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Founded in 1935

The AES ¢ BO. Box 8774 ¢ London * SW7 5ZG

http://www.theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

Officers of the Society
President: Paul Brock
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: Reg Fry
Registrar: Nick Holford
Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis
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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

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Tel 01935 474608 Fax 01935 429937
“NebSite www.wwb.co.uk /

BUTTERFLIE

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To enable you to choose the Ce. Oe a: Meas 8
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that best suits your needs

at a competitive price! We are running two courses of interest to all

keen Entomologists and their families.

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£10.00 including lunch and refreshments or
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This will include moth trapping and
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entomologist at the Natural History Museum,
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Do you want to cuddle a Cockroach, stroke a Stick Insect or hug a Harvestman?

The AES Bug Club is for young people or the “young at heart” who find insects
and other creepy crawlies interesting and even fascinating.

As the junior section of the AES we are devoted to promoting invertebrates to
the younger generation who, afterall, will be the entomologists of tomorrow!
You can help us in a number of ways, for example: by joining the Bug Club
yourself, getting someone else to join the Bug Club, promoting the Bug Club
and AES to your local school/Scout or Guide Group etc, running a Bug Club
event or writing an article for our exciting newsletter. If you can do anything to
help then please write to us: AES Bug Club, PO Box 8774, London, SW7 5ZG.
Membership details can be found in the front of this Bulletin. ad

The cover of the Bulletin features a
Phasmid nymph — Leptynia sp.
= ee (probably hispanica), found by beating
_ of the Amateur iol and by sweeping in the Eastern
Volume 60 = Mumber 434. Febuary 2004 Algarve, April 1999 in two different
ee i fcaltiece

This species had not previously been
recorded in Portugal. It is found along
the French Mediterranean coast and in
central and eastern Spain. In the
French colonies males are rare so
breeding is mainly parthenogenetic,
but in the Spanish colonies males are
common, so breeding is mainly
bisexual.

ESSN G2 EIEN Editary Wayne fareis BSc

Photo: Nick Holford.

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————

REF Tag Sey ey
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| AiStoRY mite

of the Amateur Entomologists’ Sagied 0 3
Volume 60 ¢ Number 434 February 2001
Editorial

With spring on its way, the Annual General Meeting of the Society once
again beckons. The event which incorporates the Members’ Day will
this year take place on Saturday 28th April at the Natural History
Museum in South Kensington, London. Full details regarding the
speakers has still to be finalised, as too are the exact events, but we
will be hopefully providing another day of interest for all. Attendance
has been very good since moving the event to the museum, but there is
always room for more.

We shall also be enlarging upon the Bug Club activities room which
was an enormous success last year. Further details of this as well as
directions to the museum etc. can be found on pages 41-43 of this
Bulletin.

Finally on the note of the AGM, anyone who has an interest in
standing for election to Council at the AGM should contact the Society
with their names and the names of two nominators. We are still in need
of more help on Council and any offers would be gratefully received.

Another date for your diary is Saturday 6th October, which is the date
set for the 2001 exhibition to be held at Kempton Park. Those on the
trader’s mailing list will be contacted shortly, but if you would like to
be added, please contact us at the usual address.

Finally, I hope that the new year brings you good fortune and a
successful entomological year.

Wayne Jarvis

2 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a4

There'll always be an insect: some October

records from Teddington, Middlesex
by Patrick Roper (9385)

South View, Churchland Lane, Sedlescombe, East Sussex TN33 OPF.
E-mail: proper@dial.pipex.co.uk

On 7th October 2000 I made my annual pilgrimage to the AES
Exhibition at Kempton Park. After a most enjoyable and interesting time
there I visited some friends who live a short distance away in
Teddington. As other members who went to the exhibition will recall,
the day was cold and wet with steady rain until mid-afternoon.
Nevertheless, armed with a smatl folding net and a pooter (equipment I
usually carry with me) I spent half an hour in my friends’ garden to see
what could be found.

Their garden (at TQ176704) is very tiny, but well stocked with small
trees and shrubs and with a variety of little ponds and pools. There is a
thick growth of Canary ivy on one fence which offers good cover for
invertebrates. The river Thames can be seen about 50 metres distant
from the end of the garden across open mown grass.

Although the rain had stopped, the vegetation was still very wet so
sweeping was ruled out. Most of my insects were caught on the wing
and disturbed from their resting places by shaking branches or jiggling
lower growing plants with my foot.

In all 18 species were found: 14 diptera, three Homoptera and the
firethorn leaf-miner moth, Phyllonorycter leucographella (as mines in
Pyracantha leaves).

At this season of the year some of the commoner insects from
summer are still likely to be about mixed with those that normally
emerge in autumn and winter, while the smaller Homoptera and some
Diptera hibernate in dense shrubbery, though they are often easily
disturbed. This pattern was very much that of the rhaterial from
Teddington. In addition to the widespread insects that one might
expect to find in suitable habitats almost anywhere in south-east
England, there were two rarely recorded species which I had not come
across before: the sciarid fly Bradysia rufescens Zetterstedt (the B.
pullula of the Royal Entomological Society’s handbook on this family)
and the biting midge Atrichopogon flavolineatus (Strobl). Both of these
are almost certainly under-recorded rather than rare and both need
some dissection and a high powered microscope to be sure of their
identity. Putting a name to such insects, however, is all part of the

3 Volume 60 ¢ February 2001 5

enjoyment and there is a sense of satisfaction in adding to the known
distribution of any species.

As well as these there was an anthomyiid fly of whose identity I am
uncertain and a muscid that has so far completely defeated me so, like
a nearly finished crossword puzzle, there are still challenges left from
this litthe expedition.

The full list of the species taken is as follows:

Diptera

Limoniidae (short-palped craneflies)
Limonia nubeculosa Meigen

Culicidae (mosquitoes)
Culex pipiens L.

Chironomidae (non-biting midges)
Smittia aterrima (Meigen)
Chironomus dorsalis (authors, misident)
Microtendipes chloris (Meigen)
Phaenopsectra flavipes (Meigen)

Ceratopogonidae (biting midges)
Atrichopogon flavolineatus (Strobl)

Sciaridae (sciarid flies)
Bradysia rufescens (Zetterstedt)

Lonchopteridae Conchopterid flies)
Lonchoptera lutea Panzer

Agromyzidae (agromyzid flies)
Phytomyza ranunculi (Schrank)

Tachinidae (tachinid flies)
Siphona geniculata (De Geer)

Anthomyiidae (anthomyiid flies)
? Botanophila hucketti (Ringdahl)

Muscidae Gmuscid flies)
Sp. incert

Hemiptera/Homoptera

Cicadellidae (leafhoppers)
Empoasca vitis (Gothe)
Ribautiana tenerrima (Herrich-Schaeffer)
Balclutha punctata (Fabricius)

Lepidoptera
Gracillariidae
Phyllonorycter leucographella (Zeller)

4 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3¢

Europe CD-ROM

I recently purchased a copy of this computer CD-Rom which greatly
impressed me. It is a unique reference work on the 525 butterfly
species that are found throughout Europe. It contains more than 2000
full colour photos of adults and larvae, which can be enlarged to view
full screen or printed out in full resolution. The photos of adults show
upper and undersides of both male and female. When viewed on a 15-
inch or 17-inch monitor, the effect is stunning.

The comprehensive text covers life cycle, flisht times larval
foodplants, habitat details and status. Distribution maps are also
included. ‘The text.canbe user, modified with ownapersonal
observations and notes, and with a scanner your own photos may be
saved onto the database. One very useful option is that the disc may be
set to show only the species of the specific country, for example
Madeira. Also, the text can be set to any one of nine European
languages. It is also easy to use. I’m finding that I am using this disc
more than my text books for species comparisons when trying to
identify doubtful specimens and slides.

System requirements are Windows 95, 98 or NT with a minimum of
16MB (32MB recommended) of memory, hard disk space of 6SOMB.
The cost is a exceedingly reasonable £37.95, which includes postage,
and is available from: Atropos Bookshop, 1 Myrtle Villas, Sussex Road,
New Romney, Kent TN28 8SY. Can also be ordered by phone using
your credit card, simply call 01797 36078660. Visit the Atropos Bookshop
on-line at www.atroposuk.co.uk

Tony Steele (4106)

36 Volume 60 « February 2001 5

The British Leptophlebiidae
by Craig Macadam (11277)

109 Johnston Avenue, Stenhousemuir, Larbert FK5 4/Y.

Email: craig. macadam@esw.co.uk

The Leptophlebiidae are members of the order Ephemeroptera, the
mayihies imere aresthnee genera present in the British Isles:
Habrophlebia, Leptophlebia and Paraleptophlebia. These genera are
comprised of one, two and three species respectively.

The Leptophlebiidae are distinguished from other Ephemeropteran
larvae by their tails that are as long, or longer, than the body. The tails
are often held at right angles to each other so that the spread of the
tails covers 180 degrees. They are small larvae, rarely over 12mm in
length and have filamentous gills that aid identification to genus level.
The gills of Leptophlebia spp. consist of flat plates that taper to a thin
filament. Paraleptophlebia spp. have no plate, only two thin filaments
whilst the gills of Habrophlebia sp. consist of a small, flat plate with
numerous filaments arising from it. Habrophlebia fusca is the only
member of the genus Habrophlebia that has been recorded from the
British Isles.

Figure 1. Gill forms of British Leptophlebiidae larvae.

a

ax

Ist and 2nd ‘gills of Leptophlebia spp. _ Gill of Paraleptophlebia spp. Gills of Habrophlebia spp.

The adults of the Leptophlebiidae have two forewings, two large
hindwings and three tails in common with the true mayflies (Ephemera
spp.). Paraleptophlebia cincta and P. submarginata were in fact, once
thought to be part of the Ephemera genus.

The female sub-imagines of the Leptophlebiidae are quite distinctive.
Habrophlebia fusca has dark grey wings and a dark olive body.
Leptophlebia marginata has pale fawn, heavily veined wings and an
overall dark brown appearance. L. vespertina is smaller than L.
marginata with dark grey wings and an almost black body often tinged

6 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

with claret. LZ. vespertina has markedly paler hindwings than its
forewings. L. vespertina is reported to prefer peaty or acidic waters.

Paraleptophlebia cincta is similar to L. vespertina, however the body
is a dark brown colour with a tinge of purple. P. submarginata also has
a dark brown body and mottled fawn wings. The wings are heavily
veined and have a pale area in the centre of the forewing.

The female imagines of the Leptophlebiidae are broadly similar. They
all have transparent wings with pale brown venation and brown to dark
brown bodies with tinges of claret, red and purple.

All Leptophlebiidae species occur in running waters with
Leptophlebia marginata and L. vespertina also occur in standing waters.

Figure 2. Emergence times for British Leptophlebiidae.

ee eee Mee = aS
pee ee ie
deus intaguessteets «eee lfe shed

Pa adval

Leptophlebia vespertina

Paatenopbicna cna | | |

Paraleptophlebia submarginata ae ee
Paraleptophlebia werneri eee

References

Elliot, J.M., and Humpesch, U.H. (1983). A key to the adults of the British Ephemeroptera
with notes on their ecology. Scientific Publications of the Freshwater Biological
Association No. 47, 101pp.

Elliot, J.M., Humpesch, U.H., Macan, T.T. (1988). Larvae of the British Ephemeroptera: A
key with ecological notes. Scientific Publications of the Freshwater Biological
Association No. 49, 145pp.

Blaps mortisaga in Northamptonshire
by Graham Urquhart

In February 2000, I sighted a live specimen of Blaps mortisaga at
Appletree, Northamptonshire. It was found in an old stone barn, which
I believe is typical of it’s habitat.

I would be interested to know if this is a rare find, as lve never seen
one before.

tf Volume 60 + February 2001 7

Butterflies on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees
by Matthew Rowlings (9108)

3 Great North Road, Alcolnbury, Cambridgeshire, PE17 5ES.

On the 13th July 1994 my father and I spent a day at the eastern end of
the Hautes Pyrenees, two hours drive from our Mediterranean gite but
sixty kilometres short of Andorra. Using the Michelin and IGN maps we
selected promising areas to visit covering as many habitats at different
altitudes as reasonably possible. We picked areas that were extensive
and would, presumably, offer ample space for different species to
inhabit.

Arriving at our first spot at 09.30hrs, just as things were beginning to
move in the bright sunshine, we were greeted by hundreds of Great
sooty satyrs (Satyrus ferula) and numerous Scarce coppers (Heodes
virgaureae). The former species was new to us and the sexual
dimorphism initially had us looking at two distinct “new” species. In
contrast the latter species was found in good numbers all over the
Pyrenees. Also present were Apollos (Parnassius apollo), Black-veined
whites (Aporia crataegi), Amanda’s blue (Agrodietis amanda) and five
species of fritillary, of which more later. This variety stemmed from the
meeting of dry mountain slopes and irrigated waste ground below.

After such a good start we moved on full of expectations up to 1800
metres and onto an extensive plateau. We found an attractive pine
forest and watched two loggers dragging timber from within the forest
to the roadside with their horses. The forest proved disappointing with
few species being found. The highlights being several Spanish heaths
(Coenonympha iphioides) and Bright-eyed ringlets (Erebia oeme) all in
good condition. The latter species were very eager to lay and within
twenty minutes I had several tens of eggs from two females confined in
small plastic boxes. Sadly the young larvae were reluctant to eat and
they all died before their first moult.

We moved on to an open flat area sparsely covered with pine trees,
at 2000 metres. We passed a multi-coloured patch of Lupin being
eagerly photographed by two Frenchmen. It wasn’t until later that we
found out these are rare plants growing wild in Europe, which
explained the zeal of these photographers.

A search of the area revealed several points of note, but a limited
variety of species. Several enormous Small tortoiseshells (Ag/ais urticae)
(as big as the Large tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros)) were flying
over the flat ground. We were very lucky to find a colony of very dark

8 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Lf

Silver-spotted skippers (Hesperia comma) which, despite vast expanses
of very similar habitat, the individuals we found were confined to a
small area by unknown boundaries. Two very worn and late Marsh
fritillaries (Eurodryas aurinia) were, somehow, managing to fly
amongst the common Small pearl-bordered fritillaries (Clossiana selene).

A little distance away, shallow slopes led to higher ground. The
slopes were drier and covered by grass of a lighter hue than the grasses
elsewhere in the area. The place was alive with Silver-studded blues
(Plebejus argus). Four or five blues were put up with every step. These
were mostly males with females comparatively rare. The ratio must
have been about seventy to eighty males to one female. Oddly, like the
Silver-spotted skippers, beyond an invisibie boundary the blues were
hardly to be found. Back at the car park, two very attractive examples
of the variable Spanish brassy ringlet (Erebia hispania) were flapping
over the stony surface. In the Pyrenees, this species can be readily
distinguished from its close relative the Common brassy ringlet (Erebia
cassioides) by the presence of additional orange patches on the upper
forewing and the absence of any black spots on the underside
hindwing.

Time had flown by. “Suddenly”, it was 13.30hrs and we needed
sustenance. As we ate, clouds started to form over the high peaks to
the south and rapidly spread. Not feeling entirely satisfied with the
mornings discoveries, we decided to change tack and try a narrow
valley that went high up into the mountains rather than pursue our
original plan of visiting large areas of uniform land.

So with the best of the day behind us we left the car at the bottom of
the valley, at 1500 metres, and at 14.30hrs began walking. The Gorges
de la Segra, as the valley is known, was very popular with the locals
from the nearby village of Elyn and further afield. There were several
other cars in the car park. The valley was very picturesque and we had
the promise of a nice walk even if the butterflies had stopped flying
under all the cloud. It was a north/south valley with steep sides. The
eastern slope was afforested (conifers and deciduous) while the
opposite slope was open grass. A lively stream ran along the valley
bottom. Both sides were steep enough to prevent the access of cattle
that were free to roam everywhere and usually caused serious damage
to the flora.

Immediately Apollos were upon us — seven were visible at one stage.
Two unusually pale and intense Escher’s blues (Agrodiaetus escheri)
were mistaken for the absent Adonis blue (Lysandra bellargus) until
capture. These were flying amongst the not uncommon Turquoise blue

3 Volume 60 « February 2001 9

(Plebicula dorylas) with their dazzling blue upperwings. A distinctively
large Amandas blue settled on a knapweed displaying its characteristic
uniformly grey underside. Also appearing were the relatively
uncommon Common and Holly blues (Polyommatus icarus and
Celastrina argiolus).

The valley widened which made space for more stream-side
vegetation and, just as we spotted our first Martagon lily, a dramatic
orange-on-yellow male Moroccan orange-tip (Anthocharis belia) flew
past. The freshness of this specimen, so late in the species’ flight period
could probably be accounted for by the high altitude, northerly latitude
and northerly aspect of the mountain valley.

Further on up the valley the trees on the forested slopes thinned out.
The blues flying here were different from those lower down. In
particular we began seeing Chalkhill blues (Lysandra coridon),
Mazarine blues (Cyaniris semiargus) and Silvery arguses (Pseudaricia
nicias). The latter flew inconspicuously around flowerheads. They
varied wildly in the extent of the brown borders surrounding the
beautiful pale “Chalk hill” on the upperside and in the darkness of the
basal blue on the underside. The size of the specimens also varied.
However, each had the dominant white stripe on the hindwing
confirming them as the Silvery argus.

Continuing our walk, we were viewed quizzically by several looking
serious fishermen who weren’t catching much in the small mountain
stream. It turned out that they thought I was going to join them with
my butterfly net and trawl the stream clean of fish! Other less single-
minded mountain valley revellers guessed correctly what game my
father and I were really hunting. Unfortunately, I could not answer
what were surely very interesting questions posed in the completely
unintelligible Catalan/Spanish accented French of the eastern Pyrenees.
They soon gave up asking questions and moved on muttering
something about “les anglais”.

The valley continued widening and the track moved away from the
river. We came across a patch of the attractive (to us and the Lycaenids)
Blue eryngo (Eryngium amethystinum), a small pale blue thistle-like
plant rather like Sea holly. Purple-edged and Small coppers
(Palaeochrysophanus hippothoe and Lycaena phlaeas) and very fresh
Purple-shot and Scarce coppers (Heodes alciphron and H. virgaureae)
were all concentrated here, the first being particularly common in the
valley. There was a brief break in the clouds and the male Purple-shot
coppers put on a special show for us. In flight they appear as a
remarkable mixture of flashing mauve-red and pale grey-blue. This is

10 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a6

not what you’d expect from watching one basking in front of you. In
fact, first impressions are of some exotic moth when in flight.

We began seeing Erebias flying up the steep valley sides as we
approached 1700 metres. They proved to be Piedmont ringlet (Erebia
meolans) which is common throughout the eastern and western
Pyrenees. Other than this Ringlet only the Mountain and Large ringlets
appeared (E. epiphron and E. euryale) — perhaps we weren’t high
enough in this particular valley? At about 16.00hrs and at around 1800
metres fatigue showed signs of pouncing on us so we reluctantly
turned round and retraced our steps as the sun began re- emerging and
throwing long shadows across our path.

Butterflies were still flying, though in diminishing numbers. The
whites were most active, so we decided to blitz them and check closely
for the Mountain small white (Artogeia ergane) amongst the Wood
whites (Leptidea sinapis), Green-veined whites (Artogeia napi) and
especially the equally common Small and Southern small whites
(Artogeia rapae and A. mannii). We didn’t find it but during this period
of heightened interest in white butterflies we spotted one crawling over
a knapweed flowerhead with its wings flat over its body. On moving
closer (rushing actually) to get a better view, we looked at each other
in amazement, knowing exactly what it was, but could not utter more
than, “Its.a.. 4 IUs-a-. . .!? in. our, surprise. | caught it and had it in a
plastic box before the words “Clouded apollo” (Parnassius mnemosyne)
came to mind. It is not a beautiful butterfly, but it is strangely appealing
like many of the Papilionidae. We wanted photographs so I must
confess to have used the primitive technique of pinching the thorax just
enough to temporarily immobilise it. Realistic poses were taken before
it flew off, unhurried down the valley.

As the sun had left the valley and things were rushing home for the
night, we had time to reflect on what we had seen that day. To our
amazement we counted to fifteen fritillary species — just three short of
the holiday total. They were, in approximate order of decreasing
abundance: Lesser marbled (Brenthis ino), Small pearl-bordered
(Clossiana selene), Heath (Mellicta athalia). Pearl bordered (C.
euphrosyne), Meadow (CM. parthenoides), Marbled (B. daphne), Silver-
washed (Argynnis paphia), Queen of Spain Ussoria lathonia), False
heath (Melitaea diamina), Spotted (M. didyma), Dark green
(Mesoacidalia aglaja), Violet (C. dia), Knapweed (Melitaea phoebe),
Niobe (Fabriciana niobe) and Marsh fritillaries (Eurodryas aurinia). We
also realised that we hadn’t seen a single “Grizzled skipper” (Pyrgus
sp.) etc. which are usually found in good numbers in hilly and

4 Volume 60 * February 2001 11

mountainous areas of western Europe. Nevertheless we had totalled a
massive seventy-one species for the day — a staggering two-thirds of the
holiday total of one hundred and five over two weeks.

I feel that there is one important lesson to be learnt from our day’s
outing and that is when planning a day out in the mountains, the
valleys will support a richer butterfly fauna that is more accessible over
short distances than vast open or exposed areas of mountain sides and
plateaux.

The nomenclature in the above article follows Higgins and Riley
(1980), so in some cases may differ from the rest of this report where
the nomenclature follows Emmet (1991).

A Red admiral invasion
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST3 JAY.

On 23rd September 1999 at around 2.00pm on a warm sunny afternoon
in my back garden in the Meir area of Staffordshire, I was surprised to
find a large number of Red admirals Vanessa atalanta L. basking on my
flagstones and visiting flowers of michaelmas daisies, red valerian and
buddleia (yellow form). I counted 28 butterflies in my own garden and
there were large numbers in the surrounding gardens. I had a small
number of Red admirals in my garden for some weeks previously, Mr
R.H. Heath, a fellow AES member, who also lives in the Meir area,
showed me a large number at his sugaring patch on the same day. The
total must have run into many hundreds in the area. The following day
the numbers had fallen. This may have been a small migration which
had moved on. I have not received any other observations in
Staffordshire for this day, so it may have been a small local migration
through North Staffordshire.

Other migrants were in small numbers in my garden this year, the
Painted lady Cynthia cardui L. appeared in July and August in small
numbers along with the Silver Y Autographa gamma Linn. which was
on the wing well into the autumn.

12 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a¢

Butterflies in Provence — April 2000
by Stephen Meredith (7347) with Lesley Wallington

5 Rutlish Road, Merton Park, London SW19 3AL.

Following discussions with my friend, Mr Charles Derry, Lesley and I
decided to take a short break in Provence to see the early butterflies.
Unfortunately, commitment allowed only a week. We flew from
Heathrow to Nice from where our hire car would be collected.

However, on the day of departure, 3rd April, I wondered whether we
would make it as long traffic delays on the M4 delayed Lesley’s arrival
until a half-hour before take-off. We departed in rain and for much of
the flight there was solid cloud over France only relieved for a short
“window” as we approached the Massif Central. From there to Nice we
were back over cloud and it was raining hard when we landed. I went
to collect our car and hoped to be able to drive up to the airport
entrance where Lesley was waiting with all the luggage. However the
route was somewhat complicated as one has to drive west on the
expressway system and then turn back for the airport. There are two
terminals with different directions for each and I did not know at which
one we had landed so I guessed it was Terminal 1, which fortunately it
was. As one was not allowed to drive past the entrance, I had to drive
into an open car park which meant it was no nearer than when in the
car hire lot!

As it was raining out of a solid grey sky, we decided that rather than
sit looking at the rain, we would try to drive out of it by going west
even as far as southern Spain being considered but a closer alternative
was the Camargue. Fortunately we did not have to undertake such a
massive journey as the sky became brighter as we approached Le Muy.
As our main target species were Tomares ballus (Provence hairstreak),
Zerynthia polyxena (Southern festoon) and Z. rumina (Spanish
festoon), all of which were reported as occurring in Le Muy and Les
Arcs areas, we decided to spend our first night in Les Arcs, where we
found a small and reasonably cheap hotel. We took a night walk into
the centre and were encouraged by the starry sky.

Unfortunately that was an unreliable indicator as the following
morning was dull and dampish so we reverted to our plan to drive
west. Between the Mt. de la Loube and Maxaugues on the D95 we
stopped at an open scrubby spot and saw Colias alfacariensis (Berger's
clouded yellow), Pseudophilotes baton male (Baton blue) and
something that superficially at a quick glance looked like Melitaea
didyma meridionalis female (Spotted fritillary). However, it was a moth

4 Volume 60 + February 2001 13

that I had not seen before, the attractive and colourful Geometer
Eurranthis plummistaria (Plate 01A).

Beyond Mazaugues and still beside the D95 we saw a male
Anthocharis cardamines (Orange tip) and LW saw and photographed a
female. We also saw a male Gonepteryx cleopatra (Cleopatra) and LW
saw Pyrgus malvae (Grizzled skipper). Further on, particularly on a
rough limestone pavement were lots of /ris nobilis (Dwarf iris) in three
colour forms, yellow, deep purple and mauve, most being yellow. We
also saw Barlia robertiana (Giant orchid) though going over. There
was a dearth of butterflies save for male G. cleopatra which led LW on
a long but unsuccessful photochase. We then went on to the plateau
east of la Ste. Baume where Charles Derry told me Erebia epistygne
(Spring ringlet) occurred. Though we thought it was a bit too early for
it, we had a thorough search but did not see it. Neither did we see E.
plummistaria, which according to the paperback Les Papillons dans
leur milieu by Patrice Leraut, often occurs with it.

As we thought the weather further east was still likely to be a bit
unsettled, we decided to find somewhere local to spend the night. We
passed Le Hotellerie de la Ste. Baume and wondered if accommodation
was available. I went into the convent but apart from some choral
singing, all was very quiet with no-one apart from a few other visitors
about. As it did not seem too hopeful, we drove on to the village of
Plan d’Aups where there were two hotels, one open but expensive and
one closed for the season. A local lady advised us to return to the
convent, where she said, accommodation was available. This we did
and after waiting around for some time, LW managed to track down a
nun who spoke good English and confirmed that we could stay. We
decided to accept the invitation to join in the communal dining and
enjoyed the excellent food and wine.

The next day, 5th April, started cool but with better prospects and we
drove down the D2 towards Gémenos, en route stopping to take
pictures of the trees with bright pink flowers which we thought were
cherry trees. However, the flowers were leguminous and we found that
it was Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree). Here we saw Lasiommatus
megera (Wall), Celastrina argiolas (Holly blue) and Pieris brassicae
(Large white), one of each. A Colias croceus (Clouded yellow) seemed
to have been stunned by a passing vehicle so we took the rare
Opportunity to take some close-up photographs. On leaving Gémenos
LW noticed a lot of white butterflies flying over a flat field, fallow with
yellow and white composite flowers and others including the rather
striking low-growing Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star-of-Bethlehem)

14 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

which attracted one Aricia agestis (Brown argus). Other butterflies seen
were one Papilio machaon (Swallowtail), fair numbers of P. brassicae,
Euchloe crameri (Western dappled white), rather less in number and
extremely active so very hard to photograph, one or two C. croceus and
Lycaena phlaeas (Small copper), one Inachis io (Peacock) and one or
two Coenonympha pamphilus (Small heath).

We then took the N8 towards Toulon but turned left at Le Camp-
du-Castellet onto the D2 towards Signes. Before Signes we turned
right onto the forest road across the Plateau de Siou-Blanc. This was
ordinary and evergreen or cork oak forest and virtually dead as far as
butterflies were concerned. Eventually we started to descend towards
Solliés-Toucas. We stopped for some reason and I immediately saw a
Z. rumina (Plate 01B) on a yellow composite flower. It was quite co-
operative and though it flew to different spots, we managed a few
photos. Also there were E. crameri, Anthocharis belia (Moroccan
orange tip), mostly male, G. cleopatra, two L. phlaeas, P. baton male
and one female, one possible Nymphalis polychloros (Large
tortoiseshell), one Cynthia cardui (Painted lady), L. megera and one
possible Carcharodus alceae (Mallow skipper). LW thought that she
had seen a Callophrys avis (Chapman’s green hairstreak) due to the
continuous white line on the hind-wing. We later learned that this is
not necessarily a diagnostic feature but that the eye colour and rim
(reddish) is the only really reliable feature. I also saw one
Macroglossum stellatarum (Humming-bird hawkmoth). We then
drove on much encouraged to Solliés-Pont, where we were directed
to the Formula 1 Hotel on an industrial estate at the north end of the
town. This was an ultra-modern hotel with a sort of tubular steel
structure in bright red supporting the name. Fortunately
accommodation at a very reasonable price was available. We walked
into the town in the early evening and I identified a Celtis australis
(Nettle tree) coming well into leaf in a town square, though there
was no sign of Libythea celtis (Nettle-tree butterfly), not surprising
due to the hour:

Mr M. R. Shaw wrote an account in the Bulletin, “Collecting
Butterflies in Provence, April 1970”. He described a place quite close to
the village of Carnoules, where, in sheltered spots, low down on south-
facing olive terraces, he took a nice series of 7. ballus. We therefore
decided to explore this area and from his description, I think we
probably found the spot. Unfortunately it seems that since then, almost
the entire length of the lower part of the terraces had been taken over
by houses or bungalows in extensive gardens. Only one small area

L- Volume 60 + February 2001 15

remained, about one plot size and somewhat overgrown. Here we saw
a few Callopbhrys rubi (Green hairstreak), one L. phlaeas and one
(possible again) C. alceae. In other nearby spots we saw P. brassicae,
G. cleopatra (mostly males), one A. agestis, two or three C. cardui,
several LZ. megera and LW spotted one WN. polychloros around the top of
a tall pine tree.

After lunch in a car park in Carnoules we drove east along the N97 to
Gonfaron but due to poor-looking weather further east, we decided to
try the D39, a very twisting road going south towards La Sauvette.
Before long we passed an area with lots of very attractive large daisy-
like flowers ranging in colour from pinkish to deep lilac. These were
Anemone hortensis (Broad-leaved anemone). A local man who was
amused by our interest dismissed them as mere weeds. This route was
largely unproductive of butterflies but a little further on we found a
small open bank with quite a lot of flowers. Here we saw A.
cardamines, G. cleopatra, one C. croceus, C. rubi, L. megera and I saw
one Macroglossum stellaterum and one Adela micro-moth with
antennae nearly three times its body length. We then decided to go to
Le Luc to stay at another Formula 1 hotel so retraced our route to
Gonfaron and onto the N97.

The next day, 7th April, I thought we should make a concerted effort
to find T. ballus. Charles Derry had said that any area of wasteland near
Les Arcs was worth searching so, based on Mr Shaw’s experience in
1970, I thought it worth exploring the terraces west of Les Arcs. We
drove up a minor road to a small hamlet, La Combe about one or two
kilometres west of the town. We decided to walk westwards along the
base of the terraces. Some of the ground looked not too bad though a
large part seemed to have recently been disturbed and was growing
waste ground weeds. There were also “private” notices. This was
adjoining a forest area which probably had some bearing on the
species we saw. These were Iphiclides podalirius (Scarce swallowtail),
P. brassicae, one female A. belia, one C. alfacariensis, one (assumed)
Leptidea sinapis, Glaucopsyche melanops (Black-eyed blue) (Plate 010),
P. baton, C. pamphilus and L. megera. We saw another Adela micro and
an Ascalaphid (probably Libelloides longicornis) chasing an L. megera.
ivesthen-returned to Les Arcs and decided to try the D57 to Les
Nouradons near where we searched a flat field with low furrows that
seemed to have been fallow for some time. It was almost devoid of
butterflies, except for one or two species that we were now familiar
with but it hardly seemed worth noting. We then doubled back about
one kilometre and took a minor eastward road to Les Croisiers and

16 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

stopped about a kilometre from the junction where power lines crossed
the road. Here we saw A. cardamines, G. cleopatra, C. rubi, one C.
argiolas, one A. agestis and one Polygonia c-album (Comma). On a
wide grassy forest ride beneath the cables we found some Ophrys
sphegodes (Early spider orchid). On a large fallow field on the other
side of the road I saw one A. agestis. From there we continued on and
joined the D555 to Les Arcs. We had examined a few likely looking
fields for 7. ballus but with no success. I felt we needed a bit more
advice but I did not have Charles’ telephone number and there did not
seem to be any way that the international telephone system, could
connect one with the 192 enquiry line at home. Lesley therefore rang a
friend who kindly rang that number to obtain the information. When I
rang Charles he said that he visited the site 13 years ago and therefore
he could not be absolutely precise except that it was low-lying ground
not far from Les Arcs, He said that he had also seen L. celtis there. A lot
of course can change in that time and my hopes were not great.
However, I noticed a lowish scrubby hillside so we decided to
investigate. On our way we passed an unidentified bushy tree not yet
in bud around which was flying a medium-sized brownish butterfly. It
then settled on the ground and I was delighted to see that it was
indeed L. celtis. A good start! It was extremely shy but LW managed a
distant shot. We went on for a short distance and came to a flat and
apparently disused field. It was generally covered with low vegetation
including a lot of the previous year’s dead growth (Plate 01D). The
eastern edge was more bare. After a while Lesley called out, “Here it
is!”, and her tone indicated that she had found our main quarry (Plate
O1E). We saw several males flying rapidly around perhaps a foot
(300mm) above the ground. When in flight the distinctive green and
brick-red undersides were to my eyes invisible. They looked more like
the brown females of several of the smaller blues. When they settled, it
was usually on small stones and their cryptic coloration made them
hard to see, though once I “had my eye in”, I spotted one at rest. I saw
one courtship flight and pairing took place very quickly without any
obvious formal display. I took a couple of photos but tried to get them
into a more advantageous position while Lesley tried to photograph
them on my finger but before she could they flew off and descended
into a patch of tall and dead vegetation where, due I suspect to
physical difficulties, they separated. I noticed that the female flew off
quite slowly and the orange patches on her upper wing surfaces were
very obvious. All those that we saw settled low on bushes. We did not
count the sightings but we estimated the figure as roughly 12 to 15,
mostly males as I suspect the females were not fully emerged.

34 Volume 60 * February 2001 17

However, we concentrated on the bare-ish eastern edge and there may
have been more females ovipositing on the foodplant (Medicago
lupulina) which seemed to be very abundant away from the edge.

I paid one more visit to the L. cel/tis spot and saw it again but it did
not permit a photo. When we finally left the site in late afternoon, we
hoped to see it again but there was no sign. Also seen there were one
female A. cardamines, a few C. croceus, one (or perhaps two)
Clossiana dia (Weaver's fritillary) and a few L. megera.

After such a successful afternoon I felt that we should celebrate at a
salon-du-the in Les Arcs but the hot-water machine had broken down.
Wierunlem went on to another hotel in the Formula’ 1 chain at
Roquebrune-sur-Argens and had a good dinner in the adjoining
restaurant.

In the Collins Field Guide, Butterflies of Britain and Europe by
Tolman and Lewington, there is a good description of how in higher
altitudes 7. ballus adjusts its position in the early morning for maximum
solar gain, though apparently without opening its wings. However,
animals do not always behave according to the books so we decided to
pay a further visit to the site in the early morning in the unlikely hope
of seeing them basking with wings open. As most of the site was still in
shadow from the scrubby bank on the eastern side, we continued up a
minor road that skirted the scrubby bank I first noticed. At the top was
a large and largely bare area of waste ground that had recently been
cleared as there were large piles of concrete and rubble. In the grassy
edge we saw again two of the Geometers, FE. plummistaria. By 09.30
the sun was higher and it was warming up so we returned to the ballus
field. However, at 09.40 the sun angle was no more than 30° and the
temperature was no more than 16°C (60°F) perhaps nearer 13°C (55'F).
The site was by then in full sun but the vegetation was still damp with
dew. Clearly it was not yet warm enough and we saw no ballus or the
single celtis. We had other targets and after some supermarket shopping
in Le Muy we made for le Pont d’Endre via the D25 and D47 as Charles
had advised that the River Endre was a locality for Z. polyxena. At the
lower end we saw one Artogeia rapae (Small white — presumed not A.
mannii (Southern small white)), A. cardamines, L. sinapis, G. rhamni,
C. rubi, one possible L. baton and A. agestis plus a few I. io. We came
to an area beside the river with willows and tall poplars and saw one
Nymphalis antiopa (Camberwell beauty). It settlked on bushes and on
the ground and paid several visits to an open wound about seven feet
(2m) up the trunk of a cork oak (Plate 01F). It was later joined by
another and we saw them take a high spiralling flight up and over the

18 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t

trees but one returned and allowed some reasonable photo
opportunities. There were also two N. polychloros there, one
somewhat battered that tended to keep a station high up on a poplar
in the usual head-down position. I think the one in better condition
must have settled on the ground as an antiopa put it up and they had
an aerial chase. The battered one then visited the sap-run. This light
woodland seemed to be an odd place to see a flock of sheep with
shepherd and a team of Pyrenean mountain dogs. While most were
conscientiously herding the sheep together with constant shouts from
the shepherd, the presumably oldest and most senior dog was
keeping a sedate pace behind, no doubt supervising the whole canine
operation. Lesley followed them for a bit to try to obtain some photos,
but did not distract the top dog from its duty. We also saw P.
brassicae, C. croceus, C. argiolus, Polyommatus icarus (Common blue)
and Pararge aegeria that seemed to be intermediate between P. a.
aegeria and tircis, the southern Europe form and the British and
northern Europe form.

After a picnic lunch we walked up the valley and saw A. belia
(Male), G. cleopatra, one or more N. polychloros, a few C. dia and C.
pamphilus. We saw a single Z. polyxena and each managed a photo
before it flew downriver and was lost (Plate 01G). We continued on
to the pool at the head of the low-level part of the valley from where
there is a steep climb up to a fairly smooth but tilting plateau of solid
rock with bushes including Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree) growing
in the crevices. I shook the unedo bushes hoping that there might be
a sign of C. avis but nothing flew out. We understood that Z. rumina
occurred there but did not see it. Perhaps that was fortunate as it was
not an ideal place to chase anything with camera or net. I
photographed a male Ll. baton and we saw a male A. cardamines a
bit lower. Back on the lower ground LW saw a high flying N.
polychloros. We walked on and she saw perhaps the same Z.
polyxena, which quickly disappeared and a bit further on another
polychloros in quite good condition, basking on a piece of wood lying
in the grass about ten metres ahead. Unfortunately it flew off before
any photos could be taken. We returned to our car but saw no more
Rhopalocerous activity. We returned to Le Muy for refreshment but
the only salon-du-thé had no seating and the town seemed a bit bare
of such facilities.

The following two days, our last, were ruined by rain so there was

nothing of note to report. I managed to see a medium-range TV
weather forecast which indicated that the following week was likely to

Lt] Volume 60 «© February 2001 19

be changeable with only one day with reasonable prospects so we
were not too sorry to be returning home as we had seen virtually all

our target species.

Key to sites reported on:

MM - Spot between Mte de la Loube and Mazaugues

WM -— Spots west of Mazaugues

SB — Western edge of Massif de la Ste Baume (D2 road to Gémenos)

FG — Flat field on southern edge of G€menos

FR — East end of Forest Road on descent to Solliés-Toucas
WC — Old olive terraces largely built over west of Carnoules

GS — Road from Gonfaron to la Sauvette

LC —Terraces west of hamlet of la Combe (west of Les Arcs)
LS -— Grassy forest ride beneath power lines, near to hamlet of les Selves north

of Les Arcs
LA — Flat fallow field near Les Arcs

PE —le Pont d’Endre and a bit up-river (about 4.5km NE of Le Muy)

VE — Well beyond the above up the Val d’Endre

RP — Rock plateau beyond pool at top end of the Val d’Endre

Butterflies seen:

Papilio machaon (Swallowtail)

Ichiclides podalirius (Scarce swallowtail)
Zeryntha polyxena (Southern festoon)
Zeryntha rumina (Spanish festoon)
Pieris brassicae (Large white)

Artogeia rapae (Small white)

Euchloe crameri (Western dappled white)
Anthocharis cardamines (Orange tip)

A. belia (Moroccan orange tip)

Colias croceus (Clouded yellow)

C. alfacariensis (Berger’s clouded yellow)
Gonepteryx rhamni (Brimstone)

G. cleopatra (Cleopatra)

Leptidea sinapis (Wood white)

Callophrys rubi (Green hairstreak)
Tomares bullus (Provence hairstreak)
Lycaena phlaeas (Small copper)
Celestrina argiolus (Holly blue)
Glaucopsyche melanops (Black-eyed blue)
Pseudophilites baton (Baton blue)

Aricia agestis (Brown argus)
Polyommatus icarus (Common blue)
Libythea celtis (Nettle-tree butterfly)
Nymphalis antiopa (Camberwell beauty)

1-FG

1-LC

1-VE

1-FR

1-SB, many-FG, WC & LC
1-PE

Fair nos.-FG, WC & LC
Most area in small nos.
aie TEE

SB, GS, LA & VE

1-MM, 1-LC

Pe

Most areas in small nos.
1-LC

1-FR, WC, GS, LS & PE
Colony at LA

FG & 1-WC

1-SB & 1-LS

Le

MM, FR, LC & (1-PE?)
FG, WC, LS & C1-PE?)
Eee

1-near “T. ballus field” LA
2-VE

20 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a6

N. polychloros (Large tortoiseshell) 1-WC, most VE
Inachis io (Peacock) 1-FG & PE
Polygonia c-album (Comma) 1-LS
Clossiana dia (Weaver's fritillary) 1 or 2-LA & VE
Coenonympha pamphilus (Small heath) 1 or 2-FG &LC
Pararge aegeria (Speckled wood) 1-VE
Lasiommata megera Wall) Generally common
Pyrgus malvae (Grizzled skipper) 1-WM
(Carcharodus alceae (Mallow skipper)) Possibles 1-FR & 1-WC
Total species (including C. alceae) 33
Moths seen:
Macroglossum stellatarum

(Humming-bird hawkmoth) 1-FR & 1-GS
Eurranthis plummistaria 1-MM & 2 grassy area
(plus Adela sp.) above LA
Miscellaneous
Ascalaphis
Libelloides longicornis (probable) 1-LC

We are indebted to Charles Derry for the invaluable information on
habitats.

I would like to add a few words as an ex-collector but now almost
entirely a photographer and recorder. While I derive great pleasure and
interest from recording species and habitats by photography, I am well
aware of the difficulties in positively identifying some species. Even
through a net it is not always easy or even possible and I am sure that
some species can only be identified by a careful study of set specimens.
I am therefore aware of the deficiencies of the above report, C. alceae
being an obvious example. It is my personal view that responsible
collecting does no harm whatever and that our improved knowledge
and best conservation of all insect fauna can best be accomplished by
the matrix of contributions from observers, recorders, photographers
and collectors.

References
Shaw, M. R. (1970). Collecting Butterflies in Provence, April 1970. Ent. Rec. 82: 195-201.
McLean, I. F. G. & Warren-Smith, C. D. Two Views of Provencal Butterflies. 1st April 1973.
Cribb, P. W. 2nd May 1976 AES Bulletin Vol. 36, No. 316, August 1977.

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

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Volume 60 « February 2001 36

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Plate 01E. Tomares ballus Plate 0
(Meredith & Wallington, Butterflies in Provence . . .)

PLATE 00G. Zerynthia polyxena
(Meredith & Wallington, Butterflies in Provence . . .)

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

Photograph: Peter Sutton

PLATE 01H. Small green tiger beetle Cicindela germanica on undercliff flush near
Bridport, Dorset.
(Sutton, British Tiger beetles)

Photograph: David Browne

PLATE 011. Wood tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica, Studland Heath, Dorset.
3 (Sutton, British Tiger beetles)

Volume 60 « February 2001 sé

PLATE O1K. (Top row, left to right) Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris, Wood tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica:
Small green tiger beetle Cicindela germanica
(second row, left to right) Cicindela hybrida; Cicindela maritima, Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris, larva in
burrow and front view of head

Photograph; Peter Sutton

{ilustrations: Phil Wilkins ©Peregrine Productions

ae Volume 60 » February 2001 21

British Tiger Beetles

Dr Peter G. Sutton (7388)
AES Habitat Conservation Officer, 13 Oatlands, Gossops Green, Crawley, West Sussex. RH11 8EE.

David E. Browne
4, Skelmersdale Walk, Bewbush, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 OEP.

Introduction

The aptly named “Tiger Beetles” are among the most voracious hunters
in the insect world, perfectly adapted for life as predators in both larval
and adult forms. Often spectacularly coloured, they are equipped with
large eyes and huge serrated mandibles, and together with a
hyperactive lifestyle and a rapid sprint that would put an Olympian
athlete in the shade, they locate and dispatch their prey with clinical
efficiency. The Tiger beetles are sun-loving insects, and are generally
found in warm open habitats, preferably with well-draining soils and
areas of bare ground where the females can lay their eggs. These
beetles are difficult to observe and photograph at close quarters in their
natural habitat; they are constantly on the move, and put their
characteristically long, slender legs to good use as they race with great
agility over the local terrain. They are also, with very few exceptions,
capable of strong flight, and readily take to the air when approached.
This often audibly buzzing flight is initiated by the appearance of a
bright flash of metallic green or blue as the wings uncover the
abdomen, and ends with the apparent and remarkable disappearance
of the beetle as it lands and blends into the background. However,
Tiger beetles generally only fly for short distances, usually a matter of
yards, and provided that the observer can remember where the beetle
has landed, measured pursuit of these fascinating predators can be
rewarded with a closer look. The frenetic habits of Tiger beetles are
described in the text of the Rev. J. G. Wood (Wood, 1871), who states
that, “the Tiger beetle can unfurl its wings and rise in the air as rapidly
as a bluebottle, for which insect it might easily be mistaken”. The sheer
brilliance of colour in these beetles, particularly in bright sunlight, has
earned them the delightful old colloquial name of “Sparklers”.

Classification

Tiger Beetles belong to the order Coleoptera. This order is divided into
two sub-orders: Adephaga (carnivorous beetles) and Polyphaga
(omnivorous beetles). The Tiger beetles belong to the superfamily
Caraboidea, which is part of the sub-order Adephaga. (However, some

22 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society L

species e.g. from the genera Amara and Harpalus, are known to be
partially or even exclusively herbivorous). Some authors, e.g. Joy (1932)
have further divided the Adephaga to distinguish between terrestrial
(Geodephaga) and aquatic (Hydradephaga) carnivorous beetles, but
this convention can be misleading and is not used in modern texts.

There are approximately 20,000 species of Coleoptera known to
occur in Europe, and approximately 4,000 of these are resident in the
UK. Of these 20,000 European species, 2,700 (Trautner and
Geigenmiuller, 1987) belong to the Ground beetle family, Carabidae,
and 364 of these (Harde, 1981) can be found in the British Isles. dn an
earlier text, Lindroth (1974) states 352 British species of carabid.) The
Tiger beetles are classified as a subfamily (Cicindelinae) of the Ground
beetles (Carabidae) in most texts, but have also been classified as a
family in their own right. There are approximately 30 European species
that belong to the subfamily Cicindelinae, and this subfamily is
represented by the two tribes: Megacephalini and Cicindelini. Each
tribe is represented by a single genus, the former being Megacephala
(one sp.), and the latter Cicindela (which includes all the remaining
species).

Cicindelids can be distinguished from other carabids by the location
of their antennae, which are inserted above the base of the very large
mandibles in the Cicindelinae, and inserted at the side of the head
between the eyes and moderately sized mandibles in the Carabinae
(and the rest of the Carabidae). Cicindelids also have very prominent
eyes, and the formidable sickle-shaped mandibles, which overlap when
closed, are lined with sharp teeth. The bodies of the adult Cicindelinae
are more flattened than those of other Carabidae. In common with
other general features of the Carabidae, the Tiger beetles have long legs
with five-segmented tarsi, filamentous antennae which are usually 11-
segmented, and their bodies are sparsely covered with fine sensory
bristles.

Tiger beetles are a predominantly tropical/sub-tropical group of
beetles, and a marked decrease in the number of Tiger beetle species is
observed as a more southerly, or in our case, northerly, latitude is
approached. In the British Isles, (which can be considered to be the
north-western limit of their European range), only five species of Tiger
beetle are represented, all from the genus Cicindela. All but one of
these species, the Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris (which is also
the only Tiger beetle to be found in Ireland) are considered to be
nationally scarce or rare (Shirt, 1987; Hyman and Parsons, 1992). The
British Tiger beetles are: the Green tiger beetle, Wood tiger beetle

t Volume 60 + February 2001 23

Cicindela sylvestris, Hybrid tiger beetle Cicindela hybrida, Dune tiger
beetle Cicindela maritima, and the Small green tiger beetle Cicindela
germanica.

Keys

The key provided by Joy (1932) describes the Cicindelidae as a family
in their own right. Joy also classifies C. maritima as a subspecies of C.
hybrida. C. maritima has since been shown to be a separate species,
and the correct classification is given in the key of Lindroth (1974),
together with diagrams exemplifying the anatomical differences
between the two species. The Tiger beetles are classified as the
subfamily, Cicindelinae, in this text.

The most recent key to this group is provided by the European text
of Trautner and Geigenmiuller (1987), who, like Joy, classify the
Cicindelidae as a separate family.

Larval Development

Female Tiger beetles generally lay their eggs in well-drained sandy
soils, and the tiny larvae begin to construct their burrows as soon as
they emerge. These vertical burrows are continually excavated
throughout the larval period and can reach a depth of half a metre or
more. The white grub-like larvae have developed several adaptations to
suit their life as burrow dwelling predators, and have characteristic zig-
zag shaped bodies which grip the sides of the burrow as they wait to
ambush passing insects and other invertebrates. The enlarged 8th
segment in the middle of the abdomen has two hooked spines on the
dorsal surface which anchor the larva to the burrow wall, and the 5th
segment of the larval abdomen is also equipped with a pair of these
anchoring spines. Their large flattened heads (which are used to
excavate the burrows) lie flush with the soil surface, and perfectly fit
the burrow entrance. Insects and spiders are usually “snatched” as they
pass the entrance, but the larvae will also race out of the burrow with
surprising agility to catch prey further afield (Linssen, 1959). The prey is
dragged back down the tunnel and is consumed at the bottom of the
burrow. As with the adult Tiger beetle (and many other carabids), the
captured prey is pre-digested with a cocktail of enzymes, and the
resulting fluid is ingested by the beetle. The larval development of
Tiger beetles may take one or two years depending on both species
and climatic factors, and can take even longer in colder climates
(Zahradnik and Chvala, 1989). Hence, both adults and larvae can be
found at the same time. The larvae moult several times during their

24 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

development, and pupate in the autumn. Prior to pupation, the larvae
close the entrance of the burrow, and return to the bottom of the
burrow to complete their metamorphosis. The adults emerge after a
relatively short period of time, but remain in the burrow until the
following spring, and appear at the first sign of favourable conditions.

Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Plate 01)J)
Description

This beetle is generally bright green, but very rarely, bronze (W.
tartarica Man.) or black (v. funebris Stm.). Bluish varieties are also
known to occur. The wing cases usually have five white spots on each
elytron, and females almost always have a small dark spot on the
anterior third of the abdomen near the suture. The legs and sides of the
thorax are a metallic pink/red in colour, and the underside of the
abdomen is metallic blue/green. Larger and more ovate than C.
germanica, it ranges in size from 12-16 mm.

An extraordinary feature of this beetle is that, like the Musk beetle
Aromia moschata, it emits a pleasant scent. Rye (1866) states that,
“when handled, it often emits a smell of roses.” Wood (1871) is more
explicit: “It gives out a rather powerful but decidedly agreeable odour,
which has been compared to the scent of roses, of sweetbriar, and of
musk. It bears a kind of resemblance to each of these scents, but
possesses an individuality of its own which cannot be mistaken.” A
further point of interest, albeit a trivial one, is that the famous English
writer, Thomas Hardy (reputedly a keen coleopterist), owned a copy of
the Rev. Wood’s book, and may well have been inspired by this work
when he wrote his description of the character Eustacia: “In her winter
dress....she was like a tiger-beetle, which, when observed in dull
situations, seems to be of the quietest neutral colour, but under full
illumination blazes with dazzling splendour.”

Habitat

Dry heathland and moorland, sand dunes, woodland rides and paths on
sandy soils.

Lifecycle

Hyman and Parsons (1992) state that this is an annual species; most
other texts e.g. Lindroth (1974) state that two years are required for
complete development. This species is a spring breeder, and can be
most frequently observed between April and July. The adults fly readily
and the larvae inhabit vertical tunnels as described.

ee
~ ee i

ad Volume 60 « February 2001 25

Distribution

The Green tiger beetle is the most widespread of the British species,
and is found in suitable habitats with well-draining soils throughout
Britain. It is the only species present in Ireland, and is also found
throughout Europe to North Africa and the Middle East. The UK
distribution of this species is given in Figure 1. (All Tiger beetle
distribution maps (from Luff, 1998) have been reproduced by kind
permission of the author and publisher. Solid circles represent post-
1970 10km square records, open circles are pre-1970 records.)

Figure 1. Distribution map for the Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris.

26 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

Current Status

The Green tiger beetle is common and widespread, but has,
nevertheless, suffered from habitat loss. Losses arising from the use of
agricultural chemicals have also been significant in many areas.

Wood tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica Linnaeus, 1758 (Plate 01D
Description

The Wood tiger beetle can readily be distinguished from the other
British species by its black labrum, and the large and small elytral
punctures near the suture. It is dark bronze in colour, sometimes almost
black, and has a distinctly purple tinge. The elytra also have a
characteristic pattern of pale yellow markings, as shown in the
accompanying photograph and illustration. The underside of the
abdomen is metallic blue. It is the largest Tiger beetle in the British
Isles (15-19 mm).

Habitat

Dry sandy heaths and heathland in open coniferous woodland. Adults
are most easily located on bare ground within stands of heather, but
can also be seen running through the heather in search of prey.

Lifecycle

The Wood tiger beetle is a spring breeder, and can be found between the
months of March and July, and often into August. The larvae make their
burrows in the sandy heathland soil. During one observation of this
species on Dorset heathland, one individual, possibly fazed by its
pursuing recorder, flew into the large funnel web of the spider Agelena
labyrinthica that had been constructed in the heather. This substantial
spider raced out of its funnel to confront the potential prey, took one look
at the flashing serrated jaws of its captive, and promptly disappeared back
into its lair. The Tiger beetle, strong and ready flyer that it is, took to the
wing and instantly freed itself from its sticky shackles.

Distribution

This extremely local species is currently confined to a thin strip of
sandy heathland which stretches from Surrey, through Hampshire, to
Dorset. It is also found across Europe (except the far North and
Mediterranean regions), and has isolated colonies in Northern Spain
and the Pyrenees.

ae Volume 60 + February 2001 2

Figure 2. Distribution map for the Wood tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica.

Current Status

The Wood tiger beetle is a local and often rare species, and is currently
classified as Nationally Scarce (A) (Hyman and Parsons, 1992), i.e.
found in 30 or fewer 10km squares. However, a review of this status
may find this species being elevated to category RDB3 (Rare).

It was formerly more widespread, being found in East Kent, West
Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire and even as far afield as North
Lincolnshire before 1970, but recent records are forthcoming only from
Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

28 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

The observed decline has been caused by loss and fragmentation of
heathland habitat, and also over-maturation of heathland sites in the
absence of proper heathland management regimes. This species is
probably the most precariously placed British Tiger beetle in terms of
its potential for dramatic decline. Once common across large areas of
heathland, it has disappeared or become extremely difficult to find,
because even where ‘managed’ heathland is still present, there is simply
not enough bare ground habitat for the Wood tiger beetle to breed in.
Moreover, this species is but a single member of a greater number of
rare and declining species that would benefit from a heathland
management strategy which actively creates areas of bare ground on
heathland. In-short, if an effective: plansean be developed=to
successfully reverse the decline of the Wood tiger beetle on British
heathlands, a significant number of other species associated with this
habitat will also reap the benefit of this programme, from Hymenoptera
and arachnids, to the rare and threatened Sand lizard Lacerta agilis and
Smooth snake Coronella austriaca.

Hybrid tiger beetle Cicindela hybrida Linnaeus, 1758
Description

The Hybrid tiger beetle is metallic bronze and has a pronounced
greenish hue. The elytra, which are finely and uniformly punctured,
have pale yellow markings. The margins of the elytra and the sides of
the thorax are always metallic red. Size: 12-16 mm. The underside of
the body is metallic green.

Habitat

The Hybrid tiger beetle is found on sand dunes and other similar
habitats. It is generally a coastal species in Britain, but can also be
found further inland.

Lifecycle

This species breeds in summer, and can be found from April to August.
The larvae probably construct burrows in sand. This active species flies
readily and can be observed flying and running rapidly over the dunes
in search of prey.

Distribution

The Hybrid tiger beetle is confined to the north-west coast of England,
and is currently recorded from southern Lancashire and Cumbria. Prior

ad Volume 60 * February 2001 29

to 1970, it was also recorded from Cornwall, Wales, and Norfolk, but
these records may be for the similar species C. maritima (Luff, 1998). It
is found throughout Europe except in the extreme north.

Figure 3. Distribution map for the Hybrid tiger beetle Cicindela hybrida.

Dune tiger beetle Cicindela maritima Latreille & Dejean, 1822
Description

The Dune tiger beetle is extremely similar to the preceding species, and
for many years was thought to be a subspecies of C. hybrida (e.g. Joy,
1932), hence the synonyms C. hybrida ssp. maritima Latreille & Dejean.
and C. hybrida var. maritima Latreille & Dejean. C. maritima has since

30 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society LS

been shown to be a separate species, and in addition to the body
profile (C. maritima has a comparatively smaller pronotum), and
yellow markings Gn C. maritima, the transverse median band on each
elytron is bent sharply backwards at approximately 90° towards the
apex of the abdomen), C. maritima also has fundamental anatomical
differences which separate it from C. hybrida (Lindroth, 1974). C.
maritima is generally slightly smaller (10-14 mm) than C. hybrida, and
the underside of the abdomen is metallic green.

Habitat

This species is always confined to coastal habitats in Britain, and is
generally located on sand and dunes near the strand line, and on the
intertidal areas of beaches.

Lifecycle
The Dune tiger beetle breeds in spring/summer, and can be found

between May and August. The larvae burrow in areas of hard-packed
sand. The adults are very active hunters, and fly readily.

Distribution

The Dune tiger beetle is found in southern England and Wales, and the
vast majority of modern records for this species have come from north
Devon and Wales. It was, however, recently discovered on the north
coast of Norfolk (Key, 1996), a county for which old records exist from
a locality on its eastern seaboard. In Europe, this species is widespread
but local, and is not confined to coastal habitats. It is found on both
Atlantic and Baltic coasts.

Current Status

The Dune tiger beetle is widespread in southern England and Wales, but
extremely local. It has been classified as Nationally Scarce (B) (i.e. thought
to occur in between 31 and 100 10km squares on the national grid), and a
BAP was written for this species in 1995. The current threats to this
species are identical to those described for C. hybrida, C. maritima

*A superb photograph (by Roger Key/English Nature) of a pristine
specimen of this species (from the recently discovered site on the north
Norfolk coast: Key, 1996), is depicted in the coastal habitats section of
the forthcoming English Nature/AES Invertebrate Slide Pack. These slide
packs, which are available from the AES, have been developed for those
who wish to show (e.g. in slide shows/lectures) the diverse range of
invertebrate fauna which can typically be found in a particular habitat.

33 Volume 60 « February 2001 31

<p

Figure 4. Distribution map for the Dune tiger beetle Cicindela maritima.

and C. hybrida both require habitats where early successional stages are
maintained, and accordingly, management plans for all three species
include methods, e.g. grazing regimes, to prevent the invasion of scrub.

Small green tiger beetle Cicindela germanica Linnaeus, 1758
(Plate 01H)

Description

The Small Green Tiger beetle is the smallest Tiger beetle (8-11 mm) in
the British Isles. In addition to its diminutive dimensions, it differs in

32 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

shape from the other species, being almost cylindrical. The elytra are
generally dark green with small pale yellow marks at the sides and base
of the lower abdomen, and sometimes possess a spectacular metallic
turquoise sheen. The thorax is distinctly bronze in colour. Colour
variation is uncommon but does occur, and individuals may be bluish
or even black. The underside of the abdomen is metallic green.

Habitat

Many texts describe the Small green tiger beetle as a lowland species
that frequents dry grassland habitats. In Britain, this species is strictly
coastal, and is strongly associated with wet sandy or silty soils on the
sides of undercliffs, in areas that are devoid of vegetation such as those
associated with flushes and other seepage sites. It can often be seen in
large numbers running over these wet areas in search of prey. The
Small green tiger beetle is dependent to a large extent on the slippages
that occur naturally along these unstable undercliff areas, which create
ideal habitat for this species.

Lifecycle

The Small green tiger beetle is a comparatively late species, breeding in
mid to late summer. It can be seen from June to August. The larvae
take two years to develop, and burrow in damp sand. This species is
very reluctant to fly, preferring instead to run for the cover of nearby
vegetation.

Distribution

Recent records for this species are from Dorset and the Isle of Wight
only. It was formerly more widespread, and older records exist from
as far afield as East Kent and Carmarthen in south Wales. It is
widespread across Europe to Asia, but is apparently very local in
central Europe. It does not occur in the far north or the Iberian
Peninsular.

Current Status

The Small green tiger beetle has an extremely restricted distribution in
southern England, and has been classified as RDB3 (Rare) by Shirt
(1987) and Hyman & Parsons (1992). A BAP was written for this species
in 1995. This species is threatened by loss of habitat from coastal
development, the construction of sea defences, and through
successional scrub invasion and stabilisation of suitable sites.

ae Volume 60 «+ February 2001 oS

Figure 5. Distribution map for the Small green tiger beetle Cicindela germanica.

More published literature

Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris:
Fowler, W.W. (1887); Harde, K.W., (1981); Hofmann, E., (1902); Joy,
N.H., (1932); Lindroth, C.H., (1974); Linssen, E.F., (1959); Luff, M.L.,
(1998); Rye, E.C., (1866); Trautner and Geigenmiiller, (1987); Wood,
J.G, 871); Zahradnik, J. & Chv4la, M., 1989).

Wood tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica:
mye Db. Cl933)- Fowler, W.W. (1837): Fowler, W.W. and
Domisthorpe, H.stJ.K., (1913); Marde, K.W., 1981); Hofmann, E-,

34 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Lf

(1902); Hyman & Parsons, (1992); Joy, N.H., (1932); Lindroth, C.H.,
(1974); Linssen, E.F., (1959); Luff, M.L. (ed.), (1982); Luff, M.L.,
(1998); Rye, E.C., (1866); Trautner and Geigenmiuller, (1987); Wood,
TRen GUsyAD)

Hybrid tiger beetle Cicindela hybrida:
Appleton, D., (1971); Fowler, W.W. (1887); Fraser, F.C., (1949);
Harde, K.W., (1981); Hofmann, E., (1902); Hyman & Parsons, (1992);
Joy, N.H., (1932); Lindroth, C.H., (1974); Linssen, E-F., (1959); Luff,
M.L., (1978); Luff, M.L., (14998); Morley, C., (1904); Sharpe, J.S.,
(1946): Shirt, D.B.-(ed.), (1987): Skidmore, P. & Johnson, C., (1969);
Trautner and Geigenmiller, (1987).

Dune tiger beetle Cicindela maritima:
Harde, K.W., (1981); Hyman & Parsons, (1992); Joy, N.H., (932);
Lindroth, C.H., (1974); Linssen, E.F., (1959): Luff, M.L., (1998):
Trautner and Geigenmiuller, (1987).

Small green tiger beetle Cicindela germanica:
Else, 1993; Fowler, W.W. and Donisthorpe, H.St.J.K., (1913); Fraser,
F.C., (1949); Harde, K.W., (1981); Hofmann, E., (1902); Hyman &
Parsons, (1992); Joy, N.H., (1932); Lindroth, C.H., (1974); pe
E.F., (1959); buff, M:L=(Ced), (1982); Lutt ME. 199s): Morley,
(1904): Rye, E.G.» C1866); Shirt, D-BCedy), (1987); Trautner =
Geigenmiller, (1987).

Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank Tony Allen and Roger Key for useful
discussion; Martin Luff & JNCC for kind permission to use distribution
maps; and to Phil Wilkins*, for providing the excellent colour
illustrations of British Tiger Beetles.

“Artwork supplied by Phil Wilkins, Peregrine Productions, 10 Northfield
Ave, Ringstead, Northants, NN14 4DX.

References
Appleton, D., (1971), Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, 107, p.250.
Atty, D.B., (1983), Coleoptera of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham. D.B.Atty.
Else, G.R., (1993), British Journal of Entomology and Natural History, ©, pp. 17-21.
Fowler, W.W. (1887), The Coleoptera of the British Islands, Vol 1. London:Reeve.
Fowler, W.W. and Donisthorpe, H.St.J.K., (1913), The Coleoptera of the British Islands, Vol
6 (supplement). London:Reeve.
Fraser, F.C., (1949), Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, 85, p.120.
Harde, K.W., (1981), A Field Guide in Colour to Beetles, London:Octopus.

Hofmann, E., (1902), The Young Beetle Collectors Handbook, London: Swan Sonnenshein
& Co.

dé Volume 60 © February 2001 35

Hyman, P.S. & Parsons, M., (1992), A Review of the Scarce and Threatened Coleoptera of
Great Britain. Part 1. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Joy, N.H., (1932), A Practical Handbook of British Species, London: Witherby.

Lindroth, C.H., (1974), Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects, 4(2), pp. 1-148.
London: Royal Entomological Society.

