focus on Warwickshire; My Guernsey Garden; Separating Willow Beauty and Mottled Beauty A year’s subscription is only £10 for two issues Issues 1 & 2 still available at &5 each All prices inc. p&p Cheques payable to Atropos Atropos Dept AES1, 36 Tinker Lane, Meltham, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD7 3EX EXHIBITION NOTICE AES ANNUAL EXHIBITION SATURDAY, 4th OCTOBER, 1997 KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE Staines Road, Middlesex Doors open at llam Admission £1.50 Adults, 50p Children Members free on production of pass to be issued with this Bulletin. For further information please write to: The AES, PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. The cover of this issue of the Bul Bulletin features the Man aletin = faced beetle, Catacanthus incarnatus. The insect is not a coleopteran, but is actually a hemipteran. oF Bi Amatcur Exfomolosins” Socety Yotume SG ¢ Nisrniber 292 Wg QQ A Photo: Paul Brock. e Amateur Entomologis Volume 56 © Number 413 August 1997 Editorial We are fast approaching Exhibition time again, and with this issue of the Bulletin is your pass to the exhibition and an application form for an exhibit/trading space. We are not entirely sure what the layout of this years Exhibition will be as there is rebuilding work currently taking place on the Exhibition Hall. However, in an attempt to attract more exhibits, we are looking to situate the exhibit area in a more secure place. Although we have never had any exhibit damaged or taken whilst at the Exhibition, Council agrees that an increase in security would be beneficial to all. I apologise to all members who experienced a return of mail from the PO Box address since the publication of the last Bulletin. We are not entirely sure what happened during the few days of the Box closure, but it was caused due to an error by the Post Office, and was quickly rectified. We were somewhat disappointed, however, by the lack of response to Reg Fry’s note in the June issue of the Bulletin. As a Society we are attempting to provide members with the services that they want, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to do this as we are getting less and less feedback from our members. Membership is slowly decreasing, and costs due to the increased amount of colour in the Bulletin are rising. As was mentioned previously, if you know of somewhere where we can advertise the Society by distributing our prospectus, or know a friend who may be interested in joining, please contact us. We also need help in informing primary and junior schools about the Bug Club. The cost of mailing these individually is far too much for us to consider, but by telling your local school about us, we should be able to increase our membership. At the end of the day, the more members the Society has, the cheaper the cost per member and the less we have to charge you to be a member of the Society. As always, all suggestions about the services that we can provide are welcomed. Remember we are your Society. I hope that you will be able to attend the Exhibition on Saturday 4th October, and I look forward to meeting you. Wayne 132 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe Life and habits of the clothes moth in relation to the pianoforte by Brian O.C. Gardiner (225) 2 Highfield Avenue, Cambridge CB4 2AL. I was recently presented with an aged leaflet by a friendly bookseller I am on good terms with and who knows my interest in all things entomological. It bears the above title and was issued by the Army & Navy Stores Ltd, which still exists in Victoria Street, London. From its internal evidence of prices and phone number, I would place it to the 1920s. It makes interesting and amusing reading, as follows. Prevention and Extermination: Life Emerging from cocoon, early mating takes place, and, within 24 hours after pairing, eggs may be laid, and laying may continue from two to 24 days or be completed in 24 hours. Seven to ten days is usually the period for eggs to hatch out in the form of caterpillars. After hatching, the caterpillar may attain maturity in three months, when it ceases to feed. At this stage it constructs a cocoon and becomes a chrysalis, emerging some two weeks later as a moth. Forty to sixty is the approximate number of eggs laid by the female, and when egg laying is finished, the female dies, but the males may remain active and breeding for three or more weeks. The life-cycle may continue throughout the year, but June to October is the usual period for the appearance of the adult. Temperature, humidity, quality and quantity of food supply are factors that may accelerate or retard the process. Habits In the winged state moths cannot do damage as they are incapable of feeding. The sole purpose is to reproduce their kind, and in this respect only are they harmful. Actual damage is caused by the caterpillar, which, immediately after hatching, feeds upon felts and cloth under keys of the piano, cloth parts of action and hammer felts. The caterpillar usually feeds voraciously, and only on reaching maturity does it cease to do so. Experiments carried out at the British Museum (Natural History) show that at a temperature of 65°F the entire life-cycle occupied 16 weeks and three days — ie. eggs laid 16th May hatched into caterpillar 20th May, existing in an active state to 12th August, then became a chrysalis, and emerged from the cocoon as a moth on 29th August. ae Volume 56 * August 1997 133 Precaution Should a moth enter a room, a place likely to be chosen for the deposition of eggs is often under the keys or on or underneath the felt on the back of the key frame. Therefore a room containing a piano should be kept spotlessly clean and all likely breeding places frequently disturbed. The interior of a piano must also be kept clean and a “Mothite carton” hung inside the top as near to the action as possible; also contents of a “Mothite sprinkler” should be sprinkled between the opening of the keys, where it will deposit itself below in one of the most dangerous breeding grounds of this pest. Infallibility is not claimed for this method, but the risk of egg deposition is reduced to a minimum. Extermination A piano having been severely attacked by moth, the eradication of all affected parts is essential; it may be necessary to remove and replace certain parts attacked or liable to harbour eggs. Where unhatched eggs of caterpillars are found, although no actual damage has been done to prevent the piano functioning in a proper manner they should be brushed from all affected parts, and the interior of the instrument thoroughly cleaned. The whole interior, including all woollens and felts, should then be treated with a strong insecticide. Successful treatment requires specialised knowledge, and is best left to those qualified to carry through the work in a skilled and proper manner. Points to note Dirt in piano or room attracts moth. Pianos kept clean and constantly used are seldom attacked by moth. Frequent inspection for signs of moth is advised, and, when discovered, immediate steps for eradication should be taken. Delay is dangerous. Eggs being so minute are difficult to detect, and until the caterpillar appears are not usually noticeable. Eggs hatched in a piano may infect other woollen and cloth materials in the house. When a piano has been freed from moth, and to prevent a recurrence of the trouble, take precautionary measures. Moth eradication service specialised by the Society. Efficiency has been attained by long and thorough tests. Section 1: Cleaning and preparing key frame, action and interior — saturating and spraying all parts with solution 1.A.N. Destroying clothes moth in all stages and entirely freeing the piano from the pest. The work is executed at customer’s residence. Cost of service within eight miles of the Store is — Upright piano £2-2-0; Grand piano £2-12-6. 134 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a Section 2: The action and key frame are removed to factory and treated as in Section 1. An application of solution 2.A.N. is then made which renders the material impervious to. the ravages of the caterpillar. The action and key frame are then returned, re-assembled and regulated. This process is effective up to three years with a possible permanent result and is not injurious to the materials. Cost of service within eight miles of the Store — Upright piano £4-4-0; Grand piano £5-5-0. MOTHITE (Carton) A CLOTHES MOTH PREVENTIVE (Prepared and sold only by the Society). Moth will not deposit eggs in pianos or other receptacles where a “Mothite” has been installed. Only requires hanging inside, and will remain effective over a period of twelve months. Price 1/9 each. Equally suitable for use in wardrobes, linen chests etc. Small tortoiseshell butterfly attracted to glue vapour by Jan Koryszko (6089) On the 1st December 1996 I was using some Bostik all purpose glue in my kitchen when a Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) flew circles around my head. No doubt the strong smell of glue awoke the butterfly from hibernation (had left the kitchen door ajar) and the Small tortoiseshell must have been roosting in my toilet. Perhaps although in a state of hibernation, the “sense of smell” is still very strong in the butterfly. FOR SALE Watkins & Doncaster 20 Drawer Entomological Cabinet All visible parts new mahogany, drawer size 18” x 16” on hidden bearer runners. Lift off glass lids in mahogany, camphor cells. Solid mahogany framed door with lock and key. Height 4°1”. Excellent condition £1200 ono 10 Drawer Entomological Cabinet Attractive dark wood, slide-in glass drawers on hidden bearer runners. Corner camphor cells, drawer size 16” x 12”, over height 20”. Good condition but used. £150 ono Enquiries: Peter Jenks, 26 Ilchester Place, London W14 8AA. Tel: 0171-602 2266 —— ae Volume 56 « August 1997 135 Magnificent Malaysian Insects by Paul D. Brock (4792) Papillon, 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berkshire SL2 1SR. My fourth trip to Malaysia in May 1996 allowed me to check out jungle walks in areas I had not previously visited and presented opportunities to obtain further photographs of yet more spectacular insects. Malaysian insects are amongst the largest, most colourful species in the world and whilst my main objective was to search for different stick-insect species by torchlight at night, I came across many different insects on my travels. Sarawak My well-planned 1996 visits were to take me to Sarawak in East Malaysia, then to fly to Kuantan in Peninsular or West Malaysia, before finally driving to Fraser’s Hill, staying at pre-booked hotels, each within a short walking distance of jungle walks. I prefer to make a daytime walk on a jungle trail to assess its suitability for an evening trek and to try to familiarise myself with any “difficult” aspects, including fallen logs, or changes in footpath route. Several species of winged and wingless stick-insects (Plate 97M, figs. 1 & 3) were found at night towards Mount Santubong, Damai Beach, including adults and many nymphs of one of the commonest species from Sarawak, Acacus sarawacus (Plate97M, fig. 2). This stick-like wingless species is fairly variable in appearance, ranging from plain greenish, brown or grey, to various mottled patterns, with females measuring 76-90mm from head to tip of abdomen, males 67-71mm. An interesting diversion from stick- insect hunting was watching colourful butterflies in the daytime and fire-flies (beetles with a green “glow” at the end of their bodies), “lighting up” at night. Fireflies are a popular tourist attraction in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, with some night-time excursions to view the many tiny, bright lights. Non insects, such as a giant scorpion, were also spotted. Peninsular Malaysia The stick-insect fauna of Peninsular Malaysia usually consists of different species to those found in East Malaysia. Several different species were found at each of Telok Chempedak, near Kuantan and Fraser's Hill (Pahang) (Plate 97M, fig. 4). The first locality is a seaside resort, and the second a hill resort, both very popular with tourists and locals alike. I only spent two nights at Fraser’s Hill and the first evening 136 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society o¢ was rather wet, which encouraged leeches to appear in greater numbers than usual. However, despite the presence of rain clouds, the next night was dry and more favourable for insect life. I stayed in a fourth-floor apartment and early next morning it was a pleasure to observe some magnificent insects on and around the balconies, which had been attracted to the lights overnight. The list of finds included giant and smaller cicadas, larger silk-moths, including the dark-veined Antheraea helferi borneensis, hawk-moths, moths galore, rhinoceros . beetles (Plate 97N, fig. 5) (of which only one attractively horned male was found, along with many hornless females) and longhorn beetles; altogether a very attractive assortment. Silk-moth cocoons of several species are, of course, very popular for their silk qualities in various parts of Asia. I drove to one tourist attraction, the Keladi silk factory, near Pekan, a scenic one-hour drive from Kuantan. (However, for those who wish to observe the whole process, a visit to Worldwide Butterflies at Sherborne, Dorset, is much more educational.) Man face beetles I missed observing the beautiful green and black birdwing butterflies Troides trogonoptera brookiana by waterfalls on this particular trip, but did see a number of gold and black Troides specimens. These are always a pleasure to observe, especially when they are in groups. Without a doubt a beautiful insect, whose name has an obvious meaning, is the “Man Faced Beetle” Catacanthus incarnatus (a bug, not beetle) (Plate 97N, Fig. 6 and front cover). Another highlight was to observe the rare, yellow female form of the large, bulky stick-insect Heteropteryx dilatata. Further reading I strongly recommend a magnificent photographic book on peninsular Malaysian insects by Kazuo Unno (with minimal text in Japanese): Unno, K. (1989). The Orchid Mantis and Insects of Malaysia. Nippon Television Network Corporation, Tokyo USBN 4-8203-8919-X). My book The Stick and Leaf-insects of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore will shortly be published by the Malaysian Nature Society and includes colour photographs of some of the most attractive species, in addition to sketches or photographs of almost all other species, with a number of new species described. This will be the first book dealing with tropical stick and leaf-insects and covers their distribution, habits and foodplants (where known), along with formal-descriptions of each species. ae Volume 56 + August 1997 137 A survey of Roesel’s bush cricket near Spurn, East Yorkshire by John Killingbeck 11 Chapel Fields, Holme on Spalding Moor, Yorkshire YO4 4DH. This survey of Roesel’s bush cricket (Metrioptera roeselii) took place mostly between the years 1992 and 1994 following a brief “scout” in 1991. The basic method followed was to count the numbers of stridulating males along given areas. Sound seems much the best way of surveying this insect, since it is very hard to see without a careful search. Unfortunately loud and constant stridulation only occurs in bright warm sunshine, so clear stable weather is required for a thorough survey. Stridulation will occur in dull conditions but is much more erratic and often fainter. It is possible that the cricket may occur in other parts of the Humber estuary or even further away. Other surveys may reveal this. General information Roesel’s bush cricket is a fairly localised insect in Britain, most common in the south-east of England, particularly the Thames estuary. The Spurn colony is the only one known in Yorkshire and also one of the most northerly in Britain. In this respect the cricket is one of the most important biological features of the Spurn peninsula, perhaps on a par with such birds as the Little tern. The cricket is known to feed mainly on grasses and occasionally small insects. Its eggs are said to be laid in plant stems. Stridulation is a surprisingly penetrating and high-pitched continuous buzz, not unlike the crackling of electricity in pylon wires. The sound may be familiar to summer visitors to the Spurn area. It is therefore surprising that the species does not seem to have been recorded until 1930 (by W.D. Hincks in 1947) and then only in small numbers. Littke more mention was made of the insect until the mid 1970s when two separate observers (E.C.M. Hayes and _M. Limbert) made small records. A more organised survey between _ 1974-1980 revealed more widespread distribution and density in | which the song is described as “a major feature of that area” (Long Bank) in 1980 by J. Biglin and S.A. Moran. Most of the sites in this survey were “in each case associated with a drainage channel”. This broadly remains the case in the current survey, indeed it is interesting | to note the general pattern of distribution which seems to coincide | 4 with previous salt marshes, now farmland, exemplified by the “Marsh 138 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS Cottage” area. Almost any ditch in farmland south of Easington may potentially harbour a cricket population. Distribution of Roesel’s bush cricket at Spurn Long Bank appears to be the core of the cricket population at Spurn and it is vital that this area in particular is well protected. Most other areas are less densely populated and some of the outer populations may not be permanent. Some fluctuations were noted in the four years of the survey, for example, Beacon Lake (reduced), Soak Dyke (expanded). EASINGTON R A SKEFLING Cy RY Cs Ry RY Marsh a Cot 2 Winsetiseies 2): re Xx Bank .