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HARVARD UNIVERSITY
e
Library of the
Museum of
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Entomologist’s
Record
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
EDITED BY
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| Acherontia atropos L. Curious be-
haviour of. D. G. Sevastopulo,
60, 212.
| Acherontia atropos L. and honey.
A. G. M. Batten, 329.
|} Adela cuprella Thunberg. Notes on.
S. Wakely, 270, 330.
British Record of. “With some
Biological Notes on the Platy-
pezidae (Dipt.). P. J. Chandler.
169, 205.
|} Amphipyra berbera Rungs. Note on.
. Air Marshal Sir Robert Saundby.
| 147.
| Amphipyra berbera Rungs at
Woking. C. G. M. de Worms,
295.
} Any number can join;—But! C. F.
Cowan, 109.
| Any number can play—but no one
can win. G. M. Haggett, 51.
Apamea zollikoferi Freyer in Scot-
land. Maj.-Gen. Sir George
Johnson, 294.
Apropros Atropos.
303.
Argyresthia laevigatella H.-S. =
atmoriella Bankes (Lep., Tineina)
in Kent. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt.
85.
Atomaria Steph. (Gols st Crypto:
phagidae). Two additions to the
British Species of. With notes
on others of the genus in
Cait eeCoiman:
Britain. AvivA swAllens» BSc.
AGREES: 38:
Atropos and the Bees. An Old Moth
Hunter, 243.
Austria, Malta and Sicily in 1967.
Brief visits to. Tepe AS GC:
Greenwood and Mrs. D. F.
Greenwood, 29.
Autographa gracilis Lempke. In
searchiorinG. GavBruce. G3:
Bedellia somnulentella Zell. (Lep..
Tineina). Abundance of the
Larvae of. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt.
85.
Beetles at mercury-vapour light at
Dungeness, Kent. A. A. Allen.
229.
Biston betularia L. A notable variety
of. A. G. M. Batten, 329.
Bittacus angulosus Tjeder (Mecov-
tera, Bittacidae). A note on.
JS LaYylor: 52:
Butterflies on Buddleia, near War-
wick. David Brown, 296.
Butterflies at Buddleia, 1968. Mr.
and Mrs. Trevor B. Silecocks. 329.
CONTENTS III
CONTENTS
Callimorpha jacobaeae L. (Lep..,
Arctidae). New aberrations oi.
R. W. Watson, 181.
Callimorpha jacobaeae L. (Lep.,
Arctidae). Notes on breeding.
R. W. Watson, 183.
Callimorpha jacobaeae. Large num-
bers of, at Dungeness in 1968.
RR. Ex SCOtty2al.
Cap Griz Nez. Light-trapping ai.
Trevor B. Silcocks, 327.
Chrysotoxum vernale Loew (Dipt..
Syrphidae). Alan J. Brown, 240.
Coenonympha tullia ab. phiioxenus
(Lep., Satyridae). Continued
Survival