Linssen, E.F., (1959), Beetles of the British Isles, London: Warne.

Luff, M.L., (1978), Interim maps of Cicindela, Calosoma and Cychrus species, Newsletter
July) of the ground beetle distribution mapping scheme.

— , (ed.), (1982), Preliminary Atlas of British Carabidae (Coleoptera). Huntingdon:
Biological Records Centre.

— , (1998), Provisional Atlas of the Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of Britain.
Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.

Morley, C., (1904), Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalist’s Society, 7, pp.
706-721.

Rye, E.C., (1866), British Beetles: An Introduction to the Study of Our Indigenous
Coleoptera, London: Lovell Reeve & Co.

Sharpe, J.S., (1946), Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, 82, pp.203-205.

Shirt, D.B. (ed.), British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Peterborough: Nature Conservancy
Council.

Skidmore, P. & Johnson, C., (1969), Entomologist’s Gazette, 20, pp.139-225.

Trautner, J. and Geigenmiller, K., (1987), Tiger Beetles and Ground Beetles, Illustrated Key
to the Cicindelidae and Carabidae of Europe. Germany: Josef Margraf.

Wood, J.G., (1871), British Beetles, London: George Routledge & Sons.

Zahradnik, J. & Chvala, M., (1989), Insects: A Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Insects of
Britain and Europe, London: Hamlyn.

Gregness Lepidoptera
by E. Pickard (3928)

105 Kirkhill Road, Aberdeen. AB11 SFT.

On 12 May 2000 while exercising my dog near Gregness lighthouse, I
took a path down to the sea, the verges of which were thronging with
Green-veined white butterflies, many of which were visiting a stand of
bluebells. A brown butterfly caught my eye. “A tortoishell” I thought
but as the insect alighted on a dandelion it did not look quite right. It
turned out to be a Peacock, the first I have seen in this area in over fifty
years of nature watching, although I am aware that odd specimens have
turned up from time to time.

Another red letter day for me was on 19 June 2000 at the same place,
again with my dog. Painted ladies were fairly common at the path side
and they appeared much smaller that normal. Then I noticed a yellow
butterfly which disappeared before I could get my dog settled. Not long
after it came into view again, briefly pursued by a Painted lady. When it
alighted a short distance away I managed to creep up and identify it as
a male Clouded yellow, the first I have seen here or anywhere.

36 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

<\y), Fluttering Encounters in the
\\ 1" Amazing Archipelago 7
by Jan Pasternak, published 2000, format B4, hardback, 203 colour

photos, 135 pp, fully illustrated in colour throughout; published in
Czech Republic; price DM120 (plus DM20 postage).

This book is what lovers of birdwing butterflies have been waiting for
and is a refreshing change from the pages of set specimens. It describes
the life histories and habitats of nearly all of them and, together with
some amazing photographs, takes the reader on a magical journey
through Indonesia and New Guinea — the Amazing Archipelago
referred to in the title - and Australia in search of these rare jewels of
the rainforest.

Dedicated to two legendary lepidopterists (Ray Straatman and Harry
Borch), the book starts with a chapter on New Guinea where the
author first encountered birdwings in 1970 and was so captivated by
them he decided to stay, finding a job as an assistant manager of a
rubber plantation. There are some marvellous photographs of the type
of country birdwings and other tropical butterflies inhabit as well as
photographs of most of the Ornithoptera and their early stages. The
text takes you there to where the author first saw a living O.
meridionalis, one of the tailed birdwings, before it suddenly
disappeared into the rainforest. There are accounts of finding out the
lifecycles of these fabled creatures of Rothschild, Russell Wallace and
Meek. There is an account of the first discovery of a male O.
meridionalis tarunggarensis on a trip to Kamrau Bay, Irian Jaya in
1978, since two females were caught by the Pratt brothers in 1921. The
accompanying photographs together with photographs of paradisea,
croesus, goliath, victoriae and alexandrae, of their early stages — some
shown for the first time — and vivid descriptions in the text, provide for
the naturalist who is unable to visit their remote rainforest habitats the
next best thing. Included in this chapter are accounts of expeditions to
islands such as Bougainville (one of the Solomon Islands, but politically

3d Volume 60 «* February 2001 37

part of Papua New Guinea, and where O. victoriae regis was studied),
Bachan and Yapen in Indonesia where very little is known of the fauna
and flora. There are stunning photographs of other butterflies
encountered. Chapters on Sulawesi and Java, although shorter, bring
the reader up to the present day. They highlight the problems faced by
the destruction of habitat, especially in the crowded island of Java
where much of the lowland rainforest has gone. The author paints a
picture of the history of the countries visited and how these have
affected the butterflies. Some of this makes gloomy reading, especially
when you are reading about the author trying to find the last vestiges of
primary rainforest in Java. The way butterfly farming is helping the
rainforest dwellers in Papua New Guinea preserve their forest without
resorting to wholesale clear felling does show what can be done if
there is a will. So well known is the author in Indonesia that he has
now been asked to head a new initiative conserving the birdwings of
Irian Jaya in Indonesia.

I found this to be a delightful book and easily obtained by sending
cash (DM) registered airmail to the author: Jan Pasternak, Riegrova 12,
CZ-61200 Brno, Czech Republic.

Anthony Darby (5860),
36 Newton Crescent, Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland FK15 ODZ.

Scarlet tigers
by Rosemary Borthwick-Clarke (7283)

“Mystic Meadows”, Hanging Langford, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 4NW.

Last year, our neighbours who are keen gardeners, said they had a
plague of caterpillars! They were very indignant because after they had
eaten their prized Geraniums they started on their roses. I said I’d like
some and found that they were Scarlet tiger larvae (Panaxia dominula).
I fed them up on deadnettle and as they emerged after pupation (100%)
released them in some marshy woodland, where I hope they will build
another colony. I also obtained some ova which hatched out into larvae
of differing shades of green.

Obviously some larvae were still left in the garden because a little later
I saw several of these pretty Scarlet tiger moths flying around enjoying
the sunshine which surprised me as I’d read that they were nocturnal.

Another neighbour found several Privet hawk larvae on her Bridal
spray (Spirea arguta), which they had been eating.

38 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t

A New Checklist of British Ephemeroptera
by Craig Macadam (11277)

109 Johnston Avenue, Stenhousemuir, Larbert FK5 4]Y.

E-mail: craig.macadam@esw.co.uk

The following checklist was compiled through the work of the
Ephemeroptera Recording Scheme. It serves as a record of the
Ephemeroptera species found in the British Isles during the 20th Century
and a baseline for British Ephemeroptera recording in the 21st Century.

Family Genus Species

AMELETIDAE AMELETUS Bengtsson, 1865 inopinatus Eaton, 1887

ARTHROPLEIDAE ARTHROPLEA Bengtsson, 1909 congener Bengtsson, 1909

BAETIDAE ALAINITES Waltz & McCafferty, 1984 muticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
BAETIS Leach, 1815 buceratus Eaton, 1870

fuscatus Linnaeus, 1761
rhodani Pictet, 1845
scambus Eaton, 1870
vernus Curtis, 1834
CENTROPTILUM Eaton, 1869 luteolum Miller, 1776
CLOEON Leach, 1815 dipterum Linnaeus, 1761
simile Eaton, 1870
LABIOBAETIS Novikova & Kluge, 1987 atrebatinus (Eaton, 1870)
NIGROBAETIS Novikova & Kluge, 1987 digitatus (Bengtsson, 1912)
niger (Linnaeus, 1761)

PROCLOEON Bengtsson, 1915 bifidum (Bengtsson, 1912)

pennulatum (Eaton, 1870)
CAENIDAE BRACHYCERCUS Curtis, 1834 harrisellus Curtis, 1834
CAENIS Stephens, 1835 beskidensis Sowa, 1973

horaria Linnaeus, 1758
luctuosa (Burmeister, 1839)
macrura Stephens, 1835
pseudorivulorum
Keffermiuller, 1960
pusilla Navas, 1913
rivulorum Eaton, 1884
robusta Eaton, 1884

EPHEMERELLIDAE EPHEMERELLA Walsh, 1862 notata Eaton, 1887
SERRATELLA Edmunds, 1959 ignita (Poda, 1761)
EPHEMERIDAE EPHEMERA Linnaeus, 1758 danica Miiller, 1764

lineata Eaton, 1870
vulgata Linnaeus, 1758
HEPTAGENIIDAE ECDYONURUS Eaton, 1868 dispar (Curtis, 1834)
insignis (Eaton, 1870)
torrentis Kimmins, 1942

——-

venosus (Fabricius,1775)

tJ Volume 60 +* February 2001 39

Family Genus Species
ELECTROGENA Zurwerra & Tomka, 1985 /ateralis (Curtis, 1834)
HEPTAGENIA Walsh, 1862 longicauda (Stephens, 1836)
sulphurea (Miller, 1776)
KAGERONIA Matsumura, 1931 Juscogrisea (Retzius, 1783)
RHITHROGENA Eaton, 1881 germanica Eaton, 1885
semicolorata (Curtis, 1834)
LEPTOPHLEBIIDAE HABROPHLEBIA Eaton, 1881 fusca (Curtis, 1834)
LEPTOPHLEBIA Westwood, 1840 marginata (Linnaeus, 1758)
vespertina (Linnaeus, 1758)
PARALEPTOPHLEBIA Lestage, 1917 cincta (Retzius, 1783)

submarginata (Stephens, 1835)

werneri Ulmer, 1919
POTAMANTHIDAE POTAMANTHUS Pictet, 1845 luteus (Linnaeus, 1758)
SIPHLONURIDAE SIPHLONURUS Eaton, 1868 armatus Eaton, 1870

lacustris Eaton, 1870

alternatus (Say, 1824)

References

Elliot, J.M., and Humpesch, U.H. (1983). A key to the adults of the British Ephemeroptera
with notes on their ecology. Scientific Publications of the Freshwater Biological
Association No. 47, 101pp.

Elliot, J.M., Humpesch, U.H., Macan, T.T. (1988). Larvae of the British Ephemeroptera: A
key with ecological notes. Scientific Publications of the Freshwater Biological
Association No. 49, 145pp.

Gunn, RJ.M.& Wright, J.F. (1994). Baetis digitatus (Ephemeroptera) new to Scotland with
records from England and Wales. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 130: 197-199, London.

Gunn, RJ.M. & Blackburn, J.H. (1997). Caenis pseudorivulorum Keffermiiller (Ephem.
Caenidae), a mayfly new to Britain. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 133: 97-100

— , (1998). Caenis beskidensis Sowa (Ephem. Caenidae), a mayfly new to Britain.
Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 134: 94

Masselot, G. Personal Communication.

The first and last of the new and old millennia?
by Eddie John (7937)

11 Mill Lane, Bluntisham, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 3LR.

e-mail: eddie@grayling.dircon.co.uk

Peter May, in the June 2000 Bulletin, poses the question about first and
last sightings.

In anticipation of such a question, I noted the appearance of a Small
Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) in our garden at 14.02 hours on Ist
January 2000! Even this was subsequently beaten by an hour or two, as
I recall.

40 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3¢

Glasgow entomology
by Frank McCann (6291)

3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY.

In May 1999 I found a rather small green caterpillar crawling on a
pathway at Royston Hill, Glasgow. It looked like the larva of the Winter
moth from its markings. I put it in a container with various leaves such
as birch and hawthorn. It pupated about four days later in peaty soil in
another container. Whilst searching this container the chrysalid became
exposed on the surface of the soil. I put in some small bits of moist
newspaper — I will wait and see what the chrysalid produces.

On 29th June 1999 also at Royston, Glasgow Gust north of the city
centre) near the park I noticed on a small south-facing bank, some
chamomile plants growing along with pineapple weed and other plants.
I looked for caterpillars on the plants, and resting on a chamomile
flower was a light-green caterpillar with yellowish markings and V-
shaped marks along the dorsal area of its body. It could be the
Chamomile shark larva. Just a bit further along I found another one,
exactly the same as the first. This one was also resting on a chamomile
plant just below the topmost opened flowers. I collected both
caterpillars. I walked further eastwards along the pathway and came to
a small park behind which was some waste ground where more
chamomile was growing. On one of these I found another caterpillar
near to the top of the plant; it was larger than the previous two
Chamomile larvae but had identical markings. I am pretty sure that all
three are the Chamomile shark moth larvae.

Visit the AES Website today!

idee@es. http://www.theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

AES members can also join the AES Forum at
hitp://www.egroups.com/aes

ae Volume 60 + February 2001 41

ar eNom

\®) Bug Club Activities at the AGM

Last year, in April a number of Bug Clubbers made the
trip to the Natural History Museum to attend the AGM of
the AES. Does it sound as if it might have been a bit over
their heads? Not a bit of it! They came to the Bug Club Activity room.

This year, the AGM is to be held on Saturday April 28th, between
10.30 and 4.00pm.

Last year, whilst the adult talks were going on, a large room was
filled with a wide range of activities for the Bug Clubbers. Some new
ideas were tried out, some of these were based around craft modelling,
which proved popular and challenging. There were other activities as
well — about 10 different ones in all. We plan to run similar types of
activities again, with some new ones.

Why not all come along to the Natural History Museum for the day?
We are not, unfortunately offering free créche facilities — you’d need to
be around with your child! Last year though, the models made needed
periods of “drying” for an hour or so, so you could always alternate
looking around the galleries with some Activity room time. It would
give you a chance to meet other parents too. A small charge will be
made to cover part of the cost of materials.

Planned activities include:-

Creepy Crawly Gallery tour, Bug hunt in the garden, How to
draw an insect, Master class in drawing of insects by Phil Wilkins
of Peregrine Productions (www.bombus.freeserve.co.uk), Collage
activities (any bits of shiny/insecty cloth/material welcome!),
Model making, Identification quiz, and Insect observations.

If you feel that you’d be able to offer a short period of time in the
room to help supervise, please contact Susan Holford (01403
254810) nick@fivecon.force9.co.uk.

All insect knowledge required will be supplied to helpers as help sheets,
as last year. No personal knowledge of insects will be assumed (and, of
course, plenty of entomologists will be on hand to answer any
unforeseen questions!)

Looking forward to meeting you on April 28th!

The

Amateur
Entomologists’
Society

e-mail : aes@theaes.org
http://www.theaes.org

g

Saturday 28th April 2001
The Palaeontology Demonstration Room
The Natural History Museum, London

10.00 Museum opens
10.30 Meeting room opens for coffee
11.00 Welcoming Address

During the day there will be a number of talks and activities
arranged. These are subject to confirmation. Final details
will appear in the April Bulletin and on the Society's website
at http://www.theaes.org

The Annual General Meeting will take place at 12 midday.
Nominations for election to the Society’s Council or as a Serving
Officer of the Society should be forwarded to the Registrar along
with the names of two nominators who should be members of the
Society.

The Bug Club will have separate activities arranged for them.

On arriving at the museum, please report to the Life Galleries Reception area (to the
right of the entrance kiosks), where you will be asked to sign in. The Museum staff will
then direct you to the venue, which is situated at the far end of Gallery 30. The Museum
opens at 10am. Members are encouraged to bring along exhibits to the meeting and
bring along any specimens for help with identifications. AES Publications will also be in
attendance.

WSS

The Natural History Museum is located in
South Kensington, London. There is limited
parking available around the area and it is
strongly advised that public transport is used.
South Kensington tube station is located 5
ks minutes from the Museum and is served by
Circle, District and Piccadilly line trains.
Further information can be obtained from
London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234.

AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY
AGM AND MEMBERS’ DAY 2001

HOW TO GET THERE

To Hyde Park
Imperial College of Science

Technology and Medicine

imperial College Road

Queen’s Gate Place

Victoria and

Natural History Museum Albert Museum

Baden Powell
House

Exhibition Road

A4 Cromwell Road

CZ
qr
XT
ae
: aa] THe outh Kensington Tube
Harrington Koa : (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines)
ef
ham Stree;
4
Ro
con
oe o 50

100
ee

Metres

Cromwell Place

Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London

Saturday 28th April 2001

By Tube:
The Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines serve South Kensington Station
which is a four minute walk from the Museum.

The meeting will commence at 11am in the Palaeontology Demonstration Room,
at the far end of Gallery 30. Maps of the Museum will be available upon entry.

ENTRY TO MUSEUM

The Museum opens at 10am. Entry is free. To gain entry to the meeting, visitors
should enter the Life Galleries Entrance on Cromwell Road, and report to

reception where you will be booked in.

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 IS.
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
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Originally published Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1996; 9: 137-162.

Send payment, (cheques made out to “Brit. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc.”) with order to : BENHS Sales
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Other offprints and special publications available:

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¢ Invertebrates in the landscape: invertebrate recording in site evaluation and countryside
monitoring, £6 + 50p postage. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1994; 7: Supp. 1 pp. 1-60. Seven papers
presented at the National Federation for Biological Recording Annual Conference on 5 July 1991.

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because it still represents the most comprehensive field guide covering both
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Bu ul j ti
of 5 Amateur Entomologists’ Society
Volume 60 © Number 434 February 2001
CONTENTS
Roper, P. There'll always be an insect: some October records from Teddington,
Middlesex ......00i5.2..020iet Dive sascnsactesseozinsceedecseoneeUaceeteeSeeesseece seduces eee == ee
Macadam, :C. The British Leptophlebiidae.. 1c... --:-.2.5.22--25t-seccen<seasctse eee
Rowlings, M. Butterflies on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees .............--::ecesseeeeeeeeeeeeees
Meredith, S. & Wallington, L. Butterflies in Provence — April 2000..............eeteeeeeeeeeee 12
Sutton, P. G: & Browne, D. E. British Tiger Beetles —:......220.20.-0c2ss1.senconecanceeneceee-ceesune steer 21
Macadam, C. A New Checklist of British Ephemeroptera ...............::cesseeeesseeeseeesseeeeeeeees 38
Short Communications
Urquhart, G. Blaps mortisaga in Northamptonshire ..............:..s:ceeecesseeeseeeseeesceeseeestereeeeeees 6
Koryszko,.J: A Red admiral invasion « <.2.<........0sccesa:0cec00setnsncescon pcos ee 11
Pickard, E.Gregness LepidOpteral qc-.22..5c2s.20c0d. 000522 -escrecsenece oeteseencteoesk eee eee eee 35 @
Borthwick-Clarke, R: Scarlet tigens’-:-...2.:.....-:.2<...se00<c0-censeese seco 37
John, E. The first and last of the new and old millennia? ............. ccc eeecccecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeereees 39 Ǥ
McCann, F. Glasgow entomology 3.5.5. .<2.c0.0s.20stede-n0stesnpcteee sorseeeste se eee 40
Ebr iill 5... 200.:5.cccshisesepeosuassoestensesdaencnnos iden sncunsieasesue st eceteds Baca eco ae eee eee 1
CD-ROM Review
Lepibase 2.0 Butterflies of Europe CD-ROM .....<._<<...--2-<.-xsssececee aeteee 4
Book Review
Fluttering Encounters in the Amazing Archipelago. ..........c.sscssscessseessseeneeseseeetenssceneeeeneeees 36

© 2001. The Amateur Entomologists’ Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430) :
All rights reserved.

Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA.

EE LO ee ee

ulleti

f the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

‘colume 60 © Number 435 April 2001

———EE

Editor: Wayne Jarvis BSc

Founded in 1935

The AES ¢ BO. Box 8774 ¢ London * SW7 5ZG
_

http://www.theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

Officers of the Society
President: Paul Brock
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: — Reg Fry
Registrar: Nick Holford
Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis
General Editor: Reg Fry
Habitat Conservation Officer: | Peter Sutton
Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke
Exhibitions & Meetings Secretary: | Maxwell Barclay
Youth Secretary: Kieren Pitts
ICN Editor: David Lonsdale
Wants & Exchange: Peter May

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

First subscriptions should be accompanied by an additional £2 entrance fee, except for
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Renewal charges

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Series discounts and insert charges are available from the Advertising Secretary on request.

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.

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Do you want to cuddle a Cockroach, stroke a Stick Insect or hug a Harvestman?

The AES Bug Club is for young people or the “young at heart” who find insects
and other creepy crawlies interesting and even fascinating.

As the junior section of the AES we are devoted to promoting invertebrates to
the younger generation who, afterall, will be the entomologists of tomorrow!
You can help us in a number of ways, for example: by joining the Bug Club
yourself, getting someone else to join the Bug Club, promoting the Bug Club
and AES to your local school/Scout or Guide Group etc, running a Bug Club
event or writing an article for our exciting newsletter. If you can do anything to
help then please write to us: AES Bug Club, PO Box 8774, London, SW7 5ZG.
Membership details can be found in the front of this Bulletin.

The Tenebrionid beetle Blaps gigantea.

A relative of the cellar beetle
(B. mucronata), this species is about
50% larger. It was found at about
10.00pm walking across the road.
When disturbed, Blaps spp adopt this
characteristic defensive posture and
release defensive chemicals into the air
from the pygidial gland. These
chemicals are mainly alarm
pheromones to warn other individuals
of the danger. It appears that some
Tenebrionid species also produce
irritant defensive chemicals in this way.

Bb but Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Volume 60 = Number 435 April 2001

ISSN O0266-836X Editor: Wayne Jarvis BSc

Photo: Nick Holford.

ti

mologists’ Society

Volume 60 © Number 435 April 2001

Editorial

It is Annual General Meeting and Members’ Day time of the year again!
The Natural History Museum’s Palaeontology Demonstration Room is

- once again the venue, on Saturday 28th April. The museum opens at
10am and the meeting room will be open from 10.30am for coffee
before the start at 1lam. Members should report to the reception desk
at the Life Sciences entrance (on Cromwell Road) to gain access. There
is a full programme of events and our three main lectures this year will

_ be given by David Boyce from English Nature on British Carabids, Mike
Edwards from English Nature on Bumblebees and our own Habitat

_ Conservation Officer, Peter Sutton on insects as indicators of global
warming. There are also a range of Bug Club competitions and
activities being organised — any help in running these would be very
welcome! Full details on the day’s programme and how to get there are
listed at the back of this issue of the Bulletin.

As always we would welcome exhibits to be brought along by
members — the meeting has proved to be an ideal opportunity for those
_ unidentified specimens/photographs etc to be examined by others.

_ Please also note that parking is very limited and can be expensive
_ around the area. We strongly advise that public transport is used to
_ reach the venue.

We hope that you will be able to attend the day — it is organised for
your benefit so come along and support it!

_Visit the AES Website today!

THE NATURAL
HISTORY RALISELIM

10 MAY 2001

PRESENTED
ENTOMOLOGY LIBRARY |

AES members can also join the AES Forum at
bttp://www.egroups.com/aes

http://www.theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

|

44 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

Clearwings 2000
by Maurice Pledger (10214)

19 Granville Gardens, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 9QB.

The quest for clearwings couldn't start early enough for me, and as it :
turns out my good friend Rob Dyke is blessed, or rather, cursed with
this same obsession. The search for the different stages of the clearwing
life-cycle spreads over several months and takes in different parts of the
seasons. The search for larvae can take place from dbout Christmas
onwards and moves on into spring. These early months are taken up
with looking over bare branches and twigs of the hostplants. Twigs
containing the larvae as well as sections of wood and small stumps are
then taken and tended in damp sand, hopefully to await emergence of
the adult insect. This usually starts occurring from May onwards and in
some species goes right through into September. Personally speaking,
I'd say the deadest part of the year for the clearwing enthusiast seems
to be around late September through to December. Most if not all of
the adults will have been and gone by this time, and at this stage the
new larvae will probably be too small to make any visible signs. By the
time March and April roll around, the larvae which are now feeding in
earnest should be showing signs of their presence prior to pupation
and emergence. The peak times of flying adults will vary between the
species, but May, June and July will keep the enthusiast busy checking
the emergence cages every day, and searching for adults in the field. In
some species the life-cycle takes place over one year, while in others, it
can span over two, three or even four years. With this in mind a
detailed knowledge of all their littke goings-on is an absolute must if
any kind of success is to be expected. Then sometimes you can rely on
blind luck and be walking along and have one land on your nose. Be
warned, luck of this kind and rarity will ensure that you will have used
up any quota you had, all in one go. And for about ten years.

Anyway, the quest for 2000 started on the 30th December 1999, with
Rob and me choosing a wonderful day in the calender, which, had I
read the small print, said it was going to rain heavily all day from dawn
to dusk. We travelled to an area in Woolmer Forest in Hampshire
where many years ago Rob had found the Sallow clearwing,
Synanthedon flaviventris. Recently discovered in Britain in 1925, the |
Sallow clearwing apparently has a two-year life-cycle. Restricted to the
southern counties this clearwing lays its eggs on sallows, the larvae
taking two years to mature in thin twigs. It’s only in the second year
that the larva makes its presence known by a pyriform-shaped gall on

| 4 ~ Volume 60 + April 2001 A5

the thin twig. Reading literature and from what Rob has told me, the
galls are to be searched for in odd/even winters. This being the winter
of 99/00, then now was the time to do it. Not having read anywhere
that a day of heavy rain was to be included, we ventured forth and
subsequently got drowned. However, that said, we arrived at Rob’s area
of years past, and surely enough galls were seen in plenty. Moving to
different areas, we found the clearwing was again in residence, the
galls very easy to spot on thin twigs, about eight feet from the ground
and anything up to 25 feet or more.

Provided the back-view to the twigs was a clear sky, a cursory glance
of a few minutes often told us whether or not a tree was being used.
Generally a good percentage of trees had one or two galls, but it
became evident that a few odd trees had been selected as favourites by
the clearwings. This came as no surprise, as clearwings generally pick a
hostplant or host-tree in preference to others in the near vicinity. I can
only guess as to why, but after a while, and only through patient field-
work, you begin to “look through clearwing eyes” and it’s not too
difficult to pick out the good trees. These tend to be situated in areas
which receive a good amount of sunshine, and may even be a lone tree
apart from the others.

Faced with seeing a few nice galls twenty feet up a tree and out of
range will provide you with a nice predicament. Most, if not all,
entomologists are nature-lovers and conservation minded. The thought
of chopping down a fine tree for a couple of galls would fill them with
loathing, and the exercise would not spring to mind. A lot of these
sallows being tall and thin wouldn’t entertain being climbed so there
lies the problem.

A wonderful device made by my brother-in-law to rescue trout flies
from high branches has been elaborated on, and with this, gall-
collecting has become a simple matter. A gall on a thin twig twenty feet
up the tree can be obtained, with only the section of twig being cut.
This device is simply a small two-inch section of hollow metal tube
with one end blocked up with cork. On the side of the tube is tied an
old meat skewer with the top three inches bent into a hook. On the
ring of the skewer is tied 25 feet or so of stout nylon cord. This is
where a 25 foot extending hollowglass roachpole comes into play. The
tip of the pole is inserted into the tube and fed up to the twig,
whereupon the hook is removed, leaving you with the device attached
near to the twig and the cord in your other hand. It is then simply a
matter of pulling on the cord to bend down the twig where it can be
cut as close as need be, ideally a foot or so either side of the gall. The

46 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society S fi

hook is then carefully released and the branches swing back as before.
The tree is not damaged at all, and all that has been cut is a small
section of twig. This worked wonderfully well reaching galls which
would have been unobtainable. Two very small galls which
unfortunately had split from thin twigs were carefully opened,
whereupon the larvae were visible inside. These appeared nearly full
grown, and were later introduced back into stems which I drilled out,
in the hope they’d be okay. Many years ago when Rob had collected
galls from the area later in the year, he found that a high percentage of
them had been attacked by birds, at least one in three. None of the
ones we found, (33 in all) had been visited. It seems as though the
more visible the galls become, they obviously attract the attention of
birds, probably lesser-spotted woodpeckers or I may suppose great tits.
Anyway, although it felt as though we’d swum all day, it was a great
success.

9th January 2000: Having felt we’d been cheated by the weather, we
decided to return to the fray and have another go, under better —
conditions. This time we left the trunks at home and we were blessed
with a lovely sunny day, albeit quite cold with a frosty start. We
returned to the same area, but wandered further afield, finding galls in —
most areas we searched. This time we found galls which showed signs
of bird attack. This was amazing, as every gall which showed signs of
bird pecking, was attacked in exactly the same way. The bird had
pecked a very neat hole on only one side of the twig, about one and a
half inches above the gall, right through to the tunnel where the larva
was situated. They knew exactly where the larvae were and obtained
them with the least amount of effort possible. I think that if we left the
trip until later in the spring, the percentage of attacked galls would
have been very high. In the same area we found cut silver birch stumps
with capped exit holes of the Large red-belted clearwing, Synanthedon
culiciformis. Sections of these were taken and duly sanded up. Nearby
also on cut silver birch were signs of another clearwing, the White-
barred, Synanthedon spheciformis, the holes on these being a fair bit
larger. Moving onto another place in the Hook area, we searched in a
clearing among cut silver birch for spheciformis. Where the trees were
coppiced a while ago, they’d thrown out new shoots. Spheciformis had

affected these stumps and new shoots in the not too distant past, the |

exit holes of the adult moths being very visible. On seeing these, and
judging the age of the affected shoots Rob reckoned on there being a
good chance of being an emergence this year so a few samples were
taken. Apparently heaps of frass can be seen on the ground around the

. Volume 60 + April 2001 47

stumps, but as there was a very heavy frost and everything being white,

_ it was hard to tell. Presumably later in the spring the larvae would be

more active, feeding up before pupation. At the moment, i.e. early

January I would guess the larvae would be very inactive.

A very nice day, with the added bonus of putting up a Woodcock
and seeing a lovely Dartford warbler. Also in a very sandy area we
noticed dozens upon dozens of holes surrounded by piles of excavated
sand, presumably of Minataur beetles. These were exactly the same
diameter-wise as ones we have in Broxbourne Woods, but with the
sand being looser, obviously the piles are larger, I'd say at least three-

- quarters of a coffee cup in some instances.

22nd January 2000: Stanstead Abbotts, Marsh Lane. Rob and I went
_around the big sailing lake and all around the wooded side they’d
been clearing away sallows to encourage reed growth, to attract
_ Bitterns. At the same time they’re putting in fishing platforms so ???

_ Anyway, the main thing of interest for us was the stumps which were

left, they were riddled with Lunar hornet tunnelling. Unfortunately

_ the trees which they’d cut had been either towed away or burnt. One
stump of about ten inches diameter had 17 holes in. Even stumps
' down to four to five inches had up to seven holes. On the 25th I
_ went back, and also a couple of days later I went again with Rob and
we came away with various sections and smaller stumps. I think

probably most of any larvae which were around had been in the
sections which were burnt but at least we tried. We rubbed around
most stumps and nearby trees to see if we could de-cap a few holes,
but it was difficult to see due to the ground being very marshy.
Woodpeckers had been around, with several stumps showing peck-
marks about two or three inches above the exit holes. These were
quite fresh so it seems there were pupae in residence already. We

even took a couple of sections from stumps which had been cut

| further around the previous year. These showed old tunnels, but a
_ couple of these looked as though they were plugged up with frass.
Within a given area, it was obvious that certain trees were riddled

while others remained untouched. Also it seemed that affected trees
were always in close proximity to each other, while trees slightly
further around weren’t bothered with.

29th January 2000: Rob and I took a few sections of Salix viminalis
from the track at the end of March Lane at Stanstead Abbotts, including
my famous bit at the small car park which I’d noted last year. I didn’t
want to turn up one day and find that it had been cut, as there were

48 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ee

several guys down there clearing stuff away along the path. All sanded
up and sitting outside with all the other twigs and sections.

28th February 2000: Scott and I fishing on the Leisure Sports pits at
Rye Meads on the right of the toll-gate road. Actually fishing in Jam
Sandwich swim. I went out into the field behind us and started to pick
at a few galls which were covering some sallows there. One tree in
particular was affected by hundreds all over the twigs, branches and
even the trunk. Literally the second one I opened had a lovely full-
grown Red-tipped clearwing larva in it. I kept it and Rob came round
that evening and photographed it on his digital camera, and e-mailed it
to me. Wonderful! I drilled out a large gall (excrescence) and let it
crawl inside, hopefully to continue where it left off. Again I've kept it
for the spring.

5th March 2000: Talking to next door neighbour quite by chance I
discovered that the Pindar Road allotments were now closed, and that
building work would shortly take place there. I quickly went down
there with Bunny, met by Phil and Andy, and we cut away at the
blackcurrant bushes. This location is where I first found the Currant
clearwing last year. After a bit it became obvious that you had to start
cutting last year’s shoots from the tips down, until you found a dark
centre. The light centres were clean stems without larvae in. Obviously,
with one in residence, the pith was black, as we’d found last year. Then
it was a simple task of keeping the short upper piece just cut Gust in
case the larva was in that section), and then cutting a nice long piece
below it to sand up. Unfortunately even with this random cutting, six
larvae were cut in half. Even in one very thin new twig, Phil hollowed
it out, and as the centre was absolutely sodden with water (for some
reason), he didn’t think it contained a larva. Unfortunately it did and
was damaged by the knife-point. The bushes which contained pupae
last year were riddled, whereas the ones which were not tended to over
the other side (and which had few, if any in), were not affected. As the
allotments were now deserted, we took all we could find, in the dozens
as it turned out. Again, these have been sanded up and now sit outside.
I'll put them in the lovely rearing-cage Phil made me, nearer hatching-
time.

11th March 2000: Out of curiosity I split open the short sections of
blackcurrant stems (as mentioned on 5th March), to see if indeed any
larvae were “stranded” in these rather than in the longer sections. I
found six! As these very short pieces would have dried up before they
were due to hatch, and they were too short to sand, also the area in

:

oe ~ Volume 60 + April 2001 49

‘which the larvae were situated was now effectively the end which
would have been sanded, I didn’t hold out too much hope. I then

drilled out the tops of some unoccupied sanded sections and popped
‘them in (one in each). At least they now stand some chance. Some of
‘the cut pieces were starting to show frass. Phil actually phoned to say
his sections were doing the same.

| _5th March 2000: Rob phoned to say he’d been cutting a few branches
| off his apple tree in the garden when he found a wonderful Leopard
moth caterpillar tunnelling in a piece just over an inch in diameter. He

took photos with his digital camera and e-mailed them to me. Fantastic!

Looks like this year’s one too.

6th March 2000: I went to check out the Wayfaring trees in the factory
site at the end of Bingley Road in Hoddesdon Industrial Estate before
tthe level crossing. Old exit holes and more recent ones were in
evidence, but no new ones were found.

11th March 2000: Haileybury School at Hertford Heath, and the
“Wayfaring trees bordering the split-level cricket field. I saw these last
year and went to give them a look-over. Again, lots of old exit holes on
thicker branches, going down to more recent ones on some thinner
‘ones, but no new tunnels or caps. Beginning to wonder at what time of
-year they make the caps. The earliest we found them last year was 11th
April, 18th and 29th May. The leaves are beginning to show, and soon
it will be difficult to check for caps. We'll keep plugging away, sooner
or later we'll get lucky. The weather’s now picking up and we'll have to
get out more to try and get the early stages.

~17th March 2000: Rob and I went over Farnborough Road allotments

in Bishops Stortford to look at the currant bushes. The whole area is
neglected so we felt we could do some cutting. As we thought, the
clearwings had used the cut stems from last year, and on these new
growths we found the conspicuous black tunnelling of this year’s larvae.
We must’ve got between a dozen and twenty good possibles and one
definite larva. Again, all taken back and sanded up in a bucket outside.

30th March 2000: Rye Meads, to the left and right of the Tollgate road.
We went looking for sallow galls. Snapped open a few but no real luck.
Didn’t find any with frass coming out. Perhaps still too early? I don’t
think so, but we didn’t find any frassy ones. The galls, or rather,
excrescences with little bugs or tiny beetles in, when opened, had little
clumps of dark brown, very dry sand-like frass. This is quite unlike that
of the clearwing frass issuing from the gall at Balls Wood last year. We
took one which had some light coloured frass in it, but we'll have to

50 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Se

wait. I still can’t believe my luck when I opened the second gall and
found that clearwing larva on the 28th Feb. Over the road on the left,
they'd been felling sallows and clearing a wooded area. Lots of the
sallows had Lunar hornet tunnelling in. As the trunks and branches
hadn’t yet been burnt, we could check both the stumps and the cut
sections. A bit tired by then, we took a few and left.

31st March 2000: I went back with Bunny and took back four good
possible sections which looked promising.

1st April 2000: Bunny and I went into Balls Wood and saw that they'd
been clearing wide areas of trees. Worth keeping an eye on.

6th April 2000: I went and looked at the Guelder rose tree in the
wood edge at Poveys in Mary’s Lane in Hertford, along the Essendon
Road. Within a few minutes I saw three definite signs of the Orange-
tailed clearwing. I left them there and Rob, Scott, Bunny and I returned
later. Rob took a few photos and we had a good cut. Ended up with
four. Two thinnish twigs with the lovely characteristic capped hole, one
large main trunk which we would've left but ended up taking. This was
a lovely “bullet” hole right in the centre of the trunk, where the cap had
got flicked off. Also a medium section, again with the cap off but with
the packed frass showing. Rob opened up a possible one, and we
found our first parasitised one. Three fly pupae in the top end of the
tunnel waiting to hatch out.

Nothing to do with clearwings, but earlier in the day I parted the first
bit of grass at the base of one of the poplars growing up the hill, and
immediately found a nice hawk-moth pupa. Just about a foot above it I
saw a lovely old exited pupa case of probably a Poplar kitten, judging
by its size. Also, another hawkmoth-sized pupa wedged in a crack of a
large section of bark (underside), lying under the large almost dead
Sweet chestnut tree. Seemed a bit weird. The nearest Poplars were over
80 yards away at a guess. We'll have to see what comes out. This was
the night Scott saw the Aurora Borealis about midnight from his
bedroom window.

7th April 2000: Quick trip to Haileybury to check out the Wayfaring
trees along the wood edges. Came away with a small handful of bits,
but nothing really of note. No obvious caps, although there was
evidence in all trees of exit holes.

19th April 2000 (Bunny’s 4th birthday): A really good three hours at
various sites in Broxbourne woods. We parked up at the cottages just
past the Huntsman pub in Goose Green, and walked into the wood on
the opposite side of the road.

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Be Volume 60 * April 2001 51

First we went down to the area of the old Guelder rose tree (had a

_ quick look but nothing), where Colin Plant does his trapping. They’d

_ been clearing trees out and the area looks really nice. A few sallows

_ had been felled and the stumps were showing the usual tell-tale shot-
holes of the Lunar hornet. One double stump looked promising so I
_ started cutting and chiselling, and there was a lovely larva in its tunnel!

Wonderful! Rob reckoned it to be probably next year’s, but we'll see
what happens. I’ve bought it back just in case it comes out this year. I
re-introduced it to its tunnel, as it fell out while Rob photographed it. I
love seeing this larva in the wild. We then followed the path up to
where they’d felled oak trees in Hoddesdon Park Wood. Along the

_ way, we noticed various dead oak trees which had Agrilus pannonicus
_ exit holes riddled in the trunks, one tree especially, near the path.

On arriving at the clearing where the stumps were, we went over to

_ two particular ones (large) on which Rob had seen small amounts of

frass between the outer bark and the inner wood, on 19th September,

last year. I'd been back twice since then and had a look but to be
honest, it wasn’t that obvious. Anyway, I noticed a small pile of

|
.

hardened damp frass in one spot, which, when I flicked it off revealed
a lovely round hole beneath it. Also another a couple of inches away,
but not that obvious. Carefully prizing the bark away, just about an inch
beneath the capped hole, was a small cocoon, slightly broken which
revealed an active clearwing larva inside, turning round. This hopefully,
was my very first sighting of the Yellow-legged clearwing. At least, the

larva. And if that wasn’t enough, inside the very piece of bark which

we prised away, was an exposed long thin larva of Agrilus pannonicus.
(exactly the same as the drawing in Brian Levey’s article on buprestids)
At last we’d found one!!! There were a few other half-exposed larvae,
which might have been pannonicus, or longhorn beetle larvae. There
were a few of these too. I took away pieces of the bark, to see what
happens. As the pannonicus larva was actually in the bark, and quite
long (about an inch), I suppose it was getting ready to pupate. Only
thing is, it is a very delicate thing, and the tip of its tail was still in the
wood, while the rest of the body hung free. It didn’t look too happy.
Anyway, we’ll see. Maybe there’s another one or two, undisturbed,
inside. They all seemed to be congregated in one side of the trunk. The
whole stump was perhaps only six inches high and about 18 inches
across. We gave the treatment to another stump where Rob saw some
frass, a few yards away, and we found another intact cocoon of the
clearwing. Next to it, about an inch or so away, was a large Clearwing
larva, and next to that, a smaller one.

52 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society te :

I've got them all at home here, in boxes of oak chippings taken from
the base of the stumps. Hopefully they'll be okay till they pupate and
hatch. What a few hours! We'll have to go back in bright daylight and
give the area a good looking at.

Also today, Phil’s Emperor moth cocoons hatched, giving him eight
females and two males. They attracted in more than six males. Nice
sunny day. Mine have yet to hatch. Offspring from the larvae I found at
the Bunny Walk in Hoddesdon.

24 April 2000: A quick trip with Phil to the cleared oaks at Hoddesdon
Park Wood, looking for Yellow legged clearwing and pannonicus
larvae on the stumps. Got several which we brought back and are
keeping in sections of wood and wood chippings etc. I then stopped at
Bencroft East and found a silver birch stump with a cap of hardened
frass on the top. I flicked it off, revealing the exit hole which went
down the side under the peeling bark. I pulled it away to reveal a fully-
fed larva which turned and went back down into its tunnel. (This
subsequently hatched on 21st May. I found the pupa case on the side
of the wood near the tunnel, but no adult. Must’ve escaped from the
large outside “rabbit run” box I bought, and which Phil netted up for
me. Probably got out under the side.) At Bencroft East, theyre cutting
lots of silver birch and Hornbeam and piling the logs up.

28th April 2000: I cut the section of apple branch at the Bunny Walk
(St Margaret's Community Woodland) which was showing frass from
large tunnels. Got to be a Leopard moth. It’s now in the cages with the
rest. Dan Hackett confirmed one of my larvae from Hodd Park Wood
(oak stumps) was pannonicus!

5th May 2000: Marsh Lane, Stanstead Abbotts with Bunny. I found a
lovely branch of viminalis which was showing lots of frass from a bark
rupture, and also another branch just next to it. I sawed it off and
returned on the 6th to cut the other one. Sanded up in the nets. I sorted
out a lot of sallows I cut at Stanstead Abbotts and a few from Tye
Meads, and most of them were dead ends, old tunnelling. I kept a few
which seemed to be possibles, and the absolute definite from
Danemead Wildlife area which had the larva in it (19th April).

15th May 2000: Emergence of one large Red belted clearwing (Rob)
from a silver birch stump section taken from Woolmer Forest in Hants,
on 9th January. However, a spider got to it first.

16th May 2000: I went and sawed off a piece of dead crab apple

branch from the sole tree at the Eastwick turn off the A414 Gust before
the Harlow roundabout leading to the ski slope). I found a Red belted

4 Volume 60 + April 2001 53

clearwing pupa case sticking out last spring, so I thought it worth
taking. In the rabbit run with the others (3ft section).

| 17th May 2000: Rob phoned to say David Wilson had two Currant
_clearwings hatch from the six twigs I gave him at the Kettering Bug
Fair. I think he kept them in his greenhouse as nothing’s stirring on

Rob’s or mine. The twigs were either from Pindar Road Hoddesdon, or

_ Farnborough Road allotments in Bishop’s Stortford. (Probably Pindar
_ Road I think.)

Also today I found a large broken pupa case on the ground in the

| rabbit run. The only thing I can think of was a Lunar hornet hatched
_ and got out.....argh....

Also today (my birthday) the Clearwing pheromones arrived from

_ Theo Garrevoet in Belgium!!! Great!

About this time Rob’s Leopard moth hatched out from his apple

_ branch section he found in his garden on 5th March. A big female.

_ 21st May 2000: Emergence Large red belted clearwing in the rabbit run

I took from Bencroft East on 24th April, but as already mentioned, it
must’ve escaped.

22 May 2000: Hoddesdon Park Wood. Oak clearing with bunny. 1pm-
2.30pm, sunny. I found four or five more Yellow legged clearwing
larvae throwing out frass from the oak stumps. Took them back and
now in the nets. Tried Pheromones of myopaeformis (for culiciformis)
and vespiformis but had nothing. Worth a go. One of the vespiformis
larvae was just in the throes of making its coccoon. Took some photos
with the new digital camera dad got me, plus some of Bunny and a few
reference shots. Works Great!

23rd May 2000: Emergence of a Large red belted clearwing in the
rabbit run. Couldn’t find a pupa case other that the one of two days
ago, so I can only think it was that one, and had been hiding.

| 27th May 2000: Phil phoned to say an oak section he’d taken from
_ Hodd Park Wood on 24th April which was still throwing out frass, had
_ developed a small “D” shaped hole an inch away from it, with the head
_ of a live Buprestid showing, peeking out awaiting emergence. I went

and photographed it. This beetle did like some of the sinuatus I'd
found last year, and died on the 29th May. Phil took it out and found it
to be Agrilus pannonicus!

28th May 2000: Between 1.30 and 2.30pm, Phil went to the oak

clearing looking for signs of pannonicus, and found several (five or six)
Agrilus sulcicollis, and about ten A. angustulus sitting around on the

54 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Ss >

coppiced hornbeam branches and leaves which were growing out of
the stumps. A variable weather day, but at that time he’d found some
sunshine. The earliest yet we’d found Buprestids.

29th May 2000: Phil, Rob and I went to the oak clearing again as it
was sunny and had some phenomenal luck! Phil took us to the stump
where he’d taken the clearwing/Buprestid section, and showed us
several other exit holes near ground level. At this point he thought they
may’ve been old ones. As the stump was a living one, and not dead
(when the tree was cut two years ago), this suggested to me anyway,
that had the tree been dead, they could well have been old exit holes.
As the tree was /ive, then the Buprestids must’ve gone in after the tree
was cut and distressed. This meant if they indeed did go in two years
ago, and if as we read pannonicus has a two-year life-cycle, then the
exit holes were this year’s. In fact, probably only a few days old if the
adults were beginning to emerge. With this in mind, Phil chiselled out a
few sections of bark, whereupon he and Rob noticed a small sliver of
blue elytra showing between some split bark. Carefully opening it up,
they found a wonderful, fully-formed adult A. pannonicus awaiting
emergence. Also, a full-fed larva fell out too! I photographed the two
together. On chiselling out another piece next to it, Phil revealed
another adult primed for emergence, which I photographed. While
kneeling down and searching for others I noticed a large female,

brilliantly-coloured, sitting in the moss. An absolute beauty. This was |

photographed at length at the stump, and at home where she opened
up her elytra giving us some cracking shots. I’m keeping her alive as
long a possible to get some more photos. A great day, putting together
more pieces in the intriguing jigsaw of their life-cycle. I found another
stump which we’d previously missed, showing a frass pile between the
bark and wood. Hopefully a Yellow-legged clearwing for this year.

Phil found one Agrilus sulcicollis sitting on a hornbeam leaf in the
sun. This was the only one today. We put out two Pheromone lures
while we stayed there, but nothing came in. Phil and I went on to
Bencroft East to look around the old and new log piles but apart from
Wasp beetles we found no Buprestids or clearwings. We tried the
Pheromones there for half an hour, but didn’t really expect to get any.

A really Good day!

1st June: Rob, Bunny and I went for a walk around the pits at
Cheshunt and found two nice sections of viminalis which were
throwing out frass from ruptures in the bark. Rob took one back to
sand up.

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be Volume 60 + April 2001 55

3rd June onwards: On a daily basis now for quite a while, Phil and I
are having emergences of Currant clearwings from the sections of
currants we cut from the doomed allotments at the end of Pindar Road
in the industrial estate in Hoddesdon. Phil’s breeding cage is constantly
in the sun all day, whereas I put mine in the shed when it rains! Phil
made me a wonderful breeding cage and I haven't the heart to let it get
ruined, so while the weather’s bad, it goes in the shed. In a roundabout
way, it’s confirmed to us something which Phil suspected ages ago. As

| Phil’s cage was constantly in the sun, his clearwings started to emerge

first. On one good day he had seven come out. Mine started a while
later, but once they got going I started having them emerge in numbers.
Five in one day was my best. Phil’s were tending to emerge in the

morning, while mine were more often than not coming out around

5pm. Then some days I’d go out and check about 8 or 9am and there’d
be one sitting on the netting. Rob’s ones were the last to emerge but I
think they weren't getting as much sun as ours. On all of this, it seems
even the same “batch” of twigs differ in emergence times if they are
kept in different circumstances.

3rd June: Phil, Bunny and I went to the oak clearing again, and Phil
found a Yellow-legged clearwing pupa case protruding from just below
the rim of an oak stump. It was about 3cms below the top. I kept it for
my pupa collection.

8th June: One of my Yellow-legged clearwings emerged from a larva
Rob and I chiselled out from an oak stump alongside a formed-up pupa
case, on 19th April. ’'d kept the larva in a small box with oak chippings
and a small piece of wood about 1cm x 3cms on which was the pupa
case. After a while I noticed the larva had made its own cocoon next to
the other one. It was the larva which emerged today, as the original
pupa was still intact. Also today, a Large red belted clearwing emerged
from a section of silver birch stump I cut from Broxbourne West on
26th April. However, more luck as this was a yellow belted aberration.

12th June: Rob had a Red-tipped clearwing emerge from a section of
viminalis he’d taken, but wasn’t sure exactly from where he’d cut it!

13th June: At 4.15pm, I noticed a wild Currant clearwing frantically
trying to get inside my breeding cage. At first I thought it must be an
escapee trying to get back into the cage where a female was busy
calling. On checking the cage, I found no holes at all, so she must have
called the new one in from the “wild”. God knows how far it came in
from. I potted it up and put it in the cage. It took him roughly 20
seconds of buzzing around to find her and pair up. They stayed paired
at least until after dark which was about 10pm.

56 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

15th June: The other Yellow-legged clearwing emerged from the pupa
already mentioned. I still have a few other possibles so we'll have to
see what happens.

18th June: Phil phoned to say he’d noticed about seven new pupae
cases sticking out of the red crab apple tree next to his front garden. I
went over at 5pm to take him the pheromone lure to try out, to see if
any were attracted to it. On arriving we noticed a female Red belted
clearwing on the trunk about head-height, laying eggs in cracks in the
bark. She’d stay in one spot for a few minutes, then flit off and land a
few inches away and begin the process again. We left her to it.

19th June: I had an Orange tailed clearwing emerge in the morning
from a section of Guelder rose I took from the wood edge at Mary’s
Lane in Hertford.

21st June: One of Rob’s Red tipped clearwings emerged from a section
of viminalis he’d taken, but exactly from where remains a bit vague!

25th June: Sometime just before about 11.45am, I had a lovely big
female Lunar hornet emerge from a sallow section. Again, the exact
location it came from is a bit vague as the rain had disintegrated the
piece of data label I'd pinned to it. Sunny and cloudy, a warm day.

At 1.10pm Phil phoned to say a Red belted clearwing was nosing
round the pheromone he’d hung up near the apple tree.

27th June: Midday, one of my Sallow clearwings emerged from sallow
taken from Woolmer Forest, Hants on either 30th December or 9th
January. A first!

29th June: Rob had four Sallow clearwings emerge from sallow twigs.

30th June: Phil had a lovely Yellow-legged clearwing emerge from an
oak section which was collected from Hoddesdon Park Wood on 24th
April.

2nd July: Upper Sundon Chalk Quarry, near Luton, Beds. Phil, Rob
and I went for our yearly trip to look for Six-belted clearwings, from
lpm-5.30pm. A lovely warm day, but 95% overcast, with odd glimpses
of the sun. Slightly breezy with it. Within about two minutes of putting
out the pheromone for apiformis, we had males coming into it from
downwind. As we were told by Theo Garrevoet in Belgium who
supplied the lures, we were to stay with the lure at all times. If any
clearwings were in the area, they would be onto it literally within
minutes. Should there be no response within five minutes, or ten at the
most, we were to move around, even more than 100 yards away and
try again. This we did, moving frequently, but we had males come in at

i
|

i Volume 60 + April 2001 57

every stop-off, sometimes even three or four together. A joint gathering

_ always coincided with there being a short burst of sunshine. Had there
_ been more sun, I think the conclusion was, that we would have had
/ more. During the period we were there, we must've called in between
| 20-25 males. Rob found one large female close to where we were
_ sitting. Sweeping the Bird’s foot trefoil everywhere we went produced
nothing at all. All the other pheromones used called in nothing, so

obviously there were no other species about in the area. Given the
immediate response from males, at one time within 15 seconds of
placing it, I think it was a pretty fair assumption. We placed the
pheromones about 12 inches above ground-level, usually hanging from
a low thistle or something. They always came from downwind, and it

| was lovely actually to see them flying in. They hung around for a few

minutes, then as we were told by Theo, they lost interest when they

_ realised it was “fake” and not a real female, then they left.

3rd July: Another of my Yellow-legged clearwings hatched from an

_ oak section from Hoddesdon Park Wood on 22nd May.

5th-19th July: Holiday in Limassol in Cyprus. I tried various areas a
few hundred yards from the sea up in the scrubby rocks and Olive
trees, but to no avail. I tried all the pheromones on different days but
no luck whatsoever. Temperatures up to 43 degrees centigrade may
have been a bit too hot, as I generally tried them between llam-l1pm,
and sometimes a little later. Then again there may not have been any
clearwings around. Anyway, it was worth a try. Very little if anything
was flying at all, save a few Robber flies and a few species of wasps.
An odd butterfly here and there, and that was it. While I was away, Rob
had a few more Sallow clearwings emerge, and Phil had a Red-tipped
clearwing emerge from viminalis ’d taken from Stanstead Abbotts on

— 5th May.

A day out in Surrey with Phil and Rob. Just a general walkabout over
Phil’s old haunts of a few years back. The area has since grown over,
and Phil had a bit of a job finding it due to a lot of trees which had
grown up. We found an open area with cut silver birch stumps which
were showing evidence of the White-barred clearwing, Synanthedon
spheciformis. One double stump had massive piles of frass all around,
which when flicked off, revealed large exit holes. Rob thought these
may have already emerged given the time of year, but other stumps
had smaller amounts of frass which may be good for next year. Still, it
Was nice to get a few photos of the stumps, of which to Phil and me
would be a new clearwing.

58 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society td

All the twigs and wood sections of this year seemed to have come to
a halt now. We've had some nice really hot days, which when we think
would have encouraged emergences, but nothing. Maybe there’s a few
odd ones still to come, but we doubt it. So that, more or less ties up the
clearwinging for this part of the year at least. We did really well with
nine species this year:

Lunar hornet Red-tipped clearwing
Currant clearwing Red-belted clearwing
Yellow-legged clearwing Large red-belted clearwing
Orange-tailed clearwing Six-belted clearwing

Sallow clearwing

All except two were local around these parts. The Sallow clearwing
came from Woolmer Forest in Hants, and the Six-belted clearwing from
the Upper Sundon Chalk Quarry in Beds. We were successful with
every species we tried. Next year perhaps [ll catch up with the Hornet.
but so far I haven't tried rearing any through yet.

The hunt goes on, and although it’s still high summer (28th July as I
write), and lots of other things to do, I cant wait for it to start all over
again in the winter. As usual, we've learnt new things about this family
as we go along. Obviously we’ve been guided by books and published
accounts which we've read, but a lot is picked up by field work and
observation. I personally much prefer finding things out by myself, as I
know Rob and Phil do, and in jotting down our findings perhaps it may
add little pieces to the jig-saw of this fascinating family of moths. Now
we have the set of pheromones kindly supplied by Theo Garrevoet,
himself a devoted clearwing enthusiast in Belgium, next year we can try
properly. We were successful with the Six-belted clearwing at Sundon,
using the lure for apiformis. Every other one tried on different days, in
different areas drew a blank, but I think it was more a case of not using
them correctly. With the great success at Sundon, and knowledge of
how to use them correctly, I think next year will see a few more
species added by using this method. Not particularly different species,
but the same ones which I'm hoping will show up in different areas.
We can't wait for next year!

Volume 60 * April 2001 59

The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies
in Britain and Ireland

Mexsicem Warten, VM. Fox, R., Harding, P., Jeffcoate, G., and
Nemcoate ss) 2001, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0.19: 850565 5, 433
pages, numerous colour pictures, coloured maps and charts, price
430.00

The Butterflies for the New Millennium (BNM) Project was set up in
1995 and progressed to 1999. It was organised by Butterfly
| Conservation and the Biological Records Centre, with the Dublin
Naturalists’ Field Club, and co-ordinated by two steering groups of 16
people. It involved many individuals regularly collecting records and a
number of landowners allowing surveys to be undertaken on their land.
| The net result of this work is this book, which shows just how much
| work has been done and how much the advancement of our
knowledge of butterflies has been increased. However, the book does
not mark the end of the story, but its continuation from the original
provisional atlas of 1970, the published Atlas of 1984 to the future
atlases to come. Throughout this review, for the sake of convenience
and brevity I have used the term “Britain” to include the British Isles
and the Island of Ireland.

The book is divided into seven chapters, plus nine Appendices,
References, Glossary and Index. The first chapter gives the background
to the project, explaining the organisation of the BNM Project and the
reasons for its implementation, the very brief history of the British
butterfly fauna and the history and current state of butterfly recording in
| Britain. The second chapter is a brief explanation of the effects of
| environment on butterfly distribution and the management of their
| habitats. Eight coloured maps showing the geology, soil types, land use

and climate in Britain follow this, along with a number of photographs
Grenalpitat types, Ihe next two chapters cover the collection and
| interpretation of data. The type of data wanted is described first,

60 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

followed by the organising of recording to provide this data, and how
the early results showed where recording needed to be targeted to fill
in the gaps. The verification, validation and constraints placed upon the
data by the methods of recording are then briefly discussed. The
similarities and differences between data obtained from the BMS
(Butterfly Monitoring Scheme) and the BNMP are explained, as is the
use of the data from both. The analysis uses coloured maps of Britain
to present the data obtained in a variety of ways, showing various
aspects of butterfly distribution at a resolution of 10km and 5km
squares. Since the data included sighting dates, this information was
used to give a reasonable picture of flight times and the presence of
other stages in the life cycle. The modern records were also compared
with the records from previous periods.

Chapter 5 deals with the individual species of Butterfly. The first two
pages explain the layout of the presentation of the data for each
species. There follows a four page spread on each species that includes
a coloured distribution map based on the 10km square system. There is
also a description of the biology and ecology of the species, with an
analysis of the distribution in Britain and a comment about the
European distribution. There follows an overview of the butterfly’s
status and suggestions for its future outlook. These individual accounts
are reasonably comprehensive but do not replace the previous
important works, such as the 1984 Atlas, or the classic book by Jeremy
Thomas and Richard Lewington in 1991. However, to be fair, the
Millennium Atlas makes no claim to do this, its role is a snapshot of the
current state of the British butterfly fauna and it fulfils this most
excellently.

Chapter 6 is in reality a more comprehensive analysis of the current
distribution of butterflies in Britain, comparing it with previous
distributions along with explanations of the changes now apparent. The
unheaded paragraph on the contentious issue of butterfly collecting and
its effect upon populations (page 343) is well balanced. I do feel that it
should have mentioned and emphasised the need for the responsible
scientific collecting of voucher specimens for future research, and that
such specimens should be lodged in specific collections with access for
bona fide researchers. There is a very brief return to the issue in a
headed paragraph on page 352, but again the importance of historical
and recent voucher specimens is not mentioned. In some ways, I feel
an important opportunity was lost, if for no other reason than the
contentious nature of the issue. It might have also been of interest to
consider both the methods of preservation of specimens to ensure the

a > Wolume 60> April 2001 61

survival of the DNA and the need for such measures. The conservation
issues are well considered, including the short-term stop gap that
reserves have provided. The emphasis now being upon conservation in
_ the countryside as a whole so as to avoid the island effect produced by
reserves. The final two pages review the conclusions of the study, and
produce a 10-point plan for the conservation of butterflies that would
apply to all other forms of wildlife, not just in the UK but in Europe as
a whole.

The BNM Project set out to provide up to date information for use in
the development of management plans for the British Butterfly Fauna.
This it has more than achieved, and the information acquired is
extremely well presented in this volume. I heartily recommend it to all
interested in insects and not just those interested in butterflies. Indeed,
it should be on the book shelves of all those who are actively involved
in any aspect of wildlife conservation in Britain, so important is the
information contained in it. For the price of &30.00 it represents
excellent value for money and shows that the high prices charged for
some books are not justified!

Nick Holford

7 4 Provisional atlas of the longhorn beetles
< (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of Britain

by P.F.G. Twinn & P.T. Harding, Published by The Biological Records
Centre, Monks Wood 1999 96pp, (SBN 1-870393-40-0) &5 paperback
Gncl. post & packing). Available from ITE (Publication Sales), Monks
Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon PEI7 2LS (Tel: 01487 773381, fax:
01487 773467), Web site http://www.nmw.ac.uk/ite.

The first part of the work is 21 pages of introductory text, which is well
reasoned and generally straightforward to understand. The distribution
maps follow this. The introductory text is written by Paul Harding and
is divided into several sections. The first part is a discussion of the
origins and extent of the British Cerambycid fauna and the reasons for
its decline. This is combined with a discussion about the atlas, the
Cerambycidae Recording Scheme and where problems with records
may lie. There is also a discussion about rearing larvae, along with the
teal concerns with the problems involved in collecting them. This is
because of the severe destruction of a microhabitat that is important for
other organisms. There follows a checklist of the species and a table

62 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

comparing this list with those of other key works, such as Joy, Duffy,
Pope and Bense. Then comes a review of the apparently extinct
species, those species that are doubtful as native to Britain and the
species of uncertain taxonomic status. These species are treated
individually. The next section of the text describes the British and
Continental literature, with particular reference to the British species.
This is followed by notes on distribution, which is related to the
recording scheme and to the maps.

The distribution maps are introduced by three maps showing the
recording coverage, intensity and number of species, as is usual in such
publications. These maps make obvious the gaps in the records so far
received since there are very few, if-any, records-from much of
northern England and Scotland, plus the Scillies and Anglesey. There
follows a distribution map for each species, with associated text. This
text comprises a list of references related to identification, distribution
and biology. Although it is a nice touch having these references, I felt it
would have been more useful if a summary of the actual information
had been provided. I hope this point is addressed in the next edition.
Additionally, the biological and distribution information ending the text
for each species is very brief and I hope it will be expanded upon in
future editions so as to make it more useful. It often seems that one of
the main purposes of such provisional atlases is to highlight the
shortage of records. Is this in the hope that it will encourage interested
persons to submit more?

I have found one very important error in the list of References,
referring to the main previous review of the distribution of British
longhorns (Kaufmann, R.R.U., 1948, Notes on the Distribution of British
Longhorn Coleoptera). This is quoted as being from the Entomologist’s
kecord and Journal of Variation. The correct reference is Entomologist’s
Monthly Magazine, 84: 66-85.

Overall, this is a useful publication for anyone interested in
Cerambycids. If the points mentioned above are addressed in future
editions, then the publication will be very suitable for a much wider
and non-specialist audience. In its present brief form, it represents good
value at £5.00, including post and packaging, and I recommend it to
anyone interested in the group.

Nick Holford

\ ad Volume 60 «© April 2001 63

OBITUARY

ARTHUR MAITLAND EMMET
15 July 1908 — 2 March 2001

Maitland, as he was always affectionately called, died on March 3rd last,
in his 92nd year. The son of a country parson he was born at West
Hendred in Oxfordshire and as a boy was known to be wielding a
butterfly net. Educated at Sherborne and then going on to Oxford
where he read classics and was a keen rower, an interest he kept up all
his life being a regular attender at the Henley regattas. For many years

he taught at St. Edward’s School, Oxford. Joining the Territorial Army
_ he obtained a commission in the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light
_ Infantry, eventually rising to the rank of Lt-Col. In 1942 he was attached
_ to the 25th Indian Division and saw action against the Japanese in India

and on the Arakan front in Burma. In 1947 he published the official

account of the Arakan Campaign and was awaided the MBE. He then

returned to his teaching post at St. Edward’s School, but after a few

_ years turned to other activities and became an examiner in English

Language for London University and acted as an adviser on the RAF
Selection Board, then stationed at Biggin Hill, which positions he held
for many years. He moved to Saffron Walden in Essex in order to help

| look after his elderly mother and an aunt. In 1972 he married Katie
' who pre-deceased him in 1993. She will be well remembered by all

who attended any field meetings at which he was present, for she
invariably accompanied him on his entomologising and became an
expert in her own right at spotting leaf-mining caterpillars.

Maitland joined the AES in 1947 and served as President in 1975

_ when he was also elected an Honorary member. In 1905 he joined the

South London Entomological Society (now the British Entomological &
Natural History Society) where he met that great enthusiast for the

_ Microlepidoptera, Stanley Wakely and similarly minded people as S. N.

A. Jacobs and L. T. Ford who were producing a series of papers on the
Micros. When notes on the Microlepidoptera by Mr Ollivant started
being published in our Bulletin, it was Maitland’s sharp eye that spotted
that on two occasions the legends to Eric Bradford’s figures illustrating
the articles had been transposed and wrote, with extreme modesty, to
correct the error. He was immediately asked if he would like to take
over the series and for the next ten years from 1966 onwards this series
of articles on the smaller moths, from his pen and illustrated mainly by
fellow member Eric Bradford, or sometimes by himself, appeared in our

64 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

Bulletin. It is worth quoting part of his original remarks (Bulletin 25:
78-81) which shows both his eye for detail and grasp of the
identification of Microlepidoptera.