*3 * Firtholme Lia xo ***2011 Farm (\ So * * x (<} O Cy ie 1 Veg * & 2 9 2, \ We, x \_“@,, 2 11 aE HUMBER . Kilnsea Key x = isolate groups with numbers in bold —_ ae Volume 56 + August 1997 139 The areas below refer to the map. The first records are from 1991/2, the second 1993/4. Long Bank east (1): This is the most densely populated area with about 160+ males recorded. Long Bank west (2): Also densely populated, about 140 males recorded. The Long Bank population occurs for a little way along the dividing road verge from about Kilnsea Grange towards but not reaching Firthholme Farm, also in small numbers along some of the adjacent ditches. New Bank (3): When first surveyed in 1991 after it had been mown, there were no crickets to be heard. In 1992 before mowing took place, 33 males were noted, mostly to the south. Long Bank (from New Bank to Howlsons Well) (4): 58 singing males mostly to the south. Nature Reserve (5): Generally only thinly scattered in dunes and grassy areas. It has been suggested that periodic inundation by the sea restricts cricket numbers here but it may also be due to the vegetation being too sparse. The provision of this particular reserve is obviously no guarantee of the insects survival. Grassy meadow (6): A good area of long grass which is well though not densely populated with around 40+ males recorded. Beacon Lane (7): 22 males recorded in 1992 but seem to have declined recently. In 1991 they were noted from the Kilnsea roadside. Small meadow (8): About 27 recorded from the areas with long grass. Absent from short grazed areas. Soak Dyke (9): A thin scatter of crickets along here culminating in a colony of 25 or so at Winsetts Clough. This seemed to have spread a little further west in 1994. Marsh Cottage (10): A number of crickets were found here in 1991 and in the field borders in 1994 in groups ranging from two or three to twenty. 140 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society sé In addition to the areas mentioned, crickets are scattered elsewhere as indicated on the map, for example, Easington Bank and nearby roadside. A fair number have been located in the ditches around Kilnsea Grange. It is interesting to note that in the last few years there appears to have been a rapid expansion of Metrioptera roeselii numbers in the south-east of England with a greater number of totally new sites discovered (Orthoptera Recording Scheme newsletters). This expansion does not seem to have occurred in the Spurn population. This has led to the suggestion that it is genetically distinct from the southern insects. Certainly there is no obvious reason why it continues to cling to its old saltmarsh habitat at Spurn whilst readily invading set-aside land and roadside verges further south. Habitat requirements In general terms it would appear that the cricket requires long uncut grassy vegetation of reasonable density with good exposure to the sun. It is notably absent from sparse vegetation and short grass. Cutting of the grass seems to cause a crash in numbers. Whilst grass seems to be the most favoured habitat, with perhaps sea couch and false oat grass the most favourable, many insects are to be found in coarser herbage of nettles and brambles. They also show some ability to colonise waste ground which contains enough long grass. There is a tendency for the cricket population at Spurn to follow drainage channels. However, this may be largely coincidental with the fact that these are the areas most often containing the long grass habitat. In most parts of Europe, ordinary meadows are widely occupied. Conservation It would seem that for Roesel’s bush cricket to thrive, the provision of extensive areas of unmown grass is important. Where mowing is essential it would be preferable if it could be carried out on a small scale, not too extensively with long grass corridors between known colonies and beyond, which may strengthen the population and even allow it to expand. Interesting possibilities arise in the future conservation of this (and other creatures) in the Spurn area. The advent of set aside and the removal of farmland from production into coastal managed retreat offers exciting possibilities of restoring saltmarsh habitat. The amenity be Volume 56 * August 1997 141 and biological value of Spurn is now widely acknowledged and would greatly benefit from a more extensive “wild” aspect with perhaps more rough pasturage and wetland spreading out from its currently very marginalised status. All of these would offer the chance for Roesel’s bush cricket to expand its range. It is interesting to speculate whether the existing population is an advanced guard of northward British expansion or whether it is a shrunken relic of a once much larger population hanging on from the days when the marshes covered great acreage. Superficially at least, the habitat needs of Roesel’s bush cricket do not appear to be specialised or unusual. The greater mystery is why the insect is confined to such a small area of the county. Subtle climatic effects are one possibility. This is on average the sunniest corner of Yorkshire and also one of the driest parts, combined with slightly higher minimum night time temperatures than inland, with a reasonably long growing season. Daytime temperatures are often low, with chilling sea breezes and mist. It seems likely that the Roesel’s bush cricket would be responsive to small climatic change in so marginal a location as Spurn and will make a good indicator species for environmental change. Camberwell beauty in Suffolk by Mark ITley (9551) 211 High Road, Trimley St. Mary, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP10 ORQ. On the 17th March 1997 a Camberwell beauty Nymphalis antiopa flew into my garden in Trimley St. Mary, Felixstowe (VC25, TM 372276). The butterfly alighted on ivy, basking briefly in the sun, and I was able positively to identify it. The wing margins were pale with frayed edges suggesting a genuine immigrant. My garden is approximately two miles from the sea. The specimen was not captured. Pe ens — grouping together these ladybirds create a much more impressive and memorable image to predators who have learnt, or may learn, of the 16-spots unpalatability. This scenario may also explain why some 16-spots group in exposed positions on plain surfaces, for then they are obvious and easily recognised. However, that being the case, an alternative hypothesis must be erected to explain why some 16-spot groups are formed in structurally complex situations such as in the foliage of a gorse bush. One possible explanation is that the warning coloration is an historical but still effective hang-over from evolutionary ancestry, but that an alternative and equally effective strategy has also evolved. In the complexity of herbage that some groups of 16-spot inhabit, the mixture of buff and black may act as an effective camouflage, the black patterning breaking up the body outline. If so, it may be as effective not to be seen by predators at all, as to be seen and recognised as unpalatable. The third and fourth questions are obviously inter-related. The use of the same site year after year may be a consequence of a scent being laid down by the previous winter’s successful inhabitants, i.e. those that survive the winter and leave the overwintering site alive. As the 16-spot is a fairly sedentary beetle, rarely being recorded to fly substantial distances, it is easy to see that a mechanism of this type could evolve. Those ladybirds which have the mechanisms to detect and respond to scents, and later lay down similar scents, will gain benefit themselves by choosing a safe overwintering site. Furthermore, they benefit their progeny by communicating a safe overwintering site to them by scent, assuming, of course, that the progeny are still in the vicinity of their parents’ overwintering site. One other point relating to Plate 970, Fig. 7 is of note. The picture reveals that the group of 16-spots contains one fully melanic individual. This melanic form is referable to the name f. poweri. The inheritance of this form is not known. However, Majerus (1991) notes that the form is rare. If it is genetically controlled, it is likely that it arises as a rare mutation. Majerus suggests that the melanic form may be at a selective disadvantage in the winter because, being black, it will suffer greater fluctuations in temperature as a result of the greater thermal absorption and irradiance of dark compared to pale surfaces. Reference Majerus, M.E.N. (1991). A rare melanic form of the 16-spot ladybird (Micraspis 16- punctata Linn.). Ent. Mon. Mag. 127: 170. to Volume 56 + August 1997 145 Notes on relaxing butterflies and moths by Don McNamara (5537) 6 Fulham Close, Hillingdon-Uxbridge, Middlesex UB10 OSU. One of the joys of winter, if you have the time, is going through your collection and doing a bit of curating, cleaning out, refurbishing. — possibly checking your notes and getting your data-labels up to date, filling up the little cardboard pill-boxes with silica-gel or paradichlorbenzine crystals and generally mucking about with butterflies and moths. Some cabinet specimens may have sprung and it is likely that you have many insects stashed away in papers, either bought from the trade fairs or the butterfly or moth fortuitously caught when you were not prepared for such an event. Often there is little time at the height of the season anyway, so insects are put away to be, hopefully, set during the “quiet” season. The increasing habit of re-cycling old collections also means that butterflies and moths become available but are sometimes badly set, have corrosive pins or have wings out of alignment. In October 1996 I was lucky enough to get a chance to do some research and collecting in South America — obviously voucher spceumens mad tosbe: dried and put into papers because the circumstances were not favourable nor was there time nor space available to do the necessary setting on the spot. I have never been completely happy with relaxing and setting specimens after the event and in the past the results were at best, adequate, mistakes were often made and more likely than not I would put off the event, provided I had data written down somewhere, to some vague future date. As a result I often find neat little boxes with papered specimens dating back many years stored away in safe places. It was not until discussing the problem with colleagues from the Ecuador trip — and then carefully applying what I had learnt there during the Christmas period — that I am now satisfied that I have “cracked it”. Most butterfly books — certainly those printed after 1945 until recently, will have sections on setting and preserving so these can be a foundation upon which to build one’s own technique. One book in particular, by Paul Smart, comes closest to describing what I would call the best technique and it is really what underpins my own (new, improved) method. Perhaps the following comments will be useful. 146 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34 Firstly — all dry material must be handled with extreme care — antennae are a particular problem, especially moths. (1)To minimise the possibility of damage, don’t overpack papered material in the first place and take each paper containing an insect out of the container individually but do not take the insect out of the paper. (2)The prepared relaxing container — the best are airtight snap-on polythene boxes. I put a layer of sterile cotton wool at the bottom. This is covered by a piece of thin plastic-type material, a rectangle cut from a bag of the type obtained from supermarkets. Then sprinkle some crystals of paradichlorbenzine (or crushed mothballs obtainable from most chemists) — to prevent mould. On top of this place a rectangle of polystyrene upon which the papered specimens or pinned insects are laid — then pins can be inserted to keep the butterfly or moth safe from touching anything. Before putting the papers containing the dried insects into this container I pour boiling water, straight from the ketthke down one corner making sure that only the cotton-wool becomes wet. Do not put in more specimens than you can cope with during a setting- session. Snap on the polythene lid — store in a safe area, preferably a warm room. The point of this is that if you take out specimens from the papers while they are dry you stand a chance of damaging the insect. I leave the relaxing box for 48 hours before taking out the insects. (3) Obtain from the chemist two fine needled hypodermics (which you did earlier). Have a cupful of boiling water handy. (4) Take off the lid and take out one papered insect only, replacing the lid. Carefully remove it from the paper. The specimen is partially relaxed, the antennae pliable, but still treat with extreme caution. I hold the insect carefully and immerse the head and antennae just below the surface of the water in the cup, a tricky manoeuvre, try to avoid the wings coming into contact with the water. Uf the antennae are not free of the wings or have slipped between the wings gently tease them forward with a pin so that they are so. As they are already fairly pliable there is little risk.) This allows the head to be movable and allows for a good setting position. Then carefully inject the butterfly with boiling water (by now the water will have cooled somewhat but will still be hot). I inject from two positions. Firstly inject the thorax from above, using the spot ae Volume 56 * August 1997 147 where you will eventually pin the insect, gently squirting the water into the thorax cavities. Secondly from below inject the thorax near to where the abdomen joins. This is sufficient to render the insect to a state of complete relaxation — but if in doubt repeat the process. It is a good idea to have tissues handy to soak up surplus water which will come out of various orifices. Depending on how long you take to set a specimen, it is possible that the cupful of water will lose heat so make sure that you top it up anew — the heat is crucial. I am completely satisfied that, with practice, this method will provide the ideal circumstances for well-set specimens. However, re-setting pinned insects is more difficult. The following points may be of use. (a) Only if it is absolutely necessary and only if the insect has been so badly pinned that re-setting is otherwise impossible — do not take out the pin and try to re-pin it. (b) Basically the technique is the same but injections must be done both verso and recto as near to the entry and exit of the pin as possible. (c) Obviously, the very position of the wings on a pinned insect will be different to one taken out of papers so instead of immersing the head and antennae into the water, use a fine-tip art paintbrush and brush the antennae with hot water to enhance pliability, I also put a small blob on the head. The purpose of two hyperdermics is that you need a tiny needle for tiny insects and perhaps a bigger one for larger insects. Reference Smart, Paul (1975). The Ilustrated Encyclopedia of the Butterfly World. Salamander Books Ltd. A Dragonfly tip by Jan Koryszko (6089) For several years I have been feeding garden birds. Recently I put some dripping fat on a post and noticed a dragonfly land upon it. The dragonfly may have been attracted by the flies, which the fat also attracted, but it did appear to be consuming some of the fat. My friend Mr Derek Heath has also seen this happen and it may, therefore, be a method of attracting and recording dragonflies. 