“Mr. E. S. Bradford must be a very aggrieved man. After executing his
drawings of microlepidoptera with the greatest skill and producing one
of the best features of the Bulletin, he seems to be dogged by error.
[There now follows correction of errors] It is one’s duty to correct such
errors. However I write only in part to find fault: doing so also gives
me the opportunity to pay my tribute to Mr Bradford’s fine work.
... Someone had to write about these mistakes, but I had hoped that a
better qualified entomologist would do so. It was with reluctance,
therefore, that I at last put pen to paper: I also felt a vague sense of
apprehension regarding the consequences of my officiousness. The
outcome, however, was something quite unforeseen, for it was a letter
from Mr. Ollivant inviting me from taking over from him the writing of
these notes. I could not refuse without inviting the opprobrium due to
the destructive critic. I had entrapped myself, and so here I am: but I
hope the moral of my story will not be lost on readers who spot the
mistakes I shall make to the future.”

Photograph courtesy of Basil Harley

Maitland Emmet — taken in 19860 when he was 78 years old.

mf Volume 60 * April 2001 65

This continuing interest in the Microlepidoptera and the writing of
these notes and his editing — indeed writing much of — The British
Entomological & Natural History Society’s book A field guide to the
smaller British Lepidoptera that honed his skills and led on to his
writing not only some of the Microlepidoptera sections, but also some
of the introductory chapters and subsequently the editorship of the
magnificent series, still continuing, of The Moths and Butterflies of
Great Britain and Ireland, published by Harley Books. A superb
example of his organised and keen mind is undoubtedly the chart of
the life-history and habits of the British Lepidoptera, which formed the
bulk of Volume 7(2).

His eye for detail never left him and perhaps his best coup in this
respect was in 1990 when he spotted on the doorstep of Imperial
College, which is across the road from the Entomology Department of
the Natural History Museum, a leaf which contained a mine,
Phyllonorycter platani it was, a species new to Britain, but which he
had already been suspecting might turn up and was then found to be
quite plentiful on the plane trees in the area. A perfect example of how
an experienced field naturalist can complement the taxonomists!

Maitland contributed regularly, not just to the AES Bulletin, but also
to other entomological journals and was a member of a number of
other Societies for which he always found the time in spite of his many
other activities and responsibilites, to serve in some official capacity. He
was also elected an Honorary Member to several of them, including the
Royal Entomological Society. Apart from the publications mentioned
above he also wrote a Guide to the smaller moths of Essex and, the
book which he prized above all his other publications, The Scientific
names of the British Lepidoptera (Harley Books) where his classical
training and command of the Latin tongue stood him in such good
stead. So well thought of was Maitland for his outstanding scientific
studies on the smaller moths that honours came his way — The
Stamford Raffles Medal of the Zoological Society of London in 1981 and
in 1999 Butterfly Conservation awarded him their first Lifetime
Achievement Award. Always a cheerful and amusing companion, ever
helpful to those with less knowledge, he will be sadly missed.

Brian Gardiner

66 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society sé

Wanted: Sightings of the Four-spotted moth
Tyta luctuosa
by Paul Waring (4220)

13066 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE4 OLS.

The Four-spotted moth is a distinctive black and white day-flying moth
which could turn up anywhere in the central and southern counties of
England and is particularly likely to be seen by butterfly watchers. Yet it
is currently classified as a Red Data Book species. This article explains
why. It also provides an introduction to this enigmatic littke moth in the
hope that this will help AES members find some of the breeding
colonies we believe still await discovery in the English countryside.

Past and present distribution

Over the years, the Four-spotted moth has been recorded very widely
in England south of a line between the Severn and the Humber. The
majority of these records date from before 1960. Most of the records
since 1980 come from four main areas: the Isle of Portland, Dorset,
central Somerset, the Thames corridor and a wider scattering of records
from the Breckland district of East Anglia westwards into
Northamptonshire and northwards to Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
But a single individual was seen and photographed in Durham in June
1994 (Dunn 1994). Dr Hazel Johnson, a lecturer in the Department of
Geology in the University of Durham was walking in a flowery field
near St Mary’s College, on a warm sunny morning at about 10.30hrs,
when she spotted the moth, which she duly reported to the late Tom
Dunn, then County Moth Recorder for Durham, who confirmed it from
her photographs. This appears to be the only time the moth has ever
been seen in Co. Durham.

The problem is that many of the other recent records are also of
singletons. When it comes to counting the number of sites where we
know the moth can be found every year and in any numbers, the list is
a short one, and is becoming shorter as the years go by, hence the Red
Data Book status of the moth. The Four-spotted is listed as a priority for
attention in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and this article
draws on results from the BAP project started on this moth last year.

Habits

The Four-spotted moth can be seen on the wing any time from mid-
May to early July. There is a partial second generation which occurs

(hd Volume 60 + April 2001 67

from mid-July to late August, more so in hot sunny summers and in the

_ south of its range. But occasional second generation individuals occur
| most years even at the northern limits of the species in the East
_ Midlands. The last week in May and the month of June produced the
_ highest counts during weekly monitoring in 2000 of probably the
_ largest remaining British population, in Northamptonshire, near

Peterborough, but only one individual of the second emergence was
seen, on 28th July. The moth is active during the warmest part of the
day and spends much time visiting flowers for nectar. The most
frequently visited flowers at the Peterborough site in 2000 were Oxeye
daisies Leucanthemum vulgare followed by those of Field bindweed
Convolvulus arvense from late June onwards, but various other flowers
were also used. These include Cleavers Galium aparine early in the

flight period and White clover Trifolium repens and Red clover T.
_ pratense \ater on. The caterpillars feed on the flowerbuds and leaves of

Field Bindweed but breeding only seems to take place in hot dry sun-
trap situations such as steep, sheltered, south-facing banks with a
sparse sward containing the foodplant. Places where Field bindweed
grows Over bare earth, rocks or ballast, such as by railway lines,

_ quarries and the field margins of cereal crops are also favoured.

| Search Techniques

Daytime searching for the adult moths is the best technique for locating
the species and hot sunny banks with sparse vegetation are the best
places to look. I have often thought that exploring disused railway
lines, bridleways and other such places from a mountain-bike would be
the ideal way of covering lots of potential habitat effectively. Daytime

_ searches should be between 11.00 and 17.00hrs, preferably during

sunny periods. If it is hot, you may see the males patrolling over the

| breeding grounds, but the best plan is to search the flowers in the area

for nectaring moths. If the sun is only intermittent, the moths may still
be found, resting on flowers until the sun reappears from behind the
clouds. But if the weather is dull and cool or very windy, the moths
will hide away and may not fly up from the grass even if disturbed. The
females, in particular, are active from around dusk and into the night
and both sexes come to light traps. The caterpillars can be found by
searching Field bindweed in suitable places at night with a torch. Three
of us once found a total of five nearly fully grown caterpillars in fifteen
minutes by searching at 01.30hrs in the first week of July. The
caterpillars were feeding and resting exposed on the upper parts of the

| bindweed foliage. They grow to nearly four centimetres in length. By

mid-July they had all pupated.

68 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

Breeding population on Portland, Dorset

The Isle of Portland is the best-known locality to visit if you want to
see the moth. It still turns up every year at the light-trap which Martin
Cade operates at the Bird Observatory at Portland Bill at the south end
of the Island and on 3rd August 2000 when Mark Parsons and I
searched the paths and fencelines of the field system around the
Observatory, we found an adult moth nectaring on a Field bindweed
flower.

Other colonies

The population in the Peterborough area seems to extend up and
down the main East Coast railway line and has been known since the
1950s (Waring 1992), with at least two other colonies near this rail
line in Lincolnshire and another possibly surviving near Huntingdon.
There was a well-known colony in a disused railway line in
Nottinghamshire during the 1970s and 1980s and, although this seems
to have died out by the mid-1990s, the moth has been discovered
recently further along the same line. There was a very big population
around a quarry in Oxfordshire during the 1980s but there are no
recent records from this site, which may be partly due to access
difficulties. Occasional records from south Oxfordshire suggest there
is a colony somewhere between Abingdon and Didcot and another is
suspected in the Chilterns. There must be at least one colony
somewhere in Somerset because occasional individuals continue to
be recorded in one part of the county. On 18th July 1984 Roy
McCormick light-trapped a singleton in North Cheam, the last record
from Surrey, where the moth had been widespread and not
infrequent during the late 1940s and early 1950s but is now feared
extinct (Collins 1997). This is also the last record for the London area,
where Colin Plant (1993) notes that the only known colony was then
threatened by landscaping. On 21st July 2000 a singleton was seen
flying in Essex, just south of the border with Cambridgeshire, along a
farm track with Field bindweed between two fields of wheat, on a
chalky soil (C. Watson) so we shall be looking there for a colony this
year. The moth has become exceedingly rare in Breckland, with no
place known where the moth can be seen annually but it is hard to
believe it can have been lost completely from such an apparently
promising area. Bedfordshire is another county where one or more
colonies may survive.

. ~ Volume 60 + April 2001 69

Reasons for the decline

One of the most frequent reasons for the loss of colonies recently is
_ encroachment of the breeding grounds by rank vegetation and scrub.
| The Peterborough colony survives because annual weed control and
| scraping of part of the site maintain the hot, sparse sward required.
| Probably patchy fires from stray sparks and deliberate burns did the
_ same along railways in the days of steam. The Nottinghamshire site has
_ deteriorated through lack of such management over the last decade. It
has also been suggested that many roadside verges and also parts of
Breckland now offer a ranker, less suitable sward than in the past due
_ both to run-off of agricultural chemicals and deposition of atmospheric
pollutants such as nitrates from heavier motor traffic. Straightforward
| destruction of sites has taken place due to road-widening, building
| development and landscaping. The large-scale decline of the moth
began with intensification of agricultural methods during and just after
| World War Il when greater acreages were ploughed to the very edge
of the field, hedgerows and fencelines were obliterated to increase

field size, heaths and commons were lost, and a greater range and
| quantity of pesticides were introduced, all of which would conspire
against this moth. The decline that has taken place around the
) Observatory at Portland in the last decade or so seems related to a
_ change from annual cultivation of a cereal crop in small fields to
_ fencing and grazing the same ground with cattle. In the former regime
the field margins were flowery yet cut back every year. Now the areas
miside tne fences are orazed too hard whilé the areas outside the
_fences are not cut at all and have become rank, so both sides of the
Fence are unsuitable. The main breeding site in Lincolnshire is
| maintained by light grazing by cattle as a result of a management
| agreement for nature conservation purposes. If either the cattle were
| removed or increased in number, the habitat would become unsuitable
| for the moth and it is easy to imagine this having happened on many
_ other sites.

Meontact address for records of the Four-spotted moth:
If

the above inspires you to search promising sites where you live and
you find the Four-spotted moth, please pass on the information to:

:|
|
:

Windmill View, 1366 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 OLS.

|
|
| Dr Paul Waring, Four-spotted moth project,
|
| E-mail: paul_waring@btinternet.com

|

|

70 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society L—-]

The Four-spotted moth is one of the fifty three priority moth species
in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

References cited:
Collins, G., 1997. The larger moths of Surrey. Surrey Wildlife Trust. Woking.

Dunn, T.C., 1994. Tyta luctuosa (Denis & Schiffermtller), The Four-spotted (Lep.
Noctuidae), new to Co. Durham (VC66). Entomologists’ Record & Journal of Variation
106: 254.

Waring, P., 1992. Wildlife reports - Moths. British Wildlife 3(6): 374-370.

The national distribution map and much of the above information is drawn from :

Waring, P., in press. A review of the nationally scarce and threatened macro-moths of
Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Peterborough.

The distribution map was plotted by DMAP, from data collected by the National
Recording Network for Scarce and Threatened Macro-moths.

Blaps perhaps
by Richard A. Jones

135 Friern Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 OAZ.

E-mail: bugmanjones@hotmail.com

The note by Graham Urquart in Volume 60:(434) February 2001 caught
my eye. Blaps mortisaga (Linnaeus) is actually extinct in Britain, if ever
it were truly native. The beetle is more likely to have been the
extremely similar Blaps mucronata Latreille. At one time a common
resident in houses, cellars, barns, warehouses and the like throughout
the country, it declined dramatically in the 20th century and is now
rarely seen. Sometimes called the churchyard or cellar beetle, it ekes
out a living feeding on spilled food scraps and mouse droppings. It is
nocturnal and flightless and probably evolved as a scavenger in caves,
subsisting on bat dung and carrion. Fitted carpets, vacuum cleaners,
refrigerators and regular woodworm treatment of floor timbers have
probably all had their impact on this curious lumbering creature. I have
only come across it very occasionally in 25 years of looking, but I was
recently brought a bucket load of them, a small portion apparently, of
the huge numbers which had infested a large grain warehouse disused
for many years but with plenty of corn still littering the floors.

36 Volume 60 + April 2001 71

Northamptonshire macro moth recording
by J. W. Ward (4791)

109 Blandford Avenue, Kettering, Northants NN16 9AS.

E-mail: bjward@btinternet.com

I have been co-ordinating Northants moth records for some years now
and have a good spread of records covering most of the county. Due to
the size of the area concerned there are however a few grid squares
that are poorly covered. As there appears to be an increase in moth
recording recently I wonder if any readers live in, and either record in
any of the under-recorded squares or have any records that I am
unaware of.

Figure 1 is a map of VC32 showing the coverage in terms of pre- and
post-1980 records. Some of the better recorded squares have around
400 species whereas others have none.

2494 VC32 GRID SQUARE COVERAGE MAP

Figure 1. White circle over 100 pre-1980 records.
Black circle over 100 1980 and later records.

72 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oe |

The Insect Genome Project
by Peter Holland (6700)

33 Chiltern Crescent, Wallingford, OX10 OPG, UK.

The Human Genome Project has attracted considerable media attention
and captured the public interest. As announced officially in February
2001 (and, rather prematurely, at a White House press conference eight
months earlier), two ambitious research projects have now elucidated
the complete “sequence” of human DNA: our own complete set of -
genes. Tony Blair called the human genome sequence “the first great
technological triumph of the 21st century”, while former US President
Bill Clinton referred to “the most wondrous map ever produced”.

What is less widely known, however, is the fact that humans are
actually the third animal species for which the complete DNA sequence
or genome has been determined. Entomologists might be just as
interested in the second complete animal genome sequence, that of a
dipteran Drosophila melanogaster, released in March 2000. We can
think of this DNA sequence as the genetic blueprint necessary to build
a fully functional living insect. In other words, the complete Drosophila
genome sequence contains all the genes required to build wings,
halteres, antennae, legs, compound eyes and cuticle, all the genes
controlling dipteran larval development, moulting and metamorphosis,
and all the genes involved in sensory perception, flight and the
complex courtship behaviour of this particular species of fruitfly. If you
want to see for yourself, the data are freely accessible to anyone with
access to the internet. The most comprehensive www site is the
Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project (http://www.fruitfly.org). From
here you can choose to “walk” along a particular chromosome (click on
“Gad Fly”, then on “Gene Seen”), search for individual genes (“Query
Gad Fly”) or even download the whole DNA sequence to your
computer. Most of this information is mirrored at the UK-based
“FlyBase” site (http://fly.ebi.ac.uk/) which also has some fascinating
pages on Drosophila anatomy (click on “Anatomy & Images”) and
development (click on “Interactive Fly”).

So what does a genome look like? The DNA molecule itself is
actually rather simple, made of just four types of building block or
“nucleotide”, denoted A, C, G and T, attached end to end in a long
string. Any one of these four letters can follow any other, and it is the
precise order of “sequence” of A, C, G and T that dictates function. The
Drosophila melanogaster genome, for example, contains around 180
million A, C, G and T nucleotides. Within this long string are embedded

ad Volume 60 + April 2001 73

the “genes”, each made of a few thousand nucleotides. If we can
understand these genes, we will have gone a long way towards
understanding how a living insect works. The problem is that although
we can “see” the genes, and read their DNA sequences, this does not
actually tell us what they do. Take the case of metamorphosis, for
example. We know that all the genes involved in this process must be
somewhere in the long list of genes identified, but which ones are they?
Matching each gene to a biological function will take many more years
of research.

Given that the complete Drosophila genome hasn't yet told us how
an insect works, what has it revealed? The first surprise is the “genetic
complexity” of insects, as compared to humans. As mentioned above,
the Drosophila genome sequence is 180 million nucleotides long; this
compares with 3100 million for the human genome just completed.
More important perhaps, is the total number of genes within this DNA
sequence. So far, over 13,000 different genes have been found in the
Drosophila genome sequence, compared to around 30-40,000 in
nuimanseCrubpin ef al. 2000: Baltimore, 2001). Both numbers are
| probably underestimates, since it is surprisingly difficult to tell which
stretches of DNA are genes, and which are simply spaces between
} genes! Nonetheless, it does seem like you and I only have about three
| times as many genes as a fruitfly. This finding has surprised or even
' upset some people, who like to think of humans as immensely superior
| to other animals. I suggest that most entomologists will be less
perturbed; after all, insects certainly have a whole suite of complex
_ characters that we don’t possess (flight, moulting, compound eyes etc.)
_ Furthermore, there is unlikely to be a 1:1 correspondence between
_number of genes and complexity, particularly because genes work in
| combinatorial ways. By analogy, it is difficult to write even a paragraph
using just ten different words, but possible to write an essay using
_ thirty.

A second finding is that humans and insects share many of the same
' genes. Not only does this confirm that humans and insects share a
_ distant evolutionary ancestor, but it also reveals that much of our
fundamental biology is similar. For example, many of the genes
controlling how cells function, and even how embryos develop, are the
| same in flies and ourselves (Adams ef al., 2000; Rubin ef al., 2000).
| Among the most striking examples are the “Hox” genes that ensure that
| each segment of the fly grows the correct structures (wings or halteres,
legs or antennae etc). Humans have the same genes, doing a very
similar job. Furthermore, the fly genome contains clear insect

|
7

|
|
Fy
|

74 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

counterparts of many human genes implicated in diseases or
syndromes, such as Friedrich ataxia, Tay-Sachs, Huntingdon’s,
Alzheimer’s and juvenile Parkinson’s disease (Adams ef al., 2000). It is
hoped that study of these genes in insects will give new insights into
disease mechanisms and diagnosis. Finally, although I stressed that we
don’t know the function of every gene, the functions of some genes
can be predicted from their DNA sequences. These “easy to spot” genes
have already yielded insights. For example, they reveal that the
Drosophila genome has just seven types of rhodopsin gene Gnvolved in
vision), but 57 different odorant receptor genes!

From a purely biological perspective, one of the most interesting
challenges for the future will be to determine which of the 13,000
Drosophila genes are shared by all insects, and which are peculiar to
Diptera, to Cyclorrhapha, to the family Drosophilidae or even to this
particular species. It will then be fascinating to see whether the
incredible diversity in insect anatomy, behaviour and physiology can
ever be understood at the most fundamental level: that of the genes.

References
Adams, M.D. et al. (2000). The genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster. Science
287: 2185-2195.
Baltimore, D. (2001). Our genome revealed. Nature 409: 814-8106.
Rubin, G.M. et al. (2000). Comparative genomics of the eukaryotes. Science 287: 2204-

ZN)

The Butterfly’s At Home
by Brian Gardiner (225)

2 Highfield Avenue, Cambridge CB4 2AL.

Here is a little item from the title page of 7he Butterfly’s “At Home” by
Mabel, published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1881. The whole book,
including the illustrations is in the typical late-Victorian style of the
better-known Kate Greenwood books.

Little Miss Mobcap caught in her hand

A Beautiful Duchess from Butterfly land.

But thanks to the pleading of little Miss May
She lifted the glass and her Grace flew away.

1

| Volume 60 « April 2001 75

Slovenia and its butterflies revisited
by David Withrington (7110)

21 Lawn Avenue, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 3RA.

I visited Slovenia for the first time in 1980. I have revisited it 12 times
since, most recently in 1999. This has been a time of change for this
small country, the size of Wales, sandwiched between Italy, Austria,
_ Hungary and Croatia. Its war with the Yugoslavian Federation lasted
_ only two weeks, and in 1991 Slovenia became an independent republic.
It is now a candidate member of the European Union, and is beginning
to implement the EU Habitats Directive.

The number of visitors Slovenia receives from the UK is greatly
reduced from the 1980s. This is a pity, because it is a peaceful and
beautiful country with much to offer the tourist — although it is no
longer as cheap an option as most other east European countries.

My observations of butterflies in the then “northern Yugoslavia”
were published in the BuJletin in 1984 (vol 43, pp. 38-81). I had seen
94 species in three visits up to 1982. Now my grand total for Slovenia
is 139 species. According to the Provisional Distribution Maps of the

Butterflies of Yugoslavia , compiled by Predrag Jaksic and published
by the Yugoslavian Entomological Society in 1988, a further 30 have
been recorded. This does not put Slovenia on a par with Greece or
| Spain for number of species, but — for its size — it certainly packs a
punch.

Much of Slovenia’s 20,251 square kilometres is hilly. The principal
“mountain range is the Julian Alps, which include the Triglav National
Park. To the north of this, the Kamnik Alps rise steeply to form the
border with Austria. There are two main river valleys, running
north-west to south-east: the Sava, on which the capital Ljubljana
stands, and further east the Drava, on which the second city Maribor
stands. The River Kupa forms much of the southern border with
Croatia. Its coastline stretches for some 40 kilometres along the
Mediterranean, between Italy and Croatia.

Of particular interest for the visiting naturalist are the wild “karst”
limestone hills and grassland which run from the Alps south-east across
the coastal hinterland into the Dinaric mountains of Croatia and Bosnia.
‘They are characterised by many “dry” valleys, where rivers flow
underground through cave systems. Much of the Slovenian countryside
is subject to low intensity land-use, and the variety and abundance of
plants and butterflies is very high.

|

76 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tf

Kinvenfurt >

— . Sluribor
= - |

sittiaticse
“ Kranj

(jen _Ljubljana

ar
SE

Raking ~— ; rs
tet Shae ~ astarjfevicg

Metlikas

Figure 1. Map of Slovenia.

A full checklist and notes on the distribution of all the butterflies I
have seen in Slovenia would be too long to publish in the Bulletin, so I
have confined myself here to a selection of interesting observations
since the article in 1984. Full details are contained in an illustrated
paper Observations of butterflies in Slovenia 1980-1999 available on
request from the author — Email address: withrington@dkjw.fsnet.co.uk.

I have concentrated on expanding my knowledge of the distribution
of butterflies in Slovenia, which for some species is inadequately shown
in many of the the European field guides. The Provisional Distribution
Maps of the Butterflies of Yugoslavia (Jaksic, 1988), provide a better,
though obviously not up-to-date, picture.

Parnassius apollo

Although shown as widespread in the mountains (Jaksic, 1988), I saw |
only one colony, at 1,000 metres in the karst at Sinji Vrh overlooking |

Ajdovscina and the Vipava valley, on 28th June 1999.

bd Volume 60 + April 2001 Th

Lycaena dispar

- Still surviving at Ljubljansko Barje, despite drainage. I saw it there on
17th June 1984 and on 26th May 1997. I discovered a small colony in
the Kucja valley, on the western outskirts of Ljubljana, where three
males were flying on 6th June 1998.

_ Everes argiades

I observed it in several places in low hills near Metlika on 30th June
and Ist July 1990. It has been recorded in the area between Ljubljana
and the coast, near Maribor and near the Croatian border at Metlika

(Gjaksic, 1988). Of the other short-tailed blues: E. decoloratus has been
recorded near Metlika and near Maribor (Gaksic, 1988); and E. alcetas
_has also been recorded near Metlika and near the coast (Jaksic, 1988),
though I have seen it only on the Croatian side of the border — on the
wing with E. argiades in coastal grassland in northern Istria.

| Maculinea telejus

Two caught at Ljubljansko Barje on 26th July 1994 in a meadow with its
foodplant Sanguisorba officinalis, probably seen at the same place on Ist
July 1985. It has also been recorded in the Vipava valley in the south-west
and near Maribor in the north-east Jaksic, 1988). M. nausithous has been
_ recorded in a few localities near Maribor and Celje Jaksic, 1988).

Scolitantides orion

I have seen this local and very distinctive butterfly — with almost black
mmpper sides —at Only one locality, at Sinji Vrh (1,000 metres),
overlooking the Vipava valley, on 28th June 1999. It is recorded as
| _ fairly widespread in the hills Jaksic, 1988).

Contrary to the impression given in some field guides, Jolana iolas
_has not been recorded from Slovenia according to Jaksic (1988), who
shows the most northerly records in its largely coastal distribution as
near to Rijeka in Croatia. Similarly, the nearest record for Cupido osiris
is in Bosnia, some 400 kilometres to the south.

|

_Eumedonia eumedon

|

ee omimon: one caught on 26th June 1985 at Mount Nanos on the
| “karst” in the south west.

| Albulina orbitulus

| I saw this Alpine blue at 1,900m on Mangart, near the Italian border, on
3ist July 1994. This is the same area recorded in Jaksic (1988).

.

78 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society |

Agrodiaetus escheri

One of the larger blues, I found it commonly at the end of May 1998 on
the low valley slopes in the coastal hinterland (Maresige, Borst,
Dragonja). I also caught one at the foot of Mount Nanos on 4th July
1984. It was recorded in only one square (aksic, 1988), which
presumably includes my 1984 record. There may be some more recent
records, as it is estimated to occur in up to 5% of the country (Swaay,
Warren & Grill, 1997), though in less than 1% of Croatia, where I saw it
in 1989 inland at Fuzine and where it has been recorded in a number
of squares along the coast (JJaksic, 1988). None of the European field
guides show this species as occurring in Slovenia.

Agrodiaetus thersites

There appear to be very few records for the former Yugoslavia of this
common blue “look-alike”, most of them in Slovenia Jaksic, 1988). My
records relate to “karst” grassland: one at Rakitna on 21st July 1994; one
near Podgorje on the border with Croatia on 4th August 1994; and one
just west of Postojna on 4rd June 1998.

Limenitis populi

My only sighting of this impressive admiral was of a male patrolling a
road by a tree-lined stream and manure heap at Trebija, in the hills west
of Ljubljana, on 5th June 1998. According to Jaksic (1988), it has been
recorded in the Julian Alps, in the Ljubljana area and around Maribor.

L. camilla and Apatura iris are widely distributed in Slovenia,
contrary to the impression given in the most recent field guides.

Araschnia levana

The map butterfly inhabits damp meadows bordering woodland. I
suspect that it is under-recorded, with only three localities Gaksic, 1988)
— though it may have increased since then. I have seen this attractive
two-brooded butterfly: 6km north of Kranj July 1982); Ljubljansko Barje
(July 1985 and 1995); Trebija (August 1987, July 1994 and 1995); Metlika
(June 1990); Jugorje, between Metlika and Novo Mesto (July 1990);
wooded hills 15 km south of Ljubljana Quly 1995); and Zlatolicje,
south-east of Maribor July 1995).

Neptis sappho

The “common” glider is a graceful butterfly of riverine woodland, now
a very restricted habitat in Europe. I saw it at Kostanjevica oakwood
east of Novo Mesto on 20th July 1981; near Metlika along the Kupa
river on Ist July 1990; and in a small strip of woodland along the
Drava, near Zlatolicje, on 19th July 1995.

. | ~ Volume 60 + April 2001 79

| Neptis rivularis (Figure 2)

More widespread than the previous species: found in or near woodland
in the hills. Look out for the spectacular white sprays of its foodplant —
goatsbeard spiraea (Figure 3).

igure 3. Goatsbeard spiraea (Aruncus dioicus) foodplant of Hungarian glider.

80 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society |

Brenthis ino

A local species which favours woodland edge and damp grassland
with meadowsweet (Filipendula vulgaris). According to the
distribution map in Jaksic (1988), it is rare throughout the former
Yugoslavia. However, my own observations would seem to indicate
that it may have been under-recorded: near Golnik, north of Kranj
(2nd July 1982); Ljubljansko Barje (1st and 8th July 1985); Cerknica —
(7th July 1985); plentiful at Nova Vas, 30 km south of Ljubljana (9th —
July 1985); Lake Bohinj, photographed on my car exhaust pipe Cst
August 1994); wooded hills 15 km south of Ljubljana (21st July 1995);
woodland near Ribnica, 40 km south-east of Ljubljana (25th June

1999):

Mellicta aurelia

Slovenia seems to be a stronghold of this small fritillary. It occurs in
damp meadows in the hills, often in numbers, though the colonies are
rather scattered. My friend, the late Dr Guy Howard, took a series on
29th June 1985 at Trebija, which enabled detailed comparison of size
and wing markings with other species of small fritillary.

Mellicta britomartis

Slovenia is an outpost of this more eastern species, which is slightly
larger and more brightly marked than M. aurelia. Specimens taken at
four localities: Nova Vas (30 km south of Ljubljana) on 9th July 1985;
Rakitna (16 km south-west of Ljubljana) on 26th May 1997; Ermanovec
(a hill about 40 km west of Ljubljana) on 27th May 1997; and at nearby

Trebija on 4th June 1998. |

Hypodryas maturna

I was fortunate to have a colony of this beautiful, but rare, fritillary in a
meadow below the cottage in which I stay at Trebija, in the valley of |
the Poljanscica River. It is on the wing at the end of June and beginning
of July. I found two other colonies in damp meadows: one 4 km north
of Kranj and another near Podbrezje, north-west of Kranj. There are
some half-a-dozen further localities recorded in Jaksic (1988). Maps in
the field guides show it as absent from Slovenia, though Tolman (1997)
does mention Slovenia and Croatia in the text.

Arethusana arethusa

Between Crni Kal and Podgorje in the “karst”, I saw some 200 on the
wing on 4th August 1994. This area and the karst grasslands north of it
seem to be its stronghold, though there are a few localities shown to

3 Volume 60 + April 2001 81

the south of Maribor Vaksic, 1988). It appears to be absent from
Croatia, except for northern Istria, and from Bosnia.

Erebia epiphron

Occurs in mountain grassland between 1,500m and 1,900 metres in the
Julian Alps: Vrsic pass (25th July 1990), Mount Slatnik on the
south-eastern side of the Alps (26th July 1990) and Bohinj (Sth August
1989). The last two appear to be new localities compared with Jaksic

(1988).

E. triaria is given as occurring in the Julian Alps (Tolman, 1997) but
Jaksic (1988) has no records north of Bosnia.

Erebia calcaria

Found at Mount Slatnik on the south-western side of the Julian Alps at
1,550m on 26th July 1990. The world distribution of this butterfly is

_ confined to the Julian Alps and mountains in north-east Italy.

Erebia styx trentae

This butterfly occurs in the western part of the Julian Alps, notably on
the rocks below the source of the River Soca (1,000m) and at several
localities along the Soca as far south as Trnovo (375m). I also saw it by

_ the Koritnica, a tributary of the Soca, near the Italian border. My record

from Gorenja Vas, west of Ljubljana (AES Bulletin, vol 43, p 78, May

_ 1984) was an error. Now that I have seen this species f trentae on the

Soca, it is unmistakable: easily the largest ringlet, dark chocolate brown

with large, bright ocelli.

| Coenonympha gardetta

I saw it in the Julian Alps from 1,200 to 1,900m: on the ridge above

_Sorica, in Vrsic pass and on Mount Mangart. Our field guides do not
| mention any occurrence in Slovenia. However, Jaksic (1988) gives
_ records from the Julian Alps and the Kamnik Alps.

Coenonympha oedippus

This is decribed as “one of Europe’s most threatened butterflies”
_(Chinery, 1998). I saw several in grassland on a ridge of hills (ca. 150
_ metres) behind the coast at Portoroz (4th July 1980; 30th June and Ist

July 1999). This site is not near any fresh water. Further inland, by the

river Rokava, there was a colony at Borst (27th June 1985), which I
have not been able to re-find. I also saw this butterfly at Ljubljansko
Barje (ist July 1985). The Barje has been extensively drained and

_ crossed by a motorway, since I first visited it.

82 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

Lopinga achine

An uncommon butterfly of light woodland, with a few scattered
records in Slovenia (aksic, 1988). I have seen it in good numbers in
July near Mount Ermanovec, west of Ljubljana; in the Trenta Valley by
the Italian border; commonly in oakwoods near Kostanjevica in
south-east Slovenia; and most recently, on 25th June 1999, in
beechwoods in the ere at Zlebic near Ribnica, oe 40 km south-
east of Ljubljana.

Pyrgus serratulae

I saw it at Rakitna (800m), 20 km south of Ljubljana, on 21st July 1995.
This appears to be very near to the only locality outside the Julian Alps
given in Jaksic (1988).

Spialia sertorius

Seen at Gozd Martuljek, north of the Julian Alps, and at Podgorje in the
“karst” near the Croatian border. It is apparently widespread in
Slovenia, replaced further south in Croatia by S. orbifer (Carnelutti,
1967; Jaksic, 1988).

Heteropterus morpheus

Its characteristic floppy flight and the bright silver spots on the
underside of its wings make this butterfly difficult to miss. Jaksic (1988) ~
shows three localities near the River Drava in the east and two in the
west, including mine from Borst near the River Dragonja on 27th June
1985. I can add: meadows below Mount Nanos (July 1984), Ljubljansko
Barje July 1985); Metlika on the River Kolpa (Croatian border) and
Gabrje, east of Novo Mesto (July 1989); five more localities 5 km north
and east of Metlika (30th June and 1st July 1990); the valley of the River
Poljanscica at Trebija (22nd July 1995); Borst again and nearby Marezige
(1st June 1998).

Conclusion

I hope that my observations will encourage others interested in
butterflies to visit Slovenia. Please note that a permit is required for
catching butterflies in the Triglav National Park, Julian Alps. There is a
very good 1:50,000 atlas of the whole of Slovenia, but no books on its
butterflies that I have found. I would like to thank my Slovenian friends
for their hospitality and enthusiasm for nature, showing me many
interesting habitats and for inviting me in the first place.

36 Volume 60 + April 2001 83

References

Carnelutti, J & Michieli, S. 19607. Makrolepidopteri Triglavskega Narodnega Parka in
okolice (1). Varstvo Narave, V, 107-135. Ljubljana.

Chinery, M. 1998. Butterflies of Britain and Europe. London, Harper-Collins.
Fabjan, I (ed.) 1987. The Triglav National Park. Bled, Triglavski narodni park.

Jaksic, P. 1988. Provisional Distribution Maps of the Butterflies of Yugoslavia. Beograd,
Yugoslavian Entomological Society.

Perko, D & Adamic, M. 1998. Slovenija — pokrajine in ljude. Ljubljana, Mladinska knijga.

Swaay, C A M van, Warren, MS & Grill, A. 1997. Threatened butterflies in Europe —
provisional report. Wageningen, De Vlinderstichting and Wareham, British Butterfly
Conservation.

Tolman, T. 1997. Butterflies of Britain and Europe. London, Harper-Collins.

A Zebra spider hunting at night
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST5 JAY.

On the evening of 5th September 1999, at around 11.30pm, I was
watching moths flying around the street lamps outside my house, when
I noticed a Zebra spider Salticus scenicus which seemed quite active,
running up and down my south-facing wall, which was lit by the street
lamp. The day had been quite warm and sunny.

I had a similar observation some years ago, but on my west-facing
wall which catches the last of the suns rays and the bricks remain warm
for some time, but this time the Zebra spider was hunting by
moonlight. My own books on spiders state that this species only
becomes active in the sunshine when the bricks or stones are warmed.
Maybe the wall was warm enough to keep the spider fully active, so
along with the aid of artificial light or moonlight, it can extend its
hunting well into the evening. Have any other members had similar
observations?

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 UK and Europe £33 ($72), USA and Rest of World £36 ($79).

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 UK and Europe £29 ($64), USA and Rest of World £33 ($72).

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 1509 species, also noting the
status currently assigned by English Nature to the nationally uncommon or endangered species which
occur in Cornwall. 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 £3.

Handbook of Palaearctic Macrolepidoptera
: VOLUME 1! Sesiidae — Clearwing Moths
by K. Spatenka, O. Gorbunov, Z. LaStfivka, I. ToSevski and Y. Arita

Synonymic lists, descriptions section, full data on male and female genitalia, bionomics and habitat and
distribution maps. Most species illustrated by superb watercolour paintings by Stary, Holzinger and
Gregor. Published October 1999. Price £120 + P&P: UK £5, Overseas £10.

Payments by cheque or Giro Transfer to account no. 467 6912.

GEM PUBLISHING COMPANY
Brightwood, Brightwell,
Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0QD

For further details
please write to:

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ENTOMOLOGIST'S
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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 £28 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:

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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 £22.00.

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) . . . £12.75
A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figures, 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) . . . £4.00
Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (S6pages, 9 plates) . £4.00
Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40pp. 11 figs.) . £3.50
An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Genitalia of Lepidoptera (16pp.)£2.40
Butterflies of Cyprus 1998 (Records of a years sightings) (46 pages) . £3.60
A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (225pp. 32pp. colour plates) . . . £14.25
Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . £2.90
The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp. 10 figs.) . £3.50
The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated) . . . . . £8.95
Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages) . . . . . £2.45
Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera (52 pages, 4 colour plates). . . . £4.50
A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . . £16.25
Fost plants.,or British Beetles (24 pages). . . . 2 2. . t E2.45
A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, illustrated). . . eer et ca OAD
Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 fies 17 PES) £5.00
The Amazing World of Stick and Leaf-Insects (165 pp. 40pp. col. pl.) £14.75
Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates). . . £2.90
Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages, 2 plates) . . . . . £1.90

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:
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MANNINGTREE CO11 2ND. Telephone 01206 392502

The

Amateur
Entomologists’
Society

e-mail : aes@theaes.org
http://www.theaes.org

2001 AGM & Members’ Day

Saturday 28th April 2001
The Palaeontology Demonstration Room
The Natural History Museum, London

11.00 Welcoming Address

11.05 David Boyce (English Nature)
— British Carabids

12.15 Annual General Meeting
13.00 Lunch

14.30 Mike Edwards (English Nature)
— What happened to our bumblebees?

15.45 Peter Sutton (AES Habitat Conservation Officer)
— Insects as indicators of global warming.

16.45 Close followed by tour of the NHM Wildlife Garden
(weather permitting)

In addition a full range of AES Bug Club activities will be
taking place simultaneously.

On arriving at the museum, please report to the Life Galleries Reception area (to the
right of the entrance kiosks), where you will be asked to sign in. The Museum staff will
then direct you to the venue, which is situated at the far end of Gallery 30. The Museum
opens at 10am. Members are encouraged to bring along exhibits to the meeting and
bring along any specimens for help with identifications. AES Publications will also be in
attendance.

The Natural History Museum is located in
South Kensington, London. There is limited
parking available around the area and it is
strongly advised that public transport is used.
South Kensington tube station is located 5
& 34> minutes from the Museum and is served by

er

Circle, District and Piccadilly line trains.
Further information can be obtained from
London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234.

AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY
AGM AND MEMBERS’ DAY 2001

HOW TO GET THERE

To Hyde Park
imperial College of Science

Technology and Medicine

imperial College Road

Queen’s Gate Place

Victoria and
Albert Museum

Queen’s Gate

Natural History Museum

Exhibition Road

Baden Powell
House

A4 Cromwell Road

e
v
Ras
3
3
=
=
°
i“
15)

= outh Kensington Tube
Harrington Road (Piccadilly, Circle and Diserict Lines)
Oth,

ath AY Creee

Metres

Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London

Saturday 28th April 2001

By Tube:
The Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines serve South Kensington Station
which is a four minute walk from the Museum.

The meeting will commence at 11am in the Palaeontology Demonstration Room,
at the far end of Gallery 30. Maps of the Museum will be available upon entry.

ENTRY TO MUSEUM
The Museum opens at 10am. Entry is free. To gain entry to the meeting, visitors
should enter the Life Galleries Entrance on Cromwell Road, and report to
reception where you will be booked in.

Bu

ulletin

of 5 Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Volume 60 © Number 435 April 2001

CONTENTS
Pledger, M. Clearwings 200033. ..::Jscc Aessiis. ose sadeies. sco oe aeae nce 44
Waring, P. Wanted: Sightings of the Four-spotted moth Tyta JuCctuOsa.............:c:cccseeee 66
Holland, P. Thensect Genome Project <:.£022-5.¢2scs- o-oo cot eco ace 72
Withrington, D. Slovenia and its butterflies revisited ...........ee se eeeeeeeeeescceesceeeeeeeeeeenseeees 75
Short Communications
Jones, R.A. Blaps perhaps (5.222... .0sec.cedeoesesceccual ooiueseucTosczetece teense sees asia eee nee 70
Ward, J. W. Northamptonshire macro moth recording ..............sceesceeeseeseeeeeseeenseeesseeees 71
Gardiner, B. The Butterflys:At Homes -.c..2..5. 022. c0.cece- <n52 se astenne: cco oee 74
Koryszko, J. A Zebra spider_hunting at might ....2..:220225.--22-2.-5.0cetcs- =e 83
ECUHOMI AD... .csicescceingosdesostesecsieeanestessoedutedasdeet sup shusdeisers sotse eee ee 43
Obituary
Arthur-Maitland Emmet’: 42....5..00.-2s05e¢000ese00leosceccacs caidas sncceeSeeecseeeaceecs =a eee eee ee eee 63
Book Review :
The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland ............::ccccsecceecceeseeseeeetseeeneeeeens 59
Provisional atlas of the longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of Britain ...............++ 61

© 2001. The Amateur Entomologists' Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430)
All rights reserved.

Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA.

| 6GA

D. u I leti

% the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

‘fcolume 60 © Number 436 June 2001

§
I
&
\
{
¥

Pa 0266-836X Editor: Wayne Jarvis BSc
s\

Founded in 1935

The AES ¢ BO. Box 8774 ¢ London * SW7 5ZG

http://www.theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

Officers of the Society
President: Reg Fry
Secretary: Martin Hough
Treasurer: Peter May
Registrar: Nick Holford
Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis
General Editor: Reg Fry
Habitat Conservation Officer: | Peter Sutton
Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke
Exhibition Secretary: Wayne Jarvis
Youth Secretary: Kieren Pitts
ICN Editor: | David Lonsdale
Wants & Exchange: Peter May

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First subscriptions should be accompanied by an additional £2 entrance fee, except for
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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
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Tel 01935 474608 Fax 01935 429937
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e CATALOGUES — Second-hand, Antiquarian and New books — free catalogues available on
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* By car: only 10 minutes drive from the M25 via the M4 (Junction 5), or M40 (Junction 1).
15 minutes from Heathrow Airport.

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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 £28 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.

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Pah a

Do you want to cuddle a Cockroach, stroke a Stick Insect or hug a Harvestman?

The AES Bug Club is for young people or the “young at heart” who find insects
and other creepy crawlies interesting and even fascinating.

As the junior section of the AES we are devoted to promoting invertebrates to
the younger generation who, afterall, will be the entomologists of tomorrow!
You can help us in a number of ways, for example: by joining the Bug Club
yourself, getting someone else to join the Bug Club, promoting the Bug Club
and AES to your local school/Scout or Guide Group etc, running a Bug Club
event or writing an article for our exciting newsletter. If you can do anything to
help then please write to us: AES Bug Club, PO Box 8774, London, SW7 5ZG.
Membership details can be found in the front of this Bulletin.

mature larva Lilioceris lilii (Lily beetle)

Bulletin ae The young larvae feed by removing the

- 5 Amateur Entomologists’ Society epidermis from the lower side of the
von mei noes leaf, whereas the older larvae consume
the entire leaf, and later the flower
buds, flowers and seed capsules. The .
anus lies on the upper surface near the
rear end of the larva. The faeces,
mixed with mucilage, are excreted
onto the larva’s body. This probably
acts as a barrier against predators such
as carabid beetles. It may also protect
it from birds by making it look like a
bird-dropping. It forms no protection
against ichneumon parasites.

;
The cover of the Bulletin features a =

ISSN 0266-836X Editor: Wayne jarvis BSc

Photo: Nick Holford.

Nae

b> THE NATUR
EHISTO™

18 JUL 2
Excn a?

1 ENTOMOLOGY |
| Vi UG Tb

of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Volume 60 ¢ Number 436 June 2001

Editorial

_ As is customary after the AGM we have our usual goodbyes and
welcomes. One of the major changes is the Society’s new Secretary Martin
Hough. We welcome all new Council members and thank those who
_ have departed this year for all the hard work that they have put in to the
running of the Society during their stay. The position of Council now
looks healthier than it has for a long period of time which is very pleasing
and hopefully will allow us to spread the workload more evenly. All the
_changes to the Officers of the Society can be found on the inside front
_ cover.

In with this Bulletin you should find a flyer for the Annual Exhibition
which is due to take place at Kempton Park on Saturday 6th October. We
are hoping to make the event even better this year, and the exhibition
halls are already filling up at a fast rate. We would be pleased to hear
from anyone who feels that they could help to publicise the event by
_ placing some of the flyers at a field centre etc. If they contact me at the
usual AES address stating how many flyers they would like, I will forward
them on. Anyone who is interested in either having a stand at the
exhibition or advertising in the programme guide should also write or e-
mail me and I will again put the necessary documents in the post. Those
people wishing to have an exhibit at the event should complete the
exhibit booking form which will be distributed with the August Bulletin.

| Although the exhibition is some four months away, we do need to start
planning help etc. If you would like to see Kempton Park in the dark and
wouldn't mind putting a few tables up from around 6am please get in
touch. It will allow you free entry to the event and and invite to the local
for a drink afterwards.

_ The new AES/English Nature Invertebrate Conservation Slide Pack
containing 48 slides depicting Upland, Farmland, Upland and Brownfield Sites
“is now available at a cost of £37 including p&p. This set, complimenting the first
48 set (Grassland, Heathland, Woodland and Wetland) is making a very
attractive invertebrate slide set for any enthusiast and many thanks are needed
| for those people who have provided slides and helped with the production. Both
“sets are available from the AES at £37 per set or, for a limited time for £65
including p&p for both sets. Cheques should be made payable to the AES and
_ Sent to the usual address.

|
iq

Enjoy the summer sun... Wayne

84 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

Autumn Butterfly Records from Cyprus, 2000
by Eddie John (7937)

11 Mill Lane, Bluntisham, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 3IR.

e-mail: eddie@grayling.dircon.co.uk

Introduction

The location of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean encourages an
interesting mix of the familiar butterfly species along with the
attraction of endemic species/sub-species. An autumn visit to the
island also introduces the possibility of encountering several
migratory butterflies from adjacent mainland countries, especially
northern Africa. Nevertheless, considering its land area of 9851km/?
(Dennis “et val. 2001) “Cyprus,-im -compartison= with — @rmten
Mediterranean countries, is relatively impoverished in terms of
species numbers (Olivier 1993). For example, Larsen (1985) lists 142
species for nearby Lebanon whereas the Turkish province of Van to
the north-east of Cyprus has 195 species (CESA 2001). Though not
specifically referring to Cyprus, Dennis & Shreeve (1996) state:
“More isolated islands will have fewer species since increasing
isolation militates against successful migration, and thus

colonization, of potential colonists”. Cyprus has a list of 51 recorded

species (Manil 1990, John 2000) but it is probable that the Large
tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros) is extinct (C. Makris, pers.
comm.) and no recent records are known for the migrant African
Babul blue (Azanous jesous). Unpublished information Qohn &
Makris in prep.) indicates that two other migrant species have made
brief appearances in recent years.

Since returning from a 14-month working stay in Cyprus during
1997/1998, regular reports have been received from residents and
visitors to the island, enabling me to maintain the Distribution Maps
initially presented in Butterflies of Cyprus 1998 (John 2000). The
aim of my visit over a two-week period in September/October 2000
was to cover as much of the island as possible and to check many
of the squares on the Distribution Maps where few, if any, records
existed. The plan was to stay three nights in Larnaca, five nights in
Platres, three nights in Paphos and finally, three nights again in
Larnaca, giving six days to cover the east and central areas, and
eight for the Troodos Mountains and west of the country. My hope,
even at a less than favourable time of year, was to see a minimum
Of 25. Species:

sé Volume 60 ° June 2001 85

24 September 2000

Emerging from the plane I was embraced by the familiar, oppressive,
moisture-laden air of Larnaca Airport during a humid spell. Passport
checks, normally vigilant for scheduled aircraft passengers, were absent
and for the first time in many flights into Cyprus I passed quickly
through the usual formalities.

Outside the Arrivals Hall the usual, temporary chaos prevailed.

Whistle-blowing police somehow managed to keep the traffic flowing

_ whilst locals, well practised in the art of avoiding eye contact, did their
best to ignore them.

Cypriots have a wonderful ability to get the best use out their cars. In
maaieas a Wostile, dusty climate for hire-cars, it is all the more
remarkable that some exceed 100,000km. Second gear on my Toyota
RV engaged with an initially alarming shudder but, that aside, the car
was clean and had a reasonably full tank of petrol. Now here’s a good
way to make money: release the car with less than a full tank (only
slightly less, so no-one complains) and ask that it be returned empty!

Within a few minutes of leaving the airport, I paused at the first of
_two known butterfly sites at the Larnaca Salt Lake (WD55 — see map).
_In a mid-afternoon temperature in the region of 30°C, it was hot, and
_ dusty. Unsurprisingly, the summer drought had desiccated much of the
_ surrounding area and it would be another two months or so before rain
would encourage the return of Flamingos, in their hundreds, to the
| now dry salt lake. From a distance, the particular area I was
investigating looked typically barren and unpromising until a sudden,

_ bright flash of copper confirmed the presence of Lesser fiery copper

| (Lycaena thersamon). Two Little tiger blue (Jarucus balkanicus), one
_faded and the other quite fresh in appearance, were next into the net
followed by singletons of Small desert blue (Chilades galba) and

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus). On a visit to this site in 1998, I
had stumbled upon the largest known roost of Long-eared owls in
weypius, and a climpse of one on this occasion, indicated their
continued presence. I left the remainder undisturbed.

At the second site (WD56), which adjoins a residential area, I found
_that much scrub clearance had significantly reduced the colony size of
African grass blue (Zizeeria karsandra) and also that of Small desert
_blue, and had apparently eliminated the Lesser fiery copper. Polygonum
| equisetiforme, a larval host plant (LHP) of the latter (and also of the
_ African grass blue in Cyprus), was beginning to regenerate but large
| drifts had been destroyed. Tolman & Lewington (1997), list the species’

| a | Nhe

86 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

association with Polygonum bellardi but further investigation is likely to
confirm that, in Cyprus, P. bellardi is only found at altitudes above
1000m — too high an elevation for use by Lesser fiery copper and
African grass blue (E. John, pers. obs.). Mallow skipper (Carcharodus
alceae) completed a modest list of six species for the first afternoon.

25 September 2000

Following a morning visit to meet up with former colleagues at the
Larnaca office, another stop at the second of yesterday’s salt lake sites
produced a single, Lesser fiery copper promising hope that the colony
might yet recover. Two Pigmy skipper (Gegenes pumilio), darting
rapidly from perch to sun-baked soil and back to perch again, were
also seen.

During our stay in Cyprus, we lived in Mosphiloti (WD36), a small
village to the north-west of Larnaca in the foothills of the Troodos
range. En route, a pause at a dry river-bed near Kalo Chorio (WD46)
produced seven species of butterfly flying among Oleander (Nerium
oleander) and Giant reed (Arundo donax) which often overhang
ravines and dry river-beds, providing welcome shade. The first Small
white (Artogeia rapae) of this visit was seen here, as was the Cyprus
meadow brown (Maniola cypricola), a common species, endemic to

Cyprus. During my earlier period on the island, I saw Brown argus-

(Aricia agestis) once only, so it was pleasing to find another here so
early in my stay. Continuing beyond Agia Anna, a nearby heavy-artillery
range that had colourfully and noisily entertained us when my wife and
I lived here, was again in action, encouraging me to waste no time in
leaving the area!

And so I arrived at our previous home village, Mosphiloti. The hills in
the area reach an estimated 500-600m and are easily accessible, as are
most areas in Cyprus; there is very little use of fencing and all hills have
surprisingly well-maintained dirt tracks. Little tiger blue and Oriental
meadow brown (Hyponephele Iupina) were seen within minutes of
leaving the car, as was the Starred agama (Agama stellio), a common,
large lizard growing to about 30cm in length. Despite its ferocious
appearance it is quite harmless, unlike the Blunt-nosed viper (Vipera
lebetina) the island’s most venomous snake which does command
respect and is occasionally encountered in these hills. Three more
butterfly species were added to the list: Swallowtail (Papilio machaon),
Painted lady (Vanessa cardui) and The hermit (Chazara briseis), the
latter betraying their presence by being easily disturbed from their

sheltered roosting sites on the banks of tracks. There was little evidence —

3 Volume 60 ¢ June 2001 87

of the Pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), in contrast
to our 1997/98 experience when it was present in vast numbers with
pendulous, over-wintering nests hanging like coconuts from denuded
pine branches. The caterpillars, upon leaving the trees in early spring,
often form lengthy head-to-tail chains — one yielded 184 larvae in a
procession about 4m long! Aerial spraying is used as a counter-measure
which may not be good news for other local Lepidoptera.

Along the tracks, spent shotgun cartridges indicated that the shooting
season had once again begun, signalling the early demise of the
specially-bred hare and chukar (a red-legged Partridge). It pays to be
cautious in the early days of each new shooting season as camouflaged
hunters, twitching fingers finally unleashed after months of anticipation,
take to the hills in large numbers, their enthusiasm to shoot anything
that moves often overwhelming their ability to identify legitimate
_ targets. You have been warned!

Later that day, as a further reminder that I was in an area close to the
_ demarcation line, I passed a directional sign upon which was hand-
_ painted: “Grenade Range”! So ended an interesting day, with more than
_ enough reminders of the sabre-rattling times with the Turks a couple of

_ years earlier.

| 26 September 2000

_ If the Long-tailed blue (Lampides boeticus) is a target species in Cyprus,
_then look no further than the nearest field of cultivated beans! On
_heading towards the east of the island the next morning, I paused at
_such a field Gn WD67) and was rewarded with at least 30 Long-tailed
blue busily ovipositing and flying in company with African grass blue.
_Today’s route was to take me through the least interesting part of the
island (from a topographical and entomological perspective) where the
clubbing scene at Agia Napa mixes uncomfortably with the flat, mainly
agricultural countryside of south-eastern Cyprus. Beyond, the
windswept peninsula at Cape Gkreko (WD96) has little to offer the
butterfly enthusiast at this time of year. Heading northwards toward
| Famagusta (WD88), the more common species were occasionally seen
| and yet more African grass blue (which I believe to be very under-
recorded in Cyprus) were frequently encountered — always in
_ association with P. equisetiforme, the LHP. Only very rarely throughout
;my stay did I fail to find African grass blue where this abundant
_foodplant flourished. I was not too sorry to end a hot day in the
company of an ice-cold pint of Keo beer at the familiar Nafsika
Restaurant (WD66!).

ei

88 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3¢

27 September 2000

Today was the chosen day to leave Larnaca’s Golden Bay Hotel in
order to head west, and en route, one of the Salt Lake sites finally
yielded a single Lang’s short-tailed blue (Leptotes pirithous), a migrant
to Cyprus regularly seen here in the past. My notes remind me that in
25 minutes spent patrolling an area of 35m x 8m, I saw only four other
species and a total of just eight butterflies - so much different from
Cyprus in the spring. A Wall brown (Lasiommata megera) was added to
the list near Kiti (WD55), as I progressed westward.

Temperatures since my arrival on 24 September had fallen slightly

from a maximum of 31.9°C (in an unusually hot spell for the time of |

year, the temperature at Larnaca the previous week had reached 37.3°C)
and as I approached Agios Theodorus (WD34) a small, pleasant village
near the south coast, cloud was gathering rather ominously over the
distant Troodos Mountains. A Clouded yellow (Colias crocea), one of
several species present throughout all months of the year in Cyprus, was
noted on the approach to the village, and alongside a citrus orchard
near the coast Long-tailed blue and Lang’s short-tailed blue were present
in good numbers, feeding principally on bramble flowers. Additionally,
20-30 Common blue were seen nectaring on Heliotropium hirsutissimum
a grey, prostrate plant with small white flowers that is commonly
associated with disturbed ground and frequently grows in orchards.

The final stop of the day was Platres (VD86) and the Minerva Hotel,
which was to be the base for the next five nights. As I approached, the
skies darkened and the first rain for several months greeted me as I
entered this lovely mountain village perched on a steep hillside at 900-
1000m altitude.

28 September 2000

The morning brought bright, but untrustworthy weather with heavy rain
forecast. My Cyprus-based cousin and his wife had joined me for a few
days’ butterfly hunting but our timing was less than perfect. As we
drove higher, towards Trooditissa Monastery (VD86, 1350m), the sun
quickly gave way to cloud and light rain. Driving past Kykkos
Monastery and deep into Cedar Valley (VD77, 1400m) the rain turned
to cloudbursts of hail accompanied by intermittent thunder. At times,
the temperature plummeted to an uncomfortable 14°C but in brief,
sunny interludes we recorded the endemic Cyprus grayling (Hipparchia
cypriensis), Two-tailed pasha (Charaxes jasius), Painted lady and the
ubiquitous Small white. Cedar Valley is well worth a visit, taking its

|.
|
|
|
'
|
|
F

] Volume 60 « June 2001 89

name from the presence of the endemic and impressive Cedrus libanii
ssp. brevifolia. We were pleased to have seen this fine tree in large,
impressive stands because it was a long way to travel for just four
species of butterfly!

29 September 2000

Yiannis Christofides, the owner of the Minerva Hotel in Platres where
we were staying, is an enthusiastic botanist with an interest also in
butterflies. Upon enquiring of him if any butterflies of note visited his
well stocked garden, I viewed with mild scepticism his comment that
Cardinals (Argynnis pandora) were presently feeding on Buddleia.
They were indeed! A male and female, both in surprisingly good
condition for the time of year, were regular visitors throughout my stay
at the hotel.

Today’s target area was to be the Akrotiri salt lake (VD93) an area
not previously visited by me but familiar to my cousin, a keen birder.
Heading south towards the coast we paused at Vouni (VD85), where
my cousin and his wife help out at a splendidly organised donkey
sanctuary, which is now home to over 100 “rescued” animals, and well

_ worth a visit. Here, among other rather more common species, we saw
Large white (Pieris brassicae) a surprisingly uncommon butterfly after
| the spring emergence, and Eastern bath white (Pontia edusa)
noticeably more direct in its flight than the Small white. The salt lake
_ disappointed; over much of its expanse we found nothing on the wing,
_ mainly because the arid conditions were not helped by the presence of
a strong wind. There was a little more shelter at the adjacent Phassouri
_ teed beds where large drifts of Common reed (Phragmites australis)
and year-round water encourages a bird population of some
importance (Eleonora’s falcon, Red-footed falcon, Hobby and a solitary
Spoonbill were among others seen), but no butterflies of note were
found. In the strong onshore wind, the nearby Tunnel Beach to which
access had been arranged (it is a recreational area for HM Forces at
Episkopi Garrison, as well as home to the Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus)
_and the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)), was even less productive.
_ The Cardinals were the highlight of an entomologically poor day.

_ 30 September 2000

_A fairly prompt start, helped by enthusiastic driving on almost
_ completely traffic-free forest roads, found me again at the Cedar Valley
site by 09.45 hrs, this time in sunshine but with air temperatures still

90 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

the return journey a single, late, Purple hairstreak (Quercusia quercus)
was observed in the area of Trooditissa Monastery. At least the weather
had again settled and no further rain was forecast.

1 October 2000

Having spent the previous afternoon at the home of Christodoulos
Makris, a local entomologist living in Limassol, we met again to take
advantage of his detailed knowledge of the Phassouri reed beds and
Akrotiri salt lake. In much calmer conditions we found 12 species,
including several Millet skipper (Pelopidas thrax) a regular migrant to
Cyprus in late summer. At the reed beds, we inspected a large drift of
Cynanchum acutum on which the Plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus), a
migrant most probably from Egypt, had been observed ovipositing in
previous years but we failed to find any signs of activity. Tolman &
Lewington (1997), list C. acutum as the larval host plant in Algeria and
Tunisia as does Larsen (1974) for D. chrysippus in Lebanon. However,
despite the mild nature of the Cyprus winter, larvae have so far failed to
survive to the following spring (C. Makris, pers. comm.).

Several stops on the return to Platres brought no new species but I

was confident that the Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) would be seen
on the walk to the Kaledonia Falls which starts at the higher end of the

village — a village, I might add, that had been exceedingly busy on this

sunny, autumn Sunday. There was no festival or other special occasion
to bring in the crowds, this was just another Sunday in Cyprus when
people desert the towns in large numbers to enjoy lunch in more
tranquil surrounds. The Kaledonia Falls (VD86) walk was pleasant,
though busy with post-lunch strollers marvelling at the unusual sight, in
Cyprus, of a flowing stream! Several Speckled wood were seen in
dappled sunshine along this rather well populated pathway. Including
the resident Cardinal, 20 species were seen throughout the day.

2 October 2000

Reluctantly, it was time to leave the Troodos Mountains to head south-
west to Paphos. On the downhill journey a site near the village of
Aghios Nickolaos (VD75) produced ten species, including an
unexpected Grass jewel (Chilades trochylus), Europe’s smallest
butterfly. This was a pleasing discovery, as there were no previous
records of this species having been found in the immediate area. Larsen
(1984) indicates that the Grass jewel is “widely distributed in the African
and Asian tropics as well as in temperate parts of the Middle East and
in the Balkans”. It is also found in Turkey, Greece and some of the

—ML

| 4 Volume 60 * June 2001 91

Greek Islands (Olivier 1993), but is absent from western
Mediterranean countries. Fresh specimens are delightfully marked but
because of its small size this most attractive butterfly is very easily
overlooked.

Further on, at Kelefas Bridge (VD76), I was to witness what is
believed to be a dispersal of Cyprus grayling from summer roosts in
the hills to breeding grounds at low altitude Gohn & Parker,
Entomologist’s Gaz. in press). Approaching Paphos there were further
sightings of the migrants Long-tailed blue and Lang’s short-tailed blue,
in a citrus orchard near the coast (in VD53) but no other new species

_ were added to the day’s list. And so to Paphos, deservedly a popular
_ holiday destination in Cyprus, and my base for the next three days.

3 October 2000

_ Heading north from Paphos, several stops were made on the road to
Polis (VD47) before travelling north-east along the coast. At Gialia
(VD58), the Eastern rock grayling (Hipparchia syriaca) brought the

imeeumt to 28 species, already three more than my minimum

expectation for the visit. Further along the coast, just beyond

Pachyammos (VD69), it is necessary to divert inland in order to avoid

a tiny pocket Cittle more than 3km x 1km) of Turkish-occupied

Cyprus, in order to reach Kato Pyrgos (VD79), the final destination

point for the day. The village lies sandwiched in an isolated area on

the north coast of Cyprus immediately before the larger section of

Turkish-occupied country. The approach, in the vicinity of Mosfileri is

desolate and uninspiring — bare earth and rock predominating, with a

few scattered pines — but upon reaching the coast the unmade road

gave way to a newly constructed section and there is an unexpected
impression of affluence despite the village’s isolation. It was in a dry
gully just off the main road that I encountered my first ever African

_ringlet (Ypthima asterope), a species I had failed to see while living

on the island. This small Satyrid, found in the eastern Mediterranean,

_ is surprisingly fast and elusive and gave the impression of a large,

_ dark hairstreak as it flew above my head.

| 4 October 2000

|
| At this time of year when nectar-bearing plants are somewhat scarce
_ Inula viscosa, an instantly recognisable plant of roadsides and waste
ground, provides valuable resources. Frequent stops on the road to
Drousheia (VD46) produced a reasonable number of species nectaring

on the plants’ yellow flowers but our sighting of the morning (1 had

92 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3é

ee ae

again been joined by my cousin and his wife) was another, |
unexpected, Grass jewel flying in company with African grass blue and
Lesser fiery copper, at a huge drift of Polygonum growing on waste |
land at the roadside.

At Kannaviou (VD66), a second, more discernible, dispersal of
Cyprus grayling was observed along the course of a dry river-bed. This |
was to be one of the visits more productive sites, with a further 12 |
species found including the only sighting of Cleopatra (Gonepteryx |
cleopatra) a common enough butterfly in spring and early summer, but |
with numbers dwindling later in the year.

5 October 2000

Keeping to the coast and using dirt tracks through the agricultural area
immediately to the east of Paphos (VD44/54), I started my return
journey to Larnaca for the next stage of the visit. At one point my
frequent stops attracted the attention of a local farmer who appeared
from I know not where, and called out, “You like nuts?”. Noticing my
somewhat puzzled expression he leaped into a field and gently teased
out three large clumps of peanuts! It was still early morning and, taken
straight from the ground, the nuts retained a refreshing coolness and
were memorably delicious in flavour.

Entomologically, the day was uneventful. In temperatures in excess
of 30°C the car’s air-conditioning system failed, forcing an early return |
to Larnaca Airport in the reasonable expectation of being given a |
replacement car. It is a long story, involving a wasted afternoon, but
two hours later I listened in some disbelief as a mechanic explained
that the system had failed “...because it had probably got too hot”. Ah,
well, this is Cyprus!

6 October 2000

With the east and west of the island reasonably well covered, the aim |
was now to spend the remaining time in the central area from the |
Mesaoria plain (south of Nicosia) to the eastern and north-eastern |
foothills of the Troodos Mountains. Today, however, there was to be a |
planned interruption as lunch had been arranged with former work
colleagues at a local fish restaurant, where we observed, dissected and
digested Red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) and Common sea bream
(Pagrus pagrus)! This still allowed ample time for several excursions to |

nearby sites and although no “new” species were added, more squares |

on the distribution maps were filled. |

| 4 Wolumecoe -.-Jineeoor 93

7 October 2000

An early start on this, the last full day, took me west of Nicosia before
the build-up of “rush hour” traffic. The countryside bordering the A9/B9
in the direction of Troodos is largely uninspiring and consequently does
not attract much entomological attention, but at least had the appeal of
being relatively unexplored by me. There is little opportunity to check
areas to the north of the roadway as this runs close to the UN-patrolled
area and demarcation line, but to the south there are roads or tracks
that lead to higher elevations. From Peristerona (WD08) I drove inland
to Kato Moni (WD07) staying, wherever possible, close to river-beds.
Butterfly numbers were rather poor in the low-lying areas, but the
presence of a European tree frog (Ayla arborea) in an irrigated citrus
orchard was an unexpected highlight and a first sighting in Cyprus. In
the hills at Gourri (WD16) another roadside stop to inspect yet more
Polygonum equisetiforme (easily seen from the car) brought further
sightings of African grass blue and Lesser fiery copper as was
anticipated, and yet another Grass jewel. Note the association of the
three species, as on 4 October, and in similar circumstances. A planned
visit to Kionia (1428m), one of the highest points in the area, was
abandoned as heavy cloud had now gathered over the mountain tops,
but stops at various promising roadside sites on the journey back to
Larnaca increased the daily count to a respectable 18 species.

Map of Cyprus showing areas visited

The following map shows the extent of the island covered during the
period and will help in the location of sites referred to in the text.
Paphos, for example, is found in VD44.

| Ground above 600m
Squares visited in Sep/Oct 2000

94 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

Species recorded 24 September — 7 October 2000

aie le a
Pieris brassicae iecfeoe| heal oats! tele sy Bea) valine aie oe
Artogeia rapae eer eld a) ae le | ape aerial
Pontia edusa hres ees [eae a a ee
il ini RS is | ics
Gonepteryx cleopatra eoelatl onileae emcee ate eel a
Charaxes jasius ae: ei sitar gel oat eles cto tae
[Wamessaicardutjeh\ 03 Gov Pili it, |isllon| (read eae) lee aa
largynitis pandora) (89/8 es fo fe sen rae ps
| Epparchia eyprienisis| 9) T/T S| 2 ll a ele
Fippacbae syriaca cypriaca Re ee wBeeSe Se elie |
Chazara briseis larnacana SSeS = SAS.
| Maniola cypricola 51, 5-5 ioe) ) fo) ole ceeds
eoponepbeleinpina 5) So. )| i] ep] acflalscalr apes [eee
Pararge aegeria oliecl 8 [os has lia) et Bao ae
| Basiommata megera ANS | id oe cle i ae
.apibima asterope 5h dd bes | A aa een ce
}Quercusia quercus, ie Sete aa eee

| ayeaena thersamon® | RTRs Pe ee
| Lampides bookicus 8 |e Ts) eae |
| daptotes piritbous ).< 725 ahs are a eae
[ Tarucus batkanicus | {+ ]+[si[+] Eo Pa | | ae
| Zizceria karsandra | | + || |e ee ee
| Chilades gatba » rin |e: bilesttee tor Ue a ode ee [eso
| Chilades trocbytis oo LS Sigel 1 eae | | a
Anica agestis |) “Tihs cs all eles es Sears el peste = | a
Polyommatus icarus Lajas eae [abe | ae
Carcharodus alceae he] et eee een ae
| Gegenes pumila, 1 1 2 eee ee ee
a en Os ABER EY
Species count per day: | faa far fia] 4 [12] 8 [20] 19] 19] 19] 10 [13 18)

i)

amen -o

sss sss tie tne

—6lhaM Volume 60 + June 2001 95

Conclusion

The autumn visit produced a respectable number of sightings, with 30
(approximately 60%), of the island’s species observed. Two further
species, seen with moderate frequency during the corresponding
period in 1998, were not encountered on this visit. Nevertheless, both
are worthy of a mention here as they are among the more interesting
of the species likely to be seen during an autumn visit. The first, the
Levantine leopard (Apharitis acamas cypriaca), described as an “Afro-
eremial species” (Larsen 1974), is resident on Cyprus but the island
probably represents the westernmost extent of its range. Parker (1983)
describes it as “quite rare, and very local” and, indeed, it is. I saw the

_ Levantine leopard in only three squares on the island in 1998 but was
_ fortunate to live in an area where it bred, and consequently recorded
_ sightings on 15 days throughout the year. Though not illustrated in
Tolman & Lewington, the Levantine leopard resembles Allard’s silver-

line (Cigaritis allardi) found in Morocco and Algeria, which is listed

in Tolman & Lewington. The second species, the Plain tiger (Danaus

chrysippus) is a well-known, regular migrant and may turn up in
almost any of the Mediterranean countries. Its range is extensive, and
the species is found throughout the Afrotropical Region, the southern
Palearctic Region, Arabia, Asia and Australia (Ackery et al. 1995). A
population has also been founded in the Canary Islands (Larsen
1990). In 1998 I was fortunate to see the Plain tiger on 10 days over
much of the island, but in common with many migratory species its
appearance in good numbers each year is unpredictable, and in 2000
it was both later appearing (November) and present only in very small
numbers.

Published papers and personally received records show that most
butterfly-related visits to Cyprus either correspond with the spring bird

_ migration or target the early summer butterfly species that are on the

assent tteinl a itl

wing in June/July. Indeed, an analysis of sightings from 31 recorders
shows that species numbers peak at 43 in June (E. John, unpublished
data) so this comparison provides an indication that an autumn visit to
Cyprus, when 30 species were seen over two weeks, can be a
rewarding experience. However, there were days when weather
conditions or parched habitat produced a low species count.
Furthermore, it must be pointed out that, overall, autumn butterfly
numbers tend to be much lower than in spring or early summer.

I will be happy to provide additional information on the species

likely to be on the wing at other times of the year in Cyprus and, in
return, would welcome details of any butterfly sightings from the island.

96 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists'’ Society 36
Acknowledgements

Thanks are extended to Yiannis Christofides for permitting frequent
access to his library at the Minerva Hotel and for his assistance with
plant identification. Also to Christodoulos Makris and friends Aristos
Aristophanous, Gabriel Georgiou and Michael Piponides for giving so
freely of their time. My thanks also to Lyndon and Pat Thomas for their
help and enthusiastic company over several days of the visit and to Rob
Parker for reading and commenting on a draft of the paper.

References

Ackery, P.R., Smith, C.R. & Vane-Wright, R.I. (1995), Carcasson’s African Butterflies.
Australia.

Dennis, R. L. H., Olivier, A., Coutsis, J. G. & Shreeve, T. G. 2001. Butterflies on islands in
the Aegean archipelago: predicting numbers of species and incidence of species using
geographical variables. Entomologist’s Gaz. 51: 3-39.

Dennis, R. L. H. & Shreeve, T. G. 1996. Butterflies on British and Irish Offshore Islands:
ecology and biogeography. Wallingford, Oxon.

John, E. 2000. Butterflies of Cyprus 1998 (Records of a year’s sightings). AES., Pamphlet
No. 15.

Kocak, A. O. 2001. C.E.S.A. Website, Ankara.

Larsen, T. B. 1974. Butterflies of Lebanon. Beirut.

— , 1984. Butterflies of Saudi Arabia and its neighbours. Hong Kong.

— , 1985. Biogeographical Aspects of Middle Eastern and Arabian Butterflies. Proceedings
of the Symposium on the Fauna and Zoogeography of the Middle East, Mainz 1985:
179-1906.

— , 1990. Butterflies of Egypt. Denmark.

Manil, L. 1990. Les Rhopaloceres de Chypre. Linneana Belgica, Pars X11, no 8, December
1990,

Olivier, A. 1993. The Butterflies of the Greek Island of Rhodos. Antwerpen Vlaamse
Vereniging voor Entomologie.

Parker, R. 1983. The Butterflies of Cyprus. Entomologist’s Gaz. 34: 17-53.

Tolman, T. & Lewington, R. 1997. Butterflies of Britain & Europe. London.

a Volume 60 ¢ June 2001 97

The insects of an Aberdeenshire farm
by Arthur W. Ewing (10355)

Wester Duncanstone, Insch, Aberdeenshire AB52 6YX.

Anyone looking at any of the recent provisional atlases produced by
the Biological Records Centre could be forgiven for thinking that the
north-east of Scotland and particularly North Aberdeenshire (Vice
County 93) is an entomological desert. From many of the 10km squares
there are no records at all. There are a number of possible reasons for
this omission. Perhaps it is an entomologically void area but I hope to
demonstrate that this is not so. Possibly there have been few
indigenous collectors and it is true that there are very few active
entomologists north of the Edinburgh—Glasgow axis. Exceptions are
lepidopterists and dipterists but my own particular interest, the
Coleoptera, is ill served. Many of the records from the north-east are
concentrated along the coasts and, to the west, on the Spey valley. This
is not entirely due to the faunistic richness of these areas, although the
latter is a particularly fertile wildlife area, but is a reflection of where
motors 160m the south come to. The maps reflect. more the
concentration of collectors rather than the concentration of fauna, a
factor which is generally accepted and which biases many databases. A
good historical example of this is the Rannoch area in Perthshire which
has more than its fair share of rare insects. This is due at least in part to
the fact that in Victorian times, when collecting was at its peak, the
railway went across Rannoch Moor, stopping at Rannoch Station, which
had an hotel and little else. It was a romantic and remote place but of
easy access which attracted the collectors of the day. The Black Wood
of Rannoch is still a magnet to entomologists today.

Away from the coasts much of the north-east is relatively unexciting
countryside, mainly arable farmland with little in the way of natural
woodlands and few fields bordered with hedges. Other than round the
farmhouses there are almost no large trees and little in the way of
uncultivated land. Not, on the face of it, a productive wildlife area. My
own collecting has been concentrated on a sheep and arable farm of
around 27 hectares mainly surrounded by fairly intensive arable
farming. I have collected the insects here for the last ten years,
concentrating mainly on the Coleoptera and Lepidoptera.

The main purposes of this, and future articles, are twofold. First to try
and demonstrate that even such unpromising areas may be both
interesting and productive. I recently went on a farm walk organised by
the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to a farm on which there was

98 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society 3

an SSSI. We were informed that SSSIs were “the jewels in the crown”
and that the small patches of wildlife habitat on other farms were not
worthy of consideration. I do not know whether this is a widely held
opinion: I sincerely hope not. To extend the metaphor, the crown
requires a matrix of gold in which the jewels are set. The gold should
be the surrounding farmland. My second purpose is to investigate how
sympathetic land use can enrich the wildlife potential, in particular by

planting trees, the provision of ponds and by farming in accordance ~

with organic principles.

I will deal first with the ground beeiles, the Carabidae. There are two
reasons for this. First, the publication of the Provisional atlas of the
ground beetles (Coleopiera, Carabidae) of Britain by Martin Luff in 1998
means that there is an up to date reference point for my findings. There
are no records in the atlas from the 10km square in which the farm is
situated (NJ 52) nor indeed from many of the neighbouring squares.
Second, the changes in land use over the last ten years are unlikely to
have had much impact on the make up of the ground beetle fauna and
will therefore provide a good indication of what may be found more
generally in this area.

Table 1.
Species list of carabid beetles collected from Wester Duncanstone farm, 1990 — 2000.)

Cychrus caraboides Linn. 1758
Carabus nemoralis Mueller, 1764
Leisius rujescens Fab. 1755
Jiuvibarbis Dejean, 1826

Nebria brevicollis Fab. 1792
Noitopbylus biguiiaius Fab. 1779
Elapbrus cupreus Dufischmid, 1812
Loricera pilicornis Fab. 1775
Clivina fossor Linn. 1758
Patrobius atronufus Stroem, 1768
assimilis Chaudoir, 1844

Trechus quadristriatus Schrank, 1781
rubens Fab. 1792

obtusus Richson,1837

Bembidion lampros (Herbst, 1784)

bruxellense Wesmael,1835

quinquestriatum Gylienhal, 1810

tetracolum Say, 1823

Pierostychus melanarius Illiger,1798
rbaeticus Heer, 1837

niger Schaller, 1783

strenuus Panzer, 1796

r

Hara

a6 Volume 60 «© June 2001 99

Calathus fuscipes Goeze, 1777

melanocephalus (Linn. 1758)
Synchus nivalis (Panzer,1797)
Agonum dorsale (Pontoppidan, 1763)

fuliginosum (Panzer, 1809)

muelleri (Herbst, 1784)

Amara apricaria (Paykull, 1790)
aenea (Degeer,1774)

familiaris Duftschmid, 1812)

plebeja (Gyllenhal, 1810)

tibialis (Paykull,1798)

Trichocellus placidus (Gyllenhal,1827)
Bradycellus harpalinus (Serville, 1821)
Badister bipustulatus (Fab. 1792)
Dromius quadrimaculatus (Linn. 1758)

agilis (Fab.1787)

Table 1 lists the thirty eight species identified from the farm to date.
From the point of view of overall rarity it is not a very exciting list. The
only species listed in A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera
of Great Britain is Trechus rubens (Notable,B). The single specimen was
caught in a light trap and probably came from an area of coniferous

woodland some three kilometres away. Several species of moth
_ obviously from the woodland or the adjacent heather moor have been

caught by light trapping over the past ten years. A comparison of the
species on the list with the distribution maps in Luff’s atlas shows that
almost all of the species that one might expect to find on previous

_ distributional evidence have actually been found on the farm. For a

large proportion of the species there are very few modern
Aberdeenshire records but I would imagine that these species are
probably in fact widely distributed.

One particular point of interest is that Luff’s atlas shows that many of

the species which become rarer as one goes northwards in Scotland
_tend to be concentrated on the coastal fringe particularly on the
eastern side. Five of the species from the farm have, at its latitude,
_been thought to be exclusively coastal. (Leistus fluvibarbis, Bembidion

quinquestriatum, Amara familiaris, A. tibialis and Badister
bipustulatus). The nearest point on the coast is on the Moray Firth
some 45 km to the north and I have indeed found B. bipustulatus
there. The failure to discover these species inland is probably a
reflection of lack of collecting effort in the past. B. guinquestriatum is
of particular interest because it is rare in Scotland and is synanthropic.
I have found it on the internal wall of an old byre which appears to be
its preferred habitat.

=

100 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ad

Many of the species on my list are widespread on the farm.
Particularly common species are No ‘brevicollis, "L) *pilicornis, “B.
tetracolum, Pterostychus species, and Calathus melanocephalus. The
latter species is found in both its colour forms, the form nubigena with
dark pronotum and appendages being a mainly upland form, which is a
reflection of the elevation of the farm of over 200 metres. Species such
as P. atrorufus, B. bruxellense and E. cupreus are confined to the
damper areas particularly near ditches and standing water. C.
caraboides has only been found in the garden area where there are
mature trees while the two Dromius species have been caught on the
trunks of Sycamores. I usually come across C. nemoralis when digging
in the vegetable garden.

As suggested earlier, few if any of these carabids will have spread to
the farm since I moved here. I hope in my next article to describe the
waterbeetle fauna which certainly has been influenced by changes in
the habitat, principally by the digging of new ponds.

References

Hyman, P.S. and Parsons, M.S. 1992. A revue of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of
Great Britain. Part 1. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Luff, M.L. 1998. Provisional atlas of the ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) of Britain.
Institute of Terrestial Ecology, Monks Wood, Huntingdon.

The Leopard moth in Staffordshire
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST3 7AY.

On 3rd July 1999, while walking close to my home in the Meir area of
Staffordshire, I found a dead Leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina Linn. lying
in the road. It may have been hit by a car or washed on to the road by
heavy thunderstorms which we had some days previous. This is only
the second time this moth has been recorded in the Meir area of
Staffordshire. The last record was during the early 1970s and was found
dead in similar circumstances, This species is uncommon in the county,
recent records are from Hanley (1936, 1946), Stone (1950), Walsall and
Tamworth (1974, 1978). Most records are single examples at light.

ef Volume 60 ¢ June 2001 101

Butterflies of Les Amandiers in Southern France
by Martin Laux (9561)

3 Clanfield Way, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO53 2HN.
e-mail: Martin@laux.freeserve.co.uk

In 1999 and 2000 our summer holidays were spent in the South of
France. This short article describes the time of year, the location, its
geography, flora, a few notable birds and moths and finally the
butterflies caught there.

In 1999 our holiday was during the last week of July and the first
week of August and in 2000 from the middle of July to the end of July,
both holidays largely being at the same time of year.

Les Amandiers, our cottage was situated between Creissan and
Quarante, two small villages due west of Beziers and due north of
Narbonne, in the Herault. The actual cottage was set halfway up a
south-facing hillside, a hill not exceeding 200 metres in height. The
lower slopes of this gently rolling countryside were covered in fields
dedicated to the growing of grapevines, interspersed with orchards

containing apricots and peaches and numerous almond and walnut
_ trees. Beyond the cottage, further up the hill, lay olive groves, fig trees,

evergreen oaks and various pines. On the side of the unmade track

_ leading to the cottage and beyond were grassy borders and ditches,

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often covered in wild flowers. Towards the top of the hill, dry scrub,

_ with various prickly bushes and sweet smelling herbs were prevalent.

Although this article is primarily about butterflies it would be remiss

_ not to mention three spectacular birds that were seen daily around our
_ cottage. They were the Hoopoe (Upupa epops), the Bee-eater (Merops

_ apiaster) and the Roller (Coracias garrulus). Moth-wise the day flying
Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) was seen daily

and at night the Privet hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri), Spurge hawk-moth
(Hyles euphorbiae) and Pine hawk-moth (Hyloicus pinastri) were all

_ captured, identified and released.

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The butterflies caught at this location are as follows:

PAPILIONIDAE
Papilio machaon — Swallowtail

PIERIDAE

Artogeia mannii — Southern small white
Artogeia napi— Green-veined white
Pontia daplidice — Bath white

Colias crocea — Clouded yellow

102 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

Gonepteryx cleopatra — Cleopatra
Leptidea sinapis — Wood white

LYCAENIDAE

Lampides boeticus — Long tailed blue
Cacyreus marshalli— Geranium bronze
Celastrina argiolus — Holly blue

Aricia agestis— Brown argus

Lysandra coridon — Chalk-hill blue
Polyommatus icarus — Common blue

NYMPHALIDAE

Limentitis reducta — Southern white admiral
Vanessa atalanta — Red admiral

Melitaea phoebe — Knapweed fritillary

SATYRIDAE

Melanargia galathea — Marbled white
Melanargia occitancia — Western marbled white
Hipparchia fagi— Woodland grayling
Neobipparchia statilinus — Tree grayling
Pyronia cecilia — Southern gatekeeper

Pyronia baibsheba — Spanish gatekeeper
Coenonympha dorus — Dusky heath
Lasiommata megera — Wall brown

HESPERIHDAE
Spialia sertorius — Red underwing skipper

These were the butterflies caught in just a short period of the year,
albeit in the summer. I can only wonder how many species would be
caught throughout the year, especially if a concerted effort were made
to seek out butterflies populating the wider area around the cottage.

My thanks go to my two children, David and Christy for their
enthusiastic capture of every living thing in the garden, for the duration
of both holidays.

References

Heinzel, Hermann, ef a/., 1995. Birds of Britain and Europe. Collins Pocket Guide. Harper
Collins.

Higgins, L.G. and Riley, N.D., 1973. Butterflies of Britain and Europe. A Field Guide.
Collins.

Loyer, Bernard and Petit, Daniel, 1994. 100 Papillons faciles a voir. Nathan.

Skinner, Bernard, 1998. Moths of the British Isles. Viking.

Tolman, Tom, 1997. Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins Field Guide. Harper
Collins.

3 Volume 60 »* June 2001 103

Insects in an Essex churchyard
by Tim Gardiner (11826) and Michelle Pye

1 Wellfields, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3LF.

Introduction

There are over 20,000 churchyards in England and Wales, and these
churchyards can be havens for wildlife as well as burial grounds
(Greenoak, 1993). All Saints Church (TL 677 062) is located within the
village of Writtle in the south-east of England, near Chelmsford in
Essex. The church has probably had an important role in Writtle for
over 1,000 years since there is evidence dating from Norman times of a
church building on this site.

Churchyards are considered to be sanctuaries for wildlife (Mabey,
1998), assuming increasing conservation importance as urban areas
expand and agriculture practices intensify (Rackham, 1986), with some
wildlife being restricted to such sites. Many churchyards, including All
Saints, are now managed to encourage wildlife, with management
practices mimicking traditional regimes such as hay cutting using sickles
and scythes.

In spring/summer 2000, wildlife surveys were undertaken with the
aim of assessing the value of All Saints churchyard for insects. The aim
of these surveys was to assess the butterfly fauna, although

_ grasshoppers and dragonflies were recorded in addition.

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| Methods

The perimeter of the churchyard is entirely surrounded by houses,
several of which have large gardens backing onto the site. The

_ churchyard comprises four distinct zones: a conservation area, areas of

short amenity grassland, further short grassland heavily shaded by

Taxus baccata (Yew), and areas where more recent burials have
occurred. For the purposes of the surveys, the latter zone was not
assessed because these areas have to be maintained to allow access for
visitors to the graves. The size of the site surveyed in the churchyard is
thus approximately one hectare.

The conservation area within the churchyard was established in 1993,

_ under a scheme initiated by the Essex Churchyards Conservation Group
_(ECCG), with the aim of furthering the nature conservation of wildlife

in churchyards. The conservation area is situated to the south of All

Saints Church, within a region of old graves, some of which date back

to the early 1700s. The size of this area is 0.2 hectares and it is rarely

104 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

utilised by visitors to the churchyard. It is surrounded on three sides by
footpaths, with a planted hedgerow providing the fourth boundary.

The conservation area predominantly comprises long grassland which
is managed by sectional cutting. The initial section is mown in early
July and the remaining long grassland is cut in late August/early
September. The cuttings are removed to prevent nutrient enrichment.
The aim of this grassland management is to discourage coarse grass
species in favour of fine-leaved grasses and to maximise biodiversity in
the conservation area. Four mature 7. baccata are also incorporated
within the conservation area, under which grass growth is restricted and
bare earth is evident. The floristic diversity of this area was found to be
high in a survey of the vegetation conducted during 2000 and several
indicators of ancient grassland such as Primula veris (Cowslip) and
Trisetum flavescens (Yellow oat-grass) were recorded.

The areas of short amenity grassland surrounding the church building
are interspersed with various footpaths which provide access through
the churchyard. These areas also contain some mature 7. baccata and
sporadically located graves. The short grassland is cut regularly
throughout the spring and summer, sometimes as often as every two
weeks.

The shaded area comprises many mature T. baccata, some of which
were planted in 1891. The shade suppresses grass growth and
significant sections of bare earth are present. Some short grass is
evident to the south-east of this area and a small patch of Urtica dioica
(Nettle) is located in the north-eastern corner of the churchyard. The
grass is mown together with the other areas of amenity grassland and
the U. dioica patch is left uncut for the provision of larval foodplants
for butterflies.

Butterfly surveys were conducted using fixed time observation points
(Greenwood, 1996) in each of the three areas within the churchyard.
Nine fixed time observation points were established, of which three
points were located in each of the areas. The precise locations of these
points within the areas were determined using random co-ordinates.
Surveys were conducted at two weekly intervals from April to
September 2000. Five minutes was spent at each observation point and
all butterflies flying within a ten-metre radius of these points were
recorded. These surveys were carried out under the criteria outlined in
Pollard and Yates (1993) for the National Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.
Vegetation surveys to determine the plant species present in each of the
three areas were conducted in conjunction with the butterfly surveys.

a Volume 60 ¢ June 2001 105

Specific surveys were not conducted for other fauna within the
churchyard although all grasshopper, bush-cricket (beating was
conducted in the hedgerow), dragonfly and damselfly species observed
were recorded.

Results

The butterfly species richness for the whole churchyard was 13 (Table
1). The species richness of both the conservation area and the short
grassland areas was 10. The greatest number of individuals were
observed in the conservation area (87), with the short grassland areas
(52) and shaded area (24) affording fewer observations.

The most abundant species was P. rapde (91), which accounted for 56
per cent of butterfly recordings in the churchyard and P. brassicae was
also regularly sighted (21). Rarer species within the churchyard included
A. urticae and G. rhamni, with just one individual of each species
observed throughout the whole survey period. Species such as P. rapae,
M. jurtina, and A. cardamines were more abundant in the conservation
area,-and 2, napiwas only observed in the conservation area.
Conversely, P. aegeria was predominantly observed in the shaded area.

Table 1: Total number of butterflies recorded in each area

Aglais urticae Small tortoiseshell

A

Polygonia c-album
Vanessa atalanta
Maniola jurtina
Pararge aegeria

Seger

Pyronia tithonus Gatekeeper

Anthocharis cardamines
Gonepteryx rhamni Brimstone

Pieris brassicae
Celastrina argiolus

oe
Thymelicus lineola (ese oes ie
a

| A= conservation area B = short grassland areas C = shaded area

i

0

1
48

1

e
nN

106 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

The numbers of larval foodplants that were recorded in the
churchyard for selected butterfly species can be seen in Table 2. The
distribution of these larval foodplants in each of the three areas is also
demonstrated.

Table 2: Selected butterflies and the number of species of their main larval foodplants in
the churchyard (butterfly species in order of decreasing abundance)

ecaess [seis
Papeete oan stag pare eae,
ii a ae ie Beni pee <>

A. cardamines

ae
emi Gael
bees Got ie ine ge a
co a I ee a
ee
wf

A = conservation area B = short grassland areas C = shaded area

iS)

ON

»)

t

Table 2 illustrates that all these selected species except P. brassicae
have larval foodplants in the churchyard. Most species have at least two
larval foodplants present in the churchyard. Eight species of butterfly
have a larval foodplant in at least two of the areas, with only M. jurtina
having larval foodplants in just one area (conservation area).

Using the list of nectar sources outlined in Porter (1992), the number
of nectar-bearing plant species for selected butterflies observed in the
churchyard has been ascertained (Table 3). From the total number of
nectar sources described in Porter (1992), the percentage of nectar
species present in the churchyard has been calculated for these selected
butterfly species. The number of nectar-bearing species recorded in
each of the three areas for selected butterfly species is also
demonstrated in Table 3.

Table 3 shows that P. rapae had the most nectar sources recorded,
with 50 per cent of its total nectar sources present. P. brassicae
however, had only three nectar sources recorded which comprise 21
per cent ‘Gf possible nectar species. Other species such as C. argiolus,

M. jurtina and P. aegeria had many of their preferred nectar sources

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36 Volume 60 + June 2001 107

present. However, for species such as P. tithonus, V. atalanta, T.
lineola and A. urticae few nectar sources were evident in the
churchyard, in comparison with the range of species they potentially
utilise. These species were observed in less abundance than those with
a greater number of nectar sources in the churchyard.

The numbers of nectar sources for each butterfly species was
relatively evenly distributed between the three areas with only 4A.
cardamines having more nectar sources in the conservation area than
the other two areas.

Table 3: Butterfly species and the number of nectar-bearing plant species in the
churchyard (butterfly species in order of decreasing abundance)

Se
species Percentage (%) A
A eee Ce
ae Ee
crtmns | SSCA Tt [|
_ a
a a a
= ee ee
ae a Ve
a a
Leen a Se ae a

A = conservation area B = short grassland area C = shaded area

OV | OW ] WN

The conservation area had more larval foodplants than either of the
other two areas, with the shaded area having only four species (Table 4).
The total number of nectar-bearing species however, were relatively even
in their distribution throughout the churchyard.

Five species of grasshopper and bush-cricket were observed in the
conservation area (Table 5). No species were sighted in either the short
grassland areas or the shaded area. The three grasshopper species were
observed in the long grassland, whilst the two bush-cricket species
were recorded on Corylus avellana (Hazel) and Rosa canina (Dog
rose) in the hedgerow. Nymphs of all three grasshopper species were
noted to be particularly abundant in early July in the vicinity of

~ molehills.

108 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

Table 4: Total number of larval foodplant species and nectar-bearing species

Show gassendares [8

Table 5: Grasshopper and bush-cricket species observed in the conservation area

Chorthippus brunneus Field grasshopper

Eight species of dragonfly and damselfly were identified in the
churchyard (Table 6). Four of these species were only evident in the
conservation area, with C. puella and E. Se particularly
abundant in this area.

fh

Table 6: Dragonfly and damselfly species observed in the churchyard.

* denotes only observed in the conservation area

Discussion

Only 13 species of butterfly were observed during the surveys,
compared to the 21 species that Dennis (1993) outlines which could
commonly occur in churchyards. The restricted number of species
sighted could be due to the lack of appropriate nectar resources, which
could also limit the abundance of species such as A. urticae, V.
atalanta, P. tithonus and T. lineola. Species such as Thymelicus
sylvestris (Small skipper) and Ochlodes venata (Large skipper) which are

| | <4 Volume 60 « June 2001 109

commonly associated with long grassland areas (Feltwell, 1986) were
absent from the surveys and this may be due to the lack of suitable
nectar-bearing species such as Trifolium pratense (Red clover) and
Centaurea nigra (Black knapweed). The butterfly species already
present in the churchyard could benefit from the provision of additional
nectar sources such as Knautia arvensis (Field scabious) for A. urticae,
Dipsacus fullonum (Teasel) for V. atalanta and T. pratense for P.
tithonus and T. lineola. These additional nectar sources should be
planted in the conservation area due to the greater abundance of larval
foodplants in this area (grass species and U. dioica present).

The small size of the churchyard and in particular the conservation
area could further restrict the occurrence and abundance of species such
as T. lineola and T. sylvestris as these species have closed populations
with minimum breeding areas of 0.5 hectares. However, Feltwell (1986)
states that butterflies can sometimes be abundant in very small habitats
and the conservation area (0.2 hectares in size) had ten species, of which
several occurred in reasonable abundance (P. rapae and P. brassicae).

Most individuals were observed in the conservation area because the
tall grassland and structural diversity of this area offers shelter, with the
southern aspect affording basking provision (Willmott, 1986).
Disturbance by humans is also limited in this area. Some species such

as M. jurtina and A. cardamines were particularly restricted to this area,

perhaps due to the presence of their larval foodplants, grass species

and Cardamine pratensis (Cuckooflower) respectively, and adequate
_ numbers of plant species that could be utilised as nectar sources.

#

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P. aegeria prefers the more shaded areas of the churchyard (Willmott,
1986) and more individuals of this species were observed in the shaded
area than in either of the other two areas. The U. dioica patch in this

area was completely shaded and did not attract any butterflies.
_ Provision of a nettle patch in the conservation area would thus offer

greater value as a larval foodplant for species such as V. atalanta and
A. urticae because this area receives more sunlight.

The short grassland and shaded areas contain many nectar-bearing

_ species such as Ranunculus repens (Creeping buttercup) and Prunella

|

vulgaris (Selfheal). Relaxation of the mowing regimes in the short
grassland and shaded areas could allow more of these species to flower
and thus become valuable nectar sources. The grass could be mown

every month throughout the growing season to replace the current

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_ regular cuts.

The most abundant butterfly species in the churchyard were P. rapae
and P. brassicae which Willmott (1986) classifies as “garden” species,

110 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 2

more commonly found in the built-up environment than in rural
landscapes. These species are thus evident in high numbers within the
churchyard, with migration occurring through the gardens of the houses
surrounding the churchyard. Feltwell (1986) describes churchyards as
“reservoir” sites for butterflies within urban areas and All Saints
churchyard (particularly the conservation area) pew long grassland
in an area where this habitat is mainly absent.

Five species of grasshopper and bush-cricket were recorded in the
conservation area and this can be compared to the seven species
recorded on the nearby Writtle College estate in 1999 (Gardiner and
Field, 2000). The value of the conservation area is further enhanced as all
the grasshopper species were recorded in this area. The conservation
area provides long grassland habitat, offering shelter and feeding
opportunities for these species, which the short grassland areas lack. The
hedgerow in the conservation area is also of value as bush-crickets were
beaten only from the native species present (C. auvellana and R. canina),
with none found on T. baccata (the dominant tree in the churchyard).

The presence of molehills in the conservation area could provide
important Oviposition sites for adult female grasshoppers and basking
provision for early instar nymphs. Brown (1983) states that large
numbers of early instar nymphs can be found close to the oviposition
sites (as in the conservation area). However, these areas are not suitable
for prolonged feeding activity (sparse vegetation and much bare earth)
and nymphs then move to nearby areas of taller grass. The provision of
structural variety within the conservation area (bare earth and tall grass)
could be important to the populations of grasshoppers present.

The areas of long grass which are retained during the July cut could
also be important refuges for grasshoppers. Most grasshoppers were
observed within these uncut areas, although the only sighting of C.
parallelus was in the cut area in late July (perhaps evidence of the
structural diversity necessary). The presence of C. albomarginatus in the
conservation area further outlines the expansion in range of this species
in Essex, which is no longer restricted to coastal areas and has moved
considerable distances inland (Wake, 1997). Churchyards with areas of
long grass could thus provide valuable inland habitat for this species.

Eight species of dragonfly were recorded in the churchyard which
can be compared with the 14 species present on the Writtle College
estate in 1999 (Gardiner and Field, 2000). The churchyard does not
contain any waterbodies, but ponds are present in several of the large
gardens nearby. Brooks (1997) states that dragonflies are powerful fliers

SSS aes

3 Volume 60 ° June 2001 111

and disperse over wide areas far from water with the immature phase
Gust after emergence) being the main dispersal period. The dragonflies
recorded in the churchyard could thus be immature individuals, seeking
the shelter that the long grass and trees provide (Brooks, 1997).

The long grass of the conservation area could be an important habitat
to accommodate immature dragonflies while attaining sexual maturity.
Several species such as C. puella, E. cyathigerum and I. elegans were
only observed in the conservation area, perhaps utilising the increased
feeding opportunities and shelter provided by the long grass. Other
species such as A. grandis and A. mixta were observed flying at treetop
level and these again could have been immature individuals exploiting
the churchyard.

In conclusion, All Saints churchyard could be considered as a
“reservoir” site in a predominantly built environment where suitable
habitats (particularly long grass) are rare. The butterfly monitoring is
likely to continue in future years thus providing information on long-
term changes in butterfly abundance in All Saints churchyard. It would
be interesting to ascertain whether these changes reflect those in the
general countryside. More detailed studies of grasshoppers and
dragonflies are planned for 2001.

References

Brooks, S. (1997). Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Rotherwick:
British Wildlife Publishing.

Brown, V. K. (1983). Grasshoppers. Slough: Richmond Publishing Co.

Dennis, E. (1993). The Living Churchyard — Sanctuaries for Wildlife. British Wildlife, 4,
230-241.

Feltwell, J. (14986). The Natural History of Butterflies. Beckenham: Croom Helm Ltd.

Gardiner, T. A and Field, R. G. (2000). Wildlife Monitoring 1999. Writtle: Writtle College.

Greenoak, F. (1993). Wildlife in Churchyards. London: Little Brown.

Greenwood, J. J. D. (1996). Basic Techniques, Jn: Sutherland, W. J. (Ed), Ecological
Census Techniques. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 11-110.

Mabey, R. (1998). Flora Britannica. London: Chatto & Windus.

| Pollard, E and Yates, T. J. (1993). Monitoring Butterflies for Ecology and Conservation.

London: Chapman & Hall.

Porter, K. (1992). Butterflies and Communities, In: Dennis, R. L. H. (Ed), The Ecology of
Butterflies in Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 139-177.
Rackham, O. (1986). The History of the Countryside. London: Phoenix.

Wake, A. (1997). Grasshoppers and Crickets (Orthoptera) of Essex. Colchester: Colchester
Natural History Society.

| Willmott, K. (1986). Discovering Butterflies in Churchyards. Loughborough: British

Butterfly Conservation Society.

112 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists'’ Society Lf

Buprestids in the Hoddesdon area, 2000
by Maurice Pledger (3928)
19 Granville Gardens, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 9QB.

Following on from the last two years searching for, and learning about
buprestids in the Broxbourne/Hoddesdon area in Hertfordshire, things
took a slightly different turn. As already mentioned in previous articles,
99% of our searching took place in and around the immediate area of
coppiced woodland in the Broxbourne Woods complex. This is
regarding the following species of Agrilus; angustulus, laticornis,
sulcicollis and pannonicus. The last species which I elaborated on at
length, sinuatus, is all over the place around this area if you know
where to look. That said, you'll never find one on the off-chance
without looking, however you could-find one on the off-chance, ifyou
are familiar with their little goings-on. That will only make sense if you
know what Im talking about. If it doesn’t, then don’t bother as I’m
known for talking rubbish! The coppiced area had, since close of play
around autumn of last year, been opened up even further, with nice
fresh hornbeam log piles being stacked up and left lying around. This
is a magnet for buprestids, especially it seems angustulus and
sulcicollis. Laticornis doesn’t seem to bother with them, the only ones
we found were odd ones sunning themselves on oak leaves a few
hundred yards away. I'd only netted two pannonicus flying over two
years by the logs so it seemed they were thin on the ground compared
to the rest.

With all this in mind, the expected path of events was to search
among the fresh log piles, anytime from around mid-June onwards I
suppose, providing the weather was hot enough. [il have to back-track
here, as something happened which sent us off in another direction. As
usual, the players are Phil Jeffery and Rob Dyke. They are still putting
up with me, so either I must be doing something right, or they are
completely gullible and/or stupid.

[A small note here that the first sighting of buprestids in 1998 was
10th July. In 1999 it was 9th June.]

On the 19th September 1999 Rob had been on one of his long
Broxbourne Woods walks, and had come across a lovely open area
which had been cleared of large oaks, silver birch and hornbeams. The
area is just past the Huntsman Pub in Goose Green, about 400 yards in
from the road, called Hoddesdon Park Wood. Some of the oaks were
up to two feet across, and had been felled just above ground level
leaving nice wide stumps about six inches high. These Rob thinks had

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36 Volume 60 + June 2001 113

been felled sometime earlier that year, or a bit before. Anyway, he’d
noticed small amounts of frass appearing on the odd stump between
the wood and the bark. As we were also on the lookout for Yellow-
legged clearwings, we earmarked this area, and returned now and
again over the following months to keep a check on the stumps. I’d
found an old dead oak tree along the path leading to the clearing
which was riddled with “D” shaped pannonicus holes. These I can sniff
out a mile away, but I had yet to find a distressed oak with some life in
it still, which showed the holes. All the ones we’d found were trees
which were /ong dead, the bark frequently coming away in your hands.
Funnily enough, there was one remaining oak tree in the cleared area
which too, was crawling with holes, but for some stupid reason,
although I'd checked it out, ’'d missed them. Subsequent scrutiny
shows a riot of holes all over the tree, but going quite high up. I was
used to looking at ground level, then following the holes up. In this
tree they started higher up, and that’s my excuse for being blind that
particular day.

Anyway, that brings me to our recent findings.

19th April: Rob, me and the ever-present Bunny (my dog) went and
had a look round the stumps. On finding a small pile of hardened frass
between the bark and wood of one stump, I flicked it away revealing a
small capped exit hole of the Yellow-legged clearwing which we’d
been searching for. Just to make sure, we broke away a piece of bark,
and yes, there was the cocoon. Not only that, but breaking the piece of
bark had revealed an inch-long beetle larva which looked exactly like
drawings of pannonicus larva in one of my books. There was also a
larva of the longhorn beetle Rhagium, but this was completely
different, very long and thin with a large flattened head. Again, as with
all buprestid larvae, ’ve found them to be very passive, showing no
movement whatsoever. To all intents and purposes they appear to be
dead. That said, they are very delicate and will not stand up to any
amount of handling. I sent the larva off to Dan Hackett and he
confirmed it to be Agrilus pannonicus! At last we were on the right
track. As the pannonicus larva was in the thick bark layer, I suppose it
was getting ready to pupate as it is here where this particular stage
takes place. All the larval tunnelling we could see was in the area
where the bark joins the hard wood. This tunnelling is very flat and
shallow and about 3mm across, meandering about where we’d broken
off the pieces. It seems when the larva is getting nearer to pupation, it
must tunnel into the thick bark, which in this instance was about 2.5cm
thick. All larval activity seemed to be on one side of the stump.

114 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS]

27th May: Phil phoned to say that a small section of stump which he’d
taken (which contained a clearwing larva, as it was throwing out frass
in a neat little pile), had developed a new hole about 2cm from the
clearwing activity, and a buprestid was inside looking at him waiting to
emerge. I went round and photographed it, but unfortunately for some
reason the beetle died two days later still in its exit hole. This was
exactly the same as some Agrilus sinuatus Yd found last year, when I
found nine fully-formed beetles dead inside their exit holes in hawthorn
trunks. It also reminded me of dead fully-formed buprestids,
Chalcophora mariana Yd found last summer in Menorca. These were
found dead in their pupal chambers sometimes in the outer bark, but
often right in the centre of old dead pine stumps. As to why this seems
to occur with these beetles is a bit of a talking point with the three of
us, but it seems to throw up more questions than answers.

28th May: Between 1.30 and 2.30pm, Phil went to the oak clearing
again and found several (five or six) Agrilus sulcicollis, and about ten
angustulus sitting around on coppiced hornbeam twigs and leaves
which were growing out of the stumps. A variable weather day, but at
this time the sun was out, and as usual with these beetles, this is when
they show. This was the earliest we’d found buprestids on the wing.

29th May: Phil, Rob and I went to the oak clearing again as it was
sunny and had some phenomenal luck. Phil took us to the stump ©
where he’d taken the clearwing/buprestid section, and showed us
several other exit holes near ground level. At this point he thought they
may have been old ones. As the stump was a /iving one, and not dead
(when the tree was cut two years ago), this suggested to me anyway,
that had the tree been dead, they could well have been old exit holes.
As the tree was Jive, then the buprestids must have gone in after the
tree was cut and “distressed”. This meant that if they indeed did go in
two years ago, and if as we read pannonicus has a two-year lifecycle,
then the exit holes were this year’s. In fact, probably only a few days
old if the adults were beginning to emerge. With this in mind, Phil
chiselled out a few sections of bark, whereupon he and Rob noticed a
small sliver of blue elytra showing between some split bark. Carefully
opening it up, they found a fully-formed adult pannonicus awaiting
emergence. Also, a full-fed larva fell out too. I photographed the two
together. On chiselling out another piece next to it, Phil revealed
another adult primed for emergence. While kneeling down and
searching for others, I noticed a large female, brilliantly-coloured, sitting
in the moss. An absolute beauty. This was photographed at length at
the stump, and at home where she opened up her elytra, giving us

| sé Volume 60 * June 2001 115

some cracking shots. Only one other buprestid was seen, a sulcicollis
sitting on a hornbeam leaf in the sun.

We went and had a look around the hornbeam logs in the other
location, but although the sun was by then fully out, we saw no
buprestids. Lots of wasp beetles though.

30th May: From this day Phil and I were constantly on the ’phone to
each other saying that yet another pannonicus had emerged, and was
_ walking around the rearing cages. Phil seemed to have the edge for a
_ while as it seemed his bark sections were placed in the sun most of the
_ time. ’d been keeping mine in the shed, to try and keep them out of
_ the rain, but it’s beginning to look as though these beetles are very
affected by the warm sunlight, even before emergence. I think that is
why these little beetles fascinate me so much, as their life-cycles are so
much like clearwings. In fact, for a while they were emerging at the
same time as the Currant clearwings we’d collected earlier in the year.

3rd June: Phil, Bunny and I went to the stumps again, and the
_ buprestids were out in force. Mostly angustulus, but two sulcicollis were
also seen. At first we were finding them as usual, sitting around singly or
paired-up on hornbeam leaves in the sun. Sometimes on a clump of
leaves two or three could be seen flying around, seemingly searching for
others. Up until this time we’d never seen them actually sitting on the
_ trunks of living trees. I noticed Phil standing by the side of the sole dead
oak left standing, watching intently hoping for a pannonicus to wing in.
After a while he began to notice angustulus landing on the trunk and
walking around. It was also on this trunk he saw a sulcicollis. 1 tried
over at a living oak, and here too, angustulus was walking about on the
| trunk, about head-height. A few took off and landed back on the trees
about 15-20 feet up. As I already mentioned, the old pannonicus holes
on this tree started higher up on the trunk, and continuing up it for as
far as we could see, but surprisingly in this case, the holes were situated
all around and not just on one side. I think Phil pointed out that it was
usually on the side which caught the most sunlight.

Following on from that last point, I noticed another stump right at the
edge of the clearing, only five metres away from our “lucky” stump. It
looked just right, but was slightly lower on an incline, and was more
tucked away than the other one. I chiselled out a piece of bark on the
same side and immediately found a wealth of fully-fed larvae, and a
few white pupae in their little chambers. I found no fully-formed adults
at all, however I did leave most of the stump alone as it was obvious
that if I hacked around too much, I might damage some larvae. Phil

suggested that the previous tree which had adult beetles formed up

i ees ‘aii a

se

116 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ee

awaiting emergence, seemed to be more advanced than this latest one.
His point being that things may be speeded up due to the fact that it
was catching more sunlight on it. The fact that we were finding adults,
pupa and larva suggests that this beetle has probably a protracted
emergence period. I’ve reared Chalcophora mariana though, and some
small longhorn beetles, and it seems that the pupal stage probably lasts
not more than a couple of weeks. Once the pupa starts to visibly
change, the eyes darken first, the whole process doesn’t really last that
long. The pupa frequently twists and turns at times. Often I’ve gone to
bed, having left the pupa in an advanced stage, only to come down the
following morning to find the adult beetle walking around. I think it
takes a few more days to fully harden up. The beetles I’ve reared
through have been walking around, obviously with some more
“hardening” to do, but in their natural state they would still be doing
this in the pupal chamber. Perhaps when we’ve found the fully-formed
adults in the bark, they are just waiting the last few days to harden
before they leave the exit hole. Obviously they would need to fly
almost immediately they left the safety of the wood, and if they
emerged too early they wouldn’t be able to. It just seems strange that
with the exit hole all “finished” as it were, and the beetle positioned
right at the entrance of it, some of them die. I still have no explanation
I’m happy with, but no doubt someone will tell me.

4th June: Rob went back to the stumps and had a bit of a chisel, and
found two adults and a few larvae. He walked round to the Dane Mead
area where they’d been clearing out a few trees, and noticed a blue
buprestid flying around some log piles. Unfortunately he didn’t catch it
to see which one it was. It just goes to show that all these beetles need
is a bit of wood clearing so they can really get down to business. They
are obviously attracted to trees which are distressed, but a wood
suddenly coppiced really does seem to pull them in. Although they
revel in sunshine, old dead oaks which have many exit holes of
pannonicus, are frequently found in very densely wooded areas.

8th June: Funny how things turn out unexpectedly. Today was just one
of those wonderful times, and I finished up having some of my
questions answered.

Before that, yesterday I noticed one of my pupae which was/is totally
encased in wood has been changing. One day it was still totally white,
the next, its eyes and head, thorax, abdomen and legs had all changed
and taken on the lovely metallic blue colour. Funnily enough, its elytra
were still whitish, being the last to form. This seems different to the
small longhorns I’ve reared inasmuch as the abdomen is usually the last

sé Volume 60 « June 2001 117

section to change. The beetle is already walking around doing all its
usual beetly things, with its abdomen still very white, and if anything
seemingly large compared to the rest of the body. Anyway, it’s just an
observation. It'll be interesting to see how the other three change as
I’ve still got these to go. As I say, once they start, the transformation is
quite quick, usually only two or three days.

Anyway back to today. This morning I checked my rearing net and

saw that a Yellow-legged clearwing was flying around, this being my

_ first sight of this moth and J think a new record for the area in
_ question. I brought in an eight-inch square section of thick oak bark
which had been throwing out hatching pannonicus almost on a daily
basis. The idea being I was going to try and get the clearwing to sit in it
for a few photos. I usually place it on the window sill here in my
painting room which catches the sun most of the day. What usually
happens is if anything flies off, it usually sits on the window where I
can re-catch it. Anyway, the bark section was placed on the window
sill, and within thirty seconds or so another pannonicus emerged and
was buzzing around. I put it in a big jar with the rest who were happily
munching away on a hornbeam leaf which I’d given them. I sat back
down to paint and immediately heard a very faint clicking coming from
the wood. Initially I thought it was the wood splitting in the heat, but
_ quickly realised that it was actually something chewing the wood. On
_ careful scrutiny, I could see the half-enclosed head of a pannonicus
_ chewing out its exit hole. Bit by bit I could see more of its head, until
_ just a tiny piece was sticking in front of its mouth. I took some still
close-ups and video, and flicked away the bit which was bothering it. I
kept the video running (lovely close-up shots about two inches away)
while it began craning its neck and stretching, pulling itself out. All of a
| sudden it was free, and immediately on emerging it stretched its wings
and took off buzzing audibly into the window where it landed and
walked around. Now and then it opened its elytra, flicked its wings and
took off. Absolutely stunning. My questions I’d written down only the
other day had been answered. In natural conditions, the beetle on
exiting the hole is able to fly. I would guess that emergence is timed
when the sun is strongly on the wood, this enabling the beetle to chew
its way out and fly off immediately. The longer it hangs round on
emergence, the more vulnerable it would be. Therefore I would think
that it just simply wouldn’t emerge on a cold and/or cloudy day. Their
reluctance or inability to fly when there’s no sun suggests that it may
not be able even if it wanted to. I remember a couple of Chacophora
mariana \ kept after they emerged from old pine I’d brought back from

118 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ad

Menorca last year. They would get very frisky and alert when placed on
the window sill in bright sunlight, lifting up their elytra and taking off.
Holding them in my hand in this agitated state, I turned my back on the
window and the moment they were out of the sun, they just calmed
down and lost interest. The effect was immediate, as was the warming up
process when they were placed in the sun. From being almost statue-like,
if I placed them in the sun they were able to fly in about five seconds. I
think the warming and cooling of their bodies are almost instantaneous.
Stand outside in the woods in hot sunshine, they are all around walking
on leaves, paired up, flying, lifting elytra and almost running along logs.
The moment a cloud comes over they all vanish. The ones on the logs
tend to sidle sideways out of view and just sit there, only coming out
again if the sun shines again. The best ones to watch doing all this are
angustulus as there are quite a few around. Sulcicollis are far fewer but
on a good day you might see three of four. Their characters are all the
same however, and it makes the searching for them out in the field a
little easier, knowing how the weather effects them.

Spring into Action
by Jimmy McKellar (11402)
24 Scorguie Gardens, Inverness IV3 88S.

Beefly Bombylius major

As a member of Highland Biological Recording Group CHBRG) I am
coordinating records of the beefly Bombylius major. This year I have
decided it would be a good idea to ask for any records from AES
members who live in Scotland or may have visited. I am only interested
in Scottish records and would welcome records from any year. Our
Local Recording Centres in Scotland have already been contacted for
their data and I have had a good response. A fellow member very
kindly extracted the historical records from the Scottish Insects Records
Index (SIRD and I am grateful to Andy Wittington for granting access
but any records from the rest of Scotland and indeed Highland would
be very much appreciated. As this fly is likely to be on the wing very
early in the recording season (March) much of the fly’s season has
already passed, but it is likely that recordings may be witnessed until
the end of June. It would be useful to keep a note of aspect, time of
day, habitat, flowers visited, numbers, date and place, with a six-figure
grid reference if possible. When sending in records if you see bee-flies
regularly, at the same site please could you send notes of all “dates
seen” and other circumstances.

Records should be sent to Jimmy McKellar at the above address please.

Volume 60 + June 2001 119

The AES Communications Forum

“ > -
ee.
A
- _ —_

by Reg Fry (2333)

Atalanta, 26a Grange Road, Lawford, Manningtree CO11 2ND.

Details of the Forum

This rapid internet communication system which we have set up for
AES members has now been operational for six months. So far about
100 members have registered but I hope many more will join when
they have access to the internet and have their own e-mail address.

' Briefly the system allows you to post interesting facts or questions (with
pictures if you have the facility to scan them in to your computer) on

any entomological subject, and already most queries are receiving a
rapid answer. Members of the forum have the option of receiving
copies of ail messages sent or, if they find they are getting too many to
read, can opt not to receive them at all — in which case they can visit
the forum at any time to scan through an archive of past messages
stored there.

There are facilities on the forum to store both text and picture files.
There is also a database which we have so far utilised to set up a list of
Advisors who will help to identify insects posted to them. We are also
building up a catalogue of interesting insects that you can view on line
some of which are aimed at helping with identification.

To obtain full details for joining and using the system please send me
an e-mail at the following address: aeseditor@btinternet.com. Please let
me know whether you want to receive all e-mails as they are sent or if
you just want to be able to access the forum to look through past
messages. You can also visit the forum at any time to look through the
database and picture files.

We are also running a second forum which is open to anyone to
ask questions or to discuss anything about insects and other
invertebrates from around the world. Most of the queries so far have
been from the USA which makes an interesting challenge! This forum
can be viewed without joining the site and is to be found at:
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/bugclub

Whats going on in the AES forum

Currently there are about 40 colour photographs of various stages of
butterflies, moths, beetles, flies and Mantids on the AES forum and over
80 (mainly mantids) on the bugclub site.

120 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3d

We are also building up a database listing of AES advisors and local
imSeCe TeCOrders tote UK

The forum has received around 200 messages, a useful diversion
during the winter when there is not much activity in the insect world!
For example a recent humourous message (at beginning of February)
from Graham Stevens in Spain relates:

“Today has been very hot with temperatures in the high 20s
Centigrade, so I decided to take a trip into the mountains near Valencia
to look for larvae of Charaxes jasius, the Two tailed pasha. The larvae
feed on the Strawberry tree and at this time of year are starting to move
around the tree and feed more rigorously. A number of trees still have
the fruit which are quite delicious to eat, although now a little past their
prime. The first tree that I came across produced two larvae, which are
around 2/4rds their full size, plus a number of fruit. As I placed the first
fruit in my mouth, my wife called to say that she had found some more
larvae. As I bite into the fruit I was concerned that it didn’t taste as it
should. As I removed it from my mouth I found that there will be one
less Charaxes jasius this year!”

Graham has since sent me a note saying that “it didn't taste half bad”,
which reminds me of a recent near miss that I had. A few weeks ago
we were eating “mixed veg” cooked from a pack from the freezer when
I noticed the distinctly familiar shape of the hind quarters of a fairly
large caterpillar. I am afraid that it had lost its colour in the cooking
process — possibly part of a full grown Angle shades? And no I didn't
find the remaining three quarters! It was rather more rewarding than
Grahams experience however as a complaint to the local supermarket
who produced this “own brand” of mixed vegetables resulted in a £10
voucher!

Visit the AES Website today!

http://www.theaes.org

peacoat

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

AES members can also join the AES Forum at
bitp://www.egroups.com/des

a Volume 60 « June 2001 121

Moths — the obsession begins!
by Paul Talbot (11776)

133 Park Road, Elland, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX5 9H

In April 1999 I was approached by my local council and asked if I
would run a Robinson moth trap on their behalf, but at sites of my own
choosing throughout Calderdale in West Yorkshire (VC63). They
offered to provide all the equipment and spares needed except for a
generator, which I would have to buy myself.

I have various entomological interests and had been recording moths
on a casual basis whilst constructing and maintaining the wildlife
gardens I design for clients in the course of my wildlife gardening
business. I am also involved with a local wildlife group, which is
recording an area locally with the intention of creating a Local Nature
Reserve on the site. These records had been passed onto the local
conservation officer and when the opportunity came up for council to
acquire a Robinson trap he immediately thought of me as a likely
volunteer to run the trap; passing your records on does sometimes have
material rewards!

I started to run the trap on a nightly basis in my back garden, which
is only 15 feet by 12 feet but does back into a typically Pennine,
remnant scrub oak woodland of about 100 acres. This is when I
realised the size of the task I had taken on: there are lots and lots of
moths to try and identify! Gradually, as that first spring turned into
summer, I started to find my feet. By then I felt that I was starting to
make some progress, as I could at least get the moths separated into
families, if not species. It’s incredible how many “little brown jobs”
there are — I used to think identifying warblers was difficult! I made it a
firm rule from the beginning that if I was not 100% sure of the
identification of a moth, I would not record it. I was not going to pick
the most likely looking moth from “Skinner(1998)” and record that; a
bad record is worse than no record at all.

I had spoken to my neighbours about my intentions and asked them
to tell me if the light from the trap was a problem, but they all said they
didn’t mind. As the year progressed all the neighbours became
increasingly interested in the night’s catch and I had to start saving the
larger and more colourful moths in pots for them to view in the
evenings after work. This had the added advantage of creating an
interest in the other invertebrate fauna of their gardens and I was asked
for advice on suitable plants to attract moths and hoverflies into the

122 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Le

garden; it also cut down on the eagerness to use the dreaded slug
pellets everywhere. As the first year drew to a close I had become
firmly hooked, and turned into that obsessive creature, the “moth
trapper”.

Over the winter of 1999/2000 I read voraciously all the books I could
on moths and moth trapping and planned the coming season’s
campaign with military precision. Unfortunately, just as I was getting
into full swing in March 2000, I suffered a Sub-Arachnoidal Brain
Haemorrhage and it was touch and go for a few weeks whether I
would be doing my mothing in the back garden or a mile down the
road at the local crematorium! I knew the moth obsession had become
a lifelong affliction, when, on my first night back home from hospital,
despite being in a great deal of pain, I got my wife, Sue, to help me set
up the moth trap in the back garden! Over the following weeks of my
convalescence and enforced absence from work, I surfed the web and
came across a site called UK Moths; it was a revelation. Here you could
see hundreds of photographs of live moths just as they appeared in the
trap; I found this made the job of identification much easier. I
discovered that Ian Kimber, the owner of the site, lived in
Littleborough, over the Pennines in Lancashire, only about 15 miles
away from my house. Ian and I started to correspond, first via e-mail
and then telephone and discovered that we were both short of a
mothing partner. We decided to get together with another chap from
Mirfield called Martin Tordoff who had contacted me after he had seen
an article I had written. We agreed to set up some joint field trips, as
and when my health permitted.

We finally all got together in mid-June 2000 at the site of the proposed
Local Nature Reserve, near my home, which I had started recording in
1999. Considering the wet weather we all suffered in 2000, we were very
lucky with a mild, calm, overcast night. After we had set up my Robinson
trap and Ian’s Skinner trap, we gathered round the 160 watt blended bulb
Martin had attached to a tripod, little did I realise the fate that was about
to overtake me! As moths began to arrive, Ian began, much to my
amazement, to reel off the names of all the previously unknown (to me)
micro moths; I had discovered that rare creature: the micro expert! My
usual response to any micros in the trap was to have a quick admiring
glance and then chuck them over the garden wall, after all, I had thought,
no one could possibly identify all these different litthe moths, life was too
short! If I thought I had been obsessive about moths before, now I was to
discover the real meaning of the word obsession; I had discovered that it
was possible to learn about micro moths and even to name them!

pent

(ad Volume 60 ° June 2001 123

Soon Sue was ferrying me backwards and forwards over the
Pennines to IJan’s house clutching my little pots of micros so that he
could tell me which identifications I had got wrong — usually all of
them! Ian’s wife Joanne quickly gave me the nickname of “moth mania”
or at least that is the printable version! The other problem with the
micro obsession, after the initial difficulty of identifying them has been
overcome, is the vast amount of expensive books your addiction drives
you to buy; even the cheap ones seem to be about £50 and the
expensive ones are a bit like buying a Picasso every month. The only
good thing about this addiction is that you no longer get hangovers;
you cannot afford to drink anymore!

You may have noticed I have got though a complete article in an
entomological magazine and have not mentioned one single moth by
name yet! There is a very good reason for this; I hope this is going to
be the first in a series of occasional articles about the trials and
tribulations of a novice moth trapper. In the next article I hope to
encourage more of you to take up moth recording in your garden and
local area, even if you do not possess a trap. I will explain some of the
techniques I used before I had the Robinson trap and what you can
expect to record at different times of the year.

References

Skinner,B. Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British isles. Viking Press, London.
Ian Kimbers Moth site is at www.ukmoths@force9.co.uk

Staffordshire Clouded yellows
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 7AY.

During the late summer of 2000, a number of migrant Lepidoptera were
recorded in Staffordshire, with the Hummingbird hawk-moth,
(Macroglossum stellatarum Linnaeus), Painted lady (Cynthia cardui
Linnaeus), Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta Linnaeus), one Convolvulus
hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli Linnaeus) and small numbers of the
Rush veneer (Nomophila noctuella D.&S.) and the Pearly underwing
(Peridroma saucia Hubner). The Clouded yellow (Colias croceus,
Geoffroy), was recorded in scattered areas in the county, mainly single
examples, from Burnt Wood, Apedale, Trentham and Caverswall. No
doubt other Staffordshire entomologists can add their own records to
this list.

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PRE-PUBLICATION OFFER

The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain

and Ireland — Volume 4

Oecophoridae to Scythrididae (to be published in two parts, simultaneously)
Edited by the late A. Maitland Emmet and John R. Langmaid

Colour plates of adult moths by Richard Lewington; text figures by Michael J.
Roberts with additional drawings by B. Bengtsson, J.C. Koster, R. Lewington
and T. Rutten

Among the 20 contributors to this long-awaited volume which has at last reached
the production stage are four leading Continental lepidopterists. Part 1 contains the
special chapter, followed by the Systematic accounts of the Oecophoridae and the
smaller families — a total of 147 species. Part 2 comprises the Gelechiidae — 162
species. There are genitalia drawings for both sexes of each species, and also rep-
resentative figures of wing venation for each family, as well as of other diagnostic
characters. This volume will be one of the finest and most needed in the series.

The families within the Gelechioidea which are being treated are as follows:
(Part 1) Oecophoridae —- A.M. Emmet, M.W. Harper & J.R. Langmaid; Ethmiidae — K.
Sattler; Autostichidae - K.P. Bland; Blastobasidae -— R.J. Dickson; Batrachedridae,
Agonoxenidae, Momphidae & Cosmopterigidae — J.C. Koster; and Scythrididae —
B.A. Bengtsson; (Part 2) Gelechiidae - K.P. Bland, M.F.V. Corley, A.M. Emmet, R.J.
Heckford, P. Huemer, J.R. Langmaid, S.M. Palmer, M.S. Parsons, L. Pitkin, T. Rutten,
K. Sattler, A.N.B. Simpson & P.H. Sterling.

The introductory chapter, by Jens Rydell and Mark Young, is entitled ‘The Ecology
and Evolution of Lepidopteran Defences against Bats’, and is illustrated by text
figures, sonagrams and 6 colour photographs.

Complete volume c.650pp., including 13 colour plates of moths, c.680 text figs and

307 maps

Clothbound & jacketed (ISBN 0 946589 63 1) price on publication £150.00
Part 1(7 col. plates of moths) (ISBN 0 946589 66 6) price on publication £80.00
Part 2 (6 col. plates of moths) (ISBN 0 946589 67 4) price on publication £80.00

Offer price: complete 2-part set £125.00; Parts 1 and 2 £65.00 each
An early response would be much appreciated — Offer ends 31 August 2001
Due late Autumn 2001. Books will be despatched as soon as available.

To HARLEY BOOKS, FREEPOST, Great Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4YY, UK

Tel. 01206 271216; Fax. 01206 271182; e-mail: harley@keme.co.uk

| wish to order The Moths and Butterflies of GB & Ireland Vol. 4 at the pre-publication price as
indicated below:

Set @ £125.00 @ £65.00 each + £3.75 p. & p. per order (UK only)
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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 £22.00.

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) . . . £12.75
A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figures, 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) . . . £4.00
Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (S6pages, 9 plates) . £4.00
Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40pp. 11 figs.) . £3.50
An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Genitalia of Lepidoptera (1 6pp.)£2.40
Butterflies of Cyprus 1998 (Records of a years sightings) (46 pages) . £3.60
A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (225pp. 32pp. colour plates) . . . £14.25
Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . £2.90
The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp. 10 figs.) . £3.50
The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated) . . . . . £8.95
Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages) . . . . . £245
Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera (52 pages, 4 colour plates) . . . . £4.50
A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . . £16.25
Host plants of BritishsBeetles:(24 pages)is2.. sc. 1 2 sae eee eee
A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, illustrated). . . . . . . . £10.40
Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 figs. 17 plates) £5.00
The Amazing World of Stick and Leaf-Insects (165 pp. 40pp. col. pl.) £14.75
Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates). . . £2.90
Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages, 2 plates) . . . . . £1.90

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, ATALANTA, 26a Grange Road, Lawford
MANNINGTREE CO11 2ND. Telephone 01206 392502

: The
I Amateur
~ ey, Entomologists’
Society

2001 EXHIBITION
AND TRADE FAIR

Saturday 6th October 2001

Kempton Park Racecourse
Staines Road, Sunbury, Middlesex

Over 100 dealers Rare and Recent Books

Caterpillars and Buterflies Meet other enthusiasts

Praying Mantids Stick insects

Exotic Pets Tarantulas and Scorpions

moreno oe

+ % + % HF H H HF

Bug Pottery and Toys Nets, Traps and Equipment j

Antique Boxes and Cabinets Netting and Cages

Insect Identification Guide Mounted Specimens

+ + + FF F HF H HF

Join Clubs and Societies Leading Insect Artists

ae A
“S

nether you’re young or old, beginner or expert, there is something for everyone
who loves bugs at the largest insect extravaganza of the year.
Join us at Kempton Park Racecourse on Saturday 6th October.
Doors Open at 11am ys

Kempton Park is situated under a mile
from Junction 1 of the M3. Rail
services operate to Sunbury Station,
half a mile from the racecourse, from
London Waterloo. For further details
contact the AES at
PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG or
alternatively e-mail aes@theaes.org or
visit the Society's Website at
http://www.theaes.org

Bulletin

of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

|

Volume 60 ¢ Number 436 June 2001 |
|
CONTENTS
John, E. Autumn Butterfly Records from Cyprus, 2000 ....:.............--csssccssesssosstecsoserreocssess 84
Ewing, A..W. The insects of an Aberdeenshire farit..............-sseccvsccsssesscepeerconreoesoncvonasenese 97
Laux, M. Butterflies of Les Amandiers in Southern France...........::scccccccccccccccceccecsesseeseeeeeees 101
Gardiner, T. and Pye, M.Insects in an Essex Churchyard .............::cssscesscesecesseesseescensoaee 103
Pledger, M. Buprestids in the Hoddesdon area, 2000................::.sscscssccssesessecssccessceeeeeos 112
Fry,R. The AES Communications: FOrUM ..:.......0dsccve+sssntesate June omes cedeosoosresasesceeeess: -es-eenaees 119
Talbot, P. Moths — the obsession begins! .....2::. sss:..5-..0o0sbsocosenrsooeseestceveteneneeeeose ees eases 121

Short Communications

Koryszko, J. Leopard moth in Statfordshire ........0:..2:50~.-c00e0s0.scsvone dunes oon snoseeteceananse <cuaseacenes 100
McKellar, J. Spring intO°ACtiON .21......205...2)sasved-ouecohessderdsee< coves ci Soce opts satmecenesmaa cee ae aseee sees 118
Koryszko, J. Staffordshire Clouded yellows ........:...2::..ccsoeessonrsesscesn=oo osncesstecsenns nocewscees seems 123
Editorial, .5..:0505scc055c ccs essudvassngtagpston dean nged nee etantee vitobesiquae ugh Sisters so ee 5S eee eee ee 83

© 2001. The Amateur Entomologists' Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430) ,
All rights reserved. | :

Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA. | .

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Founded in 1935

The AES ¢ BO. Box 8774 ¢ London ¢ SW7 5ZG
ey

http://www.theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

Officers of the Society
President: Reg Fry
Secretary: Martin Hough
Treasurer: Peter May
Registrar: Nick Holford
Bulletin Editor: | Wayne Jarvis
General Editor: Reg Fry
Habitat Conservation Officer: — Peter Sutton
Advertising Secretary: Rob Dyke
Exhibition Secretary: | Wayne Jarvis
Youth Secretary: Kieren Pitts
ICN Editor: — David Lonsdale
Wants & Exchange: Peter May

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

First subscriptions should be accompanied by an additional £2 entrance fee, except for
Bug Club members under the age of 13 to which this charge does not apply.

Renewal charges

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ADVERTISING RATES:

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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
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e CATALOGUES — Second-hand, Antiquarian and New books — free catalogues available on
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BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL

AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Registered charity number: 213149
Founded in 1872, the Society holds regular lecture meetings in London and the well-
known ANNUAL EXHIBITION will be held at Imperial College, London SW7, on
Saturday 28th October 1995; this will be followed by the ANNUAL DINNER.
The Society maintains a library and collections at its headquarters at Dinton Pastures,
which is open to BENHS members at various times each fortnight. Frequent field
meetings are held at weekends in the summer. Visitors are welcome at all meetings.
The current programme card can be had on application to: the Secretary: R.F. McCormick,
36 Paradise Road, Teignmouth Devon TO14 8NR.
The Society publishes British Journal of Entomology and Natural History, a quarterly
journal of entomological articles, short communications, meeting reports, book reviews,
etc. The Journal is free to BENHS members. For a sample copy contact: the Editor,
Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE. Tel: 0171-732 2440.
Fax: 0171-277 8725.
The Society has published several books including: A field guide to the smaller British
Lepidoptera, edited by A.M. Emmet (288pp, paperback £18, hardback £22.50, + £1.80
p.&p.); British hoverflies: an illustrated identification guide, by A.E. Stubbs and S.J.
Falk (270pp, 12 col. plates, hardback, recently reprinted, £26 + £2.80 p.&p.). BENHS
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Do you want to cuddle a Cockroach, stroke a Stick Insect or hug a Harvestman?

The AES Bug Club is for young people or the “young at heart” who find insects
and other creepy crawlies interesting and even fascinating.

As the junior section of the AES we are devoted to promoting invertebrates to
the younger generation who, afterall, will be the entomologists of tomorrow!
You can help us in a number of ways, for example: by joining the Bug Club
yourself, getting someone else to join the Bug Club, promoting the Bug Club
and AES to your local school/Scout or Guide Group etc, running a Bug Club
event or writing an article for our exciting newsletter. If you can do anything to
help then please write to us: AES Bug Club, PO Box 8774, London, ue 5ZG.
Membership details can be found in the front of this Bulletin.

The cover of the Bulletin features the
solitary bee Eucera longicornis. This

‘dletin n a bee which is localised throughout the
of Bi Amateur Entomologists’ Society country can be seen on the wing
Volume 60 * Number 437 August 2001 between April and August. The

species nests in the ground. Males
differ from females in that they have
much longer antennae and their face
is a bright yellow colour. The males
also lack the paler bands at the tip of
the abdomen.

Bu

ISSN 0266-836X Editor: Wayne Jarvis BSc

Photo: Nick Holford.

Bi a

Volume 60 * Number 437 August 2001

Editorial

The annual AES Exhibition is once again on the horizon. The event, on
Saturday Oth October, is once again well supported by traders and at
present almost all the ground floor space has been allocated along with
some of the upstairs. If you would like to purchase a table for trading
then please return the enclosed application for exhibit/trading space
form to me as soon as possible and I will forward all the necessary
details. Alternatively, we will be running our very successful Wants and
Exchange table at the exhibition where you are free to bring along
livestock, etc. for sale by the Society. The deal is that we sell the stock
for you and charge 10% Gninimum) commission on all sales. All that
we ask is that items are in a good condition and that they are left for
the duration of the day. If you have a quantity of old books etc. that
you wish us to sell, it may be possible for us to collect the items, but
obviously we will need time to organise this, so the sooner the better!
Entrance to the exhibition (prices to be confirmed) will be from 1lam.
There is ample free parking at Kempton Park or alternatively the
racecourse is located 10 minutes walk from Sunbury railway station
(from Waterloo). Further details can be obtained from the flyer with this
Bulletin.

We have had some response from members in helping on the day at
the exhibition, but we could do with a few more if possible, particularly
with setting up the halls from 6am. If you would be able to lend a hand
with this or with any other jobs on the day then please contact me as
soon as possible and you will be rewarded with free entry to the
exhibition and a drink afterwards at one of the locals! Also if anyone
wants more flyers for the event please contact me and I can arrange for
copies to be delivered. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I hope to see you at the exhibition.

sem, WAYNE

126 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 4

Exhibition Report 2000

The day started as it meant to go on.

At 6am, a dedicated band of helpers
began to arrive at Kempton Park in the drizzle
to help set up the day’s show. It wasn’t until some

20 minutes later that security realised we were there |
and let us in! The clock ticking against us already and the
drizzle turned to heavy rain.

The hall was set up with remarkable speed and we were ready for
traders earlier than the expected 8.30am set up time. Thanks must go to
all those who were there early in the day (too numerous to mention
individually) and who set the hall up with precision and speed. I hope
that you will all be able to assist again this year!

The halls opened at 1lam with the heavens flooding the car parks
outside. This didn’t deter the public however as crowds were as large
as usual — just under 2000 in attendance in all and the queue at the
turnstile just as long. Fortunately the heavens dried up by mid
afternoon and we had a late flurry of attendees late in the day.

The media were again in attendance. Animal Planet made a series of
short films to use as interludes in their programming which was shown
in December and BBC Southern Counties radio broadcast live from the
event for the second year in succession.

Exhibits were of their usual superb quality and reports from these are
printed subsequently. I would like to remind all members that they are
more than welcome to exhibit at this year’s show on Saturday Oth
October, all they need to do is to inform me and I can allocate the
appropriate space. Junior members may also qualify for the Ansorge
Award for the best Junior exhibit at the show.

Wayne Jarvis

36 Volume 60 »* August 2001 127

St Ivo Entomology & Natural History Society

We first turned up in Buckingham Palace Road, I believe, in 1958 with
a box of live locusts, some Devils coach horse beetles and our
members set insect collection. Within a year as live animals other than
insects were added to the collection and we subsequently brought all
we had. Each animal study group did not want to be left out. They
argued that their animals are insects, eat insects or eat animals which
eat insects.

We bring a strange assortment of children and other animals
including beetles, locusts, stick insects, mygale spiders, snakes, lizards,
frogs, toads and various small mammals. We have had a great deal of
support from fellow members of the AES, some of whom have become
personal friends — I suspect that this will be our last appearance — great
while it lasted.

Henry Berman

A few of the more interesting moths seen in East Devon in 2000

Euthris potatoria (L.) Drinker
Two males, one very dark and the other a most unusual beige colour.
20.vii.00.

Euplagia quadripunctaria (Poda) ab. /utescens (Stdgr.) Jersey tiger.
One of several seen this year. Mainly on the flowers of Buddleia. 7.viii.00.

Lithosia quadra \L.) Four spotted footman.
One of those well known Devon singletons — possibly born and bred locally.
On the other hand it did appear during a significant period of migrant
activity. 18.vi.00.

Mythimna comma (4..) Shoulder striped wainscot.
Almost a melanic 5.vii.00.

Lomaspilis marginata (L.) Clouded border.
A sparsiey marked example. 20.vii.00.
PJB.

Paintings exhibit

A variety of paintings by Stuart Cole in water colour and gonache of

insects of various orders from India, Malaysia, Kenya and Australia.
Stuart Cole

128

Galls

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

A display of 58 different types of gall which can easily be found in late
summer and autumn. These include well-known types such as the oak
apple and robin’s pin-cushion, as well as less familiar kinds like the
oyster gall on oak or the tiny leaf-roll gall on small-leaved lime.

Oak
1 Midge gall
2 Midge gall

3 Pea gall

4 Common
spangle gall

5 Cupped
spangle gall

6 Silk button gall

7 Smooth
spangle gall

8 Oyster gall
9 Vein gall

10 Artichoke gall
11 Oak apple

12 Oak marble

13 Cherry gall
14 Bud gall
15 Knopper gall

16 Bud gall

Beech

17 Nail gall
18 Midge gall
19 Mite gall

Lime

20 Midge gall
21 Roll gall
22 Roll gall

23 Nail gall
24 Mite gall
25 Mite gall

Ash
26 Roll gall
27 Mite gall

Quercus spp.
Macrodiplosis dryobia
Macrodiplosis volvens
Cynips divisa

Neuroterus quercusbacca rum

Neuroterus tricolor
Neuroterus numismalis

Neuroterus albipes
Andricus ostreus

Andricus quercusradicus

Andricus fecundator
Biorhiza pallida

Andricus kollari

Cynips quercus-folii
Andricus lignicola
Andricus quercuscalis

Andricus corruptrix

Fagus sylvaticus
Phegobia tornatella
Hartigiola annulipes
Eriophyes nervisequs

Tilia cordata

Didymomia reamuriana
Dasyneura thomasiana

Phytopus tetratrichus

Eriophyes lateannulatus

Eriophyes leiosoma
Eriophyes exilis
Fraxinus-excelsior
Psyllopsis fraxini
Aceria fraxinivora

Dipt.
Dipt.
Hym.

Hym.
Hym.
Hym.

Hym.
Hym.

Hym.

Hym.
Hym.

Hym.

Hym.
Hym.
Hym.

Hym.
Dipt.

Dipt.
Acarina

Dipt.
Dipt.
Acarina

Acarina

Acarina

Acarina

Hemipt
Acarina

Lobes of leaves are turned downwards
Leaf edges turned narrowly upwards

A very similar gall is produced by C.
agarna.

Bisexual generation produces currant
galls on catkins in spring

Distinctive “mexican hat” shape

Small flaps of leaf tissue on each side
of the gall give it its name

An identical gall is produced by A.
testaceipes.

This is a bud gall, also known as King
Charles’ Apples

Introduced to Britain in c. 1830 when
galls were imported from Asia for
tannin to use in the dyeing industry

Sometimes mistaken for Oak apples

Grows on the acorn, often affecting all
the acorns on a tree

This species also produces roll galls on
Beech

Produces distortion of leaf blade
Narrow rolling and thickening of leaf
margin

An identical gall is produced on T.
platyphyllos by E. tiliae

A gall of the inflorescence, forming an
irregular woody growth

Volume 60

¢ August 2001

129

Rose

28 Smooth pea gall
29 Spiked pea gall
30 Bedeguar gall
Thistle

31 Stem gall

Willows
32 Bean gall

33, Bean gall
34 Camellia gall

35 Mite gall
36 Roll gall

Aspen
37 Midge gall

Buckthorn
38 Pouch gall

Norway spruce
39 Pineapple gall

Blackthorn
40 Roll gall

41 Mite gall
42 Aphid gall
43 Bladder bullace

Sedge
44 Tassel gall

Elm

45 Fig gall
46 Mite gall
47 Pouch gall

Sycamore
48 Mite gall

Field maple
49 Mite gall

50 Mite gall
51 Mite gall

Wayfairing tree
52 Mite gall

Rosa spp.

Diplolepis eglanteriae
Diplolepis rosarum
Diplolepis rosae
Cirsium arvense

Urophora cardui

Salix spp.
Pontania vesicator

Pontania proxima
Rhabdophaga rosaria

Eriophyes tetanothrix

Hym.
Hym.
Hym.

Dipt.

Sym.

Sym.
Dipt.

Acarina

Dasyneura marginemtorquens Dipt.

Populus tremula
Harmandia globuli

Rhamnus catharticus
Trichochermes walkeri

Picea abies
Adelges abietus

Prunus spinosa

Micronematus monogynide

Eriophyes similis
Brachycaudus schwartzi
Taphrina pruni

Juncus sp.
Livia juncorum

Ulmus spp.

Tetraneura ulmi
Eriophyes campestricola
Eriosoma ulmi

Acer pseudoplatanus

Eriophyes macrorhynchus
aceribus

Acer campestre

Eriophyes macrorhynchus
cephalodes

Eriophyes macrochelus
Aceria eriobia

Viburnum opulus
Eriophyes viburni

Dipt.

Hemipt

Hemipt

Sym.

Acarina
Hemipt

Fungus

Dipt.

Hemipt
Acarina
Hemipt

Acarina

Acarina

Acarina

Acarina

Acarina

Also known as “sputnik gall”
The familiar “Robin’s pin-cushion”

A large swelling usually with four
larval chambers

Forms on underside of leaf; note
characteristic opening

Swelling on both sides of leaf

Camellia’s shape produced by
bunching and stunting of leaf growth

Examples on S. caprea and S. alba

A midge gall shown on S. caprea and
S. fragilis

Pseudo-cone gall; a range of closely
related species occur on other conifers

Sawfly gall causing tight rolling of the
leaf

Causes severe distortion of the leaves

A fungal gall causing distortion of the
sloe fruit

Affects the inflorescence

Distinctive stalked capsule

Distinctive stalked capsule

Very common

130 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

Walnut Juglans regia

53 Mite gall Aceria erinea Acarina [= Eriophyes tristriatus|

Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria

54 Midge gall Dsyneura ulmariae Dipt. Characteristic cone-like projections on
underside of leaf

Spindle Euonymus europaeus

55 Roll gall Eriophyes concolvens Acarina

Goosefoot Chenopodium sp.

56 Roll gall Hayhurstia atriplicis Hemipt Aphid gall

Holly Ilex aquifolium

57 Leaf gall Phytomyza ilicis Dipt.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

58 Roll gall Eriophyes goniothorax typicus Acarina Leaf margins rolled downwards

Italian butterflies 1998
A selection of butterflies was collected during a five week visit to Italy
during July/August 1998. A majority of the research was carried out in
the Sibillini Mountains, Central Italy. The Grand Sasso Mountains,
Monte Pollino in Calabria and the Pontine Island of Ponza were also
visited. Other interesting species recorded but not exhibited include
Pyrgus alveus centralitaliae, Pyrgus foulqueri picenus, Erebia neoridas
sibyllina, Erebia alberganus, Erebia cassioides, Erebia meolans, Erebia
epiphbron, Pieris mannii, Pieris ergane, Melanargia russiae japygia,
Hipparchia sbordonii, Hipparchia semele, Coenonympha rhodopensis,
Pyrgus carthami, Pyrgus malvoides modestior, Carcharodus flocifferus,
Pieris napi, Scolitantides orion, Agrodiaetus dolus virgilius,
Coenonympha dorus aquilonia, Thersamonia thersamon, Cupido osiris,
Pseudophilotes baton, Polyommatus eros, Plebicula dorylas, Lysandra
coridon sibillini, Coenonympha elban, Lycaena alciphron, Hyponephele
lupina, Agrodiaetus galloi, Maculinea arion, Melitaea trivia, Parnassius
apollo euapenninus and Brenthis hecate. In all 122 butterfly species
were recorded during my stay.

Martin Gascoigne-Pees

An easily constructed nest site for solitary bees

Many solitary bees and some solitary wasps build their nests in soft
rotten wood or use tunnels created by wood-boring beetles. Artificial
nest sites can be created by drilling holes in fence posts, but that can

36 Volume 60 + August 2001 131

be hard work. An easier method is to use blocks of the flower
arrangers’ material called Oasis. This comes in house brick-sized blocks
and consists of a brittle foam which is easily penetrated by pushing in
plant stems. By using a variety of implements, you can make tunnels
with diameters ranging from 2 to 8mm, which will attract bees such as
Chelostoma campanularum, Osmia rufa, Megachile species and their
associated nest parasites. Occupied tunnels are sealed with mud or
secretions produced by the bees.

Oasis comes in two forms and it is important to use the greyish-
brown type sold for dry flower arrangements. The green form (for fresh
flowers) absorbs water and can become water-logged. The blocks can
be placed in a wooden frame and any gaps filled with hollow plant
stems, which also provide nesting sites. Fix the nest box on a wall,
shed or fence where it will be in sunshine for at least part of the day.
As with bird nest boxes, your nest site may not be occupied by solitary
bees in the first year but it should soon be buzzing with activity during
the spring and summer.

Stag Beetle research at Royal Holloway, University of London

The exhibit provides a brief overview of research on the stag beetle
which is being conducted by Deborah Harvey and Alan Gange at the
School of Biological Sciences Royal Holloway, University of London.
This is a seven year project which has begun this year in conjunction
with The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).

_ An extensive survey of the insect has been conducted by the PTES

We are now trying to understand the reasons for its distribution and are
asking for help from anyone who knows of stag beetle sites or who
would like to be involved in our surveys and studies. The exhibit
describes the problems we are hoping to address during the project and
suggest ways in which anyone can become involved. Living specimens
of stag beetle and lesser stag beetle larvae are displayed and differences
between these often-confused species explained. (Written by Alan
Gange)

Deborah Harvey

Insects from a Spanish garden — 2000

My exhibit for this year’s exhibition depicts some of the fascinating
insects that my friend, Trevor Dainton, and I have found in and around
his garden in Mezquitilla, southern Spain during the last twelve months.

132 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society aed

In the left hand case are specimens of the large Spider hunting wasp,
Sceliphron spirifex. On the top row are three specimens which I reared
from the nest on the left. The nest was found by Trevor in October last
year on the inside of the tiled roof to his shed and brought to England
in March. The three wasps, which I assume to be males, emerged in
late June and early July followed later in July by the two much smaller
wasps exhibited on the second row. It would appear that these are
from a species that is a parasite of the nest builder. The exit holes can
be seen on the right hand end of the nest. A specimen of a female is
exhibited on the top right — she was caught whilst in the act of
searching for a nest site in September.

In July this year Trevor found a further nest — this time it had been
built in his porch and had to be removed when water pipes were re-
routed. He placed the nest in a cardboard box for me. By the time I
paid my next visit, in September, seven wasps had emerged and
perished in the box — a pair are shown to the right of their nest. In
removing this nest it broke in two which allows the interior of the cells
to be seen — complete with the pupal cases within.

Below these, for comparison, are two specimens of the closely
related species, S. destillatorium Mliger which I took in Portugal in 1996.
The latter species has yellow marking on the thorax which are absent
in the former.

The two other wasps are of an unidentified species of Sphex and of
the frightening looking but, I am told harmless, Scolia flavifrons.

In the right hand case I have shown some of the dramatic specimens
that we have come across. These include the beautiful Spanish festoon
butterfly, Zerynthia rumina (Linn.), which was found a short way down
the track from Trevor's villa in long grass. Below that is a Giant
peacock moth, Saturnia pyri (Den.), which Trevor found sitting on a
stone in the garden.

The two Ant-lions drowned in Trevor’s swimming pool — note the
long anal appendages of the aptly named Macronemurus
appendiculatus! Several species of winged Grasshopper inhabit the
garden, including the blue-winged Qedipoda caerulescens Linn, the red-
winged Acrotylus patruelis Sturm. and the stout-bodied pink-winged
Calliptamus italicus (Linn.). Those specimens of the Egyptian
Grasshopper, Anacridium aegyptium (Linn.) that were seen in the
garden were far too fast for us to capture. I did, however, manage to
capture the specimen shown when I found it on railings outside a shop
in the local town — it travelled back to the villa inside my shirt pocket.

oe Volume 60 + August 2001 133

The three black crickets, two wingless crickets and the very strange
grasshopper which resembles a stick insect remain unidentified at the
time of preparing the exhibit. The black ones are very common, the
wingless ones (a pair) were found inside the villa — they run very fast —
and the “slim Jim” was found with the Spanish festoon in the long
grass.

To fill the case I have included a superb Hover-fly — very like the
British Volucella zonaria Poda but with distinct wing markings, a
Horse-fly and a large Cerambycid beetle. The antennae of the beetle
have very distinct spines at the joints of the first few segments.

David Keen (3309)

Dolichovespula media (Retzius) in Banbury, Oxfordshire

Since the summer of 1995 workers of this species of European social
wasp have been a regular visitor to my garden in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Until this year, however, I had not seen queens, males or any evidence
of a nest. That changed during the evening of 21st July 1999 when my
neighbour, Roland Allen informed me that his gardener had found a
large wasp nest in a shrub and had ordered the local pest control
people to destroy it.

Without seeing the nest I assumed that it had been made by one of
the common British species and arranged to be present when the pest
man came with a view to obtaining the nest to search for any evidence
of Dipterous larvae within. Later that evening I was duly summoned
and was amazed at the size of a wasp that emerged from the nest
when the shrub was cut back by the operative to allow him access.
Clearly this was a queen! Two or three more emerged as the nest was
“killed off? but there was no sign of any workers or males. All the
queens that emerged flew away and, as far as I know, never came
back.

I am pleased to say that four weeks after the destruction of this nest,
workers were still appearing in the garden, proving that this was not an
isolated nest.

The accompanying photographs of the nest were taken about 8am
on the morning of 22nd July before I removed the “dead” nest from the
shrub. During the evening of 23rd July I carefully removed panels from
one side of the nest to reveal the contents — imagine my surprise to find
live males and queens within!

134 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

The exhibit consists of the nest with wasps on the outside and on the
combs within. In the separate display case I have shown on the right
hand side specimens of this species taken from the nest and from my
garden at other times. As can be seen, the markings on the abdomen of ©
the workers of this species do vary, with one specimen being largely
black. In the left hand side I have shown specimens of other species of
British Vespidae, including the first recorded British specimen of
Sulcopolistes semenowi Morawitz (a parasite on Continental paper
wasps, Polistes sp.) for comparison.

My thanks go to Roland Allen for allowing me access to his garden to
inspect and subsequently to remove the nest.

David Keen (3309)

Destruction of a Starling’s nest

This small example of a Starling’s nest.(Sturnus vulgaris) was destroyed
and five other young birds killed by an infestation of beetle larvae
Tenebrio molitor (L) and Attagenus pellio (L). This was possibly due to
the nest being abandoned by the adults, the bodies thus becoming
mummified. The nest site had been occupied each year for some fifteen
years, often double brooded, and was located at the back of my
disused garden shed. At the time of the destruction during 1998 the
nest had reached mammoth proportions, the bird droppings alone
being several inches thick. When the nest was cleared it filled three
black rubbish bags. This debris was placed on a dustsheet in the
garden and a count revealed over 2000 larvae of various Dermestidae
and Tenebrionidae larvae and over 300 adults of the beetle Tenebrio
molitor. Also found were a great number of insect parts. Insects had
naturally been collected over the years as food for the fledglings. But
the parents apparently, had been very selective as only the soft parts of
the insect had been used to feed the young, the head and thorax of the
beetles and in the case of grasshoppers and crickets, the legs had been
largely discarded. Most of the beetle parts found were too small or
mangled to be identified but I did find many Otiorhynchus sulcatus
(the vine weevil), Leistus, Harpalus, Feronia, Amara and Balaninus
species.

Keith C. Lewis (3680)

>é Volume 60 « August 2001 135

Butterflies

i.

Dwarfism in British butterflies

A display of several British butterflies of unusually small size,
generally referred to as dwarfs, from the Pieridae, Lycaenidae and
Nymphalidae. These included four specimens where only one or
two wings were reduced in size, giving a noticeably “odd”
appearance.

Queen of Spain Fritillary Ussoria lathonia)
An aberration of this butterfly with an unusually very pale ground
colour, being more of a cream colour than the tawny colour typical
of this species (see article in this Bu/letin).

Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra)
A mainly female mixed gynandromorph of this striking Pierid. Taken
in Southern France in 1974.

Peter May (10514)

Rare Devon moths

0379 Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkh. Notable

VC3 and VC4

E.Parfitt (1872) says “Very rare in this county. Mr Abraham captured it in
Exeter, Mr G.F. Mathews (sic) has taken it at Barnstaple.” VCH (1906)
says “Exeter; Plymouth; Barnstaple. Among apple trees”. $.T. Stidston
GOS Dasayc.. Vety fare. Barnstaple, JJR, 1865; Exeter, EP, 11872; and
Braunton Burrows, FREW; larvae feed on the inner bark of apple, RS.”

VES

The most recent record is: A.H. Dobson finding empty pupa cases
protruding from an apple tree in Exeter (60 Polsloe Road) on 7.vi.1965,
and 19.vi.1965 (Dobson, 1966, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 98:
55).

VC4

JJ. Reading (1805) says “Barnstaple. F.R.Elliston Wright (1932) in his list
for Braunton. IFF (1946) says “Rare. Braunton (F.R.E.W.).”

1299 Crambus hamella Thunb. Notable B

VES

E.Parfitt (1878) says “Rare. Captured on Exmouth Warren in July.” VCH
(1906) says “Exmouth Warren”. One at Horrabridge, near Tavistock, on
8.vii.1945, J. Heath (Stidston, 1958, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 90:
208, gives Exmouth; Horrabridge; Ashburton.).

Recent sightings: East Budleigh Common, 22.viii.1983, E.C. Pelham-
Clinton; Bovey Heathfield, 8.ix.1988, Dr B.P. Henwood.

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Pediasia aridella Thunb. Notable B

WES

The DA record book gives, without identifying the author, “A coastal
insect, probably old records of C. [Pediasia| contaminellus
[contaminella\ should be attributed to this insect”. The DA record book
also gives [without date], “One good record is by W. Parkinson-Curtis, in
the slate quarry at Beesands, where it is not common”. Stidston, 1958,
Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Aduvmt Sci. 90: 209, gives “Beesands; a coastal
insect”. Seen fairly commonly on the golf course, near the saltings on
Dawlish Warren, 24.vii.1968, A.H. Dobson (Br.J.Ent.Nat.Hist. 9: 219-
220). I have been to the Dawlish Warren site twice in 1995 and 1996,
but have not encountered this species, RFMcC.

VC4
Braunton Burrows, 26.vii.1985 to 29.vii.1985, N.M. Hall.

Scoparia ancipitella La Harpe Notable B

VES

Stidston, 1960, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 92: 341, states
“Doubtful; Meyrick says ‘England about the trunks of elm’.” Colwell,
near Honiton, “a specimen” taken by Mr H.S. Tuke, identified by H.C.
Huggins (Ent. 1932: 86 — the report gives “Colwell near Houston” but
Huggins refers to Colwell, near Honiton and Mr Tuke in Em7t.Rec. 75:
218, when recording C. margaritellus at that locality). A-H. Dobson
records it at Harcombe Valley and Wood, Great Haldon, 18.vii.1962, two
taken, the specimens were determined by P.E.S. Whalley, B.M.CN.H.).
RFMcC took specimens from Great Haldon in August, 1995 with the
thought that they may be this species, but on examination I have
recorded them as 1334 S. ambigualis, although late specimens. A.H.
Dobson has had one of the specimens, a female, genitalia determined
by B. Goater which was found to be correct; this specimen will be
passed to me for inclusion into the Devon Collection at The Royal Albert
Museum in Exeter.

Anania funebris Strom. Notable A

VC3

Said by E. Parfitt (1878) tojbe “Véryxrare;chas) been taken by
Mr.D’Orville.” but gives no locality. Stidston, 1959, Rep. Trans. Devon
Ass. Advmt Sci. 91: 163, says “Exeter, very rare (E.P.).” Barrett (1904)
says “Very rare occurrence in the county”, he also comments that this is
“Tolerably common in the woods of Kent....Devon...” VCH (1906) says
“Exeter district. Among golden rod.”

Portland Ribbon Wave Jdaea degeneraria Hb. RDB3

VC3

First record in the DA record book: Torquay, 1897, J. Walker; Torquay,
1904 to 1908, last specimen caught in 1908, J. Walker; Torquay, in a

71S

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Volume 60 + August 2001 137

local cove “Anstey’s Cove”, 1927, and found in cliffs above a beach near
the cove “cliffs at Redgate Beach”, E.D. Morgan. S.T. Stidston (1952) says
“Very local and rare”. He then refers to the J. Walker and E.D. Morgan
records, shown above. Torquay, 1955 to 1956, after extensive searching,
A.H. Dobson considered it extinct at the site (Ent.Rec. 68: 122). There is
no reference to the species in any edition of Rep. Trans. Devon Ass.
Advmt Sci.

On 11.ix.1999, a female specimen was captured at light at Slapton Ley,
RFMCcC, this is considered by B.F. Skinner to be a migrant as this follows
the random records of odd specimens at this time of the year in his
second edition (1998).

Oblique Striped Phibalapteryx virgata Hufn.

VES
E. Parfitt (1878) says “This pretty little species is rather plentiful some
seasons on Exmouth Warren, ..... ”. VCH (1906) says “Exmouth and

Dawlish Warrens; Woodbury, nr. Starcross. Always in coast-sands”. A note
in the Torquay Nat. Hist. Soc. Trans. by EDM (1928), stated “Dawlish
Warren, formerly plentiful amongst ladies’ bedstraw in sand dunes” [the
first part of this statement up to EDM has been crossed through in the DA
record book]. S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Very rare”. He then refers to the
VCH localities and the E.D. Morgan statement, shown above.

Recent sighting: Hope’s Nose, Torquay, 14.viii.1989, one retained and in
the collection of RFMcC. This specimen was probably a vagrant.

Argent & Sable Rheumaptera hastata hastata Linn. Notable/Nb

VC3 and VC4

S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Rare and very local”. He then refers to the F.R.
Elliston Wright; O.G. Watkins; R.M. Prideaux; E.D. Tallant and IFF
records, listed below, from VC3 and VC4.

VC3

S.T. Stidston, 14.v.1929, bred moths from larvae [with pupae written in
as an afterthought in the DA record book] with no locality; Plymouth
district, c1948, O.G. Watkins; Long Down, [no date in DA record book],
R.M- Prideaux; West Hill, near Ottery St. Mary, c1948, E.D. Tallant;
Weathtield, near Bovey Iracey, 29.v.1959, flying in sunshine, J.H.
Medland; Haldon and Great Plantation, near Bovey Tracey and Stover
Park, near Newton Abbot, 1951, local, but increasing, A.H. Dobson;
Newton Abbot, 11.vi.1953, W.L. Coleridge; Sidbury, near Sidmouth,
4.vi.1956, one, R.C. Jumeaux; Stover Park, near Newton Abbot and
Bovey Heathfield district, 1954 to 1957, the DA record book gives
“‘Imagines seem to be very scarce, unable to find one in 1957, A.H.
Dobson”. Stover Park, near Newton Abbot, 1961, three, A.H. Dobson;
Drumbridges, near Newton Abbot, 26.v.1963, H.A. Kennard; Great
Plantation, near Bovey Tracey, 10.vi.1965, five, A.H. Dobson; Great
Plantation, near Bovey Tracey, 6.vi.1965, H.A. Kennard; Great Plantation,
near Bovey Tracey, 30.v.1966, J.W. Phillips; Great Plantation, near Bovey

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Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS]

Tracey, early June 1969, J.W. Phillips and B.F. Skinner (Dobson, 1971,
Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 103: 228).

VC4

F.R. Elliston Wright (1932) in his list for Braunton. IFF (1946) says “Rare.
Braunton (F.R.E.W.)”. Witheridge Moor, 3.vi.1970, C.W.D. Gibson
(Dobson, 1971, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 103: 228).

From 1994, the beginning of my term as Lepidoptera Recorder for the
county, I have been back to the sites where the species used to occur at
Great Plantation, near Bovey Tracey and Stover Park, near Newton
Abbot, but I have never found one; the attempts will carry on, there is
certainly no lack of food plant so what has changed?

Peacock Moth Macaria notata Linn. Local

VC3 and VC4

S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Frequent and widely distributed”. He then
refers to the localities of: Torquay; Paignton; IFF; F.R. Elliston Wright;
Bickleigh Vale; Littheham, Exmouth; Ashburton and Braunton Burrows,
listed below, from VC3 and VC4.

Vc3

E. Parfitt (1878) says “Also scarce [he stated that M. alternaria was “Very
scarce’]. It has been captured at Plymouth, Compton, Bickleigh, and in
the Exeter district”. There is a record from Paignton, c1900, C.M. Mayor.
VCH (1906) says “Plymouth district; Bickleigh Vale; Compton, and nr.
Exeter. Scarce; among birch”. The species has been recorded at:
Ashburton; Bickleigh Vale, Plymouth; Bishopsteignton; Heathfield, near
Bovey Tracey; Littheham, near Exmouth; Maidencombe; Torquay;
Paignton; Plympton, Plymouth; Sampford Peverell and Tedburn St.Mary.
Despite having 29 records from 1980 to the present day, there are only
two of these that can be confirmed; these are: Abbotskerswell, 1993, Dr
B.P. Henwood, retained (McCormick, 1997, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass.
Advumt Sci. 129: 292), and West Hill, near Ottery St. Mary, 2i.v.1997,
taken from P.Baker’s trap and in the collection of RFMcC (McCormick,
1998, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 130: 281).

VC4
F.R. Elliston Wright (1932) in his list for Braunton. IFF (1946) says
“Common”. Braunton Burrows, 30.v.1935, at light, R.J. Burton.

Grey Scalloped Bar Dyscia fagaria Thunb. Local

VC3

First record in the DA record book gives “1898 Jun 7 Kenton, Oxton,
E.F.S” [E.F. Studd]. Not referred to in VCH (1906). The DA record book
continues “1936 Jun 7 Haldon Racecourse one male at light, C.Q.P.”
[C.Q. Parsons] (but specimen is labelled Telegraph Hill (Haldon), A.H.
Dobson [pers. comm]). Not referred in S.T. Stidston (1952), but shown in
the list of additions and corrections, Stidston, 1954, Rep. Trans. Devon
Ass. Adumt Sci. 86: 318, where it says “Very rare, 1898, June 7th, Oxton,

1983

2009

Volume 60 * August 2001 1s9

Exeter, Er. Studd: 1936, June 7th, Haldon and 1937, May 15th, near
Becky Falls, Dartmoor, C.Q. Parsons”. The DA record book shows
pls 7 May, Is*Bovey Eracey; Yarner;, one “male—at light,-C.Q.P.”
[C.Q.Parsons].

Recent sighting: West Hill, near Ottery St. Mary, July 1997, P.Baker and
confirmed by RFMcC. (McCormick, 1998, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt
Sci. 130: 282).

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Linn. Notable/Nb

VC3

E. Parfitt (1878) says “I used to take this pretty insect feeding on the
yellow rattle, near the house at Fordlands, in June. Taken also at
Torquay by Dr Battersby, and at Bickleigh Vale by Mr. J.S. Dell”. VCH
(1906) says “Budleigh (sic) Vale; Stoke; Fordlands; Torquay”. The DA
record book gives: Dawlish, 1903, and Teignmouth, 1908, J.M. [probably
Rev J.W. Metcalfe]; Torquay area, c1908, not at all common, J. Walker;
Ivybridge, c1940, Dr S. Kemp, per F.W. Jeffery; Bovey Heathfields, 1950
to 1951, not at all common, A.H. Dobson. S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Not
common; there are few records of this moth though said to be not
uncommon in Devon, Barrett”. He then refers to the E. Parfitt record,
above, and the Torquay, 1906 and _ Bickleigh Vale, 1922 records, not
listed in the DA record book, with no recorders names. Stover Park,
near Newton Abbot, 21.v.1956, S.T. Stidston; Land Slip, Nature Reserve
[most likely Dowlands Landslip, near Rousden], May and June 1960,
Allhallows School Biology Department, per T.J. Wallace; Bovey
Heathfield, 26.v.1963, H.A. Kennard (Dobson, 1964, Rep. Trans. Devon
Ass. Advmt Sci. 96: 45, gives Great Plantation, Heathfield and Islington,
26.v.1963, H.A.K.).

Recent sightings: Kenton, near Dawlish, 1984 to 1988, A.Rosier.

Maple Prominent Ptilodon cucullina D.& S. Local

VC3 and VC4

VCH (1906) says “In 1857 the Rev. E. Horton recorded the capture by
himself of seven larvae in July, at Martinhoe, near Lynton. A single
specimen was also taken nr. Exeter by the Rev. J. Hellins”. $.T. Stidston
(1952) says “Very rare”. He then refers to the E. Parfitt record, given
below and the VCH records, shown above, but quoting the name
“Hellings (sic)”, commenting that “seven larvae were said to have been
taken at Mortehoe by Mr. Horton” and adds “Recently in 1943 Mr O.G.
Watkins took a specimen in the Plymouth district.”

VC3

E. Parfitt (1878) says “Once taken in the Exeter district in the pupa
state by the Rev J. Hellings (sic). “Clearbrook, near Yelverton, 1961,
three, R.J. Revell; Crandons Farm, near Stockland, 1972 to 1975, NJ.
Venn.

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VC4 |
Recent sightings: Lee Abbey Estate, near Lynton, 2.vii.1991 to 4.vii.1991,
Dr D. Howton; Woody Bay, near Lynton, 9.vii.1996, one at light, RFMcC
and in my collection (McCormick, 1997, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt
Sci. 129: 292).
Portland Moth Actebia praecox Linn. Notable/Nb
VC3 and VC4
E. Parfitt (1878) says “This is one of the most beautiful of our native
insects’ when-fresh, from’ the pupa ~~... The larvae feeds on Galium
verum (Ladies Bedstraw), .... . It was taken by Captain Bloomer on

Braunton Burrows, as well as on Dawlish Warren. The insect has been
taken by Dr Jordan on the latter place in August”. VCH (1906) says
“Coast below Exeter; Dawlish Warren; Braunton Burrows. Only on sea
sandhills”. S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Very rare and local. Formerly taken
at Dawlish Warren, but although worked for, has not been taken
recently. North Devon appears to be more favoured”. He then refers to
Braunton Burrows records, up to 1935, and the IFF record, listed below,
from VC4.

VC3

Bishopsteighnton, 8.viii.1956, Female at light, W.L. Coleridge (Stidston,
1957, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 89: 297 and Stidston, 1959, Rep.
Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 91: 161, which gives a specimen taken on
Dawlish Warren by W.L. Coleridge, with no date.); Dawlish Warren,
2.vi.1957, larvae common, A.J. Wightman and G. Howarth (Stidston,
1959, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 91: 161).

Recent sighting: Kenton, near Dawlish, 1984 to 1988, [not retained], A.
Rosier.

VC4

Braunton Burrows, 1907, E.M. Eustace. F.R. Elliston Wright (1932) in
his list for Braunton. Braunton Burrows, 1933, does not come right
up to light, R.J. Burton; Braunton Burrows, 1935, rarely at sugar, R.J.
Burton. IFF (1946) says “Common. Braunton, very local (F.R.E.W.)”.
Braunton, August 1951, W.F. McCormick; Braunton, August 1957,
moth taken during day, G. Haggett (Stidston, 1959, Rep. Trans. Devon
Ass. Advmt Sci. 91: 161, where it gives the site as Northam Burrows
and the date as 26.vi.1957); Fairy Cross, Bideford, 13.viii.1965, one at
light, D.L. Coates (Dobson, 1967, Rep. Trans.Devon Ass. Advmt Sci.
99: 311); Saunton Sands, near Braunton, 21.vii.1965, one R. Cook;
Buck’s Mills, 1965, for the Nationa! Trust with the recorders name
unknown.

Plain Clay Eugnorisma depuncta Linn. Notable/Nb

VC3 and VC4

VCH (1906) says “Exeter; Yealmpton; Alphington; Harford Bridge;
Bridgerule. Usually a northern species”.

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Volume 60 +» August 2001 141

VC3

E. Parfitt (1878) says “A rare species with us. It has, however, been taken at
Yealmpton, Harford Bridge, and Exeter by myself; and at Alphington by
Mr. D’Orville. ...- ”. S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Very scarce. Richard South
gives Dartmoor and old records of J.J. Reading are from Yealmpton,
Harford and Exeter”. Ashburton, 16, 21 and 30.ix.1956, H.A. Kennard;
Tedburn St. Mary, 1964, one at light, HA. Kennard (Dobson, 1965, Rep.
Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 97: 46), Gidleigh, 18 and 20.viii.1968, two at
light, S. Coxey (Dobson, 1969, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 101: 245).

Recent sighting: Wray Cleave, near Moretonhampstead, 21.vii.1997, one
at light, P.Franghiadi, and in his collection (McCormick, 1998, Rep.
Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 130: 283).

Glaucous Shears Papestra biren Goeze

VC3
Torquay, 1862 to 1863, J. Buckton. E. Parfitt (1878) says “Rare; taken by
Mr. D’Orville at Alphington. ....” VCH (1906) says “Recorded by Mr.

Parfitt at Alphington, Exeter; but probably in error. It is distinctly a
northern insect.” S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Very rare. There is a queried
record of Parfitt’s, who states that the moth was taken by D’Orville at
Alphington. Mr J. Walker recorded the moth from Babbacombe,
Torquay, in June, 1904.” Clearbrook, near Yelverton, 18.vi.1963, one at
light, R.J. Revell (Dobson, 1964, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 96:
46, where it states “A northern species, only once before noted from
Devon. The specimens (sic) were exhibited by Mr Revill (sic) at the
Annual General Meeting.”),; Slapton Ley, 11 and 13.vi.1969, three at light,
G.A. Cole (Dobson, 1970, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 102: 236);
Tavistock, 25.v and 2.vi.1970, six at light, Dr J.C.A. Craik; Thurlestone,
near Kingsbridge, June 1970, at light, H.L. O’Heffernan (Dobson, 1971,
Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. 103: 227, where it states that “This
northern species has now become well established in South Devon.”).

Recent sighting: Abbotskerswell, 25.vii.1989, Dr B.P. Henwood.

Small Ranunculus Hecatera dysodea D.& S. RDBK

VC3 and VC4
VCH (1906) says “Exeter; Plymouth; Salcombe; Teignmouth; Torquay;
Dartmoor; Morthoe (sic).”

WES :

E. Parfitt (1878) says “Not common, but taken in some numbers at
Salcombe, Torquay, and Teignmouth. It would therefore appear from
this that it is with us at least a southern insect (sic). The larvae, Mr
Reading observes, are found on the corn sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis),
and also on the common sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), late in the
summer.” S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Very rare, only old records of
Salcombe, Torquay and Teignmouth are known.” MBGBI. 9, shows
none of these records on the distribution map.

2275

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists'’ Society ae

Orange Upperwing Jodia croceago D.& S. RDB1

VC3 and VC4

E. Parfitt (1878) says “Generally but sparsely distributed over the county.
It frequents the sallow blossoms in the spring. It is taken also on ivy
blossoms and at ‘sugar’ in October and November.” VCH (1906) says
“Exeter; Plymouth; Bickleigh Vale; Dartmoor; Egg Buckland (sic);
Dartmouth; Paignton; Barnstaple.” S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Rare.” He
then refers to the C.M. Mayor; J. Walker; Dr R.V. Solly; O.G. Watkins;
R.J. Burton; (@ JWS) [J.V. Southcombe]; Dr H.Henstock; F.R. Elliston
Wright and the VCH records, listed above and below, from VC3 and VC4.

MESB
Paignton, April 1899, C.M. Mayor; Plymouth District, [no date in DA
record book], O.G. Watkins; Stoke Wood, near Exeter, May 1901, larvae,
Dr. R.V. Solly; Paignton, 1908, nine moths bred, P.P. Milman; Exmouth,
20.x.1935, two at light, Dr H. Henstock; Bradley Woods, near Newton
Abbot, October 1949, H. Dewey (Stidston, 1950, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass.
Advmt Sci. 82: 148); Stover Park area, near Newton Abbot, 1951, F. Lock
per A.H. Dobson; Ashburton, 14.x.1953, at light, S.T. Stidston;
Clearbrook, near Yelverton, 10.x.1961, one at light, R.J. Revell; Stover
Park area, near Newton Abbot, 30.x.1970, one female at ivy blossom,
B.F. Skinner (Dobson, 1971, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 103:
227); Yarner Wood (Rothamsted), 1977, one determined, probably by A.
Riley; Stover Park area, near Newton Abbot, 8.x.1999, one battered,
dessicated specimen encased in spiders silk that was unsalvageable,
RFMcC CEnt. Rec. 112: 134).

VC4

F.R. Elliston Wright (1932) in his list for Braunton. IFF (1946) says
“Uncommon. Foxhunters’ Inn, March, 1933 (RJ.B.). Braunton Burrows,
March, 1933, J.V.S.). Braunton (F.R.E.W.).” Heddons Mouth, 1990,
determined by unknown person for the National Trust.

Dusky-lemon Sallow Xanthia gilvago D.& S. Local

VC3

The first record for Devon: Maidencombe, 14.x.1946, F.H.Lees; S.T.
Stidston (1952) repeats the F.H.Lees (1946) record, and says “the only
record.” Sampford Peverell, 20, 21 and 27.ix.1956, two at sugar and one
at light, F.H. Lyon (Stidston, 1957, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 89:
298); Maidencombe, 22.x.1960, at light, F.H. Lees (Stidston, 1961, Rep.
Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 93: 41); Sampford Peverell, 1960, at sugar,
F.H. Lyon (Stidston, 1962, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 94: 117);
Churston, near Brixham, 17.x.1965, one female at light, D.S. Fish
(Dobson, 1967, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 99: 311). This last
specimen was confimed by RFMcC and is in the collection of D.S. Fish.
MBGBI. 10, on the distribution map, shows Sampford Peverell, with an
open dot and Churston, near Brixham with a solid dot; it does not
include the Maidencombe sightings, but has an additional sighting. with
a solid dot, in the area of Great Torrington that I have no record for.

2301

2505

ZN)

Volume 60 * August 2001 143

Bird’s Wing Dypterygia scabriuscula Linn.

VC3

E. Parfitt (1878) says “This is a rare species in Devon; only three or four
localities are given for it; namely, Bickleigh Vale [J.J. Reading (1865)l,
Torquay, and Stoke Wood, near Exeter — one or two specimens only in
each place. ....” Torquay, 4.v.1904, J. Buckton. VCH (1906) says “Stoke
Wood, nr. Exeter; Torquay; Bickleigh Vale.” Torquay, June 1906,
J.Walker; Torquay, 1926, found at sugar, E.D. Morgan; Yelverton,
25.vi.1949, G.M. Spooner. S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Scarce. Only three
localities known.” He then refers to the E. Parfitt; J. Walker; J. Buckton
and E.D. Morgan records, given above.

Recent sighting: Teignmouth, 13.vii.1996, at light, RFMcC, and in my
collection (McCormick, 1997, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 129:
293). MBGBI. 10, on the distribution map, shows the old Torquay and
Bickleigh Vale records, but not the old Stoke Wood, Exeter or the more
recent Yelverton sighting.

Straw Underwing Thalpophila matura Hufn.

VC3 and VC4

VCH (1906) says “Alphington,; Berry Pomeroy; Wembury; Torquay;
Brixham; Morthoe (sic).” S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Scarce, less so in
North Devon. J.J. Reading gives:- Wembury, Brixham, Berry Pomeroy
near Totnes, near Plymouth.” He then refers to VCH, additional records
of Torquay; Brixham and Mortehoe, given above, and the F.R. Elliston
Wright; IFF and the Dr G.B. Longstaff records, given below, from VC4.

VC3

E. Parfitt (1878) says “Very rare, but has been taken at Wembury,
Brixham, Berry Pomeroy, Torquay, and Alphington; at the latter place by
Mr.D’Orville, on August 20th, 1808.” Rousden, Allhallows, August 1936,
R.G. Warren; Lustleigh, 8.viii.1953, W.L. Coleridge; Rousden, Allhallows,
1959 to 1966, TJ. Wallace; Southleigh, near Colyton, 28.vii, 6.viii.1969
and 10.viii.1970, one at light each time, T.J.C. Pearks (Dobson, 1970 and
1971, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 102: 236 and 108: 227);
Crandons Farm, near Stockland, 1972 to1975, N.J. Venn.

Recent sightings: Churston, near Brixham, 5.viii.1975, at light, D.S. Fish,
verified by RFMcC; Dawlish Warren, 25.vii.1989, at light, D. Brown,
Dawlish, 20 to 27.vii.1994, at light, C. Penny. The last two specimens
were not taken and Mr Brown and Mr Penny did not realise the
significance of these sightings, however the species is common in Mr
Brown’s county of Warwickshire and Mr Penny’s county of Essex and
both are sure of the identifications.

White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis Linn. Na

VC3 and VC4
S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Scarce and local among elms.” He then refers
to the J. Walker; W.R. Goodall, VCH; F.R. Elliston Wright, Ilfracombe

144

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society od

(sic) IFF; Dr R.C.L. Perkins and the Stoke Wood, Dr R.V. Solly records,
listed below, from VC3 and VC4.

VC3 3
Torquay, 26.vii.1865, J. Buckton. E. Parfitt (1878) says “By no means a
common insect; I have records only from the south of the county. ....”
Dawlish, 1899, F.W. Bishop (Ashburton Museum); near Slapton, c1900,
H. Lupton; Stoke Wood, Exeter, 1901, Dr R.V. Solly. VCH (1906) says
“Exeter; Sidmouth; and Mr Parfitt says along the south coast; about
elms.” Torquay, 1906, one, J. Walker; Paignton, 1906, W.R. Goodall:
Paignton, 1907, P.P. Milman; Newton Abbot Marshes, 13.x.1924, on this
date, Dr D.C.L. Perkins showed a specimen to the TNHS; Paignton,
1943, [I cannot read the initials]; Sampford Peverell, August 1959, one at
light, F.H. Lyon (Stidston, 1962, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt Sci. 9A:
116-117).

vVC4
F.R. Elliston Wright (1932) in his list for Braunton. IFF (1946) says “Rare.
Braunton, in 1926 (F.R.E.W.).” MBGBI. 10, on the distribution map,
shows records, with solid dots in the areas of Kenton-Starcross:
Sidmouth and Seaton that I do not have records for.

Reddish Light Arches Apamea sublustris Esp. Local

VC3
E. Parfitt (1878) says “A rare species with us, but has been taken near
Harford Bridge, Dartmoor. ....” VCH (1906) says “Sidmouth; Harford

Bridge; Dartmoor.” S.T. Stidston (1952) says “Reading gives Harford
Bridge, near Cornwood, and VHD, Sidmouth. Dr Henstock took it at
Exmouth, 1938, July 25th, the only records.” The Dr H.Henstock record,
Exmouth, 25.vii.1938, is regarded as suspect in the DA record book. I
have seen specimens of Dr H. Henstock data-labelled “Exmouth,
Hulham, 20 July, 1938, H.Henstock”; there are two specimens, and
these are to be passed to the B.M.(N.H.) by L. Christie who owns the
remains of the Dr H. Henstock collection; a photograph was taken for
reference.

Recent sightings: Woody Bay. near Lynton, 21.vii.1977, D. Brown, the
specimen was not taken, but Mr. Brown is sure of the identification.
The only reference in Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advumt Sci. is that of E.
Parfitt.

The records of the individual species shown are extracts from the
forthcoming book on the Pyralid, Plume and Macromoths of Devon,
which is proposed to be published around October 2001. I have only
included species that I consider are genuine records and have been
breeding in Devon. Migrants have not been included.

Volume 60 « August 2001

Abreviations/References Used

Barrett, C.G. (1895 and 1904)

Beirne, B.P. (1954)

Br. J.Ent. Nat. Hist.
Journal Brit. Ent.

DA
Elliston-Wright, F.R. (1932)
Ent.

Ent. Mag.
Bat Rec

Flora and Fauna of Exmoor

(1988 and 1996).
Goater, B. (1986)
IFF (1946)

Lepidoptera of the British Isles
British Pyralid and Plume Moths

Transactions of British Entomological
& Natural History Society

Devonshire Association; see TDA below.
Braunton, A Few Nature Notes

The Entomologist
Entomologist’s Weekly Intelligencer

Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine
Entomologist’s Record & Journal of Variation

Edited by Caroline Giddens,
John Robbins and Noel Allen

British Pyralid Moths, A Guide to their Identification
Ilfracombe Fauna and Flora; Edited by M.G. Palmer

145

IFF List of abbreviations of contributors in the order he
gave them:

L. Michael Blackmore L.M.B.; Dr. G.B. Longstaff G.B.L.;
Reginald J. Burton R.J.B.; Mervyn G. Palmer M.G.P. or
MP; Alec P. Friend A.P.F.; Jack V. Southcombe J.V.S.;
Major G.K. Herbert G.K.H.; Kingsley John Trebble K_J.T.;
Dr. F.R. Elliston Wright F.R.E.W.

Ivimey-Cook, R.B. (1984) Atlas of the Devon Flora

MBGBI Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland Harley

Books, with a variety of authors; started 1976

National Moth Conservation Project. News Bulletin numbers 4 and 10; Butterfly
Conservation; NNR National Nature Reserve

Nomenclature, initially, Bradley and Fletcher 1979, but with up-dating from “Checklist of
Lepidoptera recorded from the British Isles” By J.D. Bradley, 1998.

Ordanance Survey maps,
i50/0002 Nosis0; 181, 190; 191,192, 193, 201 and 202
1 : 25,000: No’s 9, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31, 108, 114, 126 and 139

Parfitt, E. (1878) The Fauna of Devon (Lepidoptera) taken from the
Transactions of the Devonshire Association (Vol: 10:

pages 411 to 588)

Grasses, Ferns, Mosses & Lichens of Great Britain and
Ireland

Phillips, Roger (1980)

Proc.S.Lond.Ent.Nat.Hist.Soc. | Transactions of the South London Entomological and

Natural History Society.
RB database up to and including 2000 (The main database for Devon Lepidoptera)
Skinner, B.F. (1986 and 1998) Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles

Smith, F.N.H. (1997) The Moths and Butterflies of Cornwall and The Isles of
Scilly

South, R. (1907, vol. I & 1913, vol. II, and the new edition, 1961, vol. I and II) The Moths
of the British Isles; these are the ones I have in my possesion.

146 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3¢

Stidston, S.T. (1952) A List of the Lepidoptera of Devon, Part 1 and Introduction (DA
publication)

List of abbreviations of contributors for S.T. Stidston (1952) in the order he gave them:

Barrett, C.G. CGB Watkins, O.G. OGW White, K.W. KW
Banks, E.R. ERB Burton, RJ. RJB Briggs, FJ. FJB
Eustace, E.M. EME Bignell, G.C. GCB Curtis, W.P. WPC
Hamlyn, E.T. ETH Friend, A.P. APF Heath, J.A. JAH
Imms, A.D. ADI Henstock, H. HH Hellings, J.(sic) JH
Kelly, E.M. EMK Jeffery, F.W. FWJ Holdway, A.E. AEH
Lupton, H.L. HL Lyon, F.H. FHL Lees, EL. Jab
McCormick, W.F. MCC Martin, W.A. WAM Mayor, C.M. CMM
Parfitt, E. EP Melrose, Dr. DrM Morgan, E.D. EDM
Longstaff, G.B. GBL Perkins, R.C.L. RCLP Prideaux, R.M. RMP
Spooner, G.M. GMS Reading, J.J. JJR Solly, R.V. RVS
Wakely, S. SW Stidston, S.T. STS Tallant, Miss MT
South, R. RS

In the Additions and Corrections to his list (Stidston, 1954, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Advmt
Sci. 86: 318) he corrects; Perkins as Dr. and adds to the list:

W.R.Goodall W.R.G. W.Crocker WAG: J.Buckton J.B.
Rev.J.W.Metcalfe J.W.M. G.F.Mathew G.F.M.

For H.D.Hidner read Kidner and for C.M. Major read Mayor

In the main listing of initials in the DA record book, W.R.Goodall is shown as
W.R.Goodale and A.E.Holdway is shown as A.E.Holdaway. Hellings J. should read
Hellins.

References from “Meyrick” 1895 and 1928; “Bignell” 1878 to 1881 and “Barrett” 1904 (VCH
1906), in notes from the Devonshire Association record books

TDA Transactions of the Devonshire Association
Shown as (name of recorder, year, Rep. Trans. Devon Ass. Adumt Sci. Volume: page
number)

TNHS Torquay Natural History Society

Trans. Plymth. Inst. Transactions of the Plymouth Institute —

VCH (1906) Victoria County History (of Devon); C.G.Barrett
VHD Victoria History of Devon, Per S.T.Stidston (1952)

VCH, list of recorders in the order given:

Dr. R.C.R. Jordan and his brothers at Teignmouth; Messrs. J.J. Reading and J.S.Dell in
the Plymouth District; Dr. Battersby at Torquay; Mr. G.F.Mathew, R.N., F.L.S. at
Barnstaple; and Messrs. J. D’Orville and Edward Parfitt at Exeter. At Exeter the Rev.
John Hellins; Mr W. Buckler in the next county. At Plymouth, Mr.G.C. Bignell; Mr. W.H.
Baseden-Smith; Mr. E.S. Norcombe of Heavitree; Dr. W.S. Riding of Honiton; Dr.
Longstaff of Mortehoe; Miss K.M. Hinckliff of Instow; Major Still at Seaton and
Dartmoor; Mr. F.G. Briggs of Egg Buckland; Major C.M. Wells of Sidmouth; Mr E.-F.
Studd of Oxton, near Exeter. Visitors to the county: Mr. H.T. Stainton did work at
Chudleigh and Great Haldon; Mr. G.T. Porritt of Huddersfield; Mr. W.F. de Visme Kane
of Monaghan; Major-General George Carden of Surbiton; Rev Cannon Cruttwell of
Ewelme; Mr. Herbert Goss of Surbiton; Mr. J. Jeager of London; Mr. Richard South,
editor of the Entomologist; and many others.

Wayside and Woodland Fungi W.P.K Findlay (1967)

Roy McCormick

] Volume 60 + August 2001 147

Parasitic Flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) and their Hosts

The larval stages of Tachinids live by killing an individual of another
species. The hosts are normally Lepidopteran larvae (hence the German
name for them — Raupenfliegen, or “Caterpillar fly”) but this is not
always the case and they can attack members of other orders. In this
exhibit I have tried to illustrate the variety of hosts and show some of
the variation in this fascinating group.

All specimens are from the UK but some hosts are just examples of
their type — they are not necessarily a proven host for the featured
Tachinid. Thanks to Norman Hall and Martin Harvey for the loan of
their host specimens.

There is a small but active network of Tachinid specialists who are
trying to learn more about this amazing group of insects. We would like
all records of reared material to go into our database of Tachinid host
data. If you have data (or specimens of Tachinids that you would like
identifying) please contact me by e-mail, chris.raper@hartslock.org.uk
or the address below.

Chris Raper,
22 Beech Road, Purley-on-Thames, Reading, Berks RGS8 8DS

Case of butterflies

A case of fourteen species of butterflies was shown, this included three
species, P. hospiton (Corsican Swallowtail), A. elisa (Corsican fritillary)
and H. neomiris (Corsican Grayling) which are endemic to the islands
of Corsica and Sardinia. The two subspecies A. paphia immaculata
(Silver-washed fritillary) and H. aristaeus aristaeus (Southern grayling),
endemic to those islands and L. coridon gennargenti (Chalk-hill blue)
endemic to Sardinia alone were also shown. Of the more generally
distributed European species, L. celtis (Nettletree butterfly), 1. lanthonia
(Queen of Spain fritillary) and A. pandora (Pandora) represented the
Nymphalids, whilst G. cleopatra (Cleopatra) was the only Pierid. The
bance satyrids, 2. tithonus (Gatekeeper), P. cecilia (Southern
gatekeeper) and K. circe (Great banded grayling) with the other
Lycaenid QO. guercus (Purple hairstreak) completed the display.

PJ. Russell (8977)

Some British Lepidoptera reared during the past year

A photographic display comprised the following:

Second generation female Purple emperor, Apatura iris, Linn. 3rd October 1999.
Male and female A. iris. 4th October 1999 (purchased as pupae).

148 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society S

Post hibernation larvae of Northern brown argus, Aricia artaxerxes ssp.
artaxerxes, Fab., obtained as ova/larvae from Perthshire during August 1999.

Pupae of A. artaxerxes in various stages of development, along with an adult _

male and female.

Green form of Orange tip, Anthrocharis cardamines, Linn. As expected the
resultant butterfly was typical, although co-incidently the greenish mottling on
the underside of the hindwings was slightly heavier.

Larvae of the notorious Brown tail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Linn.,
obtained from Portland in May 2000. Attractive but itchy!

An almost full grown larva of the High brown fritillary, Fabriciana adippe, Linn.
feeding on pansy.

Adult male F. adippe (obtained as ova from captive bred source).

Larvae of Large heath, Coenonympha tullia ssp. polydama, Haw. (Lincolnshire)
feeding on sheep’s fescue grass (Festuca ovina).

Adult male C. tullia. G.R. Smith (4950)

Israeli butterfly aberrations encountered in April 1994

The aberrations constituted part of a larger range of species, comprising
otherwise typical specimens, collected at various localities in Israel
between the 7th and 19th April 1994.

Small White, Pieris rapae leucosoma Schawerda, 1905. En Gedi, near the
Dead Sea, 31° 27’ N, 35° 23’ E, 12 April 1994. A female tending towards ab.
fasciata, showing merging of the forewing upperside black markings.

Orange Tip, Anthocharis cardamines phoenissa von Kalchberg, 1894. Ramat
Razi’el, West of Jerusalem, 31° 46° N, 35° 04 E, 13 April 1994. A male
upperside showing a suffusion of dark scaling along the inner edge of the
forewing apical orange patch, and a deformed right hindwing.

Lesser Spotted Fritillary, Melitaea trivia syriaca Rebel, 1905. Mayan Barukh,
near the Golan Heights, 33° 15’ N, 35° 36’ E, 17 April 1994. A female
underside with reduced dark spotting and diminished hindwing orange
bands, and a typical specimen (a male) shown for comparison.

Lesser Fiery Copper, Lycaena thersamon omphale Klug, 1834. Zefat, N.E. of
Galilee, 32° 57’ N, 35° 27’ E, ~1000m, 18 April 1994. A male upperside showing
patches of paler coloration towards the forewing outer margins. The patch on
the left wing was more extensive than that on the right, such asymmetry
pointing to a pathological cause and most likely a defect in scale structure.

by Len Winokur (8070)

3 Charles Court, 7 Darwin Road.
Southampton, Hampshire SO15 5BS.

34 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

Bred

Captive
Normal Form 2

(Photo Nick Holford

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PLATE O1L. The upperside of the Queen of Spain fritillary U./athonia) and the pale
aberrant form [.lathonia pallescens. (May, A new aberration . . .)

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PLATE 01M. The underside of the Queen of Spain fritillary (./athonia) and the pale
aberrant form I./athonia pallescens. (May, A new aberration . . .)

Volume 60 * August 2001 4

PLATE O1N. Wingless specimen of the woodwasp sawfly Xiphydria prolongata found
crawling up a birch trunk out of which it had presumably emerged. (Jones, Flightless sawfly)

——_

PLATE 010. Full grown larva of Parnassius phoebus
(Darby, Parnassius phoebus in the breeding house)

| | Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

PLATE 01P. Three cocoons of Parnassius phoebus.
(Darby, Parnassius phoebus in the breeding house)

PLATE 01Q. Cocoon of Parnassius phoebus opened up to reveal pupa.
(Darby, Parnassius phoebus in the breeding house)

Volume 60 +« August 2001

AZ

PLATE O1R. Parnassius phoebus male.
(Darby, Parnassius phoebus in the breeding house)

PLATE 01S. Mating pair of Parnassius phoebus (female above).
(Darby, Parnassius phoebus in the breeding house)

34 Volume 60 * August 2001 149

A new aberration of the Queen of Spain fritillary
Ussoria lathonia) (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera:
Nymphalidae) |

by Peter May

6 Aigburth Avenue, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 3DA.

Abstract
A new aberration ab. pallescens May of the Queen of Spain fritillary
Cssoria lathonia) is described. A female was bred from a typical female
captured at Bagnols en Provence in Southern France in 2000.

Introduction

The Queen of Spain Fritillary is a rare migrant to the British Isles,
Deme a cenerally more common resident of much of Europe.
Migrations often occur northwards across Europe. There are 40
Mmamed=abpertations ot fo lafhonia, as at 1972 (Howarth 1973).
Generally the only variation referred to relates to the extent of the
bide spotsaand to the.considerable variation in size of the
individuals. Variation in colour and markings is generally very slight
(Emmet and Heath 1990).