148 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS Butterfly paintings — identification requested by John Tennent (7750) 1 Middlewood Close, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4UD. Some years ago, my wife obtained a small folio of insect and plant pictures which had apparently lain for many years in a trunk in an attic in Australia. Some were original paintings, whilst others were clearly copies, and all appeared to be the result of that deplorable practice of removing plates from old books for commercial purposes. The staff in the entomology and botany libraries at The Natural History Museum, London have very kindly been able to identify the original published works in most cases, but three “plates” have defied identification. : The plates depict three northern European or British butterflies: Pieris brassicae (not shown), Maniola jurtina and Ladoga camilla and, within the context of 19th century butterfly books, they are professionally prepared. It is possible that they were never published; brassicae and jurtina are “complete”, in that they depict male and female adults, plus underside, as well as a larva and a pupa, numbered 1-5. The camilla ~ however, depicts only adult upperside and underside, neither of which are numbered and brassicae has a pen-line botanical outline on the reverse side. Can anyone tell me if they are from a published work — and if not, can anyone identify the artist? Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society (SJDaSUT UvISAL]LI] WsoTIUsLP — YOOIg [Nedg) eISAR[eY [ITH SJoseiy b “Sty (SjOOSUT UPISAY]LI, JUSOIUsePY — Yoo [Nedg) (POOM SA/\) SHIVNDVADS SNIBIP Jeulsj V ‘7 ‘Bly (s]OasuT UvISAL]LI, JUSOTpIUSePY — YOoIg [nedg) “yoo SUTWIOOYNOJ Aw ut satoads Mou & se paqiosap ‘ds SAPOGIADUY '¢ ‘BIA (sjoasul uvIsAryepy WWoorUsey] — yoorg [ned) (IOUUNIG) SHSOWNAJS SAPOGIUOT ‘\OosSuI- YOUS ofeulay VT “Sty PLATE 97M Volume 56 « August 1997 Fig. 5. A Rhinocerous beetle pictured at Fraser’s Hill (Paul Brock — Magnificent Malaysian insects) Fig. 6. The “Man-faced beetle”, Catacanthus incarnatus (Paul Brock — Magnificent Malaysian insects) (turn the photo upside down to spot the man!) PLATE 97N Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Fig. 7. An overwintering group of Tytthaspis 10-punctata on a gate post at Renhold, near Bedford. Note that the group contains one individual of the rare melanic form of poweri, at the top of the main group, slightly left to centre. Fig. 8..A small part of a large overwintering group of Tytthaspis 10-punctuata on dead grass stems in The King’s Forest, Suffolk. (Both figures — R. Revels & M. Majerus, Grouping behaviour in overwintering. . .) PLATE 970 Volume 56 * August 1997 Fig. 9. The caterpillar known as “Minsendi” on Acacia auriculiformis. (Paul Latham — The edible caterpillar programme, Bas Zaire) Fig. 10. Another caterpillar delicacy — “Kwesu’”. (Paul Latham — The edible caterpillar programme, Bas Zaire) PLATE 97P ae Volume 56 * August 1997 149 The Fridge — A Lepidopterist’s Secret Weapon by A.D. Dillion 56 Oban Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 4]L. Today’s Lepidopterist has many tools at his disposal — butterfly net, camera, breeding cage, setting boards etc, but is he making full use of his fridge? Probably not. Unless, of course, he has already come across the following five techniques which I have gleaned from a number of text books and successfully employed on more :than one occasion. Using cold to produce aberrational forms For at least a century it has been known that temperature plays an important role in the development of a butterfly, and that the seasonal forms of many species are related to the environment in which the early stages develop. Indeed, anyone acquainted with the British Lepidoptera will have encountered the phenomenon of seasonal dimorphism many times, and will be familiar with those species which most readily demonstrate it. For instance the Speckled wood (Parage aegeria), Holly blue (Celastrina argiolus) and various common members of the Pieridae, amongst others. As well as being the prime (although not exclusive) factor behind seasonal dimorphism, temperature can also be used to generate various aberrational forms in our butterfly fauna, and a number of eminent authors have written on this subject. For example, South (1906) reports that forms similar to ab. belisaria Oberthiir (the so called “blind peacock”) were produced by subjecting the pupae of the Peacock Cnachis io) to a very low temperature during a certain period of their development. Similar examples are given by Ford (1945), who discusses the subject in some detail and provides a very good explanation of environmental variation and the various factors at work. In particular, he makes the very relevant point that extremes in temperature affect the various butterfly families differently. Hence cooler weather reduces the production of melanin in the Small white (Pieris rapae, family Pieridae), producing the lighter, less heavily-marked specimens which are characteristic of the spring generation. The exact reverse occurs in the Small tortoiseshell (Ag/ais urticae, family Nymphalidae), where a low temperature tends to increase melanin production resulting in generally darker specimens, and in some cases named varieties. | 150 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe The basic technique is simple and involves subjecting the pupae of your chosen species to a very low temperature at certain periods in their development. A typical experiment would involve subjecting newly-formed pupae (about 12 hours old) to a temperature of 5°C over a period of 30 days or more. Unfortunately, when pupae are placed in this environment some losses do occur, and these can be heavy when the conditions are very extreme. It is important to begin such experiments when the pupae are young — there is apparently little chance of forcing an aberrational form once the wings have started to “colour-up” and emergence is only a few days away. As far as my own experiments are concerned, I regret to say that I have had only modest success on the few occasions that I have attempted to force aberrational forms from captive-bred stock. I have, however, managed to rear two heavily-marked specimens of the Small tortoiseshell which are referable to ab. strigata Raynor. As specimens of this type have been advertised for sale (at £25 each) by a well known dealer, it would appear that a successful application of this technique could prove lucrative as well as instructive for the breeder of Lepidoptera! Using cold to delay emergence Butterflies don’t always hatch from the pupa when most convenient to the Lepidopterist (especially those who work away from home!), and it may occasionally be necessary to delay emergence so that it occurs over a weekend or other scheduled holiday. Timing is clearly important if one wishes to document the act of emergence using photography or drawing, but also for other reasons. In particular, freshly-emerged specimens soon grow restless, and will quickly become damaged as they fly around their enclosures. If they emerge when you are absent, you may return only to find your prized specimens battering themselves remorselessly against the sides of their cage, and in something rather less than Al condition. Needless to say, when perfect specimens are sought for the reference collection this situation should be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, the emergence of a butterfly can usually be delayed by transferring the pupa to an artificially cold environment, for under these conditions the metabolic rate falls and normal development of the pupa proceeds more slowly. By way of example, a pupa which has begun to “colour-up” will normally hatch in two or three days, probably less, but if transferred to a fridge the pupal stage can usually be extended for ae Volume 56 * August 1997 - 151 many weeks. Experience has shown that a delay of this type can be invaluable when seeking to “schedule” emergence of a butterfly, and I therefore regard this technique as a very useful weapon in the armoury of the butterfly breeder. Using cold to preserve live specimens The emergence of a large number of adults on the same day can sometimes present special difficulties for the lepidopterist. For example, imagines which are the result of a long series of experiments may need to be examined individually, before being released or retained as voucher specimens for future reference. While most butterflies will remain fairly quiet if kept in a darkened room, after about 24 hours the urge to find food, mate and/or disperse seems to become dominant, and the insects will become increasingly active within their cages. When many dozens of insects are involved, perhaps contained in only two or three flight cages, it becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to check each specimen before it becomes damaged or worn. In order to prevent this happening, each specimen should be placed inside a pill-box immediately after its wings have dried, say after one or two hours. They should then be transferred to a fridge (still within their containers), where they can be kept alive and in pristine condition for a further 48 hours without any ill effects. The specimens can be removed at any time for examination, and those not required can be released none the worse for their short detention. Using cold to immobilise a specimen When specimens are to be killed this should usually be accomplished as quickly as possible, both for ethical reasons and in order to prevent unnecessary damage to the insect — particularly the wings. This is especially true of specimens destined for the reference collection, since most collectors would prefer to include perfect examples of each species, if at all possible. Unfortunately, when a killing-jar is used a specimen sometimes becomes injured before it has been overcome by the killing agent employed. In order to minimise this risk, a captive insect (contained within a small pill-box) may be placed inside a fridge at around 5°C for at least 15 minutes, before being transferred to the killing-jar. As butterflies are “cold-blooded” creatures, the effect of the cold is to slow down the insect’s metabolism and make rapid, co-ordinated movement much more difficult. As I have used this technique many times in the past I can highly recommend it. 152 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae Using cold as a killing method Distasteful though it is, specimens destined for the reference collection (or required for some other purpose such as dissection, microscopy etc) must be killed before they can be put to their intended purpose. There are, in fact, many ways of doing this, and the traditional methods involving killing jars and “pinching” the thorax of a captured specimen are widely known. However, these methods are not completely satisfactory as rigor mortis soon sets in, and if the specimen is to be set, it must first be relaxed in order to make the wings supple. Relaxing specimens takes time, requires additional equipment and chemicals, which in turn costs money. The question is — is there a better way? Well, there may be. Theory and practice suggests that most butterflies, and presumably moths, are killed relatively quickly if exposed to a temperature of -20°C for any length of time. My own experience indicates that around 30 minutes should be sufficient for most species. The advantage of this method is that, due to the extreme cold, the onset of rigor mortis is delayed and thus the specimen can be set almost immediately if this be desired — no relaxing stage is necessary. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that this method will work well with all species — some variation in temperature and duration of exposure may be necessary in certain cases. Experimentation and accumulated experience will help determine these factors. Moreover, those species which are sometimes difficult to set following the traditional killing methods (ie. the Hesperiidae, hawkmoths, eggars etc) may prove just as awkward after using the freezing technique. Nevertheless, I have had good results with several common species (eg. Small tortoiseshell, Peacock), and in these cases it would appear to be a viable alternative to the popular killing-jar and relaxing box combination. Conclusions I hope that this short paper has provided food for thought, and that other members through their interest in the Lepidoptera will be encouraged to experiment with these techniques, and perhaps refine them further. At the moment I am particularly interested in temperature experiments, and I would welcome amy advice or correspondence from those who have been successful in forcing aberrational forms using methods similar to that outlined in this article. References South, R. (1906). The Butterflies of the British Isles. Frederick Warne & Co., London. Ford, E.B. (1945). Butterflies. Collins, London. ee t - Volume 56 + August 1997 153 Mystery of the 4-fold net unfolds by Leigh Plester (2968) Biofilm Ltd, Ylad-Muuratjdrvi, FIN-41800 Korpilabti, Finland. Jet-lagged and a candidate for a casket, I returned from a four-week sojourn in northern Thailand on 11 January 1997 to face a culture shock of re-entering the EC. Yet again in the tropics I had been obliged to use my unwieldy kite net, only to discover, as I dragged my bags over our frozen threshold, that three AES members had meanwhile written to me giving vital information on the whereabouts of the elusive 4-fold butterfly net. This — may I once again reiterate — most useful means of catching insects on the wing — is obtainable (aver the three staunch musketeers) from Marris House Nets (54 Richmond Park Avenue, Queen’s Park, Bournemouth BH8 9DR. Tel: 01202 515238, Fax: 01202 510303) which specialises in producing nets for entomologists, collectors, research workers, agriculturalists and naturalists. Bob George, who has run Marris House Nets for almost two decades, is a net connoisseur who sells his nets in three parts — it is best to request a catalogue before ordering. DJ. and D. Henshaw of 34 Rounton Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 3AR (Fax and answerphone 01992 717663) also supply Marris House Nets, in addition to a wide variety of other useful entomological paraphernalia. Watkins and Doncaster Ltd — a byword of the older entomologists — also supply a folding spring steel net. Their address is: Four Throws, Hawkhurst, Kent; ask about “Item E671”. I should like to thank members Mike Dawson (9130), R.S. (Bob) George (1402) and C.L. Nissen (7002) for their much appreciated response to my appeal. Meanwhile, in the spirit of my initial plea, as Long John Silver-Y might have said, “Ill "ave one in me ’and afore the snow melts, me mateys, and thankee kindly!” Hornet Observation by Jan Koryszko (6089) On 2nd October 1996, I visited the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. The