During early June 2000 some livestock were received which had
originated from Bagnols en Provence in Southern France. All the
resulting imagines were of a typical appearance, apart from one female
which was immediately apparent upon viewing the emergence cage.
This appears to be an aberrant form not previously described and not
represented in either the National Collection of British Lepidoptera or
the European Collection at the Natural History Museum in London, nor
in the collection of Lepidoptera at the Booth Museum of Natural History
in Brighton. It would seem to be a new aberration, having a pale cream
ground colour with grey-green markings on the underside. The name
ab. pallescens is here proposed.

Description
ab. pallescens ab. nov

On the upperside the normal tawny brown ground colour is entirely
replaced by one of a pale cream colour. The numerous-black spots-and
basal suffusion are as normal (Plate 01L).

The underside ground colour again has the normal tawny brown

replaced with pale cream, whilst the black and silver spotting is as
normal. The chocolate brown areas surrounding the forewing apex

150 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society SZ

silver spots and the silver spotting on the hindwings is replaced by a
grey-green colour (Plate 01M).

The hairs to the body are cream colour instead of pale tawny brown.

Discussion

This_aberration was bred from stock which originated, through Mike
Hoare, from Bagnols en Provence in Southern France. During early
June 2000, approximately two dozen larvae were received by me. The
first of these began pupating on 18 June and the first imagines emerged
on 27 June. The larvae had been fed upon potted garden violas and
kept in a netted cage. Attempts to obtain a pairing with typical looking
males were unsuccessful.

Acknowledgements
I should like to thank Nick Holford for photographing the specimen
and Don McNamara, David Carter and David Humphries for their
assistance by searching the collections at the National History Museum,
London and the Booth Museum of Natural History in Brighton.

References
T G Howarth, T.G.._ Colour Identification Guide to British Butterfties. Frederwick Wame &
Co. lid. p.32.
Maitland Emmet, A. and Heath, John, 1990. The Butierflies of Great Britain & Ireland, Vol.
7()., p. 223. Hariey Books.

The flightless sawfly
by Richard A. Jones

135 Friem Road, Easi Dulwich, London SE22 OAZ.

Email: bugmanjones@boimail.com

On 5th July 1994, I came across a specimen of one of the woodwasp
sawllies, Xiphydria prolongata (Geoffroy in Fourcroy) (Hymenoptera:
Xiphydriidae). crawling up the trunk of a birch trunk in the Gordano
Valley NNR, Somerset. According to Quinlan & Gauld (1981,
Handbooks Ident. Br. Insects 6(2a): 19), this is a local species mainly of
south-east England. However, the most striking thing about the find
was that the insect was wingless (see Plate 01N). Instead of being long
and broad, the wings were torn and twisted stumps. I can only imagine
that the insect had damaged itself as it wrenched free of its pupal
chamber somewhere lower down the trunk or from a birch log nearby.

od Volume 60 + August 2001 151

Parnassius phoebus in the breeding house
by Anthony W. Darby (5860)

These notes are not intended as a guide to breeding Parnassius
butterflies, but just my experience with one species during one season.
They are certainly bred on the continent and this is the origin of my
stock.

Parnassius phoebus (Small apollo) is found from the Alps and Urals
in Europe, through Siberia to Kamschatka and in North America to
British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains (Higgins and Riley, 1970). It
is found in “damp, sheltered gullies or hollows, often near the boggy
margins of streams or similar sites suiting the needs of” its larval host
plant, Saxifraga aizoides (in N. America it feeds on Sedum sp. and
other Crassulaceae) (Tolman, 1997). S. aizoides (yellow mountain
saxifrage) is “found on wet rocks and gravelly places near rills and
springs in the hills and mountains of northern Britain and parts of Eire:
flowers in summer and autumn: circumpolar in distribution”
(Hutchinson, 1955).

All through the winter of 1999/2000 I had kept a small plastic
container with a dozen P. phoebus eggs in the fridge in the garage. I
had tried rearing P. apollo before with limited success, but had not tried
this species. I had been asked if I would like to try phoebus and I
jumped at the chance.

P. apollo feeds on Sedum sp., especially S. album and S. reflexum,
and is very difficult, as the larvae will only feed in bright sunshine. This
is not a common commodity in central Scotland and has to be
supplemented by using lamps. With this in mind, I left the eggs in the
fridge until 18th March. I thought this would give me time to sort
accommodation out for them while they developed, and they would
hatch when the weather brightened up in the spring. I had, of course,
forgotten that Parnassius eggs develop into larvae in the autumn and
remain in the egg until spring (Tolman, 1997). The first two eggs
hatched on 19th March and I wasn’t ready! The rest hatched the next
day and I put the larvae onto a small clump of Saxifraga aizoides
placed on some wet sand in an open polythene box 20cm square and
10cm deep. The box was placed on the staging in the greenhouse and
the larvae promptly disappeared into the food plant, remaining hidden
for most of the next two weeks. They passed through two moults in
three weeks and would occasionally appear on top of the food plant,
but only singly. I thought I had lost them, but the saxifrage was being

152 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t

eaten, so the larvae were still there. As they grew they became much
more visible and could be seen feeding, as a group initially, then singly
or in twos later on. One thing I noticed about the feeding habits of the
larvae is that they fed whatever the weather, and on the occasions I
ventured into the greenhouse at night with a torch I found them
feeding in the dark! By 19th April my saxifrage plants were needing to
be replaced and I would have to head for the hills to find some, so,
remembering that phoebus larvae of N. American origin feed on Sedum
(Tolman, 1997), I tried S. album. This was nibbled reluctantly, but it
sufficed until the stock of Saxifraga aizoides had been replenished (6th
May).

Figure 1. Parnassius phoebus, mating pair (female above).

The larvae, seven in all, were fully grown by 12th May and were black
with a double row of yellow spots (two had orange spots) (Plate 010)
They started spinning cocoons on 13th May and had all started by 15th
May (Plate 01P). I could see the larvae in some of the cocoons and the
eventual pupae were black in colour (Plate 01Q). The first butterfly
hatched, a male, on 2nd June (Plate 01R) followed by a pair on 4rd June.

dé Volume 60 + August 2001 153

As soon as the sun came out that afternoon the female mated with the
first male (Fig. 1 & Plate 01S). They parted early evening. Two more males
emerged on 4th June, followed by another female — one of only two — on
5th June. The mated female was seen laying on 10th June and eggs were
deposited on grass, flowers and dead leaves in the cage. These were left
to be collected at the end of the summer. I never saw the other female
mate, but many of the eggs laid collapsed, so I assume she didn’t.

I will find out this spring if I have been successful in obtaining fertile
eggs, but even if I haven’t, to be able to see such a splendid butterfly
through from a small batch of eggs in the fridge is worth all the effort.

References:

Higgins, L. G. and Riley, N. D. 1970. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe.
— Collins, London.

Hutchinson, J. 1955. British Wild Flowers — Penguin, London.
Tolman, T. 1997. Collins Field Guide Butterflies of Britain & Europe. HarperCollins, London.

New records of Bordered pug in Staffordshire
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST3 JAY.

On 12th August 1998 I found a moth roosting on the wall by my front
door — it turned out to be a Bordered pug (Lupithecia succenturiata L.).
This is a new record for the Meir area. On 18th August 1998 I found
another in Longton town centre roosting in the corner of the window at
the local building society, the lady cashier gave me strange look as I
boxed it. This is a new record for the Longton area.

I think the reason for these new records is the completion of the new
A50 road running through Meir and Longton, with a number of spoil
heaps and landscaping taking place. Quite a number of weeds have
spread along the road verges. These include Mugwort (Artemisia
vulgaris), the larval foodplant of the Bordered pug. The Bordered pug
is by no means common in Staffordshire, old records come only in
small numbers from Rugeley, (VCH) and more recently from Stafford,
Blythe Bridge Mill, Swynnerton, Cheddleton and Trentham.

The new A50 road has also brought with it a number of Yellow shell
(Camptogramma bilineata bilineata L.) and Blood-vein (Timandra
griseata) to gardens in the area. It is hoped that other species will turn
up in the not too distant future.

154 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t

Habitats of Orthoptera on the Writtle Coilege
estate in Essex

by Tim Gardiner (11826) and Michelle Pye

Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR.

Introduction

In areas north of the Thames, Orthoptera are not a well represented
group. Of the 27 species of Orthoptera found nationally (Haes and
Harding, 1997), only 12 of these species have been recorded within
Epping Forest in Essex (Hanson, 1992). Little research has been
conducted on grasshoppers and bush-crickets in Essex with the notable
exception of Wake’s (1997) publication Grasshoppers and crickets
(Orthoptera) of Essex. While insects such as butterflies, moths and
dragonflies have been monitored on the Writtle College estate, which is
situated near Chelmsford in Essex, the Orthoptera have never been
studied or recorded.

This paper aims to identify the species of Orthoptera present on the
Writtle College estate and to outline the main habitats utilised by these
species. |

Methods

During the summer of 1999, surveys were conducted to identify the
grasshopper and bush-cricket species present on the Writtie College
estate (TL 670070). The College estate extends over 210 hectares and
consists of agricultural, horticultural and conservation areas. Many of
these differing habitat types were included in the surveys, which
involved identifying Orthoptera located within quadrats in conjunction
with beating for species such as Meconema thalassinum (Oak bush-
cricket) and Leptophyes punctatissima (Speckled bush-cricket).

At 16 sites (Figure 1) comprising various habitats (Table 1), 2 x 2
metre? quadrats were randomly located to ascertain the density per
metre of adult Chorthippus albomarginatus (Lesser marsh grasshopper),
Chorthippus brunneus (Field grasshopper) and Chorthippus parallelus
(Meadow grasshopper). The number of quadrats at each site varied
according to its size (Table 1).

The number of individuals of each species was recorded in each
quadrat by brushing the vegetation with a pole to cause any
grasshoppers present to jump (Richards and Waloff, 1954). The
“flushing” of grasshoppers was conducted in a standardised method
ensuring coverage of the whole quadrat by moving from one edge to

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155

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156 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society |]

Table 1. Habitat characteristics of each site (number of quadrats in brackets)

Foxburrows Field (20) Arable field

Foxburrows Field Margin (10) Six-metre grass field margin
Janets Meadow (4) Hay meadow

Joyce Field Paddock (10) Horse grazed pasture
Joyce Field Plantation (10) Grassy field

Joyce Wetland (8) Spring fed wetland

Lawford Set-aside (8) Grass set-aside

Long Meadow (10) Cattle grazed pasture
Lordships Pond Margin (8) Grassy bank

RETC Woodland Edge (8) Woodland edge

RETC Woodland Glades (8) Grassy glade

Spinney Verge (7) Calcareous roadside verge
Stoneyshotts Meadow (9) Hay meadow
Stoneyshotts Set-aside (9) Set-aside grassland
Sturgeons Track (8) Disused farm track

Waste Ground (8) Disturbed grassland

the other sweeping the vegetation in a 180°C arc. If a grasshopper
jumped out of the quadrat it was still recorded; however, if a
grasshopper leapt into the quadrat from outside it was not counted. The
occurrence of adult Metrioptera roeselii (Roesel’s bush-cricket) in each
quadrat was also recorded.

The height of the vegetation in millimetres was estimated for each
quadrat and a mean height for each site produced. The plant species
present in each quadrat were identified and recorded. The surveys were
conducted during similar hot and sunny conditions in July and August.
Scientific names in this paper follow Marshall and Haes (1988) and
Stace (1997).

Results

Three species of grasshopper and four species of bush-cricket were
recorded on the College estate in 1999 (Table 2). Densities per metre
for C. albomarginatus, C. brunneus and C. parallelus at selected sites
are displayed in Table 3.

C. parallelus was most abundant on the sparse vegetation of Spinney
Verge and was also regularly observed on Joyce Field Plantation and
the horse grazed Joyce Field Paddock. C. brunneus was present in very
low densities at most of the sites, with greatest abundance occurring at

3d Volume 60 * August 2001 157

Joyce Wetland. C. albomarginatus attained greatest densities on the
Lolium perenne (perennial rye-grass) swards of Joyce Field Plantation,
Sturgeon’s Track and Lawford Set-aside. Sites such as Long Meadow
and Foxburrows Field were not favourable to grasshoppers. Overall,
densities of grasshoppers were relatively low in the survey, not
exceeding 0.50 per m’ at any of the sites.

Table 2. Orthoptera recorded on the Writtle College estate in 1999

Acrididae (grasshoppers)

Chorthippus albomarginatus Lesser marsh grasshopper
Chorthippus brunneus Field grasshopper
Chorthippus parallelus Meadow grasshopper
Tettigoniidae (bush-crickets)

Leptophyes punctatissima Speckled bush-cricket

Meconema thalassinum Oak bush-cricket
Metrioptera roeselii* Roesel’s bush-cricket

Pholidoptera griseoaptera Dark bush-cricket

* = nationally scarce

Table 3. Densities per metre* for Chorthippus albomarginatus (CA), Chorthippus brunneus
(CB) and Chorthippus parallelus (CP) at selected sites.

Joyce Field Plantation
Spinney Verge
Stoneyshotts Meadow
Lawford Set-aside
Sturgeons Track
Joyce Field Paddock

Joyce Wetland

Foxburrows Field Margin

Long Meadow

Foxburrows Field

158 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society L

M. roeselii occurred at nine sites in the quadrat survey which
predominately had tall grass swards with a mean height of over 400
millimetres (Table 4). However, on a patch of waste ground on the
estate, this species was noted within a much shorter sward.
Arrhenatherum eiatius (false oat-grass) or L. perenne were the main
grass species at most of the sites.

Table 4. Sites where Metrioptera roeselii was recorded.

RETC Woodland Glades Arrbenatherum elatius
Stoneyshotts Set-aside Phleum pratense
Stoneyshotts Meadow Arrhenatherum elatius
Joyce Wetland Arrhenatherum elatius
Janet’s Meadow Arrhenatherum elatius
RETC Woodland Edge Lolium perenne

Lordships Pond Margin Arrhenatherum elatius

Lawford Set-aside Lolium perenne

Waste Ground Lolium perenne

C. parallelus was present in a variety of habitats, while C.
albomarginatus and C. brunneus were less widely distributed (Table 5).
C’. parallelus was found in relatively unfavourable habitats such as
grazed pastures and the heavily trampled green lane. The three
Chorthippus species occurred together in seven different habitats. /.
roeselii was the most common grassland bush-cricket and Pholidoptera
griseoaptera (dark bush-cricket) was present in woodland, scrub and
hedgerow habitats or in tall grassland in the vicinity of trees. ZL.
punctatissima was noted in a grassy woodland ride and was beaten
from various trees and shrubs in woodlands and hedgerows. M.
thalassinum was not recorded during any beating sessions, but was
observed clinging onto a car aerial on the College campus, some
distance from the nearest tree.

The most species-rich habitat was the wetland area, where five
different species were observed. Several other habitats contained four
species and these included roadside verges, set-aside grasslands and
hay meadows. The most impoverished habitats, which only contained
one species, were nettle-beds and thick scrub.

—
eee

ld Volume 60 » August 2001 159

Table 5. Habitats of each of the Orthoptera species recorded on the Writtle College estate
m_1999.

Footpaths

Grass field margin
Grazed pasture
Green lane

Hay meadow
Hedgerow
Nettle-beds
Roadside verge

Scrub

Set-aside grassland

Stream or river bank
Waste ground
Wetland

Woodland (in trees)
Woodland glade
Woodland ride

CA = Chorthippus albomarginatus LP = Leptophyes punctatissima
CB = Chorthippus brunneus MT = Meconema thalassinum
CP = Chorthippus parallelus MR = Metrioptera roeselii

PG = Pholidoptera griseoaptera

Discussion

Seven species of Orthoptera were recorded on the Writtle College estate
in 1999. The average number of Orthoptera species per 10-kilometre
square in a survey of Essex was eight (Wake, 1997), which indicates that
the fairly small College estate (210 hectares) has a reasonable number of
species. The records of M. roeselii and C. parallelus in 1999 are new 5-
kilometre records and C. albomarginatus is a new 10-kilometre record
OWake, 2000). the latter species is extending its range in Essex,
spreading from coastal areas to more inland locations (Wake, 2000). C.
albomarginatus was the most abundant grasshopper species on set-
aside grasslands on the estate, indicating that the introduction of these
grasslands by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food may have
aided its range expansion in Essex.

160 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Sé

Joyce Field Plantation, Spinney Verge and Stoneyshotts Meadow were
notable habitats for grasshoppers on the estate. These sites are
managed as conservation areas to promote species diversity on the
College estate. The latter two sites contained sparse, fairly short swards,
which were dominated by grasses such as Festuca rubra (Red fescue)
and Cynosurus cristatus (Crested dog’s-tail). The authors suggest that
these grasslands, dominated by fine-leaved grasses, are more favourable
for grasshoppers than tall, tussocky grasslands which are dominated by
A. elatius. Further research into the habitat preferences of the three
Chorthippus species in relation to vegetation type and structure was
conducted in 2000 and the data are currently being analysed.

M. roeselii in Essex has historically been associated with tall, dry,
established grassland, being particularly abundant on the Essex coast
(Wake, 1997), but in recent years has increased in range to more inland
habitats. On the College estate this species was common in many
habitats although it seems to prefer tall, tussocky grasslands which are
dominated by A. elatius or L. perenne. The presence of this species was
often indicated by its continuous stridulation on warm sunny days,
having proven very difficult to record by sight, being observed in only
7% of quadrats in the surveys. This species was fairly abundant in set-
aside grassland, and may not therefore require established grassland.

P. griseoaptera and L. punctatissima were seldom recorded in
grasslands, with the former species more commonly noted within many
of the hedgerows on the estate, where its stridulation revealed its
presence. Although L. punctatissima adults were regularly beaten from
various hedgerow trees, the only sighting of M. thalassinum in 1999
was on a car aerial in the main campus car park. Many nymphs of the
latter species were subsequently beaten from various trees in June 2000,
indicating that this species may not be as scarce on the estate as
previously thought.

Further research into the habitat preferences of grasshoppers and
bush-crickets is being undertaken on the College estate and on other
sites in Essex in 2000, which will build upon this initial survey. The
authors suggest that sward height and density may be an important
factor determining grasshopper abundance.

Acknowledgements
The research on grasshoppers was conducted whilst the principal
author worked as a research assistant at Writtle College and thanks are
extended to the College for supporting the project.

iat Volume 60 * August 2001 161

The Varied carpet beetle Anthrenus verbasci ina
Common wasp Vespula vulgaris nest
by Dr Peter G. Sutton, AES Habitat Conservation Officer

94 Evesham Road, Rowley Fields, Leicester LE3 2BD.

Think of the genus Anthrenus, and you will find no more despised
group of beetles as far as the entomologist is concerned. These are the
Museum and Carpet beetles, the scourge of insect collections all over
the world.... not to mention everything else from carpets to cashmere
jumpers. There are ten or more European species of this genus, and
when grouped together with the rest of the 50 or so European
members of the Dermestidae (Larder and Bacon beetles, Hide and
Carpet beetles efc.) they are responsible for wreaking havoc among
stored food items and any products derived from plant and animal
material.... on a cosmopolitan basis.

The entomologist will commonly encounter a species such as
Anthrenus verbasci when opening a display box of insects after many
years. This will often be accompanied by several expletives as he/she
discovers that the Camberwell beauty or similar prize specimen, which
he/she had risked life and limb to collect during the halcyon summer of
19xx, has been reduced to a couple of de-scaled wings and a pile of
dry dust.

These beetles are small (1.5-3.5 mm) and seed-like, particularly when
they contract their legs against their bodies, as they do when disturbed.
The adults are pollen and nectar feeders, and although they may also
supplement their diet with the same food as the larvae, it is these hairy
larvae, or “woolly bears” which do so much damage by feeding on
chitin and keratin (animal protein) based products.

Apart from valuable insect collections, the adults lay their eggs in/on
almost any object containing these materials. In the natural world that
may be a birds nest or animal remains, or even a few dried insects at
the edge of an old spiders web. In the human world, woollen curtains,
fur coats, and the like, will suffice.

My own experience of these troublesome little beetles is through the
maintenance of insect collections, but I recently discovered another
source. My good friends and landlords, Chris and Sally, had recently
had some work done on the roof of their house in Leicester. A by-
product of this work was the removal of a very large disused wasp nest
which contained many dried Common wasps Vespula vulgaris. Hoping
that there may be a commensal species or two yet to emerge from the

162 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Be

nest, I carefully placed it into a large cardboard box and put it on top of
the wardrobe for closer examination at a later date. To cut a long story
short, it wasn’t long before I became completely inundated with a _
profusion of Anthrenus verbasci. Luckily, these were easily collected as
they were attracted to daylight and congregated en masse at the
window. When I finally located the source, I opened the lid of the box,
and there they were, hundreds and hundreds of them! At that point in
time I was in a desperate rush to catch an unmissable train and had to
leave the situation as it was. I informed Chris, as usual, that he could
help himself to any of my books or painting materials in my absence. I
did not, however, add “Oh by the way, there’s a plague of Anthrenus
verbasci of Biblical proportions in the room” for fear of returning to find
all of my worldly possessions piled up in the street outside the house.

Increasing numbers of White-shouldered house-

moths
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 7AY.

The White-shouldered house-moth (Endrosis sarcitrella, Linn.) is quite
common in Staffordshire and no doubt common in other parts of the
country. It may be under-recorded in some counties, through lack of
observation. I have found this species in almost every month of the
year, but during the winter months it was found mainly indoors, the
larvae being found on dry vegetable matter, paper, rotten wood fungus,
dead insects and also in birds’ nests and beehives etc. Over the years
numbers fluctuate, but during the summers of 1999 and 2000 this moth
has increased in quite large numbers in the Meir area of Staffordshire. I
have noticed in recent years that the petrol lawn-mowers of
Staffordshire County Council Parks Department cut the grass, quite a lot
of small piles of grass are left behind. They then dry up in the sun and
get blown under hedgerows, walls, etc by the wind. I have found quite
a few White-shouldered house-moth larvae in a silken gallery amongst
this dried-up grass — no doubt these conditions suit this species and
that is why it is increasing in numbers in the area. If my theory is true,
it may also attract other related species of microlepidoptera in the
future.

Also of interest I have noticed that these small piles of cut grass
when fresh attract butterflies. It may be the smell of freshly cut grass, or
may they be seeking moisture or other nutrients the grass contains?

34 Volume 60 + August 2001 163

au i Fluttering Encounters in the
‘\\ || Amazing Archipelago

| by Jan Pasternak. 135 pp, fully illustrated in colour throughout;
- published in Czech Republic; price DM120 (plus DM20 postage).

_ This book is what lovers of birdwing butterflies have been waiting for

and is a refreshing change from the pages of set specimens. It describes
the life histories and habitats of nearly all of them and, together with
some amazing photographs, takes the reader on a magical journey

_ through Indonesia and New Guinea — the Amazing Archipelago referred
to in the tithe — and Australia in search of these rare jewels of the
rainforest.

Dedicated to two legendary lepidopterists (Ray Straatman and Harry
Borch), the book starts with a chapter on New Guinea where the

_ author first encountered birdwings in 1970 and was so captivated by
_them he decided to stay, finding a job as an assistant manager of a
_tubber plantation. There are some marvellous photographs of the type
of country birdwings and other tropical butterflies inhabit as well as
_ photographs of most of the Ornithoptera and their early stages. The text
takes you there to where the author first saw a living O. meridionalis,
one of the tailed birdwings, before it suddenly disappeared into the
_ rainforest. There are accounts of finding out the lifecycles of these
_ fabled creatures of Rothschild, Russell Wallace and Meek. There is an
_ account of the first discovery of a male O. meridionalis tarunggarensis
| on a trip to Kamrau Bay, Irian Jaya in 1978, since two females were
caught by the Pratt brothers in 1921. The accompanying photographs
_ together with photographs of paradisea, croesus, goliath, victoriae and
_ alexandrae, of their early stages — some shown for the first time — and
' vivid descriptions in the text, provide the next best thing for the
naturalist who is unable to visit their remote rainforest habitats.
Included in this chapter are accounts of expeditions to islands such as
_ Bougainville (one of the Solomon Islands, but politically part of Papua

164 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ee

New Guinea, and where O. victoriae regis was studied), Bachan and
Yapen in Indonesia where very little is known of the fauna and flora.
There are stunning photographs of other butterflies encountered.
Chapters on Sulawesi and Java, although shorter, bring the reader up to
the present day. They highlight the problems faced by the destruction
of habitat, especially in the crowded island of Java where much of the
lowland rainforest has gone. The author paints a picture of the history
of the countries visited and how these have affected the butterflies.
Some of this makes gloomy reading, especially when you are reading
about the author trying to find the last vestiges of primary rainforest in
Java. The way butterfly farming is helping the rainforest dwellers in
Papua New Guinea preserve their forest without resorting to wholesale
clear felling does show what can be done if there is a will. So well
known is the author in Indonesia that he has now been asked to head
a new initiative conserving the birdwings of Irian Jaya in Indonesia.

I found this to be a delightful book and easily obtained by sending
cash (DM) registered airmail to the author: Jan Pasternak, Riegrova 12,
CZ-61200 Brno, Czech Republic.

Anthony Darby (5860)

SA ~~ The Biobistory of
—- Carabus through DNA

Produced and distributed by the JT Biohistory Research Hall, Murasaki-
cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan. 39 minutes playing time. Price
3800 Yen (about & 20). In English.

Most British ground beetles are rather similar in appearance and, apart
from a few metallic purple or green species, generally dull black.
Worldwide, however, there is considerable diversity in this beetle
family (Carabidae), including some truly beautiful insects. Many species
have dramatically sculpted elytra, hundreds show bright iridescent hues,
and there are even some snail-eating specialists characterised by a
bizarre elongated head and thorax. Over the past seven years, a

| $e Volume 60 * August 2001 165

research team from a small research centre near Kyoto have been
studying the evolutionary history of carabids in Japan and elsewhere,

- using DNA sequence data. Their research has been described in a series
_ of specialist papers, and the main findings are explained for a wider
_ audience in this superb documentary-style video. I can recommend it to

any entomologist with an interest in beetles. It could be very useful as
an educational tool, for teaching entomology or evolutionary biology at
sixth form or University level. First, the video introduces ground beetle

- biology, including some excellent footage of the life cycle, and explains
_ the collecting methods used (pitfall traps baited with beer and ground
_ rice, plus a dash of red pepper to keep scavenging mammals away!).

The video then explains how DNA sequence comparisons were used to

trace the true evolutionary history of carabids, and how this was

compared to beetle anatomy and to geological history. One conclusion
is that carabids provide good examples of how the origin of new
species can occur in concert with the movement of land masses,
effected by continental drift and volcanic activity. The second
conclusion, referred to as discontinuous evolution, is more surprising.

_ In brief, the researchers found that the external shape of ground beetles

underwent some sudden and dramatic changes during evolution,

_ probably controlled by mutations in just a few genes. Finally, it is
| interesting to see how professional researchers collaborated very
_ successfully in this work with a large network of amateur entomologists

in Japan. To purchase a copy, contact Dr Kazuto Kato by e-mail

_ (kato@zinbun.kyoto-u.ac.jp or Kazuto.Kato@ims.brh.co.jp). I can also
_ personally recommend that any entomologist visiting Kyoto or Osaka

should consider making a short detour to visit the JT Biohistory

_ Research Hall in Takatsuki, which houses a small but impressive

museum of biodiversity, including displays of carabid and butterfly
biology; contact Dr Kato to make an appointment.

Peter Holland (6700)

p.w.h.bolland@rdg.ac.uk

Visit the AES Website today!

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E-mail: aes@theaes.org

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166 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tL] |

Observing butterflies, Austria 1998 and 1999
by Tony Steele (4106)

57 Westfield Road, Barneshurst, Kent DA7 OLR.

After a four year interval, a return visit to Austria was made, this time to
the picturesque Arlberg Region which is situated in the west of the
country, and staying in the resort of St Anton for one week. Due to
work commitments I was unable to go until the second part of
September. Being so late in the season, my wife Margaret and I did not
expect to see many butterflies, so we would use the holiday to find
areas for visiting should we return the following year.

Whilst strolling round the village on the first morning a Small white
(Pieris rapdae) was noted, and later at the upper cable car station on the
Valluga Mountain at 2811m (9200ft) a Small tortoiseshell (Aglais
urticdae) was seen flying over some early snow. On walking back down
to the village the path passed through a late flowering meadow where
a tattered Chalkhill blue (Lysandra coridon), a Queen of Spain fritillary
(Issoria lathonia) and two freshly emerged Clouded yellows (Colias
croceus) were basking in the late evening sun.

A visit was made to the village of Lech situated in the next valley. A
woodland edge path here yielded the usual Small tortoiseshells with
singletons of Painted lady (Vanessa cardui), Clouded yellow, Small
blue (Cupido minimus) and Common blue (Polyommatus icarus).
Whilst waiting for the local bus back to St Anton, three Hummingbird
hawk-moths (VMacroglossum stellatarum) were observed for some time
feeding at one of the many flower boxes that adorned this unspoilt
mountain village.

Due to the unsettled weather, very few butterflies were seen during
the next couple of days until a trip was taken to Switzerland. Getting a
train to Feldkirch then a bus, a visit to Vaduz in Liechtenstein was
made. After wandering around some of the many shops in this very
busy tourist town, we decided, after consulting a map, that as
Switzerland was but a short walk away a quick visit would be possible.
The River Rhine was soon reached and crossed, and a pleasant stroll
along the flower covered river bank was taken. Seen nectaring were
Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), Large white (Pieris brassicae), Small
white, Wall (Lasiommata megera), and Painted lady. Also seen were
several larvae of the Brown-tail (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) moth. Whilst
waiting for the train back at Feldkirch Station, a rather fine Hornet
(Vespa crabo) was seen feeding on a discarded apple core.

3 Volume 60 » August 2001 167

The last day was spent once again in the Lech area, with a trip up
Mount Rufikopf at 2362m (7750ft). Some time was spent observing a
Marmot (Marmota marmota) feeding and playing on a rocky outcrop
just below the summit. A bus was taken to St Christoph and from there it

_ was a gentle two hour walk back to St Anton. Even though the weather

was warm and sunny, just two butterflies were seen, a Small white and a
Red admiral. Although only 11 species of butterfly were noted during
our week long stay, we decided that a return visit the following summer
was a must, especially as many suitable areas were found for my
favourite butterfly genus, the Evebias.

1999 saw us return to Austria, this time for the main flight season, that
is the middle of July, staying once again in St Anton, for ten days. The
weather on our first day was cloudy with occasional drizzle. The cable

_ car was taken to Kapell, situated above St Anton at 2326m (7630ft). A
_ few butterflies were found roosting on the damp grass, and these were
_ Glandon blue (Agriades glandon), Small tortoiseshell and my first Evebia

of the trip a Dewy ringlet (Erebia pandrose). Also seen were several

examples of the day flying alpine moth Psodos quadrifaria. The

following day we went on a coach trip to Lindau in Germany, and it was

' not until late afternoon when we made a coffee stop on the return
_ journey that any butterflies were seen. This was at Au near Bregenz and
_ seen feeding on some flowers by the coach park was a Black-veined
_ white (Aporia crataegi) and a Bath white (Pontia daplidice).

For the next couple of days the weather was once again cloudy with

_ the occasional shower, but this did not deter us from going out walking.

On a gentle stroll from St Jakob back to St Anton just four butterflies

_ were seen, all of which were sheltering in the damp grass, and they
_ were Scarce copper (Lycaena vigauredae), Large skipper (Ochlodes

faunus), Green-veined white (Pieris napi) and Arran brown (Erebia
ligea). Although the weather was unsuitable for butterflies, 14 Chimney
sweeper (Odezia airata) moths were noted. On a short excursion into
tne Ferwall-Valley I found a fresh male Chequered skipper
(Carterocephalus palaemon), opening its wings when the sun tried to
show from behind thick clouds. This valley on the edge of St Anton
revealed some most promising habitat, and when we visited it on our

_ last day it proved to be the most rewarding.

A visit to Bregenz on the shore of Lake Constance was made. The

cable car was taken to the summit of Mount Pfander. This 1046m

(3430ft) viewpoint offers stunning views over the lake towards
Germany and Switzerland. After a snack in the tearoom we took one of
several paths back down to Bregenz. The path at first went through
dense woodland so no butterflies were seen. About halfway a large

168 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t

clearing was found and which yielded Ringlet (Aphantopus
hyperantus), Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina), Small white, Arran
brown and Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia).

With the weather now sunny and hot, we were able to get down to
some serious butterfly watching. Starting out at Galzig, 2082m (6830ft) just
to the west of St Anton, the path at first was over bare scree then high
alpine pasture, followed by woodland and damp meadows and cut hay
fields. The first species to be seen were Mountain ringlet (Erebia epiphron),
Black-veined white and Small pearl-bordered fritillary (Boloria selene),
which was very common. Shortly after entering some woodland a very
large butterfly was observed going from tree trunk to tree trunk, and after
much rushing about it was identified as a Woodland grayling (Hipparchia
fagi). Continuing down, Arran brown, Alpine heath, Red admiral and Small
tortoiseshell were seen. On a refreshment break at approximately half-way
a Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) settled nearby and Mountain clouded
yellows (Colias phicomone) were almost as common as the Common blues
around us. As we traversed a rocky clearing, Blind ringlet (Erebia pharte)
and Bright-eyed ringlet (Erebia oeme) were seen. On this walk of just over
three hours, 15 species were recorded, but the best was yet to come.

Our final walk, and certainly the most rewarding regarding species
seen, was in the Ferwalltal, a most delightful valley just to the south of
St Anton. We caught the hourly hikers’ bus, incongruously called Harry’s
Taxi, to the Ferwell Mountain Restaurant at 1445m (4700ft). Shortly after
passing the lake the wide path climbed steeply further into the valley
through coniferous woodland, and high above the Rosanna River.
Alongside the path flew several Small pearl-bordered fritiilaries, Arran
brown, and the alpine subspecies of the Green-veined white, bryoniae.
After some time the valley began to widen and a very large open area

was reached at 1600m (5250ft) which being in full sun, and full of alpine ~

flora, was literally alive with butterflies. By far the commonest species to
be found was the Scarce copper, with 18 counted. Interestingly they
were all males. Although looked for, I failed to find any females. Several
examples of the beautifully coloured Titania’s fritillary (Boloria titania)
were seen nectaring. Just some of the other species present included
Large blue (Maculinea arion), Mazarine blue (Cyaniris semiargus), False
heath fritillary (Welitaea diamina), Large wall brown (Lasiommata
maera) and Mountain clouded yellow. On the return walk a Transparent
burnet (Zygaena purpuralis) moth was seen. A total of 20 butterfly
species was recorded at this single location.

Conclusion: this area of Austria is well worth visiting, preferably from
late June through to August. A complete list of species seen and places
visited is available on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope.

be Volume 60 * August 2001

|
|
:
}

The Rules (For My Parents)
by Don McNamara

- Newnham- on-Severn: May 2000

|

Grim delight or something else stirred
while shooting the fat ones
they'd avoided my dustbin-lid stick and rope trick
stripped my father’s garden vegetable patch
then coo’ed with delight from on high
from suitable perches

I didn’t make their day
the delicate Spanish tracery a wicked art
single chamber unlike Dirty Harry’s six or was it seven?
big bang plummet thump softly grey neat white collars

soon de-feathered prepared and mini-trussed
with fresh green peas potatoes filched
from the farmer’s field
my mother’s peasant skills renewed

and yet whilst on the lawn
under our perverse protection they’d be fed with others
food scraps rind of bacon squashed boiled potatoes
mushy peas it was our pleasure
these strange protocols apply

equally when hunting aberrations despite the magic of their wings
wintry Tortoiseshells Peacocks gathered
in the airy cupboard on the box-room’s spidery walls
they'd be moved to near top open windows for
when the warming air returns they wouldn't patter out their short
frustrated lives on sunny window-sills.

but when patrolling in July the acrid
nettle patch and toting a trusty single chambered folding net
the deadly game proceeds apace the focus ambush strike the thrill
a spectacular ab. at last while
four hundred affectionately returned to play

and when the boarded wings were spread out
beneath my avaricious gaze
the thought occurs — “wrong time wrong place” —
I mutter “you should at least have known the rules.”

169

170 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society og

Moths in recent literature
by Rob Parker

A book’s title does not always disclose its content, and two recent
novels with moth titles are essentially non-entomological, but may
anyway catch the eye of the literate lepidopterist.

Lobster Moth by Niall Duthie. Fourth Estate. 1999

This book has been lying at my bedside for a long while. The author
describes it as a pillow book, to be read in ten-minute slices at bedtime,
and that is how I am tackling it. It tells the story of a Scottish
lepidopterist in a convalescent home, recovering from injuries that
made him almost a hero in the First World War. The technical
endpapers and the quote from W.J. Kirby set up an entomological
flavour, though this is but one of many interwoven strands in a
potpourri of recollections. We meet Stauropus fagi as a larva in Chapter
three, and learn a few snippets, for example, that although this insect is
named after a crustacean, the ‘Lobster -crustaceam- (ocvsiais
surprisingly named after an insect — the edible locust (locusta)! Equally
intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, mythology, insomnia, childhood
and war tumble out of the pages, partly through an extra dimension
created through an actor, who goes to great lengths to properly portray
our Scottish hero in a film version of his biography.

The Peppered Moth by Margaret Drabble. Viking. 2000

Here is a story which starts in post-industrial Yorkshire, and as the title
suggests, it is about natural selection, although it focuses on the
mitochondrial DNA of a particular family, and on the mother-daughter
relationships through several generations. The tale is well told, and
insightful, but readers waiting for the bit about Biston betularia will
have to be patient until page 268!

In the text, reference is made to a Georgette Heyer novel called The
Black Moth — this one I have not read.

Both front covers bear charming illustrations of their chosen moth,
and with the Lobster moth we also get a nice Puss moth larva.
Neither book deserves a place on the entomologist’s reference
bookshelf, but both have merit as literature, and are worth getting
from the library if you are ready to spend a few evenings away from
the m.v. lamp.

(ae Volume 60 +» August 2001 171

Casual observations on possible survival tactics in

the larval and pupal stages of some British insects

by Harry T. Eales
11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood, Co. Durham NE17 7PN.
Over the past three centuries, the life cycles of the majority of British

Lepidoptera and many other popular orders have been described in
great detail, in numerous books, magazines and scientific papers. Many

_ species are indicated as being single, double or even triple brooded

within a single year. Larvae of certain species, especially northern
moorland moths e.g. Northern eggar L. quercus f. calluna, and internal

wood feeders e.g. The Goat moth Cossus cossus and several Clearwing

species are known to spend two or more years as larvae. The pupae of
the Small eggar moth Eriogaster lanestris has been known to overwinter

| up to seven or even eight years before the adult emerges (Dunn and

Parrack 1986 & Skinner 1998).

In the cases of the larvae mentioned, it is generally accepted that the

_ full development of the larvae cannot be accomplished within a single

year because of the shortness of feeding season in northern areas, or

the poor nutritional value of the foodplants utilised by the internal
_ feeding larvae. With the Small eggar it is believed that the inclement
weather experienced during the time of emergence (February and

March) is the deciding factor on whether or not this species appears.

Over the past forty years I, like many other entomologists, have
reared numerous species, for the simple pleasure of doing so, for a

|
collection, or for serious scientific purposes. I have little doubt that
_when the majority of specimens had emerged the remaining

|
|

unhatched pupae were most probably discarded after some weeks as

| presumed dead. Similarly under-developed larvae which had not
_ pupated may also have been disposed of as possibly diseased or
_ parasitised.

According to Emmet & Heath (1989) the pupae of Orange tip

_ butterfly A. cardamines occasionally overwinter twice. Elsewhere (Eales

!
{

}

mi999) I have shown that the pupae of this species can in fact
_ overwinter longer, and specimens had emerged progressively up to five

_ years after the ova were laid, one specimen having gone over four

a

winters in the pupal state. These pupae were not subject to special
treatment, but simply kept on the north facing windowsill of an
unheated bedroom. All the resulting specimens were of normal
appearance.

72 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society L ]

In late August 1999 I obtained two larvae of the Puss moth C. vinula
and 24 larvae of the Buff tip moth P. bucephala from a Sallow bush near
Druridge Bay, Northumberland. All were nearly full fed and within a few |
days had pupated. Both of the Puss moth larvae had ova (19 & 13 ©
respectively) of the Ichneumon Netelia vinulae attached to the second
and third body segments. (For additional data on this species see Ellis
1998.) None of these ova had hatched prior to the cocoons being spun.
In June 2000, three male and three female specimens of this parasitoid
emerged from one of the cocoons. In December 2000 I carefully cut
open the remaining cocoon and found within, the dessicated skin of the
Puss moth larva and six silvery-grey silken cocoons of the parasitoid.
These emerged during the first three days of June 2001. Of the Buff tip
moth pupae, eighteen emerged during June 2000, the remaining six
started emerging in June 2001 and within four days all had appeared.

During the past three years I have been carrying out breeding
experiments on the Large heath butterfly C. tu/lia, to determine whether
the differences in under- and upper-side wing spot markings between
specimens from various sites in Northumberland, are genetic or
phenetic in origin. Batches of larvae are segregated onto living
foodplant in sleeved buckets kept in a very exposed part of my garden.
I have noted several instances where larvae from different sites have,
after hibernation, split into two distinctive development groups, most
feed up quickly and pupate, emerging the same year, whilst the
remainder develop more slowly and overwinter a second time as
relatively small larvae. At present I have one second year batch of
larvae, several of which are still very small and these would appear to
be likely to overwinter yet again. It is known from work carried out by
Tim Melling (Melling 1987) that in northern Scotland some larvae of this —
butterfly go over two winters before pupating, but this has not been
noted previously (as far as I am aware) with English stock. The
possibility of a third winter in the larval stage is unprecedented. These
larvae have not been starved of food as each bucket contains a large
growing tussock of Hare’s-tail cotton grass Eriophorum varginatum
with an abundance of grass stems.

With this particular butterfly species, it would appear that fresh
growing food is not vitally important, as it was observed that, in one
bucket where the foodplant had actually died, the larvae it contained
fed quite readily on the dead grass stems from the previous year’s
growth. Yet their development was not at all retarded when they were
compared with other larvae of the same species which had access to an
abundance of fresh food.

36 Volume 60 +* August 2001 173

Each of these instances of variance from the usually accepted norm
is, in my Opinion, an indication of possible survival tactics in each of
these individual species. In that should the weather conditions in any
given year be unsuitable for successful breeding, there will be a
number of larvae or pupae available to emerge the following or even
later years, to give the species a chance of survival. With this in mind,
both amateur and professional breeders should be aware, that when
rearing any species of insect, that the information given in textbooks
regarding the life cycle of a given species may not always be correct.
By reading old textbooks it is often apparent that many authors have
simply copied the work of previous writers without checking their facts,
and errors are constantly repeated. Breeding species under as near
natural conditions as possible, may provide the amateur breeder with
data either previously unknown, or unrecorded in the literature.

Simple observations such as those referred to above, can easily be
made by amateur entomologists and recorded in the pages of a journal
such as this. All such notes would be of assistance to anyone writing
textbooks on these species at a future date.

References
Dunn, T.C. & Parrack, J.D. 1986. The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and
Durham. Part 1. The Vasculum Supplement No.2. The Northern Naturalists Union.
Eales,H.T. 1999. Postponed emergence: A possible survival tactic in the Orange-tip
Butterfly Anthocharis cardamines (Lep. : Pieridae) Entomologist’s Record, Vol. 111: 241.
Ellis, H.A. 1998. Observations on the larvae of Netelia vinulae (N.cephalotes Holmgren)
(Ichneumonidae: Tryphoninae), a gregarious ectoparasitoid of the Puss moth
caterpillar, Cerura vinula L. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists Society 57: 145-149.
Emmet, A.M. & Heath, J. 1989. The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain & Ireland 7): 110.
Melling, T.M. 1987. The Ecology and Population Structure of a Butterfly Cline. PhD.
Thesis. Library of The University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Skinner,B. 1998. Moths of the British Isles (2nd. Ed.) Viking, Penguin Group, London.

-Verdant Hawk at Sheerness

by Peter Hall (7416)

Melanthia, Chiltern Road, Ballinger Common, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 9LH.

_ This rather beautiful hawk moth (Euchloron megaera L.) took a ride in
a grapefruit carton on a refrigerated ship which left South Africa last
mecotemper and turned up three weeks later in Sheerness, Kent.
_ Although dead by the time of arrival, the moth was nevertheless still in

very good condition as the photograph shows.

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 £22.00.

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) . out of print
A Lepidopterists Handbook (136 pages, 32 figures, 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) . . . £4.00
Breeding the British and European Hawkmoths (S6pages, 9 plates) . £4.00
Practical Hints for Collecting and Studying Micros (40pp. 11 figs.) . £3.50

An Amateurs Guide to the Study of the Genitalia of Lepidoptera (16pp.)£2.40
Butterflies of Cyprus 1998 (Records of a years sightings) (46 pages) . £3.60
A Silkmoth Rearers Handbook (225pp. 32pp. colour plates) . . . £14.25
Killing, Setting and Storing Butterflies and Moths (19 pages) . . . £2.90
The Study of Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis Flies (44 pp. 10 figs.) . £3.50
The Hymenopterists Handbook (226 pages, illustrated) . . . . . £8.95
Revised Flight Tables for the Hymenoptera (24 pages) . . . . . £2.45
Rearing Parasitic Hymenoptera (52 pages, 4 colour plates) . . . . £4.50
A Coleopterists Handbook (Hardback, 300 pages, illustrated) . . . £16.25
Host plants of British Beetles (24 pages). . . . . 2 eee ee TED AS
A Dipterists Handbook (260 pages, illustrated). . . . . . . . £10.40
Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-Insects (73 pp. 43 figs. 17 plates) £5.00
The Amazing World of Stick and Leaf-Insects (165 pp. 40pp. col. pl.) £14.75
Rearing and Studying the Praying Mantids (22 pages, 9 plates). . . £2.90
Rearing Crickets in the Classroom (12 pages, 2 plates) . . . . . £1.90

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2001 EXHIBITION
AND TRADE FAIR

Saturday 6th October 2001

Kempton Park Racecourse _
Staines Road, Sunbury, Middlesex

Over 100 dealers Rare and Recent Books

Caterpillars and Buterflies Meet other enthusiasts
Praying Mantids Stick insects

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services operate to Sunbury Station
half a mile from the racecourse, fro
London Waterloo: For further detail,
contact the AES at
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i CAR
tom the M25. Exit at Junction 12 (M3) towards Sunbury.
tit the M3 at Junction 1 and take the A308 sign posted for Kempton Park.

“We racecourse is situated one mile on the left hand side.

If TRAIN
vo services an hour are operated from London Waterloo to Sunbury
‘ation by South West Trains. Journey time is approximately 40 minutes.

lor more information contact London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234

| Bookings for trading and exhibit space can be made

| by telephoning 07788 163951 or via e-mail at exhibition@theaes.org
|

j

Volume 60 © Number 437

Bulletin

of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

CONTENTS

May, P. A new aberration of the Queen of Spain fritillary (/ssoria lathonia) (Linnaeus)
(lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), :.....2...2.......ccess20ss.t sents se 0 sce0 0225-13 eee ee 149
Darby, A.W. Parnassius phoebus in the breeding Nouse.................::cessscceseeeeecesseceeeeeeseeees 151
Gardiner, T. and Pye, M. Habitats of Orthoptera on the Writtle College estate in Essex.. 154
Sutton, P.G. The Varied carpet beetle Anthrenus verbasci in a Common wasp Vespula

VUI SATIS: MESU i. sesdonisyslessnscaetalavessesencescbeesonenssbsehatecbictusaisesecsss =< ceveaces eae ee 161
Steel, T.. Observing butterflies, Austria 1996 and 1999) ooo rs oecsee eee 166
Eales, H.T. Casual observations on possible survival tactics in the larval and pupal stages

of some:British: INS@CtS......0....55..14. 2:50. edsedeeeeneseasebon eucsdcsose oor s2 gene eee eee 171

Short Communications

Jones, R.A. The flightless sawily .£..3:2.2...2.,.0:<0825- iis.-cs20tcaeutoya ses se=aee oorees eee 150
Koryszko, J. New records of Bordered pug in Staffordshire ...............:esseesseeseceseesseesseenees 153
Koryszko, J. Increasing numbers of White-shouldered house-moths ...............-::eesseeeeeeeees 162
MeNamiara. D--The Rulesi.2..2.5.5.053.22.5ssssess-00setesecoseesessseesooete-s Soca ee 169
Parker, R.: Moths. in recent literature ....6<. 6.2 sis005.s2s0e02s00-<che.cdaueeescs ee 170
Hall, P. Verdant Hawk at. Sheermess..<5.....ccs.ce.-:c0tsoesc cca. oo 173
Editorial, ....0...i..sa.deseti chad Soricgestiaees snd aessoeetescosadensebsoess het 125
Exhibition Report 2000 |... 5.050.366..0.c..s2.csssstessocepeocnenssesesesese tibia dotaeee= see 126

Book Review
Fluttering Encounters in the Amazing Archipelago by Jan Pasternak .............::cssseeeseeeseeeees 163

Video Review
The Biohistory of Carabus)through DNA <...2.-.22.s-00e---<e<a-c2oseesoeeeeeeeeseeese ee eee 164

© 2001. The Amateur Entomologists' Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430)
All rights reserved.

Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA.

|
|

August 2001.

_———

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Bullet

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Volume 60 © Number 438

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October 2001

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Founded in 1935

The AES ¢ PO. Box 8774 « London * SW7 5ZG

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Membership details can be found in the front of this Bulletin.

The cover of the Bulletin features
Nephrotoma quadrifarea (Crane fly).
The species of the Tipulid genus
Nephrotoma are either black with
yellow bands on the abdomen, or the
reverse. N. quadrifarea is yellow with
a black stripe down the middle of the
abdomen. It is the commonest of our
woodland species of Nephrotoma. It
may also be found in hedgerows and
wilder gardens. It prefers damp to dry
conditions. It may be observed flying
from June to August, the main period
being from late June to July. The larva
occur in damp and decaying plant
material.

Bu &

ulletin

6B the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Volume 60 * Number 438 October 2001

ISSN 0266-836X Editor: Wayne Jarvis BSc

Photo: Nick Holford.

The AES Bug Club is for young people or the “young at heart” who find insects

help then please write to us: AES Bug Club, PO Box 8774, London, bien 5ZG.

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ciety

Volume 60 © Number 438 October 2001

Editorial

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who helped at the Annual
Exhibition at Kempton Park at the beginning of the month. We
recorded an attendance of over 1700 through the turnstiles and, despite
bie tire alarm ibeing activated just after’lunch, the event ran very
smoothly and successfully. Thanks also go to those who brought along
an exhibit to the event — the reports from these will appear early in
next year’s Bulletin. |

We are approaching renewals time again, and enclosed with this
issue Of the Bulletin is a membership renewal form which should be
completed and returned to the Registrar, Nick Holford. It does aid his
job if these are dealt with as early as possible and saves the Society
additional administration costs.

We have recently seen the addition of two new Council members,
Fiona Vass and Shirley Rook. This has filled all the available spaces on
Council for the first time in many years and hopefully indicates that we
have turned the corner with regard to running the Society, which is
done entirely in Council member’s free time with only expenses being
paid (something that a number of members fail to realise!).

Finally, a request for articles. The Bulletin has always been fortunate
in that it has been well supported in terms of articles. However, at this
moment ia time, the number of articles that we have in line to be
printed is very low and any additional material would be gratefully
received. All articles should be submitted via the P.O. Box or via e-mail
(see inside front cover) and can be in either manuscript or electronic
form (Word files preferred).

Wayne Jarvis

| THENATURA!
# HISTORY 22:
14 NOV 2001

i RE
T ENTORMO

176 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society >

Metoecus paradoxus
by Maurice Pledger (3928) and Phil Jeffery (7777)
19 Granville Gardens, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 9QB.

About four years ago while I was nosing around my parents’ garden in
Hoddesdon, I noticed a weird looking insect on the trunk of a large
Ash tree. Curious as to exactly what it was, I potted it up and kept it for
a while. However unfortunately it died. I took it to my good friend, Phil
Jeffery, who was almost as much in the dark about it as I was. He set it,
but we couldn't be sure what it was. Measuring about 10mm, it initially
looked like a fly, but then it seemed to have a very short pair of
pointed elytra, covering the base of a pair of longer pointed wings.
These wings extended beyond the tip of the abdomen. The legs were
very long and spindly. It almost seemed to have a glossy black and
orange thorax, and underneath a light orangy abdomen. We couldnt
decide if it was a beetle, fly, wasp or something else which hadn't
formed properly, or God knows what. We took it to Colin Plant, who,
after a while decided it was a Metoecus paradoxus.

Aptly named, it is the only species of its genus, and apparently the
larvae live parasitically in the nest of the wasp Vespula vulgaris. Up
until this time we knew nothing more about this strange little thing, and
the specimen stayed in Phil’s cabinet as a curiosity. We gathered it was
rare/scarce, or at the very least something seldom seen. A couple of
years ago, a pest controller friend of Phil's said he’d noticed two or
three in a wasps’ nest he’d had to deal with, but the specimens he took
were damaged beyond repair by the time Phil got to them.

Time went by, and on 3rd August 2000, I was walking my dog Bunny
around a green near the Stansted Road in Hoddesdon, Herts just down
the road from where I live. Just beside a children’s play area are two
Lombardy Poplars about three metres apart. I always look over the
trunks, just for the hell of it, and this time I saw one of these black
beetles sitting on the main trunk seemingly ovipositing. I immediately
potted it up, went back and phoned Phil to tell him of my luck. The
time was 8.45pm. He suggested that as his friend had seen two or three
together in a wasps’ nest, there could be a few more around. I kept it
alive and watched its movements. Very gangly and awkward, it kept
tripping over, and if I had to describe its movements, I'd have said it
was drunk. Anyway, the next day was hot and sunny so I went back
and found three more. They all seemed to be walking around about
head-height on the trunks of these two Poplars, with their ovipositors
extended and trailing along the surface. Now and then theyd stop and

ae Volume 60 * October 2001 177

I suppose, lay a few eggs. Sometimes they’d be motionless, positioned
just inside a split in the bark, and with the abdomen curled round
underneath. I took them over to Phil and he kept them for observing
and setting.

The following day we both returned, and just to show my luck can
be overwhelming at times, I noticed a Buprestid, Agrilus sinuatus
sunning itself on a stinging nettle leaf close to a hawthorn hedge. This
is another story in itself. Anyway, we went over to the trees and saw a
few more M. paradoxus. Again, they all seemed to be egg-laying and
going about their business very much like Buprestids. Always a metre
above the ground up to about just over head-height. If disturbed they
would raise their elytra and buzz around slowly, sometimes flying over
to the other tree and alighting on the trunk to carry on egg-laying. I
commented on how they looked to be a cross between Clearwings and
Buprestids. While all this was going on, we noticed a few wasps were
flying around the trunks (which are very licheny) and settling here and
there. As we’d read that they are a parasite on wasps, we deduced that
they'd chosen these two trees as they were being frequented by wasps.
I suppose the wasps may have been settling on the trunks to chew the
dry bark. It did seem strange though as both of us had mostly seen
wasps chewing dead wood and old fencing. (Phil and I subsequently
saw a Hornet chewing at a ruptured piece of bark on a living tree, so I
suppose it could be possible.) I'll return to this point a little later, as I
was talking to Rob Dyke this morning and he mentioned something
which may settle the question!

Over the next few days I returned and saw paradoxus on most
occasions, the last being on the 18th August, again a really big female
egg-laying.

I went round to Phil’s one evening while all this was going on, to see
some of the specimens which he’d set. Apparently all the ones we’d
seen were females. We tried to read up on this fascinating insect in our
books, but very little is written about it. Between Phil, Rob and me we
have an extensive library on all insects but information on this little one
is very scant. In a small book called Bees and Wasps it says that it took
a full 130 years to clarify its development. Other books say conflicting
things and to be honest, there probably is still much to learn about it.
The consensus is that the larvae somehow attach themselves to a wasp
and are carried into the nest, whereupon they penetrate a cell, and
eventually emerge as adults. That sentence took about a minute to
write, but the truth is the whole story could almost fill a book. Some
books say the eggs are laid in the ground, some say in decaying wood

178 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a

where the wasps are chewing wood for nesting material. It may be that
depending on the circumstances, things may vary a little as to what
happens at a particular site.

Back to Phil’s and his microscope. I was just looking at a specimen
Phil had set, when I noticed an absolutely minute movement on a pin
which was holding the back leg of the insect. Curious, Phil wetted a
small brush and placed it on a piece of white paper. It was the tiniest
thing alive I had ever seen. If you could imagine taking the finest
needle and just making a tiny mark on the paper, then this thing was
smaller than that! On the highest magnification we could see it was
black in colour and had a separate triangular head. On the body were
six legs. To slow it down a bit we placed it on a minute drop of water-
based glue, which it tenaciously “swam” through, refusing to give up.
Even on thicker glue we couldn't stop it from moving off. Phil
eventually gave up and put it in a pot! I suppose to anyone else, the
sight of two grown men intrigued and intent on observing something
smaller than a grain of dust, could be construed as bordering on the
insane...

Anyway, at this stage we were almost sure that this was perhaps a
new hatchling. Most books however say that the larva is, well, larva-
like. This little fella had six legs! Then we read that the first instar
larvae called a Triungulin, moults, then becomes maggot-like, so it
looked as though we might've still had a chance that this was a larva
of paradoxus. Phil had previously placed a bottle cork in with his live
females, on which he observed one laying eggs. Placing them under
the microscope we could see there were hundreds, just like tiny
grains of white rice about 0.5mm long. Subsequently these hatched
and the resulting hatchlings were in fact the larva we’d been looking ©
at a while ago. Phil phoned to say he’d been watching their antics
under the microscope, and they were attaching themselves by the tip
of their abdomens to the cork, enabling them to “rear up” with all six
legs in the air. This obviously would facilitate them grabbing hold of a
wasp which had come to visit the immediate area. Phil also
mentioned that it seemed that the larvae were “sticky” in some way.
This was probably the substance they were using to adhere
themselves to the cork. Returning to the comment Rob made earlier,
he thought that this sticky substance may in fact attract the wasps in
some way. This would increase the averages of the larvae grabbing
hold of a visiting wasp.

Given the number of paradoxus females we saw egg-laying over the
trunk surface, and the fact each one would lay hundreds of eggs, I

catenin

ae Volume 60 « October 2001 179

could imagine the surface of the trees would have myriads of these
little larvae, attached by their abdomens waving their legs in the air. It'll
be interesting to keep an eye on the trees in next August 2001 to see if
the whole cycle takes place again, or due to whatever reasons they
move on elsewhere.

Winter moths
by Colin Jones (9694)

7 Larch Avenue, Shotton, Deeside, Flintshire CHS 1NF.

My winter months are usually taken up with repairing and re-painting
the garden moth-trap but due to other projects, there is not enough
space in my workshop.

Because of this, the trap is still out and operating on a photocell i.e.
on at dusk, off at dawn. This year to date, 13th March, I have recorded
33 moths of 13 species but the most notable of these turned up on 21st
January 2001. Now, even with my brain being in winter mode it at first
didn’t register what the moth actually was. So I boxed it and on later
inspection was amazed to find it was a Large yellow underwing
(Noctua pronuba).

The weather so far this year has been cold, wet and windy with the
odd sunny day followed by the inevitable frosty night.

I kept the moth but it died within a couple of days, during a cold
spell. Thirteen days later on 3rd February, I found another in the trap
equally as fresh as the first. Maybe central heating assisted emergence
of greenhouse inhabitants but it seems odd that a species that
overwinters as a larva should complete its cycle at this time of year.

Visit the AES Website today!

_ http://www. theaes.org

E-mail: aes@theaes.org

AES members can also join the AES Forum at
bitp://www.egroups.com/aes

180 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

A visit to the Arima Valley, Trinidad
by Stuart Cole (10159)

21 Wensleydale Gardens, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2LU.

In September 2000 I made a visit to Trinidad to make my first
acquaintance with the insects of the Neotropical Region. I stayed at the
Asa Wright Nature Centre in the rainforest of the Arima Valley in the
Northern Range of hills. The Centre was once a cocoa and coffee estate
now reverted to secondary forest and run as a privately owned nature
reserve. The accommodation caters mainly to well-heeled North
American bird watchers (and so is rather pricey at around £100 per
night for full board). The big veranda of the old house has a fine view
over the forest filled valley to the lowlands. A host of birds, including
several kinds of hummingbird, are attracted to feeders of fruit and sugar
solution arrayed in front of the veranda.

The estate’s most treasured asset is its colony of oilbirds. The oilbird
(Steatornis caripensis), so called because the nestlings are boiled down
to make cooking and lighting oil, is one of the world’s oddest birds
and, although related to nightjars, is placed in its own Family, the
Steatornithidae. It nests in caves from where it ventures out at night to
feed on fruit; it makes weird sounds and, unusually for a bird, uses
echo location and has a well developed sense of smell. The young
develop so slowly that they do not fly until three to four months after
hatching but during that time they reach one and half times the size of
the adult.

Asa Wright also encompasses some old growth, primary, rainforest.
This is typical lowland-type rainforest of a great variety of tree species
with no one kind dominant. I counted 39 species of tree within about a
square mile and Iam sure there were many more than that. Many of
the biggest trees are buttressed at the base of the trunk, lianas hang
from branches laden with a profusion of bromeliads and other
epiphytes while aroids and ferns climb up the boles. Herbaceous plants
are sparse except along streams and at the front edge where they
include the banana-like Heliconias. Mature leaves of trees and shrubs
are often covered with the tiny encrusting mosses, algae and fungi
known as microphylls.

The forest is rich in insects, including classic South American species
such as the Morpho and owl butterflies and hercules and harlequin
beetles. However, September, although in the wet season, was actually
not the best time for insect variety and I would probably have seen much
more had I visited in May or June soon after the start of the wet season.

aa

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ae Volume 60 * October 2001 181

I was particularly disappointed by the low number of butterfly
species since Trinidad is said to have over 600 species, which is a very
high diversity for such a small area. I counted no more than 25 species
in nine days. The two most common butterflies were the red and
brown Anartia amathea of the Nymphalidae and a transparent winged
Ithomia sp. (possibly I. pellucens) of the Ithomiidae. The latter was
most often seen feeding at the flowers of weedy composits at the
roadside. Among the well known Neotropical Family Heliconiidae were
Dryas iulia with long, deep orange wings and the Malachite
(Philaethria dido) with green and black wings. Big orange-yellow
pierids that sailed around flowering bushes were a species of the genus
Phoebis, commonly known as the Sulphurs. Other species included a
single specimen of Morpho peleides, Trinidad’s only Morpho, flying
about in the sunshine over a stream. The wings are a broad expanse of
dazzling iridescent blue edged with black. Another big species was
Caligo teucer, one of the Owl butterflies, occasionally spotted at rest in
the interior of the forest or in flight at dusk.

The numbers of insects attracted to the lights around the centre were
not great but there were an interesting assortment of moths, beetles,
bugs, wasps, bush-crickets and mole crickets. These in turn brought out
three-inch long, white, giant cockroaches of the species Blaberus
giganteus and big mygalomorph spiders (the so called bird eating
spiders) that wandered about below the lights preying on insects that
fell to the ground.

The magnificent moth Thysania agrippina turned up at light one
night. This is a huge Noctuid whose beige coloured wings with rows of
dark crescent shaped markings can reach a span of 12-inches, the
largest of any New World moth. The only other moth that I was able to
identify was Eumorpha phorbas, a big hawk-moth with dark green
forewings and bright-yellow on the hindwings.

The most numerous beetle at light was the little shiny black dung
beetle Onthophagus rhinolophus while the related but much bigger
Coprophaneaus dardanus was found just once. Cyclosoma mafaffa and
C. lunulata were two chafer-like beetles that came to light but are
actually members of the Dynastinae. C. mafaffa is a shiny dark yellow
insect with black markings and all those found were covered in a sticky
sugary coating from the aroid flowers in which the adults feed. Several
large kinds of click beetle (Elateridae) at light were Conoderus
inquinatus, Semiotus ligneus, Orthostethis infuscatus and Chalcolepidius
porcatus. The single specimen of the last species was a particularly
handsome insect, two-inches long and covered with mauve scales.

182 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

Another fine beetle was the Ruteline chafer Pelidnota ignita, one and
half inches long and a glittering metallic-green. .

The very first beetle that I saw after arriving at Asa Wright in the
middle of the night was a male harlequin beetle (Acrocinus
longimanus). This extraordinary longhorn beetle had a body length of
two and half inches and front legs almost five inches long and antennae
of five inches; the elytra and pronotum have an unusual pattern in grey,
black and pink. The harlequin has a wide distribution from Peru to
Mexico but, although size is very variable, there is remarkable
consistency in the complex patterns on the beetle’s dorsal surface in
individuals across the geographical range. This specimen stubbornly
remained on the lamp post for the next four days and nights and was
joined for much of this time by another small harlequin. ‘

Beetles were harder to find in the surrounding forest although
various leaf beetles were frequent on vegetation at the forest edge.
Most of these were Cassidinae (Tortoise beetles), a sub-family that is
particularly well-represented in tropical America. The identified species
were: Ctenochira hebraea, Chirida cruciata, Selenis spinifex and
Pseudomesomphila bipustulata. S. spinifex gets its name from the
shoulders of the elytra each of which curves forward into a large
spine. The very large genus Diabrotica of the Family Galerucinae,
containing hundreds of species in the Neotropical Region, was
represented here by D. speciosa with green spots on the elytra. Nilio
villosa was one of the few beetles that I found in the forest interior
where it was not uncommon on tree trunks. This is a small round dark
brown insect covered with light pubescence. Although it belongs to
the Tenebrionidae, it has a very strong resemblance to certain
vegetarian ladybirds of the genus Epilachna. The Dark bronze tiger
beetle Odontocheila femoralis was sometimes seen on the foliage of
shrubs.

The most abundant of all the insects were the army ants (Eciton
ssp.) whose seemingly endless marching columns were encountered
by night as well as during the daytime. The vast majority of the
workers were quite ordinary looking ants between five and eight
millimetres long but of a handsome dark brown and rust-red in colour.
Only one in perhaps every 200 to 300 workers was a much bigger
creature, 12 to 18 millimetres long, all orange and with enormous
sickle-shaped jaws. These columns were very aggressive and would
swarm all over any object in their path and occasionally ants would be
clumped together where they had overwhelmed some small animal
such as a cricket.

er ie she oc . inet laa lee neenyti cons semmemrne in AOE CT mt

J Volume 60 + October 2001 183

Another abundant ant was a species of leaf cutter (Atta), perhaps the
best known genus of tropical American ants. Leaf cutters appeared to
be more active at night than in the daytime and their columns were
often seen trailing up and down tree trunks to harvest the leaves. The
range of size among the orange-red Atta workers was even greater than
in Eciton: from 1.5mm to 14mm. Their underground nests were located
in banks of earth, beneath paths and at the bases of trees. One Atta
nest on a track not far from the lodge was very large. At the surface
there was a broad area of bare sandy earth several yards across with
many sizeable entrance holes between one and three inches in
diameter.

The only other social Hymenoptera that were noticeably numerous
were honeybees of the genus Apis that swarmed around the bird
feeders. The genus Apis is not native to the Americas and I suspect that
these bees were the “Africanised” honeybee which is a hybrid between
the African and European subspecies of A. mellifera. This hybrid has
spread to Trinidad, as it has to the rest of South and Central America,
from its original site in southern Brazil where the African Honeybee (A.
mellifera scutellata) was introduced in 1956 and then hybridised with
the already established Italian race.

Perhaps the most curious insects that I came upon in the Arima
Valley were the little black specks that I noticed on a roadside
composit. These turned out to be the tiny leaf hopper Cyphonia
clavata, one of a number of species of tropical American Membracids
in which the pronotum is developed into a variety of bizarre shapes. In
this species the pronotum is produced upwards into two pairs of
outward curved horns, then extends backwards to form a spine topped
by a swelling that carries three branches, the two outer ones expanding
into spherical bulbs. These burdensome structures, common to both
sexes, appear to serve no useful purpose.

Airport Goat moth
by R. W. Stroud (5950)

55 Haymeads Lane, Bishops Stortford, Herfordshire CM23 5J].

During a security patrol at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk on the afternoon of
9th September I noticed a fully grown caterpillar of the Goat moth
(Cossus cossus) crawling up the outside wall of the passenger terminal
building. There were a few Poplar trees in the vicinity.

184 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ad

Bolivia — Butterflies of the Andes
and Amazon Basin
by Mike Unwins and Pringle

16 Beech Grove, Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 2E].

Bolivia, a landlocked country the size of France and Spain combined in
the middle of South America, is not yet on the tourist route. The capital,
La Paz, breathless at 13,000 feet, is reached via the highest civil airport
in the world. The politics are now okay and we visited for three weeks
in October 1998.

We went south from La Paz to Chapare region at the foothills of the
Andes. Here we found Morpho, Prepona, Hamadryas, etc in profusion.
On our way back to Cochabamba we stopped by the roadside at higher
altitude and were pleased to find Morpho aurora aurora among many
other species. We would have preferred to dwell longer but had to
catch a flight to La Paz.

From La Paz we descended the terrifying road (since made safer by
making it one-way) for a night stop at the old Spanish town of Coroico.
Here the moths coming to the street-lights and staying to next day were
a sight to behold. We then pushed. on to.Caranavi — a source of
wonderful butterflies attracted to primitive human sanitation. We also
went by boat further into the jungle to find Philaethria dido, Eurytides,
Papilionidae thoas cinyras, Doxocopa, Baeotus, etc.

After a day’s journey we came to Rurrenabaque, which we made a
centre. This town is astride the Beni River and there is plenty of scope
for going up or downstream. We managed to net some wonderful
newly hatched prepona and a single newly hatched Agrias
sardanapalus, which had been attracted by horse dung. The most
memorable sight was a colony of Eunica eurote flapping in the dappled
tropical sunlight.

The last phase was a butterfly disaster — we went to the town of
Trinidad in the “Pampus” or grassy region where cattle are farmed. It
was a desert of butterflies — lovely wild animals and birds — but not a
butterfly to be seen!

Bolivia is a poorer country than others in South America. The few
hotels are adequate — the food is excellent beefstreaks or lovely fish
from the rivers. The distances are vast and we used the relatively cheap
internal airlines as our jeep was driven ahead.

We are going again in October 2001 for three weeks — and we now
know where to go!

ee

-
= f ‘

ae Volume 60 ° October 2001 185

A stag in Lisbon
by Matthew Rowlings (9108)

3 Great North Road, Alcolnbury, Cambridgeshire, PE17 5ES.

I was rather taken aback by the destination of a stag weekend in
Lisbon, Portugal scheduled for Friday 8th September 2000. There is
relatively little in Portugal to attract the lepidopterist, with nearby Spain
offering much more. Only the Aetherie fritillary (Welitaea aetherie) is of
particular interest here, but it flies much earlier in the year (April and
May) and I’ve seen it in Morocco and earlier in the year on Sicily. So,
for once, I went travelling without even a desire to go butterflying.

A very pleasant walk on the Saturday afternoon took Simon and me
up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, a very attractive fort set on a hill
overlooking the city and the estuary of the Tagus half a kilometre to the
south. In the grounds I spotted a Scarce swallowtail CUphiclides
podalirius feisthamelii), a few Large whites (Pieris brassicae) and three
Holly blues (Celastrina araiolus).

Imagine my surprise on Sunday morning, when recovering from 48
hours of heavy drinking and lack of sleep, I found myself wanting to
go out into the sunshine to read my book. I took to the square outside
the Hotel Mondial, our residence in the city centre. It was very hot and
the sky was crystal clear. There were watered borders along the long
edges of the modern paved square that ran for 300m up the hill and
was 50m wide. There were low flowers and a few flowering shrubs. I
walked up the square to find the ideal spot to spend the last 30 minutes
before leaving for the airport. I spotted a couple of Holly blues flying
around some of the lower plants.

I spotted another blue settled in the middle of the flowerbed. It was
crawling around on a white flower head. It flew before I could
convince myself it was a Holly blue. In complete contrast to the Holly
blues it did not fly fast or far. It fluttered around close to the ground
and settled again. Interest aroused, I plucked up the courage to move
onto the flowerbed (the gardener was nearby) and peered at the
butterfly. Unmistakably it was a Geranium bronze (Cacyreus marshalli),
the South African import that was first found in Europe on Mallorca in
1990 and has been spreading ever since. I was very excited as I had
never seen one before and I was not expecting it.

I rushed back to the room, where I was told we had ten minutes! My

time had been shortened, but I was determined to get back to the spot
with disposable camera and the solitary plastic box I had brought along

186 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society oé

simply because I could do. I ran up the square and immediately found
another one. Then another. I found six in total. I was eyed quizzically
from the occupants of the passing vehicles and pedestrians. No one
actually bothered me though. I caught one in the box for a closer look —
it was perfect. They were all flying low to the ground and never straying
off the small area of earth in the sea of concrete. They would fly short
distances before resting on the low flowers, occasionally feeding. They
were effectively marooned by the road, the square and the path cutting
through the border for the pedestrian crossing, an area of perhaps 30 or
40 square meters only. Unfortunately I had no time at all to check the
borders down the opposite side of the square, but I was pretty certain
there were no more Bronzes along my side of the square.

I returned to England having had an excellent weekend in a lively
city with some unexpected wildlife (and a hangover!).

The Pearly underwing, in Staffordshire
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 JAY.

Over the last 100 years the Pearly underwing (Perdroma saucia Hubner)
has been an uncommon moth in Staffordshire. In the Atlas of the
Lepidoptera of Staffordshire, Part 5, by the late R.G. Warren, he states it
was rare in Victorian times, became fairly common at Madeley and
Burntwood, 1940 to 1960, and a few records in other parts of north
Staffordshire, but since 1960 it has become rare again. On 16th October
2000, while sugaring with Derek Heath in the garden at Meir,
Staffordshire, we recorded a fine specimen of the Pearly underwing, at
around 2 o’clock in the morning — we were surprised to find anything at
all, the night was very cold and clear. The moth was feeding alongside a
single specimen of Angle shades moth (Phlogophora meticulosa
Linnaeus). I showed this specimen of Pearly underwing to Mr Keith
Bloor, the keeper of natural history, at the City Museum, Hanley, Stoke-
on-Trent. On 15th and 22nd October we recorded single examples,
again at sugar in the garden at Meir, and a final specimen of Pearly
underwing (ab. margaritosa Haworth) was recorded in the garden at

Meir on 26th October 2000. Ab. Margaritosa is stated in South’s Moths of

the British Isles, 1972 Series One, page 138, plate 45, fig. 8, to occur
alongside the typical form wherever the species is found, but the typical
form is generally the most frequent. All these moths may have been
migrants, which are much more frequent in southern England.

tf Volume 60 ° October 2001 187

Sweet things for moths
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 7AY.

For well over a hundred years entomologists have used the more
traditional methods of sugaring to attract moths. This consists of a recipe
of treacle, beer, brown sugar, honey and other ingredients, each
entomologist making up his or her own favourite recipe. The mixture is
warmed up and then painted onto a tree trunk, post or fence. A hundred
years ago this was the most popular method of moth collecting apart from
hunting for moths at old gas lamps and the like. With the introduction of
electricity less sugaring was done, most entomologists turning to light
trapping. Today sugaring is a dying art. I and some fellow Staffordshire
entomologists still practice these old methods of moth recording, but have
come up with some new ideas of our own. The best method so far has
come from my friend, Richard Heath. This consists of an apple with the
top cut off and partially hollowed out, leaving around two-thirds of the
apple’s contents behind. Then a garden cane or a similar piece of wood,
around 30 inches long can be cut, and sharpened to a point at both ends.
Richard uses hazelnut branches, because they are quite straight and
stitabple for the job. Then the lid ef an old plastic butter.carton is
skewered through the centre with the spiked cane or similar piece of
wood, Circular butter lids are better, with the rim facing upwards, so as to
cup the apple and support it. The cane is pushed through the butter lid
with the apple on top of it, so that they become spiked together, and
looks like a toffee apple. The other end of the cane is pushed into the
ground deep enough to support the weight of the apple on top of the
cane. The reason for the butter carton lid at the apple’s base is that it stops
the rotten apple from sliding down the cane. When you have done all
this, you may pour your own sugaring mixture in the hollow at the top of
the apple, topping it up when you need to, and adding some over-ripe
blackberries or other fruits, with the sugaring mix, as the apple begins to
decay. The combination of the sugaring mixture and the decaying fruit
blended in together, brings the moths from miles away. One night in mid-
August 2000, Richard recorded over one hundred moths, mainly Large
yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba Linnaeus) on only six of these apples
placed together. The beauty of these apples is that they can be moved
almost anywhere all around your garden. During the day butterflies also
visit the apples, mainly the Nymphalidae family with only the Painted lady
(Cynthia cardui Linnaeus) seeming to ignore them. The Speckled wood
(Pararge aegeria Butler) love to feast.

188 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

Is the Tiger an endangered species?
by Graham Best (7928)
12 Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS12 4JH.

Every spring while pottering about in my garden I could usually rely on
finding a few post-hibernation larvae of the Garden tiger (A. caja)
sunning themselves. Similarly summer was never complete without a
few fully-grown “wooly bears” travelling at high speed to a destination
only they knew of. It dawned on me recently that quite a few years
have passed since I have seen any of them or their furry relatives. Most

fully grown larvae are parasitised — have the parasites got the upper
hand?

I once did a food choice test on this species and Groundsel won
easily although the droppings were rather loose. Could it be that having
fed any Groundsel or Chickweed in my garden to my budgerigars I
have eliminated it or is this a part of a wider trend?

A Dingy skipper record after 15 years
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST3 JAY.

On 3rd May 1999, a warm sunny day, I visited Barlaston Rough Close
Common, Staffordshire. On the Bilberry bushes Green hairstreak
Callophrys rubi L. were in small numbers. The Holly blue Celastrina
argiolus britanna Verity was on the wing among the holly bushes. Also
on the wing with one dwarf form was Orange tip Anthocharis
cardamines L. and a single male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni rhamni
L. which may have wandered some distance — the larval foodplant of
buckthorn is not present here. To my surprise a Dingy skipper Erynnis
tages L. landed on the path in front of me — the last record here was
back in June 1984 by myself.

ad Volume 60 + October 2001 189

From the caterpillars, cats and cattle
chosen by Anne Harvey, Puffin Books 1988

A selection of entomological verse submitted by Brian Gardiner

The Saffron Butterfly

Out of its dark cocoon,

Like a blossom breaking earth

A saffron winged butterfly

Came to its April birth,

Fluttered by banks of primroses:

I could not tell, not I,

If yellow butterflies starred the hedge,
Or a flower flew in the sky.

TERASA HOOLEY

The Butterfly in Church

Butterfly, butterfly, why come you here?
This is no place for you;

Go, sip the honey-drop sweet and clear,

Or bathe in the morning dew.

This is the place to think of heaven,
This is the place to pray:
You have no sins to be forgiven —
Butterfly, go away!
WILLIAM COWPER

190 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a

Seven Flies

Each autumn in the kitchen
A fly remains. The same?
How can we tell? Except

It seems to grow more tame.

If you're a house-fly

Then I wonder why

You bang on the glass
That keeps you from grass.

You know by my flapping hand I hate your flight;
So why do you want to kiss me in the night?

Fly, who’s been very naughty on my dough-
Nut, why do I push the window, let you go?

Fly in the milk, I spoon you out alive

And grieve you're too bedraggled to survive.
Still fly against the wall — it is as if

I stood asleep upon an upright cliff.

A fly on the kitchen pane —

Surely that fly of old!

With cunning suddenness

I push the window out

And as quickly shut it again:

The fly still on the glass

But on the outside now.

Unmoving, sulking, it stays,

Its diamond eyes upon

Sugar and cake and him

Who plays dirty tricks on flies. if
Roy FULLER

6 Volume 60 ¢ October 2001 191

A little more about moth trapping
by Don McNamara (5537)
6 Fulham Close, Hillingdon-Uxbridge, Middlesex UB10 OSU.

The article about moth trapping “Moths — the obsession begins!” in the
Bulletin Vol 60, June 2001 was most interesting and parallels my own
feGent experiences.

Having pursued butterflies for most of my life, a growing fascination
with moths, and in particular the smaller ones, generally but not always
accurately described as “micros”, reached fruition only recently with the
purchase of a “Skinner Trap”. Like Paul Talbot I was (and still am) a
little nervous about taking the plunge because of the difficulties of
identification.

Elowever, it seems the technique cannot be rushed, there are no
quick fixes, you just have to be patient and by a process of elimination
gradually learn the trade. And as has been said before, get the best
identification books — and pester experts.

What really got me hooked was, however, witnessing some
extraordinary events in Ecuador in 1995. Obviously one can’t compare
tropical rainforest to West London — but the excitement and curiosity as
to “what will appear” is very much the same. In Ecuador, in the small
town of Misahuali, near Tena, we set up a m.v. lamp with a white sheet
in the front. The next morning it was covered in moths — the largest
which measured 17cms across, one of the Rothchildia silkmoths, and
was accompanied by literally hundreds of others from the microscopic
to the size of a large hawkmoth.

One curious fact had most of us wondering, was that the moths
stopped about 60cms from the bottom of the sheet — it was as if a
straight line had been drawn, below which there was just white sheet.
Above the line was this packed assembly covering every centimetre.
The answer — chickens. In the grounds of the place that we were
staying roamed a “gang” of near feral chickens whose individuals vied
with each other to pick off the moths — the most successful, obviously,
could jump 60cms.

But in my West London garden things were also very rewarding — I'll
list a few (because I can’t list them all) — some not unexpected, but
some were.

These were identified during the last week in June and the first two
weeks in July 2001. Numbers not given, just the occurrence of a
species.

192 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tS

Elephant Hawk Deilephila elpebor

Lime Hawk Mimas tiliae

Eyed Hawk Smerinthus ocellata

Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula (probably the result of escapee larvae)
Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae

Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata

Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis

White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda

Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum

Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis
and the one that I was most pleased about

Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina (which I didn’t think would be here)

Of course there were many others, micros, geometrids, pugs,
noctuids etc. It was pleasing to get all three hawks in one go — but
what really surprised me was the excitement, and the willingness to get
up very early to sort out the moths. Not much chance of a Rothchildia
— but the anticipation is intense.

One spin-off. A small girl, Jasmine Doyle (7 years old), came up to
me with a moth in a box, which she said her dad had found where he
works, at London Airport. Could I tell her what it was. It was easily
identifiable — an Oleander Hawkmoth, Daphnis nerii. This was the first
time I had seen one “in the wild”.

Tawny pinion and Pale pinion moths in

Staffordshire
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 JAY.

On 15th March 2000, Derek Heath and myself captured a Tawny pinion
(Lithophane semibrunnea Haworth) at sugar in the garden at Meir,
Staffordshire, then again on 28th September, 2000. These are new records
for this part of Staffordshire. The Tawny pinion is a recent arrival in
Staffordshire. It first appeared in 1982 at Keele, at light, then from Woore,
Eccleshall, Lime Pitts Farm, and Rushall. Also, during the late 1990s, the
Pale pinion (Lithophane socia Hufnagel) was recorded for the first time in
the county, at light, from Kinver Edge, Cosley Gauge and Kidsgrove. No
doubt these two species are extending their range in Staffordshire.

ad Volume 60 ¢ October 2001 193

More Glasgow moths
by Frank McCann (6291)
3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY.

I went for a walk with my girlfriend, Irene, to Glenconner Park,
Royston, Glasgow on Sunday 24th June 2001. I saw two small
Chamomile shark moth caterpillars on chamomile flowers growing just
before the railway embankment facing east. We then walked to an area
of ground just before Charles Street. There more chamomile plants
were growing. I saw another Chamomile shark caterpillar, the same size
as the previous two, resting on a flowerbud of chamomile. I pointed
that one out to Irene and she saw it; she didn’t see the first two as she
had sat on a bench at the park waiting for me.

I wasn’t sure if the species was still in the area, and I was pleasantly
surprised to see the three caterpillars. The day was very warm and
sunny. In the early spring of this year (2001), I had seen the young
chamomile plants growing in the area. I noticed the chamomile and
pineapple weed look very similar when the plants are young. When
full-grown the chamomiles are much taller. It is just the leaves that look
similar. Owing to the land development in that area, some of the
original chamomiles have been lost. But new plants have appeared in
the disturbed ground and have grown to maturity, i.e. flowered by mid-
June.

I have at Irene’s home a cocoon of a chamomile shark caterpillar
from last year’s pupation, (2000). I am waiting for the moth to emerge.

I am co-ordinating with Rosemount Development Trust at Charles
Street, about the extent of the chamomiles and other wild plants
growing in the Glenconner area. Disturbance will be kept to a
minimum, I was assured. It is good to see various wild flowers,
including chamomiles growing in the area — especially on recently
disturbed land adjoining the football parks and playing field area.

194 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

A walk on the wild side with Zygaena lonicerae
by John Rudge (8124)

Wayfarers, Haglands Lane, West Chiltington, Sussex RH2O 2QS.

The Highlands and Islands Enterprise recently purchased the Orbost
estate on the Duirinish peninsular in north-west Skye. This makes
possible a spectacular walk from Ramasaig to Orbost along the coastal
cliffs. It is a walk of 15 miles and I accomplished this at a leisurely pace
in ten hours on a day of perfect weather in June 2001. Apart from a
short distance at the start of the walk no road or other living person
was seen and the only building was a bothy maintained by the
Mountain Bothy Association. Those who might wish to walk the route
in the future should be aware that there is no receivable signal for
mobile telephones and the route is extremely exposed. Consequently,
suitable protective clothing and walking boots are essential even if the
weather is kind.

One of the highlights of the walk was the appearance, on a grassy
slope on a cliff top, of a moth of vibrant red and black colours that
appeared large for a Burnet. Having not previously seen this moth I
consulted Bernard Skinner’s book, Moths of the British Isles. The book
shows photographs of examples of races of the Narrow-bordered Five-
spot Burnet where presumably the colours have somewhat faded from
their original state. They are devoid of the brilliant colour of the moth I
saw. However the text states that Z. lonicerae jocelynae is locally
common on the grassy slopes of Skye and I believe that this is the moth
seen. I will return to Skye in 2002 with my eldest grandson as he
wishes to see “the moth of Skye” and to share with me the pleasures of
a walk on the wild side at Duirinish.

Peacock butterfly in Glasgow
by Frank McCann (6291)
3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY.

A few days ago, i.e. 9th May 2001, I saw a Peacock butterfly resting on a
sunny pathway, which leads to Queenslie. I was coming down the hill
from Queenslie, where land development is taking place, and towards
the end of the pathway near the foot of the hill, I saw a butterfly which
rested with open wings on the pathway. I could see that it was a
Peacock butterfly, quite a large specimen. Time of sighting was around
midday. I watched it until it took flight into the field next to the path.

:

ad Volume 60 ¢ October 2001 195

Canary Island insects
by Stuart Cole (10159)

21 Wensleydale Gardens, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2LU.

In recent years I have made a couple of brief visits to the Canary
Islands. Although I found them rather disappointing from the
entomological point of view Gn contrast to the botanical), it might be
worth noting what I found there.

The Canary Islands are famous for their flora which includes a large
relict element thought to be descended from a type of forest once
found in Europe in warmer preglacial times. There is a high proportion
of endemics amongst the flowering plants. Of 1,700 or so native
flowering plants scattered over the archipelago, over 500, or one third,
are endemic and there are 12 endemic genera. The natural vegetation is
very varied for such a small area, ranging from sub-humid evergreen
forest in parts of the moister, western, islands such as Tenerife and La
Gomera to desert in the eastern islands such as Fuerteventura and
Lanzarote.

No doubt the Canary Island fauna also comprises many endemics.
There are certainly five endemic birds and the fairly small beetle family
Cleridae has two endemic species and one of these is the sole
representative of its genus (Canariclerus). One feature of note amongst
the insects is the presence of two species of butterfly that are here
isolated from the rest of their range. The more remarkable of these is
the Indian red admiral (Vanessa indica), a south Asian insect that is
otherwise not found to the west of India, some thousands of miles
away. The other species is the North American Monarch butterfly
(Danaus plexippus), which sometimes turns up as an accidental on the
east side of the Atlantic and established itself on some of the Canaries
in the 1880s (believe the species is now also naturalised in southern
Spain and Portugal.

Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands, was visited in
January 1998. It is the closest to Africa, being 60 miles from
southernmost Morocco, and also the driest with a decidedly arid
landscape. As a holiday destination, Fuerteventura is as yet much less
developed than the other major islands of the Canaries and we stayed
at the almost entirely new tourist town of Callete de Fuste on the east
coast. Here little was seen in the way of insects but the Barbary spurge
hawk (Ayles tithymali) was common at street lights and amongst the
few other moths was the attractive noctuid Ophiusa tirhaca which has
green forewings and pale yellow hindwings.

196 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

Outside the small scattered towns and villages the only trees are
those growing along the, usually dry, stream beds (barrancos) and
almost all the trees were wild Canary Island palms (Phoenix
canariense). The finest grove of these palms was along the Barranco de
las Penitas starting at the little village of Vega de Rio de Palmas. This
was the only barranco with a flow of fresh water, though it was little
enough and drained into the sand after a 100 yards or so. Dragonflies
were common here but were virtually the only insects noticed. A Red
admiral fluttering around the ripe dates in the crown of the palms was
the common Vanessa atalanta and not V. indica which does not occur
on Fuerteventura. The only other butterfly seen was a single Plain tiger
(Danaus chrysippus). This widespread species was fairly common on
the island and occurs across Africa and Asia though it is apparently rare
in North Africa.

I stopped at an interesting looking slope at around 1,500 feet altitude
between Vega and Pajara in the low hills inland. The stony ground had
a sparse scrub composed of two kinds of semi-succulent Euphorbias.
The more numerous of these was E. balsamifera which formed
rounded bushes up to six feet high of a dense tangle of swollen fleshy
stems. The stems ended in small rosettes of leaves enclosing an
inconspicuous flower. As well has hosting numerous little red mites the
flowers were visited by various flies and two species of tiny beetles:
Scymnus canariensis of the Coccinellidae and Anthicus lapidosus
(Anthicidae) and the 7-spot ladybird (Coccinella 7-punctata) which was
also found at many other places on the island and was the most
commonly seen beetle.

Another spot that I examined in the hills was near the small town of
Betancuria in the centre of the island and once its capital. The slopes at
around 1,000 feet altitude were strewn with stones and virtually devoid
of vegetation. There were many small dark beetles of several kinds
beneath the stones. Most of them were tenebrionids of which the most
numerous was Malasma lineatus, other identified species of the family
were Thalpophilus deyrollei and Helops aterrimus. Helops (of which one
species occurs rarely in Britain) is well represented in the Canary
Islands with at least 11 species. The somewhat elongated black weevil
Herpystichus calvus (Brachyderinae) was also abundant but all the
specimens found were dead. Their demise appeared to be entirely due
to their being the favourite prey of the Latrodectus spiders, relatives of
the Black Widow, that were common under stones here. The plump
female spiders were each surrounded by accumulations of intact weevil
bodies placed in such a way that they formed a protective circular wall.

ta —

ad Volume 60 « October 2001 197

Apart from an unidentified chafer there were also two kinds of carabid.
One was TJarus discoides of the Lebiini, the other, I think, was a
Harpalus sp.

On another day I drove to the arid Jandia Peninsular at the south end
of the island to look for the very restricted endemic plant Euphorbia
handiense. In the rocky desert of the Gran Valle here plants were
sparse and this two foot high spiny cactus-like succulent and the
bigger, columnar, FE. canariense were conspicuous as they were
virtually the only vegetation present amidst the black volcanic rocks. A
few little lacertid lizards, the same colour as the rocks, sheltered under
the plants while similarly coloured geckoes lived under the rocks.
Otherwise the only animals noticed were thysanurans and three kinds
of beetle. Of the latter one was a Carabus species, another was a very
swift moving tenebrionid of the genus Zophosis, possibly Z. plicata.

In late October 2000 I spent a few days in Tenerife. This is a much
more varied island climactically and in its topography. It ranges from
semi-arid in the south to sub-humid in the north and reaches over
12,000 feet altitude at the peak of volcanic Mount Teide.

Our base was Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast, perhaps the most
salubrious resort on the island. The Monarch butterfly was common
along the sea front and in the town’s botanical gardens but little else
was seen in the locality. The Monarch was also seen in the little town
of Icod de los Vinos, famous for its giant specimen of the Dragon tree
(Dracaena draco) the most spectacular of native Canary Island plants.
The Monarch was not noticed in the countryside and apparently it does
not normally occur there because the larvae feed only on cultivated
species of the milkweed family Asclepiadaceae and not on wild native
species.

I was able to make only one visit to an area of laurel forest. This was
below the village of Erjos, not far from Icod. The forest was composed
of around eight or nine species of dicotyledinous evergreen trees with
no one species dominant but most were members of the family
Lauraceae. Of these, three were endemics of genera that have no other
representatives in the Western Palearctic and their nearest relatives are
in South America and sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately the weather
was a little chilly and steady drizzling rain fell the whole time. There
were many small millipedes on the damp ground and woodlice,
Geophilus centipedes and an unusual kind of snail were common but
insects appeared scarce. The spiny leafbeetle Dicladispa occator of the
subfamily Hispinae was found “in cop” on bushes of Cistus
symphytifolius but was much less common here than on the lower

198 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 34

slopes of Mt Teide. Another chrysomelid was the yellow flea beetle
Longitarsus persimilis “in cop” on flowers of Kleinia along with the
mordellid Anaspis proteus. A few beetles were found under stones: the
carabids Harpalus schaumii and Olisthopus glabratus and the weevil
Neoplinthus musicus.

On Mt Teide itself insects seemed to be even more sparse. Dicladispa
was numerous but very little else was seen. However, although I found
Tenerife to be rather disappointing during this brief autumn visit, I
suspect that the island and, more so, La Gomera where more of the
original Canarian forests have survived, would be well worth returning
to at a more favourable time of the year.

Share your entomological experiences
with other enthusiasts and see your
work published in the AES Bulletin.

Have you seen anything unusual?
Have you had any interesting adventures?

Whatever you take for granted in your part of the
country could be a rare occurrence in another area —
share your observations with like-minded people,
send an article to the AES Bulletin.

It can be long or short, not necessarily scientific, if
you think it is interesting, PUBLISH IT!

Send your article to the Editor at
AES, PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG

i 0

ag Volume 60 + October 2001 199

Out with a Beating Stick
by Theodore Wood, F-.E.S.

Author of Our Insect Allies, Our Bird Allies

What shall we to to-day? The entomological ardour burns fiercely
within us, and insect-hunting of some kind we must have. But is is to
dull and cloudy for butterflies to be about and we want something
more than a mere stroll round the palings or a look at the tree-trunks.
Let us set out for a turn with the beating-stick.

No sooner said than done. Down comes the net from its peg and the
killing-bottle from the shelf. A couple of zinc collecting boxes are stocked
with pins, and their cork lining slightly damped in order to prevent their
future inmates from “stiffening” before they can be set. Then a capacious
pocket is filled with pill-boxes, and a biscuit or two slipped into another;
and, thus equipped, we start for a neighbouring wood.

And a delightful wood it is. Not of much use for butterflies, or for
sugaring, for it is merely a dense mass of bushes and young trees,
traversed here and there by grassy paths and glades. But for our
present purpose it is almost perfection, the undergrowth being varied
and the foliage thick and close, while if a moth should break away we
have a clear run of hundreds of yards before us. So, as the air is warm
and fresh, and the time of year the best that could be chosen, we reach
our hunting-grounds very sanguine of success.

Before setting to work, however, we must cut the all-important
beating-stick; and this, by the way, is not really a beating-stick at all.
Long ago we found that by thrashing the bushes in the orthodox
fashion we tired our muscles, blistered our hands, drew upon ourselves
the wrath of those entrusted with the care of the wood, and thus
injured our own cause. SO now, instead of beating, we shake, and find
our captures increased in number, and our exertions at the same time
diminished.

The stick, therefore, for which we are looking out must be not
merely a straight rod but one forked at the extremity, something like a
catapult frame with a very long handle. By means of this a bush may be
shaken as violently as we please by a mere jerk or two of the wrist.
Then it must not be too short, for the path is a wide one; nor too long,
for it would be unmanageable. And it must be of sufficient strength to
withstand a little hard usage. So we cut a stout hazel stem, with a fork
beyond criticism, and trim it up until it is about four feet in total length,
and then, net in right hand and stick in left, we set to work.

200 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society tJ

Moths are not long in making their appearance. From the very first
bush that we shake a couple fly forth, rather slowly and heavily, as
becomes beings which have just been rudely aroused from slumber.
One we catch, to find that it is only a common White wave (Cabera
pusaria), which is generally a good deal of a nuisance at this season of
the year; the other makes its way into the foliage a little father on,
whence no doubt we shall presently dislodge it.

Next, flying low, comes a specimen of the pretty little Spotted yellow
(Venilia maculata), one of our special favourites, and quite
unmistakable as it flits slowly along. We net it, however, not because
we want it, but on the off chance that it may be a good variety. For is
there not a form with only four black spots upon each of the upper
wings? And does not every collector trust and hope that he may some
day capture it?

No such luck for us this time, however, so we release our little
prisoner, and set to work again with the stick. And now the moths,
like the confiding but foolish oysters immortalised in song, begin to
come “thick and fast, and more, and more, and more.” There seems no
end to them as they stream out from the bushes, every application of
the stick turning out some half a dozen at least, and often as many
again. White moths, green moths, yellow moths, brown moths, large
and small, swift and slow, all are fluttering round us. We are almost
bewildered in the midst of so much plenty. We scarcely know which
to capture. If we net a small white thing that seems out of the common
way, a brown or grey fellow is sure to fly hurriedly past just at that
moment and dive deeply into the foliage; and then we have a sort of
uneasy feeling that we have caught a common moth and allowed a ~
rarity to escape. A minute or two afterwards, perhaps, matters are
exactly reversed, and then we feel quite sure that the white moth is the
one which we ought to have followed up, and that we have let
another opportunity slip. But at last we make up our minds that regrets
are vain and speculation useless, and set ourselves to capture as many
specimens as we can, without bestowing a second thought upon those
which elude the net.

Even then, however, we have enough to do. One soon learns to
recognise such common things as the before-mentioned White wave, or
the Silver ground carpet (Melanippe montanata),Which fly out in twos
and threes from almost every bush, but there are others, almost equally
common, which have to be netted and carefully examined upon the
chance of meeting with good varieties. Thus, in this very wood a
fortunate friend once captured a Brimstone moth (Rumia crataegata)

i
oa
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bed Volume 60 * October 2001 201

without any markings at all; and so we are obliged to capture every
brimstone moth that we see in the hope of being equally successful.
Then there is the pretty litthe Clouded border (Lomaspilis marginata),
of which, upon an average, one specimen turns up in every ten yards
of ground, and which is

“as variable as the shade
By the light quiv’ring aspen made.”

Every now and then one of these is really worth having, and several
very nice specimens adorn our collecting-boxes before the close of the
day. But for each one thus retained, some thirty or forty have to be
examined. Thus our task, even where the common things are
concerned, is by no means a light one, while there are multitudes of
specimens which cannot be recognised upon the wing, and which of
course have to be separately netted and inspected.

Some of the exquisite Emeralds we get, those most delicate and
elesamt of moths. Several specimens of the Little emerald (lodis
lactearia), of the palest possible green, fading to actual white after a
very few hours of sunlight. Several of the Dark emerald (Hemithea
thymiaria), \ooking for all the world like a bit of oak-leaf. One or two
of the Pale emerald (Metrocampa margaritata), with wings like mother-
of-pearl flushed with green; and, best of all, a solitary Large emerald
(Geometra papilionaria), about as big as all the others put together. A
noble fellow he is, and as we pin him in perfect condition into our
collecting-box, we congratulate ourselves upon our good fortune.

Then there are several of that pretty little creature the Maiden’s blush
(Ephyra punctaria), whose appearance is well described by its
somewhat romantic title, but which so soon gets sadly chipped and
worn. Out of some ten or twelve examples which we capture, there are
but three worthy of a place in the cabinet, the remainder being released
to rejoin their fellows and congratulate themselves upon their fortunate
escape. But one of the three is a real beauty, just out of the pupa, and
suffused with the most glowing pink; and such specimens as this one
does not often meet with.

We take a Lilac beauty (Pericallia syringaria), too, a curious and not
very common moth, with which we have only met once or twice
before. Why is should be out now, however, is rather a mystery, for it
ought by rights to be still a caterpillar, or at most a pupa, and there is
no possible justification for its appearance for at least three weeks yet
to come. Perhaps it is a kind of lepidopterous “early bird” striving to set
an example to its more slothful kindred. Or perhaps it pupated in a

202 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society od

warm comer, received more than its share of the sunshine, and so was
forced into premature development. 3

There is a Pebble hooktip (Platypteryx falcula), also, or rather two,
one of which we are obliged to reject on account of its battered and
generally disreputable condition. There seem to be other hooktips in
the wood, too, for we presently meet a brother entomologist, armed
with a huge green net, and carrying a collecting box about as big as a
packing case. Then ensues the following short dialogue:-

We. “What have you got?”

He. “ Amula”
We. “Whats amula?”
He. “Ooktip.”

And then it dawns upon us that our laconic and cockney friend is
short of the letter H, and that he is referring to the Oak hooktip
(Platypteryx hamula), which is not as yet included in our list of
captures.

Wending our way onwards, we come to a clump of alders, and from
these we shake out quite a number of that queer littke moth the Dingy
shell (Eupisteria heparata), an insect which one does not meet with
everywhere, and which is a welcome addition to our boxes. Well does
it deserve its popular title, for its sober tints of dull yellow and brown
not only lack all delicacy and brightness, but run so confusedly into
each other that it is difficult to tell where one ends and the next begins.
The moth, indeed, gives one the impression of having been rather
carelessly washed just after it emerged from the pupa.

Not so a specimen or two of the Spotted pinion wave (Corycia
taminata) which we turn out of some sallows a little father on, for this
is one of the whitest and purest of moths, its wings, with their few
black spots looking like the driven snow with a smut or two living
upon it. But the real gem of the day’s collecting, as far as beauty is
concerned, we meet with presently, in an example of the Beautiful
carpet (Melanthia albicillata), one of the very loveliest of all the British
moths. As a well-known collector observed, it is “almost without a rival
for purity and exquisite delicacy of design,” and is one of those
creatures which cause us to wonder whether their marvellous beauty is
appreciated by other eyes than our own, and whether they can be at all
aware of it themselves.

Then, making for a small clump of Scotch firs across a heather
covered knoll, we turn up half a dozen Latticed heaths (Strenia
clathrata), and a Grass wave (Aspilates strigillaria), and net a couple of

ad Volume 60 + October 2001 203

beautiful Yellow underwings (Anarta myrtilli), as they are buzzing
busily to and fro. Exquisite little creatures are these, with the rich gold
of their lower wings, and all the varied hues of the upper, which
harmonise so wonderfully well with those of the heather that when the
moth is at rest even the sharpest eye can scarcely detect it. Swift they
are, too, and timid, rising as the collector approaches and dashing
hastily on for eight to ten yards, only to rise again a few seconds later
for another short flight. We have quite a long spin after our second
specimen, which three several times contrives to elude the stroke of the
net; but at last we run him down just on the borders of the pines.

Then we turn to the trees, to shake out Bordered whites (Fidonia
piniaria) from the branches literally by dozens. Battered they are and
not of much use, for they have probably been knocking about in the
world for at least three weeks past, and show many signs of the ill
usage which they have received; but we nevertheless manage to secure
four or five in very fair condition, including a couple of females, which
are always harder to get than their more brightly coloured spouses.

Not much else to do we find here, however, with the exception of a
Shaded broad bar or two (Thela obeliscata), which fly off from the
trunks as we pass by, so we make our way to a cluster of dwarf
maples, in the hope of getting a few specimens of that remarkably
pretty insect, the Small yellow wave (Asthena luteata). Nor are we
disappointed, for the exquisite little creature is there in some numbers,
and in perfect condition; and so we spend our last ten minutes in
netting a nice series, and one or two over for exchange. Then the
beating-stick is hidden away, to serve upon another occasion, and the
net shouldered, and we set off upon our return journey, very well
satisfied with the results of the afternoon’s walk.

204 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Se

Even more Glasgow moths
by Frank McCann (6291)
3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY.

On 14th July 2001, I was waiting at a bus stop near home, when I
noticed a moth flying down from the grassy embankment next to me. It
was a silvery-white micromoth. It flew onto a pool of water next to the
bus stop and fluttered over the surface of the puddle. I managed to get
it onto one of my fingers, and I placed it on leaves at the base of a
nearby hawthorn tree. I later referred to a moth book with micros
depicted in it, and the nearest I could get to identifying it was a case-
bearer namely Coleophora hemerobiella of the family Colephoridae

(Case bearers).* The case bearing caterpillar lives in fruit-trees and_

various shrubs of the family Rosaceae, maybe also on oak. It was quite
interesting to see the moth with its silvery-white forewings, peppered
with very small black dots. I didn’t see the underwings of the moth.
There had been a lot of rain recently in this in this area where I stay,
and maybe the moth had recently emerged from cocoon or pupa.

EpiTor’s NoTE: This species has never been recorded north of the
English Midlands and it has never been recorded on oak. This
identification is therefore suspect.

Observations from Glasgow
by Frank McCann (6291)
3 Langbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY.

Last winter, i.e December 2000, I collected a hibernating caterpillar
from a twig of a birch tree growing next to a footbridge on a motorway
embankment facing south near Royston, Glasgow. The caterpillar was
very dark — almost black in colour and was a geometer type of larva. I
don’t know the species. I put it into a container and kept it whilst it
rested on various twigs in the container. In the early spring I put
partially opened buds from various trees into the container. It seemed
to be feeding on them, but unfortunately it died soon afterwards.

Also from last year I have a cocoon of a Chamomile shark moth
caterpillar, which pupated last July. I had kept it indoors and fed it on
chamomile flowers until it pupated. A few months ago I unearthed the
cocoon and I’m keeping a watchful eye on it to see when the moth will
emerge. It hasn’t done so yet, date of writing this article, Monday 4th
June 2001.

od Volume 60 « October 2001 205

Cut-worm observations
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 TAY.

I was most interested in John Notton’s article, Soil fertilisation by noctuid
larvae, Bulletin 59 (432), October 2000. The article took me back to the
late 1950s and early 1960s when I was a schoolboy. In those days most
houses had coal fires and most people disposed of their ashes from the
coal fire by giving them to the dustbin men. However my late father
saved them and put the ashes in the garden. He grew lots of fruit and
vegetables and flowers. I remember helping him in the garden, and
finding lots of cut-worm caterpillars, which I put in jam jars, along with
their pupae. The coal fire ashes would attract large numbers of these
caterpillars and I would search for them amongst the weeds which grew
very well in them. I remember digging just under the surface of the
ashes and finding the cut-worm burrows and I noticed the larval frass
was packed into the bottom of its burrow, as John Notton did. No doubt
the frass acted as a direct benefit to the plants. Maybe the reason for the
frass being packed in the bottom of its burrow is that if it was on the
surface of the soil it may attract predators, such as ground beetles,
parasitic flies, small mammals or birds. The Heart and club, (Agrotis
clavis Hufn.) is a local and rare moth in Staffordshire, but the Heart and
dart, (Agrotis exclamationis Linnaeus) is very abundant in the county. I
must have reared hundreds of these moths in those days from amongst
the coal fire ashes, along with the Turnip moth, (Agrotis segetum, D.&S.)
which is much less common these days. It will be most interesting to see
what Mr Notton’s future observations turn up.

A Convolvulus hawk-moth in Staffordshire
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 TAY.

On 28th September 2000, Mr Paul Evans, grandson of my friend Derek
Heath, brought a large moth he had found dead in the gutter in Stafford
town centre. The moth turned out to be a Convolvulus hawk-moth
(Agrius convovuli Linnaeus). The moth was shown to Keith Bloor,
keeper of natural history, at the City Museum, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
The moth was not in good condition, but it has been put into my
collection. It is a useful record, as the last recorded specimen I saw was
in 1972, again a road victim. This, a rare migrant in Staffordshire, which
also lies in my collection, was found at Meir Heath.

206 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3

IN q 1] | Hoverflies of Surrey

by Roger K. th Miciene. published by Surrey Wildlife Trust, 244 pp, 16
colour plates, distribution map for each species. £15. This atlas is the
fourth in a series covering the invertebrates to be produced by the
Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The book starts with a long and interesting introduction which revues
the geology and geography of Surrey, including its position, underlying
rock, soil types and levels of urbanisation. Each major habitat type
found in the county is discussed. There is a map showing its
distribution and a list of hoverfly species likely to be encountered there,
which will be useful for the novice visiting a new site. The author also
makes the point that some species, notably predators, show little
habitat preference. For others, such as Pocota personata (Harris), which
has larvae that live in rot holes in trees, it is the microhabitat, which is
much more important. Hoverfly larvae have a very wide range of life
styles. Some are vegetarians feeding on leaves, roots, internally in
bulbs, in rotting wood and on fungi. Many are predators, feeding on
ant larvae, aphids, moth and beetle larvae, others feed on dung and
possibly even carrion. Such diversity of habit means that the dipterist
has to be looking in many places when recording species. There is a
short account of a number of interesting and varied Surrey sites,
followed by a brief history of recording and the techniques which are
used.

The species accounts carry a host of information. Each of the 209
species recorded in Surrey has a distribution map and at least half a
page of text. The number of records is given, together with the status,
flight period, peak emergence time and visits made to flowers. For rarer
species individual records are listed. The text adds further relevant
information and is always helpful and succinct. The sixteen plates are
superb; they are composed of four or five pictures each and are a good
mixture of adult insects, habitats and early stages. There are seven

Surrey or elsewhere, should be without it.

ad Volume 60 ¢ October 2001 207

appendices including an extensive bibliography and a list of flowers
visited by named hoverfly species. Mistakes are rare and in no way
detract from the value of the book. The cover illustration suffers from a
simple typo and should read Episyrphus balteatus, and the computer
origins of the manuscript show through in the entry for Xanthandrus
comtus (Harris) where on one line the font information has been lost.
This excellent book is packed with information: no entomologist, from

Nick Holford

2¥* Microlepidoptera of Europe

“Vol. 3. Gelechiidae part I. (Gelechiinae: Teleiodini, Gelechiini) by P.

Huemer & O. Karsholt. Series editors P. Huemer, 0. Karsholt and L.
Lyneborg. ISBN 87-88757-25-0. Published by Apollo Books. 356 pp, 14
colour plates illustrating all 151 species, monochrome plates of all
genitalia, also many monochrome line illustrations in the text. £45.

This is the third volume of the Microlepidoptera of Europe and in its
layout and style it closely follows the format established by previous
books. Complete coverage of the European Gelechiidae is planned to
take four volumes so we will have to be patient for full coverage of this
poorly documented and difficult group.

The introduction has several sections, the most useful of which goes
into some detail to describe the morphology of the family. Unavoidably,
in this group of moths the genitalia loom large where identification is
concerned, and several pages are used to describe their general form,
and to explain preparation methods and techniques. This is followed by
that badly underused resource — a dichotomous key. The key in
question is based on the genitalia and includes just the two tribes
covered in this volume. The key takes you down to genera but the
species notes are detailed and include points for separating similar
species.

There is a useful check-list of European species with the usual
synonyms, authors and dates. As with previous books in this series the
species are numbered and this number is continued through the species
description, colour plates and genitalia illustrations; a very useful link.

I found the species notes slightly disappointing. Each species
occupies about three-quarters of a page, but the text concentrates

almost entirely on identification using both external characters and

208 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 2 |

genitalia descriptions. Typically, there is a single line on distribution,
and only two or three lines on foodplants and other aspects of the
insect’s biology. Many species have a comment on their vertical
distribution; that is, the range of altitudes from which they have been
recorded. There are a number of excellent line photomicrographs of
segment VIII of the males which often show diagnostic characters. The
distribution table lists the countries from which each species has been
recorded, and is a useful guide in the absence of more detailed maps.

The table is followed by the colour plates which are an excellent
example of how good modern image processing and printing can be.
The plates show specimens at times three magnification and appear to
be made up of individual species pictures pasted together. There are
some occasions where the background shows up as a pale blue
rectangle round a specimen, but on the whole the illustrations are
excellent. I am always a little suspicious of plates assembled in this way
as it is very difficult to get the same light level on different specimens
photographed at different times, and these variations can lead to
differences in wing colour when the plate is finally assembled.
However, this appears to have been avoided, every specimen is clear
and sharp and the colour plates are a valuable guide to species
identification.

The genitalia photographs which follow are also very carefully
prepared and show just the right level of contrast, high enough to show
the structure clearly, but not so high as to loose detail. The authors
prepared most of the genitalia slides themselves and this has paid
dividends with the consistency of presentation, although the unrolling
technique they adopt with the males may not be to everyone’s liking.

There is an extensive bibliography which extends to 15 pages,
although the few British references highlight the lack of information on
this group. Separate indexes are included to genera, species and
foodplants. This is an authoritative book for the serious entomologist
who needs to identify members of this group. It has excellent
illustrations and photographs which are easy to use and sensibly
integrated into the text. This is a high quality book which will last for
many years; it is a bargain at the price.

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Volume 60 © Number 438

Bulletin

of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

CONTENTS

Pledger, M. and Jeffery, P. Metoecus ParadOxUS ............csscceesceeesccensecececeapecsscceeneeeteeesnes 176
Cole; S. A visit to the Arima-Valley; Trimidad:.<.-25. 2-22 -2-2--202-22-2 25 =-2sees0 eee ee 180
Rowlings, M. A stag in LISDON............cceeeceeeeseceneeceseeeeeeees vebd<hes owss0issosan toes eapaeeee sae 185
McNamara, D. A little more about Moth trapping .............. ce eesceeseeseeseeessecseeseeesseeseeesees 191
Cole, S. Canary Island Insects ..j2550.0:2:<..seccosessceenzooeceustcevsls 0 7ice~oiuest tos eeee eee nee aaa 195
Wood, T._Out with’a Beating Stick... i ...006.:500c2csezsthentesecdoneess-Gvec-<1sessur = eeaneeee=ece ema 199
Short Communications

Jones,.C.. Winter Moths £.3...s25.s.cc.cs seiadeoSoeecs€osereeoscs0sc;eoseshelssass.ssiese seats ee 179
Stroud, R. W. Airport:Goat MOUs. .2.5¢.k25.c0scse.-.0cscocecys¢ecehes ste oc ticee cess eee 183
Unwins, M. Bolivia — Butterflies of the Andes and Amazon Basin ................:ssssesesceeeeeeeeeee 184
Koryszko, J. The Pearly underwing, in Staffordshire .................s:ceesecesceeseeeseeesccesseeeeeeens 186
Koryszko, J.. Sweet things Tor MOthS.<...10.2..cc2¢. <1-ss0060sc0s> One toscaeces:2aces saeco eee een 187
Best, G.ils.the Tiger an-endangered SpecieS?... (.2.1.5..c2.<.cs0s-s2-c0s02-0sasce oe oo saeeaeenee ee ere 188
Koryszko, J. A Dingy skipper record’ after 15 years ............0-...1cessssstssec-cctessexte=sceestseeeeee=e 188
Gardiner, B: From.caterpillars, cats and Cattle). <..2:..2:-..2.-.20<+---2ssecs+s0ae<socues eee eee neeeeee eee 189
Koryszko, J. Tawny pinion and Pale pinion moths in Staffordshire...............::ccsseeeeseeeeseees 192
McCann,F. More Glasgow-moths.2......1:..:26..scs.20ncs00de20:casecseoetes <eceeeee eae eee 193
Rudge, J. A walk on the wild side with Zygaena IONIC€ rae ...........sscccesseeesseeeeeeesecesseeneeens 194
McCann, F. Peacock butterfly IniGlaSgOW .22.......2...+.scoo+5-s-+s02+svoone ne eset eeeee pee eee eee 194
McCann, F. Even:more Glasgow moths ..2..........-..--.0s<¢-3-ceo-nchesssnces 000 seuss eee ee eee 204
McCann, F.-Observations from: GlaSgow ..2.5..........22¢-4-+:02-a-ncbseeeaceeouse se=ceseneeeeeee eee eee 204
Koryszko, J. Cut-worm) observatlOn...25..2.....0..c-.0002-040cecneeee-e0s-neeaseeonaesseede = eeeeeeene eee 205
Koryszko, J. A Convolvulus hawk-moth in Staffordshire ..............cc:eesccessseessceesseereeeeneeeees 205
Editorial... 00s cisccpcccosica2eacehesccdea secs iz salnaonebedeuveebacksneses ais case aess Sb eet he 175
Book Review

Hovertlies of Surrey by. Roger K- A. MGmmiS <cs. c..ce..<ce-qcee2ccensccececndt eens cuceese=t eee eee eee eee 206
Microlepidoptera of Europe by P. Huemer & O. Karsholt ..2...............5s-.-.ssccssnersoreseecosusees 207

© 2001. The Amateur Entomologists' Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430)
All rights reserved.

Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA.

October 2001

Bulletin

i Volume 60 ¢ Number 439 December 2001

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THE NATURA:

HISTORY Malte
17 JAN 200;
PRESEW «=

ENTON ICLOGY

Volume 60 ¢ Number 439 December 2001

Editorial

It is with regret that this issue of the Bulletin has arrived late on your
doormat — a problem which has been caused by copy being delayed in
the pre-Christmas postal system. We had hoped that we would be able
to produce the issue prior to Christmas, but at the time of writing it
seems unlikely!

| I hope that the delay has not caused too much disappointment and
that you have/had a Happy Christmas.

Best wishes for a prosperous 2002!
Wayne Jarvis

The cover of the Bulletin features
Palomina prasina (Green shield bug).
This large, handsome insect is one of
out largest shield bugs. It is common
| e | and widely distributed throughout the
~~ British Isles, though it is less abundant
north of the Humber, and may even
be considered to be rare in Scotland.
It is found in hedgerows, wood
margins, woodland clearings and
parks. The adults hibernate over
winter, emerging the following May.
| Mating takes place in June and July
| and the female lays about 100 eggs,
| in small batches, on leaves. The
nymphs pass through five instars
before reaching adulthood. It feeds
on a variety of trees, though it
appears to prefer hazel.

Photo: Nick Holford.

210 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae

Car Catchers — Improved methods for collecting
beetles and other insects!
by Andreas Herrmann (11570)

Bremervorder Strajfse 123, D-21082 STADE, Germany.

e-mail herrmann@coleopterologie.de Web site: http://w.w.w.dermestidae.com

In Germany it is well known that the addition of a Car-catcher to the
tools for evaluating the beetle fauna of a particular area brings about
many advantages. There are two methods employed, an Auto-catcher
which is fixed and a Passenger-catcher which is hand held and both are
illustrated in use at the same time on a moving vehicle in Figure 1.

Fig. 1. Auto-catcher and Passenger-catcher in use.

An Auto-catcher basically consists of a metal loop, which is fixed on
the roof of the vehicle. This loop is in the form of a half circle with a
diameter of about one metre and 20cm. There is plenty of scope for
individual creativity in devising various shapes and sizes of this basic
layout and rectangular versions are quite common. Fixed to this metal
loop is a bag of fabric with a very fine mesh, the frontal aperture being
formed by the metal loop. This bag tapers gradually towards the back
and ends in a smaller collection bag, which usually is attached to the
larger bag with velcro which makes changing the collection bag quick
and easy.

é Volume 60 * December 2001 211

It is very important to choose the right material as on the one side
even small beetles (like Ptiliidae) need to be caught, but on the other
hand the bag must be sufficiently permeable to air in order to avoid air
turbulence in front of the bag which would prevent beetles from
entering (one mesh that has been found satisfactory has a thread
thickness of about 0.1mm and a spacing between threads of about
0.2mm). The length of the bag is usually such that, when parking the
car or during turning manoeuvres the bag does not touch the ground
and instead hangs freely across the back of the vehicle.

Ideal weather conditions for a collecting drive are with a slightly
overcast sky and a temperature around 20°C. Good catches can be
obtained around the middle of the day but some of the best are taken
an hour or so either side of sunset. With this method a very large
amount of material can be collected in a short period of time and the
number of specimens caught after just a few hours can reach several
hundred thousand. These are predominantly very small beetles and the
total volume of the catch might not be more than the volume of a
tennis ball.

A further advantage of this method is that it often catches particular
species which are difficult to catch with any other method, and there
are even some records of specimens which have so far only ever been
found with the Auto-catcher. In addition, catching beetles like this is
convenient and even entertaining with the air conditioner running and
the radio purring in the background.

It is therefore understandable that many beetle enthusiasts would like
to try this collection method whilst on holiday. Even in areas where the
beetle fauna has been fairly well investigated and covered by
conventional collection methods one would expect to find some new
species with the Auto-catcher. The main disadvantage of the Auto-
catcher is that it is rather large, not easy to handle and heavy. The
method of fixing it on the car roof is usually tailor-made for the
individual car of the owner, which is a problem on holiday when one
often relies on car rental, especially if the holiday destination is reached
by flight.

One of my fellow coleopterists has for some time experimented with
a Passenger-catcher. His sweep net has a diameter of about one metre
and is therefore about the size of a normal Auto-catcher. This net is
held by a passenger (preferably of good constitution and sufficiently
strong). The aim is to hold the contraption out of the open side
window pressing the handle with both hands against ones chest and
resting the middle of the net handle against the back of the side

212 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society é

window frame. Because of the wind resistance whilst driving, speeds
are usually limited to about 30 kilometres per hour depending on the
passenger’s constitution. This compares with a maximum speed of the
ordinary Auto-catcher mounted on the roof of about 50 kilometres per
hour. Speeds greater than this lead to air turbulence in front of the bag,
which prevents beetles from entering.

One great advantage of the Passenger-catcher is that the driver does
not have to have his eyes on the speedometer continuously as the
passenger will notify too high speeds very quickly by groans and
shouting as it becomes more and more difficult to hold the catcher!
One problem with the Passenger-catcher is that there is likely to be
contact with the ground when the car comes to a stop. This can be
particularly problematic if the fine fabric is caught in rough vegetation,
stones or even puddles of water.

Because of this the collection bag has to be kept quite short which
might itself lead to a problem with beetles escaping. My friend has
therefore adjusted the tip of the collection bag in the form of a weir-
basket or lobster pot, and this enabled him to reduce the length of the
Passenger catcher in relation to the length of a normal Auto-catcher
very considerably. |

Fig. 2. Passenger-catcher incorporating the bicycle inner tube.

However, even his version still has the disadvantage of being rather
cumbersome during transport because of the fixed and solid loop and
handle of the catcher. Another colleague of mine has solved this

ae Volume 60 * December 2001 213

problem by using an inflatable bicycle inner tube, which he feeds
through several loops of fabric around the aperture of the bag. Once
pumped up with a small portable bicycle pump the rubber tube keeps
the catcher open as shown in Figure 2. If one then attaches a short
length of twine about every ten centimetres around the rubber tube and
brings them together to the centre knotted into a point similar to the
spokes of a bicycle wheel, one can then attach this knotted point quite
easily to a piece of wood, stick etc. which one can find lying about on
site and which can then be used to hold the catcher in the correct
position outside the window of the car.

If dismantled, this construction easily fits into a small bag, which
should not have greater weight or volume than an ordinary folded hand
towel. The only other item to have on hand is a small bicycle pump.
The handle itself can be thrown away after use and replaced by
whatever is found on site. A further advantage of using a bicycle inner
Mincmimstcad ot ra. solid frame, is that‘ in case of the sudden need=to
avoid an approaching pedestrian, road sign etc. (either because the
road is particularly narrow, or the driver has been a little absent
minded), the catcher can be quickly held close to the car’s side, without
damaging the paint.

We have tested the Auto-catcher and Passenger-catcher in direct
comparison on several occasions, which means that during a car drive
with the fixed Auto-catcher on the roof we held a Passenger-catcher out
of the window at the same time. We found on each occasion that the
Passenger catcher led to qualitative and quantitative better results,
catching more specimens and species than the ordinary Auto-catcher.
This is partly because the beetle density decreases with increasing
height above ground but also because a large number of beetles prefer
to fly in close proximity to vegetation and can therefore be caught
better with the Passenger-catcher which can be held just above the
verge vegetation.

There is another problem which the use of a Passenger-catcher has
solved for the members of our Hamburg club: when we planned
excursions abroad in the past, we tended to share a few vehicles to
save money. Because everyone was keen to have access to an Auto-
catcher, those of us who had brought their own vehicles always had an
advantage. When we went on our recent collection trip to Slovenia, we
used three Passenger catchers in addition to the normal Auto-catchers
for the first time.

We are in the process of building further Passenger-catchers, so that
eventually every car could be manned by three collectors: the driver

214 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society Se

with his Car-catcher mounted on top, one passenger with hand held
catcher out of the passenger seat window and another person holding a
catcher out of the back window behind the driver. The only
disadvantage of this method is that the total width of the vehicle with
all sails raised measures a rather wide four metres!

Finally I should point out that there may be problems in areas where
horse riding is popular. In Lower-Saxony, where we are based,
equestrian sports are a particularly popular hobby. Because of this,
coming across riders and even horse drawn carriages is quite common,
especially on narrow woodland lanes. Horses are nervous of unusual
sights and the large Car-catcher flapping in the wind can easily throw
them in panic.“It is therefore best to stop’ the=car-when a: horse
approaches and to wait for it to pass by for a reasonable distance.
When forced to overtake a horse, one can either hope for the best or
try to warn the rider with the horn, which tends to make the horse
disappear into the undergrowth rather abruptly and leave a rather
disgruntled rider sitting on the ground.

Thanks are due to Wolfgang Schaefer (11820) who kindly translated
this article into English.

English Nature/Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Invertebrate Conservation
Slide Packs

Set-1.
Woodland; Wetland, Heathland and Grassland

£35

Set 2.
Upland, Farmland, Coasts and Brownfield Sites

£37

These outstanding 48 slide packs outlining some of the more important species found
in the featured habitats are a must for anyone interested in invertebrates and their con-
servation. There are currently two sets available featuring habitats such as woodlanas,
wetlands, coasts and heathland. Each set is accompanied by a comprehensive book-
let to accompany each of the slides.

Packs available via post - AES, PO Box 8774, London SW7 52G.

3 Volume 60 * December 2001 215

British Tiger Beetles — Errata

by Peter G. Sutton and David E. Browne

The following corrections should be applied to the article British Tiger
Beetles published in the February Bulletin (February 2001, Vol. 60, No.
434 pp. 21-35.)

p.23 Line 1: “sylvestris’ should read “sylvatica”
Line 38: “beetle” should read “larva”
p.29 Insert the following section after Distribution map:

Current Status

The Hybrid tiger beetle was originally classified as RDB3 (Rare) by Shirt
(1987), but this has since been revised to RDB2 (Vulnerable) by Hyman
and Parsons (1992). A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was developed
for this species in 1995. In the British Isles, the Hybrid tiger beetle is
primarily threatened by habitat loss through coastal development, and
habitat destruction arising from human (mainly recreational) activity.

jose (3rd text line after distribution map): “all three species” should
read “both species”

British Tiger Beetles — Reactions and Responses

by Peter G. Sutton
AES Habitat Conservation Officer, 94 Evesham Road, Rowley Fields, Leicester LE3 2BD.

David E. Browne
4, Skelmersdale Walk, Bewbush, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 OEP.

The article describing British Tiger Beetles (February 2001, Vol. 60, No.
434, pp. 21-35) stimulated much interest among members, and a range
of interesting issues were discussed in the resulting correspondence.

The principal topic of discussion centred on the distribution of the
British tiger beetles that were described, or to be more precise, the
apparent disparity between the distribution map provided, and the
distribution described in the literature. This subject, and other queries
regarding the nomenclature of species and their colour forms are
discussed below.

Nomenclature
Why do some species of tiger beetle have more than one English name?

As we know, Linnaeus championed the use of scientific names to
resolve the confusion which arises from the number of synonyms

216 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

associated with any particular species, but in the light of the drive to
adopt English names for species (presumably in order to make them
more accessible and user-friendly for naturalists and the interested
public), this topic is worthy of some discussion.

Certain species have more than one name because entomologists
have tried to provide English names which give a more accurate
description of the species (e.g. in relation to its habitat). In this case,
confusion generally occurs as a result of changing the name of a
species for which there is already an English name in common use.
Take the tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica for instance. In the majority of
texts, this species has been recorded as the Wood tiger beetle, a name
which has clearly been derived from its Latin name sylvatica (from
sylva, meaning wood or forest). This species has since been named the
Heath tiger beetle, which gives the correct description of the habitat in
which this species is found. And yet in a recent high quality article in
British Wildlife magazine, it is the Hybrid tiger beetle Cicindela
hybrida, now renamed as the Northern dune tiger beetle, that has been
described as the Heath tiger beetle! The following English names,
which will be used for the remainder of this discussion, have been
adopted by the UK BAP process”:

Species Old English name New English name
Cicindela sylvatica Wood tiger beetle Heath tiger beetle
Cicindela hybrida Hybrid tiger beetle,

Heath tiger beetle Northern dune tiger beetle
Cicindela maritima Dune tiger beetle Dune tiger beetle
Cicindela campestris Common tiger beetle,

Green tiger beetle Green tiger beetle
Cicindela germanica Small green tiger beetle Cliff tiger beetle

(*The Green tiger beetle, which is not a UK BAP species has been added to this list for
completeness)

Why is the Small green tiger beetle so called when there are also black
and blue varieties?

The fact that this species has been renamed as the Cliff tiger beetle
(although this name does not necessarily describe the habitat of this
species on the continent) should now resolve this issue, but for
posterity, the English name refers to the common “type” specimen, /.e.
the form that is most commonly observed. In the case of the Green
tiger beetle Cicindela campestris, the variant colour forms are given

ae Volume 60 * December 2001 217

specific names such as v. tartarica Man. (bronze colour form) and v.
funebris Stm. (black colour form), but for reasons unknown (perhaps
reflecting the greater variability of colour forms in this species), this has
not happened in the case of the Small green, or as it is now known, the
Cliff tiger beetle.

Provisional maps

There are various problems associated with the production of provisional
species distribution maps, and at the risk of stating the obvious, the first
point to make is that these maps are only provisional. They do not
purport to offer a comprehensive picture of species distribution. Rather,
they offer a useful approximation (or better in the case of species with
restricted and well known distributions) to the true range of a species,
based on available data collected from recording schemes.

Some members picked up on the fact that the Beat tiger beetle
Cicindela sylvatica was reported in the oth century from
Gloucestershire, and yet there was no indication of this on the
provisional map provided (from Luff, 1998). This is a common problem
with older records, even when the voucher specimens still exist in
museums. In this case, we know that the Heath tiger beetle was found
in Gloucestershire, but the data associated with the specimen was not
specific enough to allow a 10 km grid square to be plotted.