weather was misty at first but eventually became a dry sunny day. I observed several Speckled woods (Pararge aegeria) and few Red admirals (Vanessa atalanta). Then suddenly a hornet (Vespa crabro) appeared and landed on a tree for a minute before taking off and flying along the path. It was almost thirty years since I had seen this species and it was a rare sight in this area. 154 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Be | Edible Caterpillar Programme, Bas Zaire by Paul Latham Croft Cottage, Forneth, Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 OSW. In 1980 I was involved in starting a small beekeeping trial based at Mbanza Nzunda, in the Bas Zaire region of Zaire (between Kinshasa and the port of Matadi). A youth camp, belonging the the Salvation Army, which was at that time little used, together with surrounding forest, provided a good site for the development of this activity. A succession of Peace Corps volunteers who came to work on the programme demonstrated that beekeeping was a viable activity and, working closely with the local villagers, introduced modified “Top Bar” hives. There are now over one thousand beekeepers involved in the programme, a cooperative has been formed and last season over seven tonnes of honey were produced and sold, mainly in Kinshasa. Because of the aggressiveness of the African bee, Apis mellifera dadansonti, and the need for shade, hives are kept in patches of forest. They are placed at some distance from each other to avoid disturbing bees in neighbouring hives during harvest. A winding path leads to the hive so that bees are less likely to follow the beekeeper back to his village after the hive is inspected or when the honey crop is taken. The areas of forest either already exist or are allowed and encouraged to develop and are carefully protected from felling or fire. Though sometimes hives are placed in exotic tree plantations (eg. Acacia auriculiformis), indigenous forest is preferred, as there is generally insufficient undergrowth present in such exotic plantations for the beekeeper to be able to get away from the hives without being followed by the bees. It is not uncommon to find 10-15 hives occupying an area of forest, and thus, most importantly, providing protection for it. Edible caterpillars are an important traditional source of protein in Bas Zaire (Plate 97P, figs. 9 & 10). In 1961 it was estimated that caterpillars provided 10% of the 48,000 metric tonnes of animal protein produced in Zaire. Malaisse and Parent identified 35 species of caterpillar in Shaba Region. Caterpillars can provide from 13-22gms protein per 114gm serving. Most families in Bas Zaire find it increasingly difficult to get animal protein. Fish and meat is generally too expensive for the majority to be able to buy. Hunting has cleared out most of the larger animals from the countryside, and even many of the smaller animals such as the aulocade (cane rat) too. Even caterpillars have declined in recent years mainly through the loss of Volume 56 * August 1997 155 “Mvinsu” on Petersianthus macrocarpus suitable host plants, by cutting for charcoal or firewood, or through burning of the savanna during the dry season. Over-collection of caterpillars has also resulted in certain species becoming rare in some areas. Building on the success of the existing beekeeping programme the aim of the edible caterpillar programme is to increase the availability of these caterpillars in Bas Zaire. This is being done by: 1. Reintroducing those host plants which have become scarce. Trials to determine the best methods for propagating the host trees of the less common species are being carried out. An initial trial has indicated that a number of species can be successfully propagated by cuttings, seed or wildlings. Working through the 45 village associations already set up by the beekeeping programme, these species will be introduced to farmers for underplanting in cassava to enrich the normal “bush fallow” period that follows the crop. Traditionally some trees, such as Ricinodendron heudelottii used to be planted or preserved in the villages so that when the Mvinsu caterpillars descended to the base of the trunk they belonged to the family who owned the tree. 2 Ov 156 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae Identifying the larvae and moths of the region. At present the following species have been identified but I have the Kicongo names of 40-odd species which are at present known to be edible: Imbrasia dione Fabricius; Bundaea alcinoe Stoll; Cirina forda Westwood; Elaphrodes lactea Gaede and Antheua insignata Gaede. A collection of slides and photographs of the final larval stadium of these is being built up and I am also arranging for many to be reared to pupation in Zaire so that the moths will eventually be photographed or can be available for identification. . Safeguarding those species of moths which are particularly valued. This is being done by establishing suitable areas of forest at villages where the eggs or larvae can be introduced, surveyed and multiplied. Often these areas will already have beehives and will be suitable for those species feeding on the forest flora. However, for the savanna species eg. Cirina forda Westwood, areas will need to be protected with well-maintained fire breaks. Villagers are being encouraged to plant fruit trees in blocks in savanna areas so that the fruit trees are integrated with existing host plants such as Crossopteryx febrifuga. I would be most interested to hear from any member involved with a similar programme or with experience of rearing and identifying the African moths of the following families in particular: Attacidae, Noctuidae, Sphingidae, Arctiidae and Notodontidae. I close with a Kicongo proverb which indicates the enthusiasm with which edible caterpillars are sought in Bas Zaire: Kaba kafurilanga mu nsasa yani kibeni kagetanga va ntota. [The death of the “Kaba” (a species of edible caterpillar) is caused by its own droppings.] In order to find out where the large green caterpillar is feeding one has to find its droppings on the ground underneath. AES ANNUAL EXHIBITION Saturday 4th October 1997 at Kempton Park Racecourse at 1lam Entrance free with Member Pass or Adults £1.50, Children 50p ad Volume 56 + August 1997 157 Co-operation and conflict during the colony-founding stage of Lasius niger by Matthew Gale (9422) Median Lodge, Pipers Yard, Acre End Street, Eynsham, Oxon OX8 IPE. Colonies of Lasius niger are initiated by newly-mated queen ants either singly or in small groups. They over-winter, sustained solely on their fat reserves and their metabolised flight muscles, using this meagre supply of nutrients to produce eggs and feed the first batch of larvae which will become the first worker ants. There are advantages for those queens which congregate to start colonies, since they can pool their resources to produce the first few vital daughters. However, there are risks associated with co-operating with other queens. Whilst multiple queens are common in mature colonies, LZ. niger workers rarely tolerate multiple queens during the early stages of colony foundation; generally killing all but one of the queens present. As drastic and brutal as this may seem to us, there are very good reasons for this slaughter. Many of the interactions within an ant colony are based on what may appear to us as sound economic principles; J. Niger queens are large compared to their daughter workers and one queen is more than capable of producing large quantities of eggs. It therefore makes very little sense for the workers to support more queens than they need to produce more worker ants. So, how do worker ants “decide” which queens to execute? If the workers kill all but one of the queens in a colony founded by multiple queens, there is a possibility that some of them may kill their own mother. It is a common misconception that worker ants are simply slaves for their queen, life in an ant colony is much more complex than this. It is true that worker ants generally give up their reproductive potentials to help their mother raise more daughters; however, this is because they have a vested genetic interest in rearing sisters rather than daughters. All members of order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps) share an unusual mode of sex determination called haplodiploidy. Males are produced from unfertilised (haploid) eggs and therefore pass on their entire genome to their daughters (produced from fertilised, diploid eggs). Therefore, sisters share three-quarters of their genes as opposed to the half they would share with their daughters (Hamilton 1964). Since all organisms are driven to ensure that as much of their Senome is passed on to the next generation, there is a strong evolutionary basis for what falsely appears to be altruistic behaviour 158 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society > exhibited by non-reproductive females. It would therefore be a disastrous mistake for worker ants to commit matricide since their mother is their only opportunity to participate in reproduction and thereby the survival of their genes. All of this poses some interesting questions: 1. Exactly what are the advantages for queens who co-operate in the founding of a colony? If monogyny is the norm in new L. niger colonies (after a number of workers have been produced), then two queens co-operating in colony foundation appear to both face a 50% chance of being killed as the colony progresses. This seems an unnecessary risk since I know from experience of culturing single queens throughout my life, that most do succeed in starting new colonies. 2. How do workers “decide” which queens to eliminate in a multi- queen colony? Is there evidence to suggest that they can recognise their mother? My initial experiment attempted to ascertain the sequence of events which are likely to occur in nature. Ten newly-mated ZL. niger queens were placed in a purpose-built formicarium filled with soil. Within the first 24 hours, the queens had settled into cells which they had excavated themselves; three queens chose to found colonies alone, there were two pairings and one group of three. Over the following months before the first workers eclosed, I observed that the egg piles of the multiple queen groups were not two or three times targer, respectively, than the egg piles of the solitary queens. However, the queens in groups retained plump abdomens, whereas solitary queens experienced some wasting. Although egg piles were initially quite similar in size in all cases, solitary queens eventually ended up with only a few larvae, fewer pupae and only one or two workers. All multi- queen groups fared much better, producing and maintaining more brood throughout and resulting in between four and five workers from their first broods. It would make sense that solitary queens, having a smaller relative pool of resources (nutrients) have to consume a large portion of their brood in order to survive and ensure the survival of at least one offspring. Parenthetically, one solitary queen consumed her entire brood and then started again — putting her months behind the other queens. I had expected conflicts to arise as soon as the first workers from each colony encountered each other on their foraging expeditions. However, inter-colony conflicts did not arise until several weeks later as ae Volume 56 + August 1997 159 the second generation of brood was well underway. Unfortunately, I did not observe the initial stages of aggression, however, the three queen grouping and two of the solitary queens were killed. It is hard to say whether the brood was consumed, and I only observed two dead workers; also found were five queen corpses. Contrary to expectations, it was a pair of queens, rather than the group of three, which produced the largest number of workers, initially, and ultimately, it seems, destroyed all competition within the formicarium. Co-operation in colony-founding queens is obviously advantageous, however, by the time the surviving colony included approximately 20 workers, one of the two queens was discovered dead in the feeding chamber. The workers had obviously made their decision. Co-operation in the form of multi-queen grouping does appear to be a more successful strategy, initially, not only because of the increased success rate in producing the all important first workers to gather food, but also because the colonies which are able to build a workforce quickly can eliminate the intra-species competition in the immediate area. Single founding queens and their broods are more vulnerable to attack by other colonies which appears to explain why the queens would be likely to co-operate. Attempting to show whether or not worker ants can recognise their mother in a group of co-founder queens poses some problems since it would be almost impossible to differentiate the eggs laid by one queen from another. I therefore decided that the most effective method of ascertaining whether Z. niger worker ants can identify their mothers was to set up a control group of five queens, isolated together and allowed to start a colony and also isolate another group of five queens with 25 pupae removed from a mature L. nigercolony. In the latter case it would be imperative that the pupae originate from a colony which could not have been the mother colony from which any of the five queens originated (pupae were removed from a colony almost 100 miles away). Both cultures were maintained in identical conditions, in small petri dishes with access to feeding chambers. After eight days, all of the workers had emerged from the stolen pupae and at this point, three of the five queens were killed. The whole process was fascinating, albeit gruesome and protracted, since it took more than five hours for the workers to kill the queens. The hapless queens were held down by workers grasping their antennae and legs, while other workers tore holes in their abdomens and 160 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ] consummed their internal organs. When these queen ants managed to temporarily break away from their attackers, they tended to attack each other rather than the workers. During the execution process, the two unmolested queens huddled over the brood and received a good deal more attention (grooming and trophlaxis) than was usual. Less than a week later, the fourth queen was found dead. Many months later, I observed a very similar course of events in the control colony, although the slaughter was not so immediate with queens being dispatched individually. The end result was the same, with only one queen surviving. If the workers were able to discern a genetic relationship between themselves and the queens present and remove queens which were not related to (presumably) the majority of the workers, then one would have expected all queens to have been discarded in the test colony since there was no possibility that the workers were related to any of the queens. The similarity between the results of the two colonies suggests that workers use other means to decide which queen to preserve. Sudd and Franks (1987) suggest that multiple queens in a colony might not contribute equally to the production of eggs (and thus workers) and therefore, if workers could discern which queen was most productive, they would be preserving the individual which had produced the largest number of workers present. This is persuasive if one considers that whilst several queens might co-operate in colony foundation, they might also compete with each other for reproductive dominance. Throughout all of my observations of L. niger queens, I have observed subtle forms of interaction which suggest a rudimentary dominance hierarchy. Queens were observed standing above (indeed, on top of) other queens with mantibles gaping and after hours watching these interactions it was possible to recognise that in any given group, there was always one or even two queens who always remained near the egg piles and always acted “aggressively” toward other queens. On two occasions I witnessed a presumably subordinate queen laying an egg, adding it to the egg pile and a dominant queen removing the newly-laid egg and eating it. Wilson (1974) documented that Leptothorax curvispinosus queens recognise their own eggs and will eat the eggs of other queens resulting in different reproductive rates of queens in a colony. Holldobler and Carlin (1985) assert that dominant females are associated with greater egg production and that in some species may also be able to inhibit the reproduction of subordinate queens. Dominance and certainly the inhibition of reproduction are likely to be associated with the ae Volume 56 + August 1997 161 production of pheromones by dominant queens which in turn would be an excellent method for workers to distinguish which queens held dominance and therefore had produced the most eggs. Also, by cheating on her co-founders and consuming some of their eggs, a dominant queen would have the nutritional resources available to be able to maintain the continuous production of her own eggs. It is apparent that the social interactions within ant colonies are complex. Dominance hierarchies, conflicting interests and at the root of it all, a compelling drive to ensure the survival and proliferation of one’s genes effectively dispels any notion of altruism. When individuals in an ant colony co-operate, they do so for selfish reasons and seem to have no qualms about “cheating” if it serves to ensure their survival and the survival of their genes. References Hamilton, W.D. (1964). The genetical evolution of social behaviour I, I. Journal of Theoretical Biology Wig lea2: Holldobler, B. and Carlin, N.F. (1985). Colony founding, queen dominance and oligogyny in the Australian meat ant Iridomyrmex purpureus. Behavioural Ecology and Sociology. 18:45-58. Sudd, J.H. and Franks, N.R. (1987). The Behavioural Ecology of Ants. Blackie & Son Ltd, London. Wilson, E.O. (1974). Aversive behaviour and competition within colonies of the ant Leptothorax curvispinosus. Annual Entomological Society of America 67: 777-780. ee W/a\ -) a we Butterflies on British and Irish Offshore Islands byekoce Denms. and Tim Simeeve, 1996, xi + 131 pages, 11 text figures. ISBN 0 906802 06 7. Gem Publishing Company, Brightwell, Wallingford, Oxfordshire. £16 paperback. Roger Dennis often makes me think of D.H. Lawrence’s short story The man who liked islands, though I am sure he would find more rewarding ways of occupying himself on them than did Lawrence’s character. The island theme has appeared briefly several times in his earlier work, notably chapter one of his The Ecology of Butterflies in 162 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tf Britain (1992); now we have a whole paperback book devoted to a detailed analysis of island butterfly faunas and the factors underlying their origin and establishment, coupled with his collaborator Tim Shreeve’s favourite theme of butterfly mobility. With today’s accent on butterfly study in a European, or global, context, in contrast to the insular attitude which used to prevail among British lepidopterists, perhaps there is a tendency to overlook small islands as insignificant. Apart from Wight with 42 species and Jersey with 36, no British offshore island has more than 30 resident butterfly species and most have many less. Our islands are not the places which first come to mind as “good” for butterflies, in the sense of species- richness or numbers of individuals. Hopefully this book will go some way towards promoting the concept that the butterflies of any site are worth studying and the fact that there are only a few species, and that these few are widespread and in greater abundance elsewhere, does not make them, or their habitat, any less interesting — indeed the -reverse. In common with most of Dennis’s work, the emphasis is on statistics, and the book is not a light read. His earlier work on the islands in the “zoogeography” chapter in his 1977 book The British Butterflies — their Origin and Establishment has been re-evaluated and greatly expanded in the light of further data on variables including island area, isolation, number of species at nearest mainland source (whether Britain or continental Europe), number of plant species, and latitude; the reader is presented with a cladistic analysis of the “linkage distances” of all the resident butterfly species based on the similarities of their incidences on 73 islands, then the authors provide a fascinating table predicting the number of species on a further 139 islands for which no complete surveys are as yet available. Further chapters discuss migration records, the ecological basis for island butterflies and variation of butterflies on islands. The book concludes with a plea for more records of island butterflies. Looking through the list of references — there are 75 from J.W. Heslop Harrison alone, from the period 1937 to 1958 — I get the strong impression that the authors have had to rely far more than they really wanted to on old records and would very much have welcomed more up-to-date ones. Many of the islands are regularly visited by bird- watchers and several have bird observatories; it saddens me that so often naturalists regard butterflies as the poor relation compared to birds. Particularly astounding is the total absence of any butterfly records from Walney, a very well-covered island ornithologically. ae Volume 56 + August 1997 163 The text is well laid out and typographical errors are very few. There are unfortunately one or two such as in the “list of butterflies on British and Irish islands” (pp.87-101) which imply, for instance, that the Irish subspecies of the Holly blue occurs on islands off England, Wales and Scotland. Although the Appendix 2A, giving instructions for future recording of island butterflies, appears to be aimed at members of the general public, the book as a whole is likely to appeal to a more restricted readership. Like most of the authors’ earlier work, it is a book for scientists. Nevertheless, it is a welcome new approach, and I hope it will arouse much interest for further work on our offshore islands. Peter B. Hardy handbook ’ Edited by Anders Nilsson Volume 1, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Heteroptera, Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera, Lepidoptera. A4 pp274 including many full-page line illustrations. ISBN 87-88757-09-9. Apollo Books, Kirkeby Sand, DK-5771 Stenstrup, Denmark 1996. Price DK 400.00 + postage (approx. £50). If ordered with Volume 2, to be published this year, the price for the two is only DK 700.00 This is the first of two volumes, the second will cover the far more extensive Orders of the Odonata and Diptera. By chance as I handled the book it fell open at the page illustrating Nepa cinerea, Ranatra linearis and Notonecta glauca, the three bugs which had so fascinated me in my early days as an entomologist and which induced me to construct my first aquarium in which to keep them. Now “pond- dipping” is an activity still enjoyed by youngsters today and is also an activity often illustrated in natural history books designed to teach the subject to both teachers and their pupils that were published in the late Victorian era up to at least the 1940s. So any book which can help with that activity is to be encouraged. This book, together with Volume 2 to follow, brings together in one source keys to both the early stages and the adults of all Orders of insects which have aquatic representatives, but unfortunately the UK is not really “north Europe” and the keys must be used with caution and 164 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society > preferably in conjunction with one or other of the British keys (scattered over a wide circle of publication, but particularly those published by the Freshwater Biological Association) for while many of the insects recorded in this book are present in the UK others are not or are replaced here by other species. Nevertheless there is an enormous amount of information here not to be found collated together elsewhere on the biology, habitats, ecology and rearing of these creatures. For this information alone the book is worth having. For the “pond-dipper” and would-be rearer of these insects I found the information to be particularly useful and was intrigued by a method new to me of catching Hydrophiliodea beetles, which is to pour water on the banks of the ponds where the vegetation is sparse which causes the beetles resting there to be washed into the pond from whence they then scramble back and can be easily seen and collected. As with many multi-author works the treatment varies somewhat although in some articles this is due to lack of information readily available for another group. In only one case, however, the aquatic weevils, of which there are 19 species alone in the genus Bagous, has it proved not to be possible to construct a key to their larvae. However, it is pointed out that differing species have different host plants and feeding methods and a Table is provided of these from which it should be possible to have a good idea which species is before one. Each chapter deals with either an Order, when species are few, such as the Lepidoptera and Plecoptera, or a Family where there are a large number as in the Coleoptera which have ten chapters devoted to them. The book opens with a general introduction to the aim of the subject and has a table listing the families dealt with giving their colloquial names in the Scandinavian languages and English. My surprise here was to see that the Finns have a name for almost every family while apart from the Heteroptera and Diptera there are English names for all the Orders, but very few family names are differentiated. In spite of the title stating “a taxonomic handbook” there is an enormous amount of information on biology. While the heading and information varies from chapter to chapter, most contain the following: Introduction; lifecycle and phenology; habitats; eggs; nymphs; morphology; trophic relationships; adults; methods of collecting and rearing. Then of course the identification keys, which are done for both nymphs/larvae and adults and are to both families and genera but only taken down to the species level when the comparatively few numbers present permit. This includes all Orders except the Trichoptera and most of the very numerous beetle Families where they are only keyed 3é Volume 56 + August 1997 165 fomeehenamiminally for each chapter there is a_list.of the north European species and of course, references. These are subdivided in most cases under separate headings: Classification; Faunistics; Larvae; Adults; Natural history; Identification. Perhaps it is an indication that theyenavic: Deel very extensively studied, but the 19 species of Gerromorpha have 99 references attributed to them! The book ends with an extensive but perhaps a bit complicated index, as species are given three versions so that one can refer to the page where nymphs, or adults are keyed, or where the name appears in the text or list of Species. The book is very well illustrated with large-scale diagrams, there being over 300 illustrating salient points of some of the beetle families. They are grouped so as to occupy entire pages and in the case of the adult Megaloptera, the adults are differentiated by these diagrams in place of textual keys. One criticism here is to ask if it was really necessary to devote two pages to five very well-known and better illustrated in numerous other books adult Pyralidae. The English is at times somewhat stilted or quaint but perfectly understandable. One peculiarity in this volume is that all the references are printed entirely in Roman type without the usual convention of italic script for the names of insects or of journals. All other books I have seen published by Apollo Books have used the standard italic convention. Brian Gardiner (225) [This review is reprinted by permission of the editor from the April number of the Royal Entomological Society journal The Entomologist. Tortrix moth in Glasgow by Frank McCann (6291) 3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY. Last December I came across a privet hedge which I noticed had some leaves spun together. I collected some of these leaves and when I opened one, the larva inside was identified as being Lepidopteran. I sent the larva to John L. Gregory who identified it as the Tortrix moth, Cacoecimorpha pronubana. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Le To make the diary effective contributions are needed from members. Any relevant items should be sent to the Bulletin Editor. No charge is made for entries. Please allow three months advance notice. SEPTEMBER 10th- 12th 14th 21st Entomology ‘97. University of Newcastle, UK. First National Meeting of the Royal Entomological Society to run concurrently with the Society’s Symposium on Population Ecology. Further information available from: The Registrar, Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW1 5HR, UK. Tel: +44 171 584 8301. Fax: +44 171 581 8505. e-mail: reg@royensoc.demon.co. uk LCES Field Meeting At Whitegate Way (Leaf miners). 11.00am start (but will not be returning to cars for lunch) at Whitegate Station Car Park (SJ 617678). I: Mike Hull Tel: 01928 722274/Bill Hardwick Tel: 01606 594778. Nightwalk at the Thornley Woodlands Centre 7pm — late. A walk in the twilight world when everything in the woods take on new shapes and sounds. You will have the chance to see and hear owls and bats. There will be a mercury vapour moth trap running and there will be a display of specimens previously collected in the Derwent Walk Country Park. All identification guides will be available on the night. Meet: OS Map ref. NZ 178 604. Thornley Woodlands Centre, two miles south of Swalwell roundabout on the A694 Swalwell to Consett road. I: Wayne Clynes. Tel: 01207 545212 (Thornley Woodlands Centre). OCTOBER 4th AES Annual Exhibition Kempton Park Racecourse. 1lam - 5pm. Entrance free to members on production of pass or &!.50 Adults, 50p Children. All AES members are welcometo bring along an exhibit for display during the day. Information on booking trade or exhibit space and all other queries to Wayne Jarvis at usual PO Box address or phone 0976 828142. Published 25th August 1997 by the Amateur Entomologists’ Society (Registered Charity No. 267430), from PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. Midlands Entomological Fair Sunday 7th December 1997 IMPORTANT NOTICE New venue for all future fairs With the closure of the Granby Halls in Leicester, the home of the Midlands Entomological Fair for the last twenty years, a new venue has been selected for all future fairs, commencing with the Christmas Entomological Fair on Sunday 7th December 1997. THE KETTERING LEISURE VILLAGE ARENA is situated on the southern outskirts of Kettering, Northants, on a green site with easy and direct access to the motorway system. It is larger than the Granby Halls and is very new and up-to-date. One single square hall of over 2000 square metres will accommodate all regular visitors and allow for some people on the waiting list to come in as well. The Centre has bars, cafeteria, lounges, swimming, boating and many other facilities, but most important for us, it has round-the-hall parking for many hundreds of cars, with a dedicated area for exhibitors to load and unload. Access from the North: Very direct. Use M1 southbound to Junction 19 then take A14 all the way. Exit Al4 at Junction 8. “Leisure Village” signs to centre a few hundred yards away. Access from the South: Take M1 northbound, exit at Junction 15 direction Northampton. Take Ring Road eastbound, join with A23 to Kettering. Road joins A14 at Junction 8 as above. Access from the West: M5 and M6 motorways join M1 at Junction 19. Then as from North. Access from the East: Use A14 all the way, exit Junction 8. The Fair will open at 10.30 and close at 4.30 and all the regular exhibitors will be in attendance, featuring: Livestock, set and papered specimens, collecting and breeding equipment, books and papers, all kinds of invertebrates, large reptile and amphibian section, affinity groups and conservation societies. ADMISSION: Adults £2 + Children 5-16 £1 * Seniors £1 * Children under 5 years free Any enquiries and table bookings ring Jack Harris 01455 846310 Diary Note: 1998 Fairs — Spring, 22nd March; Christmas, 6th December Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine Caters for articles on all orders of insects and terrestrial arthropods, specialising in the British fauna and groups other than Lepidoptera. Published March, July and November (4 months per issue) Annual subscription £30 ($65). Entomologist’s Gazette An illustrated quarterly, devoted to Palaearctic entomology. It contains articles and notes on the biology, ecology, distribution, taxonomy and systematics of all orders of insects, with a bias towards Lepidoptera. Caters for both the professional and amateur entomologist. Published January, April, July and October. Annual subscription £27 ($60). ji Butterflies on British and Irish Offshore Islands by R.L.H. Dennis and T.G. Shreeve An up-to-date synthesis of butterfly records for 219 of Britain’s and Ireland’s offshore islands, 144 pages complete with bibliography, checklist of species, figures and tables. Two appendices list rare immigrants and provide advice for making observations on the butterflies of islands. Price £16. Postage and packing £1. NEW The Moths and Butterflies of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by F.H.N. Smith (County Species Recorder) The systematic list gives details of localities, dates and provenance for over 1500 species, also noting the status currently assigned by English Nature to the nationally uncommon or endangered species which occur in cormwall. Listed are species gained since the Victoria County History, 1906, and those not since recorded. 480 pages including 152 colour illustrations. Hardback £44 + P&P £2.70 (if ordered by 30 September 1997, post free). Paymenis by cheque or Giro Transfer to account no. 467 6912. For further details GEM PUBLISHING COMPANY please write to: Brightwood, Brightwell, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0QD SPECIAL OFFPRINT AVAILABLE FROM THE BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Notes on the natural history, distribution and identification of British reed beetles by LS. Menzies and M.L. Cox, 26 pages, 2 colour plates, £4 (=P&P 30p, overseas 80p). This important paper, covers all British reed beetles (15 spp Donacia, 4 spp Plateumaris, 2 spp Macroplea). Fully illustrated keys allow accurate identification of these attractive, but sometimes confusing chrysomelids. Full species accounts cover foodplants, distribution, habits and behavioural observations. Sixteen of the species are illustrated in two plates of spectacular colour photographs. Originally published Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1996; 9: 137-162. Send cheque made out to “Brit. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc.” with order to : BENHS Sales Secretary, G. Boyd, 17 Gainsborough Close, Cambridge CB4 ISY. Other special offprints also available: The British species Metzneria, Paltodora . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff & E. Bradford, 6pp, 1 col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1990; 3: 23-28. The British species of Monochroa, Chrysoesthia . . etc (Lep.: Gelechtidae), by P. Sokoloff & E. Bradford, 8pp, 1 col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 36-44. The British Epermeniidae (Lep.) by H.C.J. Godfray and P.H. Sterling plus the British species of Caryocolum (Lep.: Gelechiidae) by P. Huemer, together 20pp, many figs, 1 col. plate, £3.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 141-160. A review of the British Opomyzidae (Diptera) by C.M. Drake, 18pp, many figs, £2.00. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 159-176. Postage and Packing £0.30 (£0.80 overseas) for each of these special offprints. BENHS members are eligible for special reduced prices on these and other Society publications and receive the quarterly British Journal of Entomology and Natural History. For sample copy and Society details write to the Editor, Br.J.Ent.Nat.Hist., 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE. BENHS is a registered charity, number 213149 A VALUABLE REPRINT FROM THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS' SOCIETY PRACTICAL HINTS FOR THE FIELD LEPIDOPTERIST by J.W.Tutt Written in three parts at the turn of the century, this book has been reprinted because it still represents the most comprehensive field guide covering both macro and microlepidoptera. Parts I to III all give a month by month guide to which species and stages to look for and how to find them. Part III also contains an extensive biological account of the early stages and how to keep, rear and describe them. 422 pages, Hardback. (Reprinted 1994). A separate supplement has been prepared which cross-references old to current scientific names and the English names of the species covered. Total price only £21.00. OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE FROM THE A.E.S. INCLUDE Habitat Conservation for Insects - A Neglected Green Issue (Hardback 262 pages, 15 figures + 32 pages colour plates) . . . £12.00 A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figs, 13 plates) . . . . £7.50 A Guide to Moth Traps and their Use (60 pages, 8 plates, 21 figs.). £5.00 Breeding the British Butterflies (60 pages, 6 figures, 5 plates) . . . £3.95 Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (56pages, 9 plates) . £3.95 Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40pp, 11 figs.) . £3.45 An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Gentalia of Lepidoptera (16pp) £2.40 A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (Hardback, 225pp + 32 colour plates showing 74 photographs of larvae and adult moths) . . . £13.95 Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . £2.90 The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp, 10 figs.) . £3.45 Collecting and Studying Dragonflies (24 pages, 12 figs, 2 plates) . £2.40 The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated) . . . . . £8.50 Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages) . . . . . £2.00 Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera (52 pages, 4 colour plates)... . £4.50 A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . 8. 95 Host plants of British Beetles (24 pages). . .°.;. . =. . . .. £2.00 A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, illustrated). . . ee 9.9 Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 fies 17 plates) £5.00 Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates). . . £2.90 Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages, 2 plates) . . . . . £1.85 All the above publications sent post free to U.K. addresses. Outside U.K. please add 10% to order value for postage by surface mail. For postage by air-mail outside Europe please add 30% to order value. Please make all cheques/postal orders payable to 'AES Publications’ and send to: AES Publications, The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, COLCHESTER CO7 7JN. Telephone 01206 251600 THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS' SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1997 Saturday, 4th October 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE, STAINES ROAD, SUNBURY, MIDDX. ACCESSIBILITY: The Racecourse is easy to reach by road and rail, and there is adequate free car parking. The M25 is very near and is linked to Kempton Park by the M3, which is less than a mile away. Sunbury Railway Station with trains from Waterloo, is a short walk away. The site is served by two bus routes, Green Line No. 290, and Red bus No. 216. Both these buses stop right outside. — ADMISSION: Members free on production of pass to be issued with the August Bulletin. PARKING: in the free car parks only. NOT outside the Grandstand. Keep all entrances clear. EXHIBITORS AND DEALERS ONLY will be admitted between 8 am and 11 am. TROLLEYS are not provided and provision should be made for heavy loads. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEALERS are attending. REFRESHMENTS: Full facilities are available. All food and drink to be consumed in the Refreshment Area. SURPLUS MATERIAL: will be welcome for sale on behalf of the Society's funds. ANSORGE BEQUEST: Cash prizes and certificates to Junior Members for exhibits at the Exhibition. LIVESTOCK: It is the duty of both dealers and buyers to ensure that all livestock is kept in containers which are roomy, hygienic and secure against any possible escape. EXHIBITS which show long series of wild-caught, rare or endangered species will not be allowed. ALL ENQUIRIES: The AES, PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG. HOUNSLOW | /KEMPTON: PARK . RACECOURSE & EXHIBITION GENTRE 2 2 m of KEMPTON Y; , park WY ™ Gy AuNGOV) fj Ly typ Wi YY Wf 4,7 “tiffs, yi. Uys 1 OH) fp in fh TEL V). UPPER SUNBURY F Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society CONTENTS B. Gardiner. Life and habits of the clothes moth in relation to the pianoforte -........... 132 P. Brock. Magnificent Malaysian Insects: .._.—-—-----2.<-< shea see sncgecce ones 135 J. Killingbeck. A survey of Roesel’s bush cricket near Spurn, East Yorkshire -............ 137 R. Revels & M. Majerus. Grouping behaviour in overwiniering 16-spot ladybirds (Tylihaspis: 16-prunctatia V2) ic. saan Sn eet ence oe 143 D. McNamara. Noies on relaxing butierilies and moths ...... Pere ere 145 A. Dillon. The fridge - A lepidopierisi’s secret weapon ..........--..------<-----2-2-ese-ne22e--=--- 149 P. Latham. Edible caterpillar programme, Bas Zaire ................2..-.2-:+-s000ee-eeseeeeeeeeenees 154 M. Gale. Co-operation and conflict during colony founding stage of Lasius niger ....... 157 Short Communications J. Koryszko. Small torioiseshell butterfly attracted to glue vapour ..................------------ 134 M. Hey. Camberwell beauty in Suffolk —__.2...3_ 141 J. Martin. A siudy of the biology and behaviour of Odontognophos dumeitaia hibemica living on Rhamunus CathanliGus: —...25.--------<<2- soo sectecee 142 |. Koryszko: A Dragonfly tip... 3 a 147 J. Tennent. Buiierfly paintings - identification requested .....................---.--.-----0-00-== 148 iL Plester. Mystery of the 4-fold net unfolds -............. = ee 153 j. Koryszke.. Homet Observation 5.5. --.-2- 555. nsession 153 F. McCann. Tortrix moth in Glasgow «...-2----..0-3:---5.-- = 165 Ealstortal 5 ee ee ee eee oi es eee 131 Book Review — Butterilies on British and Irish Offshore Islands ..........-..----------<2-------- 161 Aquatic insects of north Europe: a taxonomic handbook .........-..---.-- 163 Dpbaairy Dae «ain soba onceninnsiniicnnpn sobs ees eee eae yee 166 997. The Amateur Entomologists' Society Registered Charity No. 267430 nghts reserved Dp a Dp. > F T:A = aS b> ulletin- »9f the Amateur Entomologists’ Society /olume 56 © Number 414 October 1997 oor CCA] HI OCLC OQOILevV 5 hee Ere ee en pees I eae | DIS vt 7 Ad Se 5 2 % a °. = © = < Founded in 1935 Where to write For all Society business, please write to: AES P.O. Box 8774 London SW7 5ZG Telephone: 0976 828142 Officers of the Society President: | Richard Jones Secretary: Wayne Jarvis Acting Treasurer: Reg Fry Registrar: — Nick Holford Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis General Editor: Mike Bonsall Acting Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke Exhibitions & Meetings Secretary: | Maxwell Barclay Youth Secretary: _ Kieren Pitts ICN Editor: Wants & Exchange: Habitat Conservation Officer: David Lonsdale Caroline Willmot Martin Harvey Subscriptions: _ First subscription (including entrance fee) £14.50, or £9 under 18. Renewals £12.50 or £7 under 18. Overseas members £ Family membership £17.50 (Includes Bulletin and Bug Club). Overseas Family membership £ Subcription due by the 1st January each year. Advertising Rate: The following charges apply to adverts in the body of the Bulletin. Full page £60, Half page £40, Quarter page £25. Insert charges available on request to Advertising Secretary, address as above. NOTICE It is to be distinctly understood that all views, opinions, or theories, expressed in the pages of this Journal are solely those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, financial grants offered or sought, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, the Officers and Council of the Society, nor its Trustees, can be held responsible for any loss, embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon. Worldwide Butterflies. Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4QN. Tel 01935 4 eit Fax 2993740] Six | On € , | Colour | a Catalogue of livestock ~— specimens and ean eas equipment. Please mention AES. 50p in stamps would be greatly appreciated. ALSO on request, Specialist Catalogues of British, European and Exotic set and papered specimens QO: “*Worldlife Registered charity At Compton House, Nr. Shaborne Worldlife has evolved from Worldwide Butterflies. As well as magnificent butterfly displays, conservation organisations are showing what is being done for the environment, and how all can become involved. Situated on A30 Yeovil-Sherborne Road. Open daily Apr-Sep. Tel 01935 74608 Since 1976 . . serving lepidopterists worldwide TRANSWORLD BEE BUTTERFLY CO. Tip any 7 V'X6):| ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATED BUTTERFLY CATALOGUE Hunareds of butterflies from South America, Africa, Australia and the Far East. Many of our 18 NORTH ROAD specimens are ex-pupae or ranched. Specialists in Papilionidae, Morphidae and Brassolidae. CARDIFF Our catalogue includes many hard-to-find species like female Morpho rhetenor, female Morpho adonis, female Morpho anaxibia, female Morpho vitrea, female Morpho insuralis, female Morpho godarti, Morpho titei, female Papilio scamander, Papilio antimachus, female Papilio plagiatus and female Papilio hesperus! CF1 3DY For Scientific and Technical information on Bees (Apoidea) especially Honeybees (ApisSP). Request our free Catalogue today! Please write to the above address for details of publications and membership. A specimen copy of “Bee World” is obtainable for SOp. TRANSWORLD BUTTERFLY COMPANY APARTADO 6951 - SAN JOSE COSTA RICA TEL: 506-228-4768 FAX: 506-228-1573 SPECIAL OF FPRINT AVAILABLE FROM THE BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Notes on the natural history, distribution and identification of British reed beetles by LS. Menzies and M.L. Cox, 26 pages, 2 colour plates, £4 (=P&P 30p, overseas 80p). This important paper, covers all British reed beetles (15 spp Donacia, 4 spp Plateumaris, 2 spp Macroplea). Fully illustrated keys allow accurate identification of these attractive, but sometimes confusing chrysomelids. Full species accounts cover foodplants, distribution, habits and behavioural observations. Sixteen of the species are illustrated in two plates of spectacular colour photographs. Originally published Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1996; 9: 137-162. Send cheque made out to “Brit. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc.” with order to : BENHS Sales Secretary, G. Boyd, 17 Gainsborough Close, Cambridge CB4 ISY. Other special offprints also available: ¢ The British species Metzneria, Paltodora . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff & E. Bradford, 6pp, 1 col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1990; 3: 23-28. ¢ The British species of Monochroa, Chrysoesthia . . etc (Lep.: Gelechiidae), by P. Sokoloff & E. Bradford, 8pp, | col. plate, £2.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 36-44. ¢ The British Epermeniidae (Lep.) by H.C.J. Godfray and P.H. Sterling plus the British species of Caryocolum (Lep.: Gelechiidae) by P. Huemer, together 20pp, many figs, | col. plate, £3.50. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 141-160. e A review of the British Opomyzidae (Diptera) by C.M. Drake, 18pp, many figs, £2.00. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: 159-176. Postage and Packing £0.30 (£0.80 overseas) for each of these special offprints. BENHS members are eligible for special reduced prices on these and other Society publications and receive the quarterly British Journal of Entomology and Natural History. For sample copy and Society details write to the Editor, Br.J.Ent.Nat.Hist., 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE1I5 3DE. BENHS is a registered charity, number 213149 MOTH TRAPPING HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE COME AND EXPLORE THE MOTHS OF THE TARN REGION OF SOUTH-WEST FRANCE WITH OUR EXPERT GUIDES We are now inviting bookings for our 1998 Moth Trapping Holidays The Tarn region of south-west France lies north-east of Toulouse and has a_ limestone geology. In some areas the hills are covered in the natural oak-dominated woodland of the Forét de Gresigné; elsewhere there are exposed limestone grasslands, flower-rich valley meadows, garrigue slopes, river valleys and a whole lot more. We are running two specialist moth-trapping holidays in the region during 1998. Some moth-traps will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own traps and generators if you have them to increase the catching potential. Weather permitting, we will be trapping a different habitat each night. After a late breakfast, daytime may be spent setting the catch or taking part in optional trips out to look at day-flying moths, butterflies and other things of general interest. The moths here are many and varied and include a number of French specialities as well as a great many of the rarest British species - most of which are quite common here. Groups are limited to six people (eight in exceptional circumstances such as family groups, school parties, etc.). Your hosts are Brenda and Michael Marney who have lived in the Tarn since 1983 and are accomplished experts on the region’s wildlife. Your leader will be Colin Plant. The house is 17 kilometres from Gaillac, set in a quiet valley surrounded by forest-covered hills, part of which are owned by Brenda and Michael along with an area of limestone meadow that has over 180 species of plants so far recorded. The package includes leisurely late breakfasts, picnic lunches and four-course evening meals with wine. Smokers and non-smokers accommodated. No knowledge of the French language is necessary. To request our 1998 booking form and further details, please write to us, without obligation, at Tarn Moth Holidays BAE, 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 3QP or fax us your address on 01279 507697 or e-mail us at 101621.165!@compuserve.com Value S WATCH OveR rust ESSEX SUPPORTER PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA. Tel: (01277) 224610 Fax: (01277) 262815 The cover of this issue of the Bulletin features a male Orange tip, Anthocharis cardamines. Qctober Tye KAR ARK Photo: lan MacFadyen. ty Volume 56 ¢ Number 414 October 1997 Editorial The 1997 Exhibition at Kempton Park racecourse proved to be highly successful. The “new-look” venue was warmly received by all, despite still not having been fully finished, and despite a few problems, notably the non-existence of a tannoy system, the day ran smoothly. We are looking forward to next year, when we are promised a better venue still (at an increased price of course!). Thanks are due to all concerned with the organisation, setting up and breaking down of the event and to those who exhibited and traded at the show. Ona totally different matter, you should find a subscription renewal form along with this issue of the Bulletin. We have been forced to increase subscriptions for 1998 to £12.50 for Ordinary members and 47 for Juniors mainly due to the increasing costs of printing and posting our journals to members. We are currently subsidising all members by continuing to publish six issues of the Bulletin a year by around &2, and as we are a Registered Charity we are committed to manage our finances on a sound basis. There were alternatives to increasing the subscription rates, notably, reducing the number of issues to four per year or by taking all colour from the publication. Council decided (and in my opinion wisely) to continue to produce six issues in a similar format. One way to maintain (or reduce) subscriptions of course is to increase membership, which we are starting to achieve, but we still need members’ help. We can not afford to spend too much money on man = f. rufa trail; O = standard oak; C = standard sweet chestnut; B = birch. ae Volume 56 ° October 1997 195 Each individual ant was placed, in turn, onto a piece of foam on a microscope slide, in a petri dish containing a small amount of 70% alcohol to keep them moist, as shown in Fig. 2. This was placed under a binocular microscope with a graduated eyepiece and x5 lens, so that the head of the ant was covered by almost all of the graticule, thus Petri dish Slide Ant specimen Foam 70% alcohol Fig. 2. Diagrams to show how head width measurements were made. making the measurement as accurate as possible. The head of each ant was positioned such that the maximum head width (from eye to eye) could be measured (Fig. 3). These measurements were then calibrated, using a graduated slide, to give the head width in millimetres. Two of the samples of fifty ants were chosen at random and re-measured to ensure measurements were reliable. Analysis When all the measurements had been made, the mean, standard deviation and variance were calculated for each sample of fifty ants. T- tests determined any significant differences between the head widths of ants in the sample measured twice. Any significant difference between the sizes of ants collected from the same tree at (a) different times of the day ie morning and afternoon and (b) the same time but on different days, was calculated using t-tests on pairs of samples (n=50). 196 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society be Eyepiece graticule 1mm Fig. 3. Drawing to show the position of maximum head width, as seen through a microscope. When there was found to be no significant difference between these variables, the results of all four samples of ants collected from each individual tree were combined. Any significant difference between sizes of ants collected from (a) different tree species at similar distances from a nest and (b) the same tree species at different distances from a nest, was calculated using t-tests on pairs of samples (n=200). It was not possible to test the results using an analysis of variance to find out if ant size variation was due to tree species or distance of the trees from a nest, because not enough trees were studied. For example, data was obtained from two sweet chestnut trees: one was 3.8 metres from a nest, and the other was 13 metres from a nest. Only one birch tree had been studied, four metres from a nest and although four oak trees had been studied, none was approximately four metres from a nest. This was unfortunate, but it was simply not possible to find different species of trees at the same distances from a nest being foraged by ants. ae Volume 56 ° October 1997 197 Results Table 1. Mean head width (mm) + S.D. of samples of F. rufa re-measured to test for accuracy (n=50). Trail length Tree (mm) Nest Measure 1 Measure 2 | Chestnut 13 1.42+0.13 1.44+0.14 t=0.53; d.f.=98; P>0.05 Oak 45 1.66+0.13 1.68+0.13 t=0.55; d.f.=98; P>0.05 Table 1 shows the mean head widths of two samples of fifty ants, which were picked randomly and re-measured to ensure accuracy of measurements. The measurements were not significantly different at the 5% level. Table 2. Mean head width (mm) + S.D. of samples of F. rufa collected from foraged trees, (n=50, except * where n=100). Day 1 Day 2 Trail length a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Tree (m) Nest Mean S.D. Mean S.D. Mean S.D. Mean S.D. Birch : AAO nOM4S = 1eSS ; 140201689 1-377. Chestnut We) O12) 335), 1.39 0.16 1.33 Chestnut 1.44 0.13 1.39 ; LAN - O15 ley Oak IS ONA i.) O; Sy) 0, 1.60 Oak 1.54 0.14* 1.52 | Oak 1.67 0.185 1:69 Oak 167, 0:12 aeEOS (N.B. Day 1 and Day 2 are not the same for each tree species.) 198 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society pe (a) (b) 16 16 12 12 8 8 4 4 L = — 0 0 Oo 1.0 5 Wa 1.4 1.6 1.8 1.0 i? 1.4 1.6 1.8 D O = (c) = TxH6 12 8 4 0 Head width (mm) Fig. 4. Distribution of head widths of ants foraging sweet chestnut, 3.8m from nest four, (a) Day 1, am; (b) Day 1, pm; (c) Day 2, am; (d) Day 2, pm. Table 3. Volume 56 ° October 1997 199 Comparison of mean head widths (mm) of F. rufa collected from foraged trees at different times of the day and on two different days (n=50, except * where n=100). Birch 4m from nest 5 Sweet chestnut 3.8m from nest 4 Sweet chestnut 13m from nest 1 Oak 15m from nest 2 Oak 20m from nest 2 Oak 41m from nest 3 Oak 45m from nest 3 Day 1 Time Mean S.D. am 140°” O14 pam wlk3S8 50:16 t=0.92; d.f.=98; P>0.05 aime 1.46 “O13 pre 3555 0114 t=1.10; d.f.=98; P>0.05 a.m. WA4S 20413 xan earleS 9 Sa 04 t=1.89; d.f.=98; P>0.05 Amie Ol: SarOnI4 pane 16sue "01S t=0.81; d.f.=98; P>0.05 Aram... 1.547. 0.14 Dado: © ¥ilasyjae oO RITE) t=0.73; d.f.=198; P>0.05 aie IkOy, OLIS p.m. 1.69 0.14 t=0.68; d.f.=98; P>0.05 a.m. LOK OM pnt op. 014 t=0.62; d.f.=98; P>0.05 Day 2 Mean S:D.: 1.40 0.16 t=0.24; 137 0.13 t=0.07; t=0.80; d.f.=98; P>0.05 1.39 0.16 t=1.08; 1533 0.13 t=0.18; t=1.94; d.f.=98; P>0.05 1.41 0.15 t=1.05; 1.42 OS hs t=124 t=0.43, d.f.=98; P>0.05 1.59 0.16 t=0.37; 1.60 0.15 t=0.83; t=0.33; d.f.=98; P>0.05 1.70 0.12 t=1.13; 1.65 0.16 t=1.34; t=1.87; d.f.=98; P>0.05 1.66 0.13 t=0.08: 1.67 0.14 t=0.77; t=0.26; d.f.=98; P>0.05 (N.B. Day 1 and Day 2 were not the same for each tree species.) P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 P>0.05 The results of the t-tests, calculated to show any significant differences between mean head width measurements of ants collected from the same tree at (a) different times of the day (a.m. and p.m.) and (b) the same time but on different days, are shown in Table 3. These results show that there was no significant difference in mean head width, either at different times of the day, or at the same time but on different days, of the ants collected from any of the tree species. It was, therefore, possible to combine the results of all four samples of ants collected from each individual tree (Table 4). 200 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society eg Table 4. Mean head width (mm) + S.D. of F. rufa from foraged trees (n=200). Trail length (m) Mean Birch Chestnut Chestnut Oak Oak Oak Oak From Table 4 it would appear that, in general, ants increased in mean size the further the foraged trees were from their nest. Table 5 shows the results of t-tests on selected pairs of results. Table 5. Comparison of mean head widths (mm) of F. rufa collected from different tree species and at different distances from a nest (n=400). Tree dee (trail length) 1D (trail length) Mean Birch (4.0m) ; Chestnut (3.8m) 1.35 2.48; d.f.=398; P<0.05 Oak (15m) : : Chestnut (13m) 1.42 t=13.25; d.f.=398; P<0.01 Oak (15m) 0.16 Oak (20m) 1.53 t=5.31; d.f.=398; P<0.01 Oak (41m) 0.15 Oak (45m) t=0.85; d.f.=398; P>0.05 Chestnut (13m) ; 0.14 Chestnut (3.8m) t=4.72: d.f.=398; P<0.01 Birch (41m) i 0.15 Oak (15m) t=4.31: d.f.=398: P<0.01 Oak (45m) : 0.13 Oak (15m) t=3.77; d.f.=398; P<0.01 Oak (41m) . 0.15 Oak (20m) t=9.87: d.f.=398: P<0.01 Oak (45m) 0.13 Oak (20m) t=9.76; d.f.=398; P<0.01 Oak (20m) Se 0.13 Birch (4.0m) t=10.18: d.f.=398: P<0.01 3¢ Volume 56 ¢ October 1997 201 The only trees with no significant difference between the mean sizes of ants foraging them were the two oak trees associated with nest three. These were the only two trees, of the same species, at similar distances from a nest and being foraged by ants from the same nest and, consequently, it would be expected that the ants on these trees would not be of different sizes. These ants also had the largest mean head width of all those collected and had the furthest Gistamcestoncover (41 and 45 metres) to the trees they) were foraging, suggesting that larger ants forage further from the nest. This is further supported by the fact that ants collected from the other oak trees (15 and 20 metres from their nests) had significantly smaller mean head widths than those of nest three. The differing distribution of head widths of ants from these trees can be seen in Fig. 7. Also, the ants that foraged the sweet chestnut, 13 metres from nest one, had significantly bigger mean head widths than those that foraged the sweet chestnut 3.8 metres from nest four (Fig. 6b and c). It would appear, though, that ant size was not purely governed by distance of trees from a nest. Comparisons between the mean head widths of ants from oak and sweet chestnut, at similar distamees, fromma, nest (15. metres and 13 metres respectively); showed that the ants collected from the oak tree, had significantly larger mean head widths than those from the sweet chestnut (Figs. 7a and 6c). Ants collected from the birch tree, four metres from nest five, also had significantly larger mean head widths than those from the sweet chestnut, 3.8 metres from nest four, even though the trees were at very similar distances from a nest (Figs. 6a and 6b). This suggests that ant size is also affected by tree species. However, ants that foraged the oak, 20 metres from nest five, are significantly smaller than those that foraged the oak, 15 metres from nest two. This cannot be accounted for, either by distance of the trees from the nest, since from the other results it would be expected that the larger ants would be found on the furthest tree from the nest, nor by a difference in tree species. Figure 7 shows that the distribution of the ant head widths on all the oak trees are slightly skewed to the right, with the majority of ants being large. Figure 6a and 6b shows that on the sweet chestnut and birch trees, around four metres from a nest, distribution of ant heads widths is very slightly skewed to the left, with the majority of ants being small. 202 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Le] 70 (a) 60 50 40 30 20 L = 10 a) — oO -cosceedacesaeoesltenaesee ocean nese eaten ee 167 Book Review — Photographic Catalogue of the Genus CarabusS ...........:c.ssessseeseeeeeeeees 180 Video Review — A Beginner’s Guide to Setting and Mounting Butterflies ..............++-++ 183 Diary Date ...........iccscccsancccccenetacscchneoasoccncenseee suseneeeauceesinaete penn ets saaste essen ea aa aie 179 © 1997. The Amateur Entomologists' Society. (Registered Charity No. 267430) All rights reserved. Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA. OE ee a ee Bulletir December 1997 iTS Gs ca ae a meet see eit a Fe SL Pete Sa he FU ete rege ay pees xe 4 SZ S ° c > SJ ss a 7 <= = >) = ~< Founded in 1935 Where to write For all Society business, please write to: AES PO. Box 8774 London SW7 5ZG Telephone: 0976 828142 Officers of the Society President: — Richard Jones Secretary: Wayne Jarvis Acting Treasurer: Reg Fry Registrar: — Nick Holford Bulletin Editor: Wayne Jarvis * General Editor: | Mike Bonsall Acting Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke Exhibitions & Meetings Secretary: Maxwell Barclay Youth Secretary: — Kieren Pitts David Lonsdale Caroline Willmot ICN Editor: Wants & Exchange: Habitat Conservation Officer: | Martin Harvey First subscription (including entrance fee) £14.50, or £9 under 18. Renewals £12.50 or £7 under 18. Overseas members £ Family membership £17.50 (Includes Bulletin and Bug Club). Overseas Family membership £ Subcription due by the 1st January each year. Subscriptions: Advertising Rate: The following charges apply to adverts in the body of the Bulletin. Full page £60, Half page £40, Quarter page £25. Insert charges available on request to Advertising Secretary, address as above. NOTICE It is to be distinctly understood that all views, opinions, or theories, expressed in the pages of this Journal are solely those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, financial grants offered or sought, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, the Officers and Council of the Society, nor its Trustees, can be held responsible for any loss, embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon. Worldwide Butterflies Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4QN. Tel 01935 74608 Fax 29937 Colour Catalogue of livestock specimens and equipment. Please mention AES. 50p in stamps would be greatly appreciated. ALSO on request, Specialist Catalogues of British, European and Exotic set and papered specimens “' Worldlife Registered charity At Compton House, Nr. sncebornd: Worldlife has evolved from Worldwide Butterflies. As well as magnificent butterfly displays, conservation organisations are showing what “is being done for the environment, and how all can become involved. Situated on A30 Yeovil-Sherborne Road. Open daily Apr-Sep. Tel 01935 74608 Fitzgerald Publishing Arachnological Publisher and Bookseller PO Box 804, London SE13 5JF, England. The Tarantula — by Prof. W.J. Baerg. One of the great spider books of all time. A classic study of the behaviour of the tarantula, ranging from the USA to Mexico and Central America. Hardback. Price £10. Tarantulas of the USA and Mexico — by Andrew M. Smith. An awesome study of the tarantulas of North America, with over 1200 photographs, drawings and maps. Includes GUA on Native American folklore and behaviour. Hardback. Price £30. Our Price £25. Baboon Spiders of the Middle East and Africa — Andrew M. Smith. An absolute must for African tarantula enthusiasts. 1000 drawings, maps and photographs. Only 60 copies left. Paperback. Price £25. The Book of the Spider — by Paul Hillyard. Written by the curator of the spider collection at the British Museum of Natural History — this book is an absolute must for those people who are fascinated by arachnids. Once opened, you will not be able to put it down. Hardback. Price £17. Our Price £12. Tarantulas and other Arachnids — by Dr Samuel Marshall. Described, by the editor of the American Tarantula Society “as the best how to keep to date”. It is very good. Paperback. USA import. Price £6.50. Natural History of Spiders — by Preston-Mafham. A very impressive, large scale, colour publication of the world of the spider. Price £17. Spiders — by Michael Chinery. An excellent introduction to the spider, by the renowned entomologist Chinery — author of the classic Collins guide, /nsects of Britain and W. Europe. Hardback. Price £9. Keeping and Breeding Tarantulas — by Ron Baxter. A Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, Baxter is widely viewed as Britain’s foremost breeder of tarantula spiders. A worthy book, plus excellent colour photographs. Paperback. Price £9.50. Tarantulas — Keeping and Breeding Arachnids — By Kathleen and John Hancock. A good, very informative guide to the keeping of tarantulas and tropical spiders. Invaluable for the serious enthusiast. Price £10. VIDEOS Desert Tarantulas — Written by Andrew M. Smith. ISVN. FAP 1. — A new natural history video, filmed entirely in the badlands of western Arizona — which includes entirely original and exciting macro and location footage, of these fascinating spiders in their desert environment. Peter Kirk of the BTS said, “It is a slick, professionally produced production with superb narration and an atmospheric soundtrack. A credit to all concerned.” 30 minutes. Price £10. Tarantulas, Set up and Care Video — by Bryant Capiz. Length 30 minutes. Filmed in the USA, this was the first video on how to keep tarantulas, breeding, spiderlings and common species. “Long awaited and worthwhile video. Buy it, I recommend it.” Ann Webb, BTS Journal. Price £10. A Novices Guide to Keeping Tarantulas — Written/narrated by Keith Stiff. Directed by Geoff Knight, Length 40 minutes. “This video must be recommended to the tarantula keeper. It is well filmed and will encourage the best ways to care for tarantula spiders.” Price £12. Trade Terms. Please write out all cheques to Fitzgerald Publishing and send with order to Fitzgerald Publishing, P.O. Box 804, London SE13 5JF, England. Postage included in price. Ty Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year from all at 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA Telephone: 01277 224610 Fax: 01277 262815 E-Mail: CravitzPtg@compuserve.com sForum Dipterists Forum was established in 1993 to foster understanding, appreciation and conservation of British two-winged flies. There are nearly 300 members ranging from well- known experts to beginners and one of the aims of the Forum is to encourage as many people as possible to study this important, varied and fascinating group of insects. There are many gaps in our knowledge waiting to be filled by amateur and professional enthusiasts. Anyone can make a useful contribution. Benefits of membership include: Field meetings & workshops Twice yearly bulletin Journal — Dipterists Digest Expert help and advice For further details write to our membership secretary A. Howe, Ger-y-Parc, Tynygonyl, Benllech, Gwynedd LL74 8NS. RESEARCH ASSOCIATION 18 NORTH ROAD CARDIFF CF1 3DY For Scientific and Technical information on Bees (Apoidea) especially Honeybees (ApisSP). Please write to the above address for details of publications and membership. A specimen copy of “Bee World” is obtainable for SOp. E.W. CLASSEY LTD KS BY MAIL SINCE 1949 m7 i | © © - C G) © a r 109] ©) O A PamIornan carnnot_ron ann Nev AA Le + AnvQuanan, Second-hand and NEW DOOKS —~ - += nNoacial otearc an =n reamrnmin ‘ee a nowe * opecial Oners and to = G DOOK News Booksearch service Dp easace cann Arir Vani ot * YWUUAOS v OCI ViVS. F toaoo otill yuu Waillilo = — - : - : aniler froca catalin ae and cnecisiic: licte * meguial iree CatalOoQGues and SPeciailSi liSts Books Raich * — Yew Oo weey Val iahininc * YamMUauvils Oxford House, Marlborough Street. Faringdon, = R<9e07 90447702 = 49007 2n0 ic 4 Z —> G £48 ici. Uivoo Ce fF UU Fax. 01367 244 VU -_ = = o - = ER a Re ee Se ee yaa my Ba ee VU Faenngcon Snoop Nas a lame SiOcKk Or ENiOMOIOGICal & Naira! miStOry DOOKS and p is SPECIAL OFFPRINT AVAILABLE FROM THE BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY by ES ova, 17 Gamsboroush Close, Cambndse CB4 ISY-. BENHS members are eligible for special reduced prices on these and other Society publications and receive the quarterly British Journal of Entomology and Natura History. For sample copy and Society details wnie to the Editor. BrJ-Ent_Nat-Hist... 13 mee LL Volume 56 ¢ Number 415 December 1997 From the Registrar Data Protection Act In order to fulfil the requirements of this act I must advise members of the details held on computer database and the use made of them. Currently the information we hold comprises — name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, interests, payments made, and membership category. Additional information is held regarding mailing details. If any member objects to these details being held, would they please get in touch with me. The information is used for the following purposes: @ To prepare mailing labels for the Bulletin and Bug Club Newsletter and labels for other mailings as required. @ For the preparation of statistics for use by the Council. @® The publication of Membership Lists. These will only include details of name, address and interests. Please note that telephone numbers and e-mail address are ONLY passed on to Council and Committee members when a specific request is made. Such details are not passed to other members. Individual members may request specific lists, such as names and addresses of members in a specific area, with or without interests included. A minimum charge of 41.50 is made to cover the additional costs of stationery and postage involved. Change of address The mailing labels are produced a month in advance in order to notify the printer how many of each publication needs to be printed and to allow sufficient time for the envelopes to be prepared. This can mean that if I am notified of the change of address AFTER the mailing labels are produced, then it will go to the previous address. It is therefore in members’ interests to notify me as to the new address, and the date for which it becomes effective, as soon as possible after the member know it. Members may notify me directly to my home address, 212 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Be if they wish — 5 Conifers Close, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QH. In notifying change of address, please be certain to include your membership number, which is printed after the name on the mailing label. This makes finding the record much easier. First names I am trying to make communications more personal by using first names. This is already done for the Bug Club. Please try to remember to write it onto the renewal slip before sending it in. Payment by cheque When paying by cheque, if the member’s family name is different from that on the cheque, please write the member’s name on the back as this helps considerably when checking that payments have been entered correctly. It would be helpful if the membership number was written on the back as a matter of course. Please do not staple cheques to the form, these require a considerable amount of time to remove, and when dealing with about 1400 cheques in the space of two months, any saving in times is a great boon! Thank you. Nick Holford NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS Subscriptions are now due for 1998. Please send your renewel notice (distributed in the October Bulletin) to the Registrar as soon as possible. ee —E ad Volume 56 » December 1997 213 Eating habits of the Indian stick-insect by Anastasia Korycinska (9577) 17 Pitcullen Terrace, Perth, Scotland PH2 7EQ. The Indian stick-insect, Carausius morosus, has two recommended foodplants: privet and ivy. Bramble is an all-purpose stick-insect food, which made a third plant for this study. All three species of plant were kept in water, one species per jar, and all touched each other. The plants also all touched the lid and sides of the tank. This was to ensure the insects could move easily from one plant to the next. As a control, the position of the three plants was changed every twelve days to make sure some other factor, like light levels, was not affecting the insect’s choice. The Indian stick-insect is nocturnal, so to record the eating habits and not the resting habits of the insects they were left for at least half-an- hour in the dark before the survey. The numbers of insects on each plant was found by lifting each foodplant out and carefully examining it, then looking at the tank for any insects on it. For the purposes of this study, “tank” means any place other than the leaves or the stem of a foodplant. All the insects used were nymphs, and as they continued to hatch throughout the survey period, the total number of insects changed from six at the start to seventeen at the end of the 36-day survey. This clearly affects the accuracy of the results, as there is a much larger sample of insects at the end. This means their choices as a group will be more valid than the choices of the six at the start. For the time when the jars were in the first position (see figure 1) there was an average of eight nymphs. In the second position, there was an average of eleven nymphs, while in the third position there was an average of fifteen. Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Bramble Wi Daylight SS Daylight | Bramble | Daylight Bramble Fig. 1. Positions of foodplants. Tank 30 x 20 x 20cm. Peat base (with eggs). 214 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae To make the results more comparable, the average number of insects for each species of plant in each position was calculated, then the percentages worked out and rounded off. rstion | sever | smote] rey | tank ‘ : i | Table 1. The percentage of insects on each foodplant. It can be seen immediately that bramble is chosen with about four times the frequency of the next most popular plant, ivy. Privet is the least popular plant of all, as more insects, on average, chose to rest on the tank than eat (or even rest) on it! Some of the insects, at least did move from plant to plant. Individuals that could be distinguished by missing limbs were regularly found on different plants. If these were representative of the rest, most of the insects would have been eating all three of the plants on offer. The position of the foodplants does not seem to have an obvious effect on the numbers of insects feeding on a plant. For example, ivy was least popular when it was in the same position that privet was most chosen, or the position in which privet was least chosen was also the position in which both ivy and bramble had the most insects, on average. The bramble does not appear to have any short-term ill effects either, as none of the nymphs have died so far. No ill effects seem to occur from this diet in the long term, as the founder of the colony, given in mistake, was reared entirely on brambles until an adult. The strong preference for bramble shown by this population of nymphs might be due to toxins present in both the ivy and the privet, making them more unpalatable. In the predator-free tank there is no advantage for the insects to eat plants whose toxins would make a predator more wary of eating the insect after a few tries. ¢ Volume 56 »* December 1997 215 Another reason might be that the larger leaves of the bramble provide the insects, particularly the larger, older ones with more shelter and protection from non-existent weather and/or predators. As there is a strong grouping instinct in them, many of the younger nymphs would join the groups of larger insects, and most of them might just have fed on whichever plant they were on. Whatever the reasons, it would seem that privet, the traditional food of the Indiain stick-insect, is the one that this sample liked least. This is maybe something that other owners might like to bear in mind. Relaxing insects by Graham Best (7928) 12 Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS12 4]H. I am sure the method for relaxing insects as described by Don McNamara is most effective but I am unaware of the mould preventative activities of paradichlorbenzine. I always understood that this is normally employed as a mite deterrent. It is now considered to be carcinogenic and old store boxes impregnated with it should be opened in a well ventilated atmosphere to let the initial concentration diminish. Thymol has been used in this role in the past but I have found that a substance called Biphenyl (also called Diphenyl) may be more effective. I believe that the wrappers in which oranges were imported were impregnated with it to deter mould and was also used in artificial agar based foods for laboratory reared larvae for the same purpose. I have used it dissolved in Industrial Spirit to very effectively kill off mould in set specimens by dipping them in it. As this contains no water the insect does not become relaxed. Biphenyl was supplied to the laboratory in which I worked by Hopkins and Williams, Chadwell Heath, Essex and according to the label was supplied solely by them. As this was in the 1970s I cannot say if it is still available or if they continue to trade under this name. 216 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society | Dining with death by Chris Rawlings (9810) 81 Penn Lea Road, Weston, Bath BA1 3RQ. I have two large greenhouses in which I grow my collection of insectivorous plants. In one, I grow mainly pitcher plants (Sarracenia). Pitcher plants have tube-like leaves with a hood at the top to keep out the rain. Inside the tube the surface is very slippery with downward pointing hairs to direct its victims to the base of the tube where the digestive glands secrete enzymes which break down the soft parts of the insect to be absorbed into the plant. On the hood and around the rim of the tube is a nectar which attracts insects, with the greatest supply being just inside the tube. Once a fly loses its footing and falls inside the tube there is no escape. These greenhouses are regularly