It was also correctly pointed out that the Green tiger beetle map was
inaccurate because it did not contain 10 km squares in areas where this
species still clearly existed. This map simply shows that not enough
people are recording carabids in the areas lacking data. The following
is a summary of some of the problems associated with the production
of good provisional atlases:

Provisional atlases: where do the problems lie?

@ There are too few recorders.

@ Not enough people know about the recording schemes.
@ People do not know where to send their records.
@

Data may be insufficient for mapping, e.g. inaccurate or absent grid
references.

Correct identification of species may be questioned, especially in the
absence of a voucher specimen.

@ For whatever reason (usually time constraints), even when people
are in possession of records, they do not send them in.

218 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society oe

@ Not enough people are recording certain species. For instance, the
distribution maps of some of the more obscure species give an
accurate representation of where the recorders live and where they
go on holiday!

@ Also, some people do not bother to record species they perceive to
be “too common’. This is a particular problem, and the distribution
maps of some commoner species may indicate that they are scarcer
than less common species!

The last point raises another issue. In previous years, a lack of
records for formerly common species that have declined dramatically
has left recorders in the difficult position of being unable to show the
rate of decline, or predict the future decline of particular species. The
classic example of this (and using a Lepidopteran analogy), is the tale ©
of the Pearl-bordered Boloria euphrosyne and Small pearl-bordered
Boloria selene fritillaries, which were considered by many to be “too
common” to be worth recording up until the 1950s. As we now know,
these butterflies have disappeared from many previous haunis at an
alarming rate, and the paucity of data from previous years has caused
many problems in terms of assessing the past and future rate of
disappearance of these species. |

In addition, and continuing with the butterfly analogy, the realisation
that certain formerly common species such as the Small copper are
declining Gn some areas) at a faster rate than rarer species has also
come to the fore, again highlighting the importance of recording these
species. (Anyone wishing to look further into this matter should read
the excellent article by Cowley, Thomas, Thomas and Warren (2000).

That said, we are definitely learning lessons from past mistakes, and
a greater emphasis is now being placed on the collection of data for
“common” species.

It should be noted that from the record co-ordinators point of view,
there is something of a “catch-22” situation here. All of the records have
to be added to the national databases at the Biological Records Centre
and there is a finite number of man-hours that can be applied to this
operation. Does the co-ordinator spend many hours entering records
for a common species which is an ubiquitous UK resident, or spend the
time addressing the needs of more important and declining species? A
balance must be reached based on the value of the data and the topical
importance of each species.

Nevertheless, the Ground Beetle Recording Scheme has been a
success, and since its inception in 1971, over 140,000 records have been

ad Volume 60 * December 2001 219

gathered for the Provisional Atlas on over 360 species by over 1,000
contributors. The culmination of this work; 7he Provisional Atlas of the
Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of Britain (Luff, 1998) was
published in 1998 and is a credit to all those involved in its preparation
and production, providing the benchmark for other recording schemes
to maintain.

The Ground Beetle Recording Scheme

All records of British ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are
welcomed, and details of the scheme can be obtained from Mark Telfer
at the following address or by e-mail:

Ground Beetle Recording Scheme,
c/o Biological Records Centre
CEH Monks Wood

Abbots Ripton

Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire PE28 2LS
mgt@ceh.ac.uk

For the real enthusiast, the English Nature sponsored Scarce Ground
Beetle Project is now underway, and the first newsletter (illustrated with
spectacular rarities such as the Blue ground beetle Carabus intricatus
and Kugellan’s ground beetle Pterostichus kugellani) appeared in May
2001. For further details, contact Dave Boyce at:

Scarce Ground Beetle Project
1 Rosemary Lane

Dulverton

Somerset TA22 9DP
davidboyce @freenet.co.uk

(Those who attended the AES AGM in April will remember the
excellent and well illustrated talk Dave Boyce gave on the Scarce
Ground Beetle Project.)

Hopefully, this note will have resolved or at least addressed the
issues that have been raised, and also given some food for thought on
the matters discussed. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely
thank members for their interest and correspondence.

Acknowledgements

Mark Telfer for much appreciated comment and discussion. Thanks also
to Dave Boyce, Martin Luff and Roger Key for additional input.

220 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

References

Cowley, M., Thomas, C., Thomas, J. and Warren, M., (2000), British Wildlife, 11 No.4,
pp.243-249.

Luff, M., (1998), Provisional Atlas of the Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of
Britain. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.

* Matt Shardlow from the RSPB will be giving a lecture on the “Invertebrates of
Conservation Importance on RSPB Reserves” at next years Annual General Meeting at the
Natural History Museum. This will include details of such rarities as the recently
rediscovered Staphylinid, the Maid of Kent Emus hirtus, and the globally threatened
Southern blue damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale.

The Bulow Lepidoptera Collection
by’ Darren J. Mann and ° Jack Cunningham

‘ Hope Entomological Collections, Oxford University Museum of Natural History,
Parks Road, Oxford OX2 3PW.

°86 Hamilton Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7QA.

Dr Geoffrey Howard Bulow (b. 12.08.1923 d. 12.07.1997) began
collecting butterflies and moths at the age of twelve, his first registered
capture being a Green-veined white Pieris napi (Linnaeus) (Pieridae)
[Bulow Cat. No. 54.34] at Northwood in Middlesex on the 10.09.1935.
From this time until the war years he was at school, then later engaged
in pre-medical study and living in a rural area which allowed him to
broaden his knowledge of the local lepidopteran fauna. After his
medical qualification in 1947, Bulow’s interest in entomology was
renewed, helped by the influence of his colleague Mr R.M. Handfield-
Jones who introduced Bulow to the Royal Entomological Society (of
which he later became a Fellow). Subsequent years of national service
with the Life Guards and then as a full time medical officer saw postings
at home and abroad that allowed him to further his interest in tropical
Lepidoptera. His amateur career as a lepidopterist continued until his
death more than sixty years later, during which time he amassed
approximately ten thousand specimens of just over six hundred species.

Bulow caught the majority of the material in his collection; however,
the collection does contain material of others such as W.C. Hewiston (c.
1869), J.W. Miers (c. 1880), K. Jordan (c. 1909), T.B. Hartford (c. 1930)
and W.P. Curtis (c. 1925-1963). Bulow also enlisted the help of his
family and friends to add to his collection, indeed, many of those
captured by his family were from localities that he never visited himself.

oe Volume 60 * December 2001 221

Eachespecimen was papered in the field, them on return, home,
specimens were relaxed, mounted and catalogued. Bulow used an
index system for his collection, with each species being given a number
and then each specimen of that species being given a separate number.
This then referred to the catalogue where the data noted at the time of
capture (such as locality, date, sex, captors’ initials and any note on
aberrations, variations) were recorded, for example the extract below is
for the Monarch (Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus)).

Cat No. 1

DANAIDAE Danaus plexippus plexippus — Monarch, Milkweed, Wanderer
Cases 2,3,81

Foodplant — Swanplant

1.1 Orchard Mead,Waipu,New Zealand. 19.2.85. Male. Recto GHB.
1.2 Orchard Mead,Waipu,New Zealand. 19.2.85. Male. Recto GHB.
1.3 Orchard Mead, Waipu,New Zealand. 19.2.85. Male. Recto GHB.
1.42 Orchard Mead, Waipu,New Zealand. 19.2.85. 16.3.85 Male. Recto GHB.

Pupated and emerged in garage shop.

1.5 Orchard Mead, Waipu, New Zealand. 24.3.85, 16.3.85 GHB.

The Bulow Collection along with associated catalogues, diaries and
notes were donated to the Hope Entomological Collections, Oxford
University Museum of Natural History by his family in 1997 (Accession
Number: OUM-1997-08). The material was stored in the accession room,
where it remained until the summer of 1999, when JC was employed to
curate it. The curation entailed transferring the data from the catalogues
to labels, which were then put onto each specimen along with an
accession label. The collection is now housed in eighty-five drawers.

Ube collection contains a representative fauna from every
zoogeographical region (see Table 1). However, Bulow had a particular
interest in Malaysia and the vast majority of the collection was captured
in the various states of this area, namely: Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak,
Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca,
Johor, Sarawak and Sabah. Bulow concentrated his efforts on collecting
around the states of Perak and Pahang, which encompass the Cameron
Highlands. His collecting was conducted predominantly along the only
road in the area, which runs from Tapah in Perak via Ringlet to just
over the Perak/Pehang border. Milestones starting at Tapah mark the
road, which ascends to the 44th Milestone where it forks to the highest
peak, Gurong Brinchang at 6,666ft or to the Blue Valley Tea Estate at
the 56th Milestone.

222 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 3¢

Zoogeographical Region Country

Palaearctic Region British Isles, France, Spain and Balearics,
Switzerland, Germany, Israel, Cyprus, Egypt,
Arabia and Japan

Neotropical Region Brazil and Peru
Ethiopian Region Ethiopia, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Oriental Region

India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore

and Burma

Australasian Region Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand

Extract from Bulow’s Diary:

“¢ The general distribution of butterflies in West Malaysia

In West Malaysia, the number of butterfly species is between eight and
nine hundred. These are more or less evenly distributed, subject to
certain restrictions of altitude and plant association. Rather more than
half of the total species are confined to the plains, one seventh are only
found on the hills above 2,500ft, and between a quarter and one-fifth
occur on both sides of the 2,500ft line. In the conditions of high
temperature, humidity and heavy rainfall characteristic of the equatorial
belt, one brood of butterflies rapidly succeeds another throughout the
year, and these species are almost continually on the wing.

In the equatorial regions the flora are not divided into well- |
differentiated plant associations as is found in temperate regions. Yet
four plant zones can be recognised that have some significance as far
as the distribution of butterflies is concerned.

The four plant zones are:

1. Mangrove. 3. Lowland/Forest.
2. Lowland/Open country. 4. Highland/Montane forest.

The Mangrove zone is associated mainly with sluggish river mouths,
which extend a few miles inland and are most common on the West
Coast. The trees are mainly of the family Rhizophoraceae (stilt like |
roots). Very few species are specific to this zone — one is Danaus affinis
malayanus that flies close to the ground and is therefore difficult to
capture. Invariably it flies near mangrove forests and in Malaysia it only
occurs on the West Coast — I do not have this species in my collection. |

ee ae ee

dé Volume 60 * December 2001 223

The Lowland/Open country includes all cleared areas, gardens,
coconut plantations, rubber estates and deserted clearings to secondary
forest. Tropical rainforest occurs in both Lowland and Highland
(Montane) forest zones. It is either primary or virgin forest (hutan rimba
or hutan belantara) or secondary forest (beluakar). An altitude of 2,500ft
is recognised as the upper and lower limits of the Lowland/Forest and
the Highland/Montane zones respectively. At this altitude the mean
temperature is only about 70°F compared with 80°F on the plains and
the annual rainfall exceeds the 90-100ins of the plains. Tree ferns are
also becoming evident at this altitude.

In Malaysia over the last 30-40 years much of the lowland forest has
been logged and either replaced Dy monocultures of commercially
valuable tree crops or allowed to revert to secondary forest. The
course of its regeneration to full primary forest follows a standard
pattern. It is slow and takes at least 250 years for completion. The
coarse lalang grass Ulmperata cylindrica) is the first to appear and
holds the field to the exclusion of all other vegetation. Very few
butterflies are associated with this phase. After a few years the lalang is
very gradually replaced by other grasses and plants of which
leguminous are the most prominent. Many plants in these early stages
of reversion are introductions from other tropical regions, which have
previously already proved their adaptability to similar new localities.
Among these are the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), Asclepias
curassavica on which many Danaidae species feed, and Lantana
aculeata. These examples all flower freely which will attract butterflies
but Lantana aculeata has a particularly acrid odour, which is
especially attractive to butterflies.

Butterfly fauna is fairly constant from the lowlands up to about
2,500ft in primary forest and it is in this zone that the vast majority of
species occur, 7.e. most Papilionidae, many Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae
and others. The Highland/Montane forest zones are the areas above
2,500ft. Some species are specific i.e. many species of the Pieridae
genus Delias, the majority of the large Lycaenidae genus Celastrina,
some Amathusiinae e.g. Melanocyma fanula fanula (Bulow Cat. No.
A31). I have five specimens all taken in the same area of the Cameron
Highlands from 1989-1994 including some Satyridae e.g. Lethe verma
robinsoni (Bulow Cat. No. A23). I have six specimens all taken in the
same area of the Cameron Highlands at about 5,000ft in 1969 (one),
1989 (three) and 1994 (two).

The various species are not equally abundant. The majority are
confined to the primeval forest, where they are represented by

224 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

comparatively few individuals, while the secondary growth plant
associations are frequented by large numbers of individuals of a
relatively few widely distributed species.

The Tapah road to the Cameron Highlands runs approximately
NNE and provides excellent facilities for studying many West
Malaysian butterflies. It commences in a lowland zone at an altitude
of 100-200ft passing through open country, lowland forest up to
highland forest at 5-6,000ft. It is a very tortuous road winding up the
steep mountainside with many hairpin bends. On the West Side, the
forest rises steeply and on the other side it is possible, in many
places, to look over the canopy as it falls away. The road crosses
many streams and rivers that allow access into the forest, as do the
native tracks and footpaths.

Butterflies associated with the Road and its close environs

My introduction to the road was soon after being posted to Malaya in
1967. Over this period to date (1995) I have obtained over 160 species
of butterflies from nine different families out of the fifteen worldwide.
All these were obtained from that portion of road from the 7th
Milestone to the 49th Milestone inclusive. The 49th is the summit of the
Gurong Brinchang at 6,666ft. It consists of a small plateau of a few
acres most of which is taken up by a small wireless relay station with
no permanent inhabitants and a minimum of low buildings, all secure
behind a perimeter fence. The jungle-covered mountain falls away on
all sides and it is possible to walk freely outside the whole perimeter
fence. When weather conditions are favourable the views are truly
magnificent. The weather conditions often leave the summit shrouded
in cloud but the sun is seen on most days. These conditions are fairly
constant throughout the year and do not effect the montane species
that occur in such localities. This was my first visit to Gurong Brinchang
(April 1995) — literally ‘the end of the road’ which started at Tapah 49
miles away. I observed and obtained two known montane species of
Delias, which I had not seen before.

Bulow Cat. No. C95 Delias ninus ninus [Pieridae]

Bulow Cat. No. C96 Delias belladonna malayana (Life history unknown) [Pieridae]
I also saw and obtained three other uncommon montane species.

Bulow Cat. No. 74 Danaus sita ethologa [Nymphalidae]

Bulow Cat. No. 124 Polygonia (Kaniska) canace perakana (Nymphalidae)

Bulow Cat. No. A3 1 Melanocyma faunula faunula [Nymphalidae]”

1 4 Volume 60 * December 2001 225

Bulow had a particular fondness for Raja Brooke’s Birdwing
Trogonoptera brookiana albescens Rothschild (Papilionidae) (Bulow
Cat. No. 84), there being eighty-three males and two females. In field
observations Bulow noted how males of this species are seen at low to
moderate elevations, often settling on moist sand by the side of jungle
streams in large numbers, especially early in the morning. This
behaviour is also noted in D’Abrera (1975: 126). On several occasions
between 1991 and 1995 Bulow was able to net a considerable number
of males having first approached to within a metre. He writes of finding
such a cluster in 1994 “I took a photograph of part of this gathering and
it shows over 50 specimens!” He also said that females were never
present at these riverside gatherings and tended to prefer higher
ground, being attracted by flowering shrubs and trees such as Lantana
(Verbenaceae) and Bauhinia (Leguminosae).

The Monarch Danaus plexippus plexippus (Linnaeus) (Nymphalidae)
(Bulow Cat. No. 1) is present in large numbers in the Bulow collection.
Typically a North American species it is to be found widespread across
the globe, from North to South America (North of the Amazon), it is
also established throughout the Pacific from New Zealand to Hawaii
(Ackery & Vane-Wright, 1984). Bulow was first introduced to the
species in 1980 in his son’s garden where milkweed was planted in the
orchard to encourage the butterflies to breed. This was very successful
and within a few years a large colony had built up. Bulow took the
opportunity to study this species in its natural state and made copious
notes on its biology and behaviour. Of the 115 specimens in the series
thee Stand out as being ‘of interest. Two of the specimens are
abnormally small for the species having wingspans of 36 and 37mm
(Bulow Cat. Nos. 1.412, & 1.932 respectively), the smaller of which
was caught in copula with a normal sized male (55mm wingspan). The
centrepiece of the plexippus series, if not the entire collection is the rare
white form of the monarch Danaus p. plexippus f. nivosus Gunda
(Bulow Cat. No. 1.8) which was taken by Bulow’s son J. N. Bulow on
17.02.1985. His diary gives some detail of the capture “My wife and I
were staying with my son in Waipu. We lived within the Monarch
colony, which had become well established in the early weeks of 1985,
breeding was going well, the weather conditions were excellent, and
there was a good supply of milkweed. We had begun touring the North
Island and returned to Waipu on 13th February 1985. Frances Cowan
said that she had seen a large white butterfly, which resembled a
Monarch in all respects except for its colour. She is my son’s mother-in-
law and a, good witness. 1 hadjto accept the accuracy of her

226 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society dé

observation. At this stage I had no knowledge of nivosus or of any large
white butterfly occurring in New Zealand. I spent most of the next few
days wandering around the orchard, the weather was good and there
were many butterflies about. I had one distant, possible sighting on the
second day but could not be sure. The next day February 16th it rained
heavily — warm, tropical and continuous — no butterflies were on the
wing. The next day, February 17th was beautiful so my son Jeremy and
I spent the whole morning picking Gala apples which were just coming
into full harvest and which we had been unable to do the day before
because of the torrential rain. After a brief lunch I was sitting in the
garden and my son was having a siesta on the verandah. There was a
white Buddleia bush at one side of the lawn and I was sleepily
watching the Monarchs flying around it periodically settling, when
suddenly I realised that one was white. I had a short handled net
beside me but the insect was out of reach — I jumped up but only
succeeded in disturbing it — I called out to my son who by now was
asleep — again it settled high up — I made another attempt but again it
was out of reach — by now Jeremy was on his feet, he snatched the net
from my hand and pursued the creature at high speed into an adjacent
block of plum trees, suddenly leaping into the air, a flourish of the net
and a loud shout “got the bastard”. An apt expression — I’m sure its
parents were not married but from a genetic point of view it would
have been a bonus to have known all about them! It appeared
undamaged and must have been on the wing for at least a week if it
was the original sighting; this is a reasonable assumption. It was
papered and airmailed back to the UK within a few days. On my return
it was relaxed, set and photographed.”

The white form of plexippus was first reported in 1927 by J.D.
Gunder, who named it form “nivosus’, based on specimens from
Missouri (1908) and Pennsylvania (1921) (Vane-Wright, 1986). Clark
(1932) subsequently reported an older specimen from Washington D.C.
dated 1896. It was also during the 1890s that nivosus was collected on
Hawaii but this record was unreported until published by Vane-Wright
(1986). The form was then rediscovered on Hawaii in 1965 (Mitchell,
1966), and during the 1980s, it occurred at a frequency of about 4% of
the population (Stimpson & Meyers, 1985). In addition to these USA
records, nivosus is known from the Moluccas (1906-1916), Queensland,
Australia (1980), and finally collected by Bulow in New Zealand (Vane-
Wright, 1986). The form nivosus is a homozygous autosomal recessive
allele (Stimpson & Meyers, 1985), which results in the loss of the ability
to produce the orange pigment. Since the 1985 specimen of Bulow

sé Volume 60 * December 2001 227

there have been few published records of this form, and it would
appear as though it is only on Hawaii that they are frequently observed,
where it now occurs at a frequency of about 10% of the population
(Vane-Wright, 1997).

Parantica sita ethologa (Swinhoe) (Nymphalidae) (Bulow Cat. No.
74). This species ranges from North India to South China, Formosa and
West Malaysia, usually on hills above an altitude of 2,000ft. In Malaysia
this species is common in the Cameron Highlands. Bulow took all of
his material on the track road to, and on the summit of, Gurong.
Brinchang (6,666ft), he notes that although the males were common,
females were rarely seen, which he thought due to different flight
habits. The similar species Parantica melaneus sinopion (Fruhsstorfer)
(Bulow Cat No.75) was often observed by Bulow flying in the same
localities as ethologa. These two species are often difficult to distinguish
on the wing. They also have the same habit of clustering together on
bare cliff and track faces. Bulow observed these clusters closely and
concluded that they invariably consist of males and no females.

Kaniska candace perakana (Distant) (Nymphalidae) (Bulow Cat. No.
124). This is the only member of the genus occurring in the Oriental
Region, ranging from Sri Lanka and India to Japan, and the Philippines.
In Malaysia it only occurs in the hills and it rarely descends below
4,000ft. All three specimens in the collection were taken high in the
Cameron Highlands. Eliot (1992) notes that this species prefers open
spaces surrounded by forest, and likes to settle on flowers, on a forest
path or on rocks in mid-stream, preferably in sunshine.

Melanocyma faunula faunula Westwood (Nymphalidae) (Bulow
Cat. No. A3 1). This montane species is distributed in the Malay
Peninsular, Thailand and Indo-China (D’Abrera, 1984: 494). Bulow has
five specimens in his collection, all taken at altitudes of 4-5,000 feet.
Two of these were caught near the Pant Falls at Tanah Rata, as they
were flying close together up and down the edge of a clearing at a
height of about 30-40ft. Unlike most of the amuthusiine nymphalid
butterflies this species is active throughout the day, although Bulow
states that “On each occasion [of seeing this species] the weather was
dull and damp and yet the insects were flying freely”, Orr (1982) also
notes that the usual crepuscular habits of amuthusiines is less
pronounced in this species, however, unlike Bulow’s observations Orr
(1.c.) found the species to be more active during the sunny parts of
the day and less so when it was cloudy. Bulow also recorded this
species (although unable to net due to difficult terrain) on the upper
part of the track to Gurong Brinchang at an altitude of some 6,500

a

228 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 36

feet, this is at a greater height than is reported in the literature (e.g.
Eliot, 1992). —

Delias ninus ninus Wallace (Pieridae) (Bulow Cat. No. C95). The |
most common of the Delias species found on most hill stations above
3,000ft throughout Malaysia. It also occurs in Sumatra and Borneo as
Delias ninus alluviorum Fruhstorfer and Delias ninus partenia
Staudinger respectively. In 1995 Bulow found this species prolific on
the track to Gurong Brinchang (6,666ft).

Delias belladonna malayana Pendlebury (Pieridae) (Bulow Cat. No. |
C96) is a very local butterfly, which in Malaysia is only recorded in the
Cameron Highlands. Ten specimens exist in the collection, all taken in
the Gurong Brinchang area. All are males, and Bulow noted that
females were rarely seen.

Helicophorous ila malaya Pendlebury (Lycaenidae) (Bulow Cat. No.
C79) This rare lycaenid is again altitude restricted, usually being found |
over a height of 2,000ft. It was observed by Bulow often flying together |
with the more common relative the purple sapphire Helicophorous
epicles tweediei Eliot (Bulow Cat. No. A64). However, H. ili malay was
noted by him to exceed the 5,000ft limit of Epicles tweediei. Bulow also |
noted that they usually fly in the middle of the day when the sun filters |
through the trees and as soon as the sun goes in, they settle. Bulow |
collected both species at a locality adjacent to the Pant Falls in the |
Cameron Highlands. On several further visits to this locality, he saw
neither species, which he presumed was due to poor weather.

Silver-washed fritillary Argynnis paphia Linnaeus (Nymphalidae) (Bulow |
Cat. No. 18.50) is a species that exhibits sexual dimorphism, and also has
two distinct forms of the female, one with the normal fulvous ground
colour of the fritillaries, the other referred to as form valesina Esper which
has a mixture of grey, bronze-green and silver. Records show that this
aberration occurs at intervals of approximately thirty years (Russwurm,
1978: 47). One specimen of the valesina form exists in the collection
(Bulow Cat. No. 18.50). Bulow writes that “This variety f. valesina is a
good example of sex-controlled inheritance as it never occurs in the
males. All the males appear as normal, though a small percentage carry |
the valesina gene. When such a male mates with a typical female some of
the female offspring will be of the f. valezina. Argynnis paphia ranges
from Ireland, Britain, Europe (to 62N), and North Africa, Iran across Asia
to Japan. The dimorphic female form valezina becomes more common
the further east the species occurs until it becomes almost the only form. I
notice that F.W. Frohawk in his book Varieties of British Butterflies A938) |
dedicates the volume to his daughter Valesina!”

ey IN RS ie

| Volume 60 * December 2001 229

One Orange tip Anthocharis cardamines Linnaeus (Pieridae) (Bulow
Cat. No. 56.42). A specimen of which in the collection shows variation
of the wing pattern, where part of the normal forewing pattern appears
on the hindwing. In this specimen an orange patch is found in space 4
on the right hindwing verso. Bulow notes that aberrations in this
species are rare. This aberration appears to be absent from Russwurm’s
(1978), which only describes gynandromorphisms and different
colorations of the male orange patch.

It would be impossible to list all of the species and publish all of
Bulow’s observations, so this attempt has been made to extract some of
the highlights from the collection and diaries. This is but a small part of
the 70 page text on his collection, which also includes notes on history
of Malaysia and the Cameron highlands, Malaysian montane butterflies,
mimicry, variation (including geographical, seasonal and genetic) and a
useful vocabulary of Malay terms. The collection along with the
associated diaries is available for study at The Hope Entomological
Collections, by appointment with the Curator or Assistant Curator.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the family of Dr G.H. Bulow firstly for donating
the collection to Hope Entomological Collections, and secondly for
allowing us to use the unpublished observations of G.H. Bulow. We
would also like to thank Helen Cowdy (OUMNH) for photographing
the Bulow material and Stella Brecknell (Hope Entomology Librarian)
for assistance in obtaining the literature.

References

Ackery, P.R. & Vane-Wright, R.I. (1984). Milkweed Butterflies. British Museum (Natural
History), London.

Clark, A.H. (1932). The Butterflies of the District of Columbia and vicinity U.S. National
Museum, Smithsonian Institute Bulletin 157: 1-337.

Eliot, J.N. 4992). Corbet, A.S. and Pendlebury, H.M. The Butterflies of the Malay
Peninsular 4th revised edition Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpa.

D’Abrera, B. (1975). Birdwing Butterflies of the World. Lansdowne, Melbourne. 1975: 1-259.

— , (1984). Butterflies of the Oriental region. Part 2. Nymphalidae, Satyridae and
Amathusidae. Hill House, Melbourne. 246-534.

Mitchell, W.C. (1966). Note Proceedings Hawaii Entomological Society 14(2): 129.

Orr, A.G. (1982). Observations on the flight periodicity of butterflies in west Malaysia
Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 36(1): 54-60.

Russwurm, A.D.A. (1978). Aberrations of the British Butterflies E.W. Classey, Farringdon.

Stimson, J. and Meyers, L. (1984). Inheritance and frequency of a colour polymorphism in
Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) on Oahu, Hawaii. Journal of Research on
the Lepidoptera 23(2): 153-100.

Vane-Wright, R.I. (1986), White Monarchs. Antenna 10(3): 117-118.

— , (1997) Florida White Monarchs — a touch of incest? News of the Lepidopterists’ Society
39(4): 72, 88.

230

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Plate O1T.

Danaus plexippus plexippus Linnaeus
(Danaidae) 3

Orchard Mead, Waipu, New Zealand,
31.01.1988, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 1.68
topside

Danaus sita ethologa (Swinhoe)
(Danaidae) 3

Brinchang Cameron Highlands, Malaysia,
6,000ft, 08.04.1995, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 74.35
topside

Melanocyma faunula faunula Westwood
(Nymphalidae) 3

form nivosus Gunda
(Danaidae) 3

Danaus plexippus plexippus |

Orchard Mead, Waipu, New Zealand,
17.02.1985, coll. J.N. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 1.08
topside

Delias ninus ninus Wallace
(Pieridae) 2

Parit Track, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia,
4-5,000ft, 16.04.1995, coll. GLH. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. C95.6
underside

(Nymphalidae) ¢

18-19th Milestone, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, Gurong Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia,

23.02.1991, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. A31.04
underside

5-6,000ft, 08.04.1995, coll. GH. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 124.03
topside

Helicophorous ila malaya Pendlebury
(Lycaenidae) 3

Parit Falls, Tanah Rata,
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia,
07.08.1993, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. C79.03
topside

Artogeia napi (Linnaeus)
(Pieridae) 3

Northwood, Middlesex,
10.09.1935, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 54.34
topside

Delias belladonna malayana
Pendlebury (Pieridae) ¢

Gurong Brinchang,
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia,
6,500ft, 08.04.1995, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. C76.06
topside

Argynnis paphia form valesina Esper
(Nymphalidae) 2

New Forest, Hants 04.08.1939
coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 18.50
topside

Helicophorous epicles tweediei Eliot
(Lycaenidae) ?

14-16th Milestone,
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia,
25.08.1967, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. A64.01
topside

Anthocharis cardamines Linnaeus
(Pieridae) ¢

Northwood, Middlesex,
11.05.1947, coll. G.H. Bulow
Bulow Cat. No. 56.42
underside
Right hindwing orange marking in dist:
part of cell 3

First recorded capture for New Zealand.

Kaniska canace perakana (Distant)

————

34 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

PLATE 01T. Bulow Lepidoptera Collection (Mann)

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Volume 60

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

PLATE 01X. Cantao ocellatus.
(Okada, Japanese Insects)

Volume 60 * December 2001

= ~ ‘ ths é > =

e Lis oe eg SS oe
PLATE O1Y. Vespa mandarinia japonica.
(Okada, Japanese Insects)

PLATE 01Z. Cicindela chinensis japonica.
(Okada, Japanese Insects)

ae Volume 60 * December 2001 231

The discovery of the Small dark yellow underwing
Anarta cordigera (Thunberg) in the Sierra de
Guadarrama, Spain, in 1996

by Paul Waring (4220) and Rachel Thomas

1366 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 OLS.
E-mail: paul_waring@btinternet.com

In May 1996 we attended the Congress of Societas Europaea
Lepidopterologica in Miraflores near Madrid. En route we took the
Opportunity to explore the mountain ranges of Sierra de Guadarrama
and Sierra de Pela to the north of Madrid. On the morning of 1st May
we set off from the village of Galve de Sorbe, leaving a pair of White
Storks Ciconia ciconia which were on their nest below the castle, and
drove along the winding mountain road (GU160) heading for Arroyo de
las Fraguas. In the vicinity of La Huerce PW spotted an easily accessible
steep bank above the road with carpets of Bearberry Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi in flower (Plate 01V) near a parking place, so we pulled our
hire car off the road for a closer look. It was 13.45hrs with a cold wind
and only intermittent sunshine. While looking in vain for insects visiting
the flowers, PW noticed what appeared to be the hoped for Small dark
yellow underwing moth Anarta cordigera at rest on the upper surface
of a Bearberry leaf, the larval food, just above some of the distinctive
pink flowers (Plate 01W). It sat completely still and PW was able to
take a series of photographs. The specimen was then taken as a
voucher for confirmation. No others were seen and there was no insect
activity at all. With no sign of the weather improving, we decided to
move on out of the wind and explore other places along our route.

On our subsequent arrival at Miraflores, the specimen was shown
around the gathered lepidopterists. All agreed it looked like a typical
Anarta cordigera and it appears that the species has not been recorded
in the Sierra de Guadarrama previously, though it has been recorded in
some of the other mountainous areas of Spain, where it may occur as
distinct races (Barry Goater and Jose Yela, pers. comm.). It is therefore
most useful to have the voucher for future examination. Barry Goater
was supplied with details of how to find the site and he visited it after
the Congress but the weather was poor and he saw no more moths
there. Probably the moth will be found more widely in these mountains
if surveyed, because there are other hillsides with similar habitat.

In Britain the moth is considered Nationally Scarce (Waring 1994). It
is confined to moorland between 200 and 600m in Inverness-shire,

232 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society ad

Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Morayshire and Banffshire (Skinner |
1998) but within this range it has been found in a number of additional
sites and in new 10km squares in recent years as a result of targeted
survey work (David Barbour, pers. comm.).

References

Skinner, B., 1998. The colour identification guide to moths of the British Isles. Viking.
Harmondsworth.

Vives Moreno, A., 1994. Catalogo sistematico sinonimico de los lepidopieros de la
Peninsula Iberica y Baleares (Insecta: Lepidopiera). (Segunda Parte). Ministerio de
Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentacion.

— , 1995. Primera addenda et corrigenda al Caialogo sistemaiico sinonimico de los
lepidopteros de la Peninsula Iberica y Baleares (Segunda Parie). (Insecta: Lepidopiera).
SHILAP Revta. lepid., 23 (91): 307-341.

Waring, P., 1994. National Moth Conservation Project. News Bulléiin 5. Butterfly
Conservation. Dunstable.

Share your entomological experiences
with other enthusiasts and see your
work published in the AES Bulletin.

Have you seen anything unusual?
Have you had any interesting adventures?

Whatever you take for granted in your part of the
country could be a rare occurrence in another area —
share your observations with like-minded people,
send an article to the AES Bulletin.

It can be long or short, not necessarily scientific, if
you think it is interesting, PUBLISH IT!

Send your article to the Editor at
AES, PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG

tf Volume 60 * December 2001 233

On some Japanese insects

by Masaya Okada
Sekitori-Cho 138-1, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 4067-0058, Japan.

Japan is an island country, consisting of many islands running from
north to south. There are four big islands (Hokkaidou, Honshu,
Shikoku, Kyushu — that is Japan proper) in the northern half, and
numerous large and small islands in the southern half.

Hokkaidou, the most northern island, is in the sub-frigid zone, while
the most southern inhabited island, Hateruma-Jima island, is in the sub-
tropical zone. And so, there are different environments for various
insects in Japan. So far, about 30,000 species are reported from Japan
and the following is a brief, illustrated account of a few of the more
interesting species.

Eda-Nanafushi (Phraortes illepidus Brunner von Wattenwyl)
Body length: 665-82mm, ¢82-112mm.
Foodplant: cherry, bramble, oak etc.
Habitat: in a copse.
Distribution: Japan proper (except Hokkaidou)

Figure 1. Phraortes illepidus.
One of the pretty Japanese stick-insects.

234 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society 4

It is interesting that we generally can find both males and females
among lowland populations, but among highland populations, as well
as northern ones, we cannot usually find males.

It is supposed that lowland individuals usually propagate by fertilised
eggs but highland and northern individuals can reproduce by
parthenogenesis. It seems that P. illepidus adopts “propagational”
dimorphism according to the altitude and the temperature.

Mukashi-Tonbo (Epiophlebia superstes Selys)
Body length: 50mm.

Habitat: valley in a wooded mountain.

Distribution: Japan proper

Figure 2. Spiophlebia superstes

Morphologically speaking, their body structure is archaic. They are
often called “a living fossil”. Their body shape resembles that of a
dragonfly (Anisoptera), while their wing-shape resembles that of a
damselfly Zygoptera).

Adults of Mukashi-Tonbo’ emerge in spring. They fly very nimbly just
above a clear mountain stream that is their nymphs’ habitat. It is

interesting that they get together on a specific mountain top to copulate
and to take food.

eee CC CA A

tf Volume 60 * December 2001 235

Hime-Taiko-Uchi (Nepa hoffmanni Esaki) (Plate 01W)

Body length: 18-22mm.
Habitat: fringe of a shallow-watered swamp or a paddy field.
Distribution: Honshu.
A very endemic species that inhabits only certain limited areas in
Honshu. Fortunately, my house is comparatively near to one of these
limited areas.

Almost all the year round (except winter), we can find this flat-
bodied, dull-coloured aquatic bug awaiting a prey under or alongside
mossy cover. Although aquatic, they are not good at swimming. It
seems they like to walk on mossy fringe of a swamp rather than to
swim through deep water.

Akagi-Kamemushi (Cantao ocellatus Thunberg) (Plate 01X)

Body length: 17-26mm.

Foodplant: Mallotus sp.

Habitat: In a wood.

Distribution: Almost all of the southern islands.

Body colour varies individually from pale yellow-orange to bright red
or vermilion. The female remains beside her eggs, which she protects
until they hatch out.

We sometimes see many individuals gathering together on one leaf.

They can fly long distances. So, sometimes they are captured on a
ship on the ocean.

Oo-Suzume-Bachi (Vespa mandarinia japonica Rodoszkowski)
(Plate 01Y, Fig. 3)

Wingspan: 73mm (2 Queen) - 45mm (2 Worker).
Habitat: in a copse.
Distribution: Japan proper.

There are seven species of the Hornet (Genus Vespa) in Japan.
Vespa-species are big-headed, conspicuously coloured, robust bodied
insects.

Oo-Suzume-Bachi is the largest. They hunt beetles, honey-bees,
lepidopterous larvae and so on. They are aggressive (rather defensively
ageressive) when their nest is disturbed. Unfortunately, some people
are stung to death every year.

236 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society bd

> ’

Gilu-Choh (Luehdorjia japonica Leech)

Habitat: In

Distributi

One of the most popular butterflies in Japan.

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Adulis emerge in !

mountain/highland habitats. They gene:
high and rapidly in the aiternoor

There are some local variations nd so apa
entomologists enjoy discussing the variations of their specimens with
=|

OS) StS ret Lele ih
their friends.

Nami-Han’myoh (Cicindela chinensis ssp. japonica Thunberg ssp

okinawana Nakane) (Plate 01Z)

——

bioiiu,. Les she

Distribution: ssp. japonica — Honsh

ssp. okinawana — Okinawa-Jima island (the largest

land amoanac wthern ic
isianG among soume»m is

ad Volume 60 * December 2001 2371

So far, about 22 species of tiger-beetles are reported from Japan. This
is the most brilliantly coloured species among Japanese tiger-beetles.

They hibernate in the winter in adult stage in a hole or a cavity under
the ground, individually or as a small colony. They crawl out of the
hole in early spring and prey on small insects.

Three Butterflies

Flat on my back

beneath the freckling sun,

three butterflies sail around me,

and very gently, one

settles on my burning face,

folding his dusty wings,

as if he liked the place;

and one hovers a little while

before he decides to land

with cool and delicate feet

upon the thumb of my right hand,

but soon changes his mind, and does not stay
to keep me company, skimming soundlessly away
into the flowers and trees:

and one goes on flitting around

my head at perfect ease,

and will not be my guest.

But how glad I am
that two of them made me
their resting place a minute or so,
believing I was a flower or tree.
LEONARD CLARK

238 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ET]

The wildlife friendly garden
by Paul Talbot (117706)

133 Park Road, Elland, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX5 9HZ.

Usually when a wildlife or wildlife friendly garden as I prefer to call it,
is mentioned in books or magazines the image given is of a semi-
detached or detached house set in a large garden. The problem with
this ideal image is twofold: firstly, not everyone can afford to purchase
a house like this; secondly, people assume that because they only have
a small garden they can do nothing with it for wildlife apart from install
the obligatory bird table and peanut feeders. The general impression
given is that you shouldn't bother unless you have room for a pond,
meadow, and several usually large trees or shrubs! In this article, I
propose to show that even the smallest garden can be made attractive
to wildlife and provide valuable habitat, as well as providing an area for
the human inhabitants of the garden to enjoy! I also want to show that
by getting things right for the invertebrate inhabitants, you also create a
good habitat for the vertebrate visitors to your garden.

I live on the outskirts of a small town in West Yorkshire called
Elland; about 10 miles from the Pennines, quite near the Lancashire
border. The front of the house faces a busy road, but beyond this lies
the Calder and Hebble canal. Then, about 50 yards behind that there is
the River Calder. My back garden is only about 12 feet by 15 feet, but
directly behind the back garden wall is typical Pennine remnant scrub
oak woodland of about 100 acres in extent spread along the valley side.
The garden, though very small, is designed specially to attract some of
the varied wildlife of the area. When I originally bought the house, the
back garden area had been excavated to create a level area to the rear;
this excavation had removed all the topsoil from the garden and left a
barren shale subsoil surface with very poor drainage. When I decided
to design the sarden-as a, wildlife friendly area, one of the
considerations was how I could create an area to attract wildlife that
would also be suitable for my Springer Spaniel to romp in.

I decided to place a permeable liner over the soil surface and cover
this with three inches of pea gravel. This would provide a well-drained
area for the dog and also enable my wife and me to sit out and enjoy
the woodland at the back of the garden. The garden is walled on three
sides to a height of about four feet; two of these walls I decided to
cover with trellising to a height of about six feet. The trellising provides
a support for various Honeysuckle cultivars, which flower in sequence

ad Volume 60 + December 2001 239

over several months of the year and provide a wonderful source of
nectar for many of the Noctuid moths, in particular. It also provides a
superb hibernation site for many insects, such as Ladybirds and some of
the many moths that visit the garden. The Honeysuckle was planted in
pockets I dug under the trellising and filled with a decent topsoil and
compost mix. After planting, the pockets were covered in pea gravel to
match the rest of the garden.

At the base of the trellising, I placed several large terracotta pots
planted with such insect attractors as Dwarf Lavender, Marjoram,
Rosemary, Borage, etc. Several other containers are planted each
summer with half-hardy annuals such as Tobacco Plant, Dwarf French
Marigolds and several perennials like Agastache, etc. These all attract
lots of different insects such as Bees, Hoverflies, Beetles, and various
species of Flies. The Tobacco plant is planted specifically in the hope
of attracting Convolvulus Hawkmoth and Humming Bird Hawkmoth,
unfortunately to no avail yet, but I live in hope. The one plant I have
tried and found lacking is the supposedly essential Poached Egg Plant. I
have never yet seen any bees or hoverflies feeding on this and have
abandoned it in favour of plants, which at least in my garden, the
insects seem to prefer.

The remaining wall is flat topped and supports about 20 large
terracotta pots in which my wife and I grow the herbs we both like to
use in our cooking; strangely enough, they also attract lots of insects! I
also painted this wall with a brilliant white masonry paint that reflects
sunlight around the garden, as well as the light from my Robinson moth
trap!

As we lacked enough room for a pond, we decided to buy two
wooden half barrels and place these at the top of the garden. I filled
the tubs with water from the tap, as we live in a very soft water area
and added a one-inch layer of good quality topsoil to the water. I gave
it a stir and left it to settle down for a couple of weeks. I then planted
up some planting baskets with Starwort and Hair Grass, to provide
cover for the insect inhabitants, and Typha minima, which is a dwarf
form of the Common Reed Mace and only grows to about two feet. The
latter was to provide an emergence point for any Odonata that would
hopefully colonise the tubs. The baskets were then submerged in the
tubs. We didn’t have long to wait; two weeks after I had planted the
tubs we had several pairs of Large Red Damselfly ovipositing in them! I
also stocked the tubs with some Common Frog tadpoles I had rescued
from a drying ditch. Unfortunately, I had also inadvertently introduced

240 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society asd

a Dytiscus marginalis larva on the starwort and this proceeded to

devour all the tadpoles. I suspect this larva was the source of the large,

irate, female Dytiscus I carefully removed from the MV trap later in the
summer!

Just over the back wall of the garden, in the woodland edge, I
planted three small Buddleia Bushes and around these I planted a
swathe of Foxgloves, several small clumps of Red Campion and a patch
of Teasel. Although this area is not strictly part of the garden, it is only
about three feet over the boundary. The Buddleias I chose are a mix of
colours, as I discovered that the white cultivars seem to flower slightly
later than the blue and red cultivars; this extends the flowering season
by about two or three weeks. In late August/ September the Buddleia is
covered with Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Commas, Painted Lady,
Red Admiral and both the Small and Large White; we also get Small
Copper and Wall Brown if they manage a second brood this late in the
season. We have also recorded Holly Blue. This has usually been the
spring brood, emerging in late April early May. There has also been the
occasional Meadow Brown. In July 2001 we had our first ever Purple
Hairstreak; this seemed to be drinking water from the gravel area near
the ponds. |

A useful tip for Buddleias is to prune them back severely in
December/ January to about six inches of last year’s wood. This will
result in much longer flower spikes and softer foliage for the many
caterpillars, which will feed on it. Then, as soon as each flower spike
starts to set seed cut it off; this will prolong the flowering period
considerably as the plant will produce new flower spikes although
these will be smaller than the first ones.

You may have noticed I haven’t mentioned a bird table or the peanut
feeders that seem to be obligatory in any self respecting wildlife garden!
I did at one time have these in the garden, but now content myself with
feeding on the back wall only in times of severe frost or snow. The
problem with the bird feeders is twofold: if you put out large amounts
of food you end up raising the world’s largest population of Grey
Squirrels (which then eat all the bird nestlings in spring) and, secondly,
all the hibernating insects get scoffed by the hoards of Blue and Great
Tits attracted! I think if one can make the garden as friendly as possible
for the invertebrates in the garden, this will increase the natural food
supply for the birds and prove a more sustainable form of helping the
wild bird population than any amount of artificial feeding.

One bonus garden visitor from feeding the birds on the back wall
was a Fox that was attracted down to feast on the leftovers every night.

ad Volume 60 * December 2001 241

Whilst looking out for the Fox in autumn last year, I noticed something
moving on the wall. I quietly tiptoed down the garden with a torch and
was delighted to discover a small Hedgehog happily munching the
packet of Minced morsels I had put out for the fox! I was really
pleased, as this was the first hedgehog I had seen in the area for
several years. It continued to climb onto the wall for several more
nights until the weather turned colder and it presumably hibernated.
We also have several Wood Mice that live in the back wall under the
trellising; these can be very amusing to watch as they scamper about
picking up the spilled bird food.

Another plant I like to place in pots each year is Canary Creeper; this
is a type of Nasturtium, which likes a shady spot and something to
climb up. It is a very fast grower and will cover a small tree or shrub in
a few weeks. The flowers are bright yellow in colour and resemble a
tiny canary in flight. These flowers are very attractive to Bumblebees
and both the Small and Large White butterflies lay their eggs freely on
the leaves, the resulting caterpillars provide a very welcome crop for
both Ichneumon Flies and Social Wasps!

I run a Robinson mercury vapour lamp in the garden most nights of
the year and have so far managed to record 436 species of moths. Most
of the micro moths are new records for the area as no one else has
bothered to record them. The moths are mainly woodland species, as
you would expect in my location, but I get a surprising number of
grassland species. I also record 3 species of China Mark Moths each
year, these presumably arrive from the nearby canal. The highlights of
last season’s moths for me were the 13 specimens of Ypsolopha sylvella
I trapped during August and early September. This was more than had
previously been recorded in the whole of Yorkshire! I also had the
pleasure of photographing the Elephant Hawkmoths as they hovered
feeding on the honeysuckle each evening at dusk.

One type of habitat I simply cannot squeeze into the garden is a
wetland or bog area, which I am most disappointed about. I use this
type of habitat quite a lot for clients who cannot, for various reasons,
have an open pond in their garden. To create this habitat, you simply
dig a hole as large as you have room for, to a depth of about 24 inches,
line it with some blue damp course polythene, fill the soil back in and
soak with water. To make it even more interesting you can sink some
containers to their rims and you have a bog with some mini ponds!
This type of wetland I like to plant with Giant Butterbur, damp loving
Grasses, Flag Iris and a mixture of different bog Primulas. You can even
plant some of the hardy Pitcher Plants!

242 ~ Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society ae

There is never a month in my garden when wildlife of some form is
not utilising the plants, food or habitat I have created. Who needs TV
wildlife programmes when you can watch the wildlife from your
kitchen window!

You may have noticed that I have not mentioned many native
species of plants in my garden. There is a very good reason for this. I
like to mix the best of both worlds, cultivated and native, in my
schemes. If I can prolong the flowering season by utilising cultivated
species and thereby attract more wildlife, I will have no hesitation in
doing so. This is one of the reasons I prefer the term wildlife-friendly
garden for the schemes I design and build.

So far in our tiny garden we have recorded 12 butterfly species, 436
moth species, 46 bird species and of the mammals, Pipistrelle bat, Fox,
Hedgehog, Grey squirrel and Wood mice, not bad for a 12x15 foot
garden!

As for the invertebrates other than the Lepidoptera, so far I have only
managed to identify a tiny proportion of the various orders that live and
visit the garden. Two regulars in my MV trap in spring are the Burying
Beetles Nicrophorus humator and N. vespilloides; these are removed
with tweezers because of the appalling stench! Other Coleoptera
recorded are the Rove beetle Creophilus maxillosus and the Longhorn
Rhagium mordax. Apart. from the Dytiscus, I have several as yet
unidentified Water Beetles as well as Caddis Flies and Pond Skaters,
which have flown to the water tubs along with the Large Red
Damselflies. Amongst the Diptera I have only been able to identify the
Hover Flies, Eristalis tenax, Eristalis pertinax, Volucella pellucens,
Syrphus ribesii, Bombus lucorum and Episyrphus balteatus and the
Tachinid Tachina fera which is abundant feeding on flowers in mid to
late August. The Hymenoptera are represented by the hoards of Wasp
species that;scour the Canary Creeper for<caterpillars, and the
Bumblebees, Bombus lucorum and B. terrestris. One other infrequent
visitor to the garden is one of the Ruby-Tailed Wasps Chrysia species
presumably looking for solitary bee nests in the garden wall. I am
hoping to send various orders. to their respective experts fer
identification, to help build up a more complete record of invertebrate
species either residing or visiting the garden. Any offers of help with
the identification of specimens will be most gratefully received!

The idea behind the garden was to make it as attractive to visiting
wildlife as possible and thereby encourage them to stay around a little
longer. Obviously with a garden as small as mine I cannot create a

tf Volume 60 * December 2001 243

sustainable amount of habitat for any but the smallest creatures, but
nevertheless it now has a very much larger number of inhabitants and
visitors than previously. In these increasingly stressful times it is
possible to create a garden that is both restful to people and valuable to
wildlife

One of the great-unmentioned benefits of having your garden
designed to be wildlife friendly is the labour saving nature of the
designs. You no longer have to spend your time combating nature’s
attempts to re-colonise your garden. No more having to mow the lawn
every week, hunt out every weed and spray anything that moves. The
formal garden is the most unnatural thing in the world. How many of
us actually enjoy our time in the garden? If we are honest most of us
hate the time and labour we have to put in to maintain it after a hard
day at work; it’s a burden rather than a place of relaxation. My garden
takes about 10 hours per year in maintenance. All I have to do is repot
tihesplaats annually in. spring, rake over the gravel and trim the
Buddleias in late winter, then sit back and enjoy it! I think this article
shows what you can do with a very limited space and I hope it will
encourage more people to make their gardens wildlife-friendly.
Whether your garden is two-square-yards or two acres, it can become a
valuable habitat and a delight to sit in and enjoy, whilst sharing it with

your local wildlife!

The Cabbage White Butterfly

I look like a flower you could pick. My delicate wings
Flutter over the cabbages. I don’t make
Any noise ever. I’m among silent things.

Also I easily break.

I have seen the nets in your hands. At first I thought

A cloud had come down but then I noticed you

With your large pink hand and arm. I was nearly caught
But fortunately I flew

Away in time, hid while you searched, then took
To the sky, was out of your reach. Like a nameless flower
I tried to appear. Can’t you be happy to look?
Must you possess with your power?
ELIZABETH ENNINGS

244 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society t

j
Vv

British butterflies 17-21st century —
vernacular names including scientific names

by William A McCall, 49pp 2001, published by the author at 46 The
Rowans, Montgomery Road, Woking, Surrey.

This is the fourth edition of this series of catalogues listing names of
British and European butterflies. This one purports to be restricted to
British butterflies, but one or two European species are also included.
Once again the list is reasonably clear and comprehensive and includes
the different styles of lettering that have been used over the years.
Whilst not really of great use to today’s entomologist, the list might
prove useful for someone studying some of the very old works on
British butterflies. Once again there is a black and white photograph
and brief life chart accompanying each species. One would imagine
that some considerable time must have been spent compiling this list,
probably more so than most people will spend reading it.

Peter May

Film
Review

Tiger beetle —A Life History

by Gerald Thompson OBE MA FRPS and David Thompson. Published
by: World Educational Films Ltd., Ox Close, Main Road, Long
Hanborough, Witney, Oxon OX29 8LD, 01993 881221
www.worldeducationalfilms.com. Price £30.00. Running time 18
minutes.

tf Volume 60 * December 2001 245

This fascinating film documents, in incredible detail, the life history of
the Green tiger beetle from egg to adult and its relationship with its
prey and its parasitoid. The text is scientifically accurate and up to date,
but is presented in a manner that is accessible and engaging, making it
equally useful to school children, students and professional
entomologists.

The quality of the photography, as in the previous film of this series,
The Alder woodwasp, is truly remarkable, featuring almost every aspect
of the feeding, mating and defense behaviour of the adult beetles. After
a two week long vigil the female was filmed ovipositing in the soil. Cut-
away sections of the larval tunnels reveal the feeding behaviour of the
subterranean larva, and the beautiful bright-green beetle is seen
emerging in its pupal-cell beneath the snow. Most incredible of all is
footage of the parasitic wasp Methocha, which, by masquerading as an
item of prey, offers itself to the voracious tiger beetle larva, whereupon
it swiftly turns the tables on its aggressor, paralysing it and using its
giant carcass to feed its own larva. This interaction has never been seen
before on film.

All too often the biology of even familiar insects is inadequately
known, and the information in this film made me look at Tiger beetles
in a fresh light. It should become the text-book example of the life
cycle of a predatory beetle, a story infinitely more interesting than many
examples in use today. It also provides such detailed observations of
the insect’s biology that it may give conservationists new insights into
WiiaGtecinieer jncetles, as well-as some other members’ of, the
worldwide genus Cicindela, have declined in recent years, and how
they can be protected.

This video has a place in the library of every person or institution
interested in the study of the natural world. It also provides an inspiring
example for all those who want to further document the fascinating,
and often poorly known, life histories of insects.

This is a remarkable film, as valuable to the beginner as to the
specialist, and is an excellent teaching tool.

Maxwell Barclay

246 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society a

Hornets and other insect observations 2001
by James Havers

On 13.10.01, I was amazed to find a sizeable concentration of what
appeared to be hornets weaving back and forth, but never settling,
along a bridlepath at Parthings Farm near the A24 at TQ155295. I have
had experience of this species in Europe, but have never seen them in
Sussex before the date in question, so I was even more surprised to
find a further two individuals along the Downs Link cycle track, one
south of Christs Hospital and another flying around outside the pub at
Copsale!! I have observed all of the Vollucella hoverflies in the field,
two of which look superficially like hornets, but I don’t think any of
these were misidentifications. In any case, the ones at, Parthings are
now definitely confirmed, as a friend and I went to the site again on
27.10.01, i.e. today, and had some excellent views of individuals resting
in a nettle bed and on oak leaves. They are truly stunning insects. with
all the diagnostic features of V. crabro except they seem to be totally
silent. According to BWARS the species is virtually unknown from this
part of Sussex so either nobody watches this area, or there has been
something of an upsurge in numbers.

Also, in late Aug/early Sept I was finding populations of Roesel’s
bush-cricket, lesser marsh grasshopper and slender groundhopper on
tipped land at Holmbush Landfill, near Faygate TQ2335 with further
sightings of slender groundhopper at Spruce Hill TQ238344 and Colgate
TQ235338. Common groundhopper was also recorded at TQ235338 and
at TO228333, the latter forest clearings also. holding: at least one
woodland grasshopper. Roesel’s and lesser marsh were also found to
be common in a disused field north of the Ifield Barn Theatre, Crawley
at TQ246377. On 25.8.01 brown hairstreaks were recorded at Ifield
TQ245366 and TQ242378, both females.

All five Vollucella hoverflies were recorded in my Gossops Green
garden at TQ249358 during the summer including one V. inflata and
one V. zonarid.

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ae Volume 60 * December 2001 247

West Sussex Monarch
by Peter May (10514)

6 Aigburth Avenue, Aldwick, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 3DA.

During the afternoon of Wednesday, 5th October 2001, I was working
in a garden on the Aldwick Bay Estate in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
This estate is situated adjacent to the seafront. It was a warm, pleasant
afternoon and I had noticed a number of Red admirals (Vanessa
atalanta) making the most of the late autumn sun. Whilst working,
large leaves from some of the trees in the gardens would occasionally
fall to the ground nearby. At approximately 2.30pm I noticed what
appeared to be a large shadow on the ground next to me, which I had
assumed was yet another leaf but the anticipated leaf did not come into
view and so I looked upwards slightly as a Monarch butterfly (Danaus
plexippus) glided across the garden a few feet from the ground and
then flew up and over the hedge, never to be seen again.

About the “unknown.” plates of
Ernst & Engramelle: Papillons d’Europe
by Lydie Rigout (10713)

1 Hillside Avenue, Canterbury, CT2 8ET.

In a note published in the Journal of the Society for the Bibliography of
Natural History, Homberg reveals the discovery of eight supplementary
plates of the “french most beautiful book on Lepidoptera published in
fiewisincemtuina., Ahese plates were numbered Pl. ] Supp. Cl. 1 to Pl. Ix
Supp. Cl. I, but he didn’t find the plate number 6.

In a copy of this marvellous book bearing the library stamp “Lycee
Imperial”, these “unknown” plates are present, not eight, but all nine.

So the number of the hand coloured plates of a complete set of this
eight volumes book is 359, not 350, they are numbered 1 to 342 +
Supp. 1 to 8 and the 9 above-cited.

I would be interested to know if anybody else has ever seen these
“unknown” plates.

References
Homberg, R. Some unknown plates in Ernst and Engramelle’s “Papillons d'Europe peints
d’aprés nature”, 1779-1793, Journal of the Society for the Bibliography of Natural
History, Vol. 3, Part 1, pp. 28-33.
Herbulot, C., 1982, Les Papillons d’Europe peints d’apreés nature de Ernst et Engramelle...
et autres, Miscellanea Entomologica, vol. 49, pp. 31-35.

248 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society t

Reports from Staffordshire
by Jan Koryszko (6089)

3 Dudley Place, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 7AY.
The Grey shoulder-knot

The Grey shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus lactipennis Dadd) has
long been a local and rare species in Staffordshire. It has been recorded
from Stone, Burntwood, Forton, Maer Woods, Shelmore Wood and
Keele on 18th October 2000. My friend Mr Richard Heath captured a
Grey shoulder-knot in his garden at sugar, in Meir, Staffordshire. Five
days later I captured one, at sugar, in my own garden also at Meir.
These are the first records for the Meir area. The distribution of this
species is restricted to the “oak woodland quarter” of Staffordshire. The
Meir moths may have come from Cocknage or Weston Sprink Woods
only a few miles away.

They were humming

On 15th June 2000, I noticed a Hummingbird hawk-moth, (Vacro-
glossum stellatarum L.) at my Rhododendron flowers in my garden at
Meir, Staffordshire. It only stayed a few minutes, then darted off. The
next observation came from Beryl and Peter Leak, again in their garden
at Meir, at catmint, (Vepeta) flowers. The moth stayed a few moments;
this was around 4.45pm on 30th June 2000. During July, August and
September, further reports came from Trentham, Stoke, Kidsgrove,
Market Drayton, Burntwood, Sandford Hill, Blurton, Hanley and many
other parts of the county — not since the hot summer of 1976 have there
been so many reports. I am convinced that in some suitable localities
the Hummingbird hawk-moth can survive the British winter, and
successfully breed here. It seems too much of a coincidence when a
certain location records this moth in consecutive years — it cannot just
be put down to migration. With the onset of global warming and milder
British winters, this may apply to other species of Lepidoptera from
warmer climates.

An unrecorded foodplant for Orange-tip butterfly

On 17th May 2000 while shopping at Newcastle-under-Lyme open-air
market, Staffordshire, I was looking at large numbers of rock plants for
sale when I noticed a new variety of Aubretia which is called Purity. It
has large, single flowers of pure white and covers the ground with a

ad Volume 60 * December 2001 249

mat of broad spreading foliage during spring. The plant resembles
the other rock plant Arabis, form snowcap (Arabis caucasica) which
was also on sale — I purchased half a dozen of these white Aubretia.
A few days later when I was planting them in my garden I noticed
on two of the plants a single bright orange egg which was very
conspicuous against the green seed pods. I have found these eggs in
my garden before on Dames violet (Sweet rocket) and on my large
areas of Snowcap (Arabis caucasica) and also on the pink variety.
The eggs were those of the Orange-tip butterfly CAnthocharis
cardamines Linnaeus). The eggs hatched by late-May but the larvae
must have moved onto my Arabis (Snowcap) because the Aubretia
(Purity) was not yet large enough to sustain larvae. I have had the
red, purple and pink varieties of Aubretia in my garden for over 30
years and never found any Orange-tip eggs or larvae on them. It will
be interesting to see if any more eggs are laid on the white Aubretia
when it gets large enough to sustain larvae. Or did the female
Orange-tip mistake the white Aubretia for Arabis caucasica
snowcap?

A scarce Clearwing moth

On 17th July 2000, my neighbour Mr William Dale was showing me
around his greenhouse. I noticed he had a large piece of flypaper
hanging in the greenhouse. This was to capture green and black flies
along with other garden pests. It was covered with these insects, among
them was a Currant clearwing (Syanthedon tipuliformis Clerck), a rare
Staffordshire moth. This species was more common in Victorian times
in Staffordshire, but since then very few moths have been recorded in
the county. The last record was in a garden at Newcastle-under-Lyme,
Staffordshire, when two moths were seen at raspberry flowers in 1953.
The dead Currant clearwing may have been on the fly paper for over
12 months in the greenhouse William tells me. From summer 1999 to
summer 2000, my late father grew lots of black and red currants in the
garden at Meir. He also had an allotment with his friends, again with
lots of black and red currants growing, but no sign of this moth in over
30 years. I often searched the stems and shoots of the currant bushes,
and looked for adult moths, but with no luck, it is pleasing to find one
at last. William buys lots of shrubs for his garden from nurseries all
around the country, so this moth may have been introduced to his
garden.

250 Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society

Summer observations from Glasgow
by Frank McCann (6291)
3 Lanbar Path, Easterhouse, Glasgow G33 4HY.

The summer of 2001, has been a very good one for Chamomile shark
moth caterpillars in the Royston area of Glasgow. I saw around 20 of
them in the Glenconner Park area, and nearby Charles Street, where
chamomiles grow on wasteground. The chamomiles have been growing
quite tall, and the larvae have been quite high up on the flowers of the
plants.

Last year, the summer of 2000, I only found four or five Chamomile
shark moth caterpillars in the same area. This year I’ve found some
nearly full grown larvae in early July and some more in. various stages
of development in August. The species, in the caterpillar stage feeds on
the flowers and petals of the chamomiles and is quite a rapid grower.
the earliest ’'ve seen the larvae has been the third week of June, and
some develop to full growth quite quickly, depending on the amount of
sunshine they receive, I should say.

This year 2001, during the summer months I have also seen in the
Royston area — mainly Glenconner; some day-flying moths and
butterflies. I noticed a Common blue butterfly and a lot of Small
tortoiseshells and various “grass” moths which are abundant there. Later
on in the summer I’ve noticed Brimstone moths and various other
species also during daylight hours. I’ve seen a number of Silver-Y
moths, also in the Glenconner area of Royston, Glasgow.

There is a railway line nearby and east of it is a field where recently,
the ground has been disturbed and the machines have made the field
different. The topsoil had been turned over in the winter of 2000. This
summer, lots of chamomiles have appeared on the field as well as other
flowering plants. In July 2001 I found two Chamomile shark larvae on
the chamomiles in the field. If the field is left undisturbed then I'm
certain the species will patronise the plants again.

The summer of the year 2001 has been sunny and very warm in the
Glasgow area but also with some thunderstorms.

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Bulletin

of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society

Volume 60 © Number 439 December 2001

CONTENTS

Herrmann, A. Car Catchers — Improved methods for collecting beetles and other

IASG os ootancasacnacwssatesanzunadeaSesassdsancseaebnaecaacaeaensoealanneataiacanasecea sees sceaee eae ema eeeeeenees 210
Sutton, P.G. British Tiger Beetles — Reactions and Responses ...........0.2::csseeeees Feasesiate 215
Mann, D.J. and Cunningham, J. The Bulow Lepidoptera Collection.........0.....0..eeeeeeeees 220
Waring, P. and Thomas, R.jhe discovery of the Small dark yeliow iets Anarta

cordigera (Thunberg) in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain, in 1996 ...........esseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 231
Okada, 'M.-On some Japanese insects «2:50. <..2.0..01-2<--ssascb-coesosencesecssaceesieeeeeeeeeeemnorens tones 233
Talbot, P-The wildlife fnendly garden... -.4...-2-2s+-000nen ounce aoentenseee eee eee 238

Short Communications

Sutton, P.G. and Browne, D.E. British Tiger Beetles — Errata... .eeeeeeseeeteeeeeeeteeeeeeeees 215
Havers, J. Hornets and other insect observations 20017 ..........ccccceccceceecccceceeeeeceeceseesesseeeees 246
May, P. West Sussex: Monarch a2. <2. 52-..5--20-0222-ceseseseonssesceconceseseedunnbeueet see eeepc ee eae 247
Rigout, L. About the “unknown” plates of Ernst & Engramelle: Papillons d’Europe........... 247
Koryszko, J: Reports from Staffordshire .2...2......2.-2.sccqi00ietcs-ccesedoegs2-ne scape eee 248
McCann, F. Summer observations from Glasgow......... sans Snes Aivenccesleen teen eee eens 250
Beditoriall 55. 58<o2cc5s hone et el Sos. soscabe aes donndehcasaddsocdiaceuonsosbsneccstonsa ge eet a ee 209

Book Review
British butterflies 17-2 1st century — vernacular names including scientific NaMeS............--. 244

Film Review
Tiger. beetle — Al Life HiStOMy 2 soa2.<.2.5-+020c80~cencateacttcane Soanceetoo=esesacenassetena Seeeeeeneeteeee epee 244

© 2001. The Amateur Entomologists' Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430)
All rights reserved.

Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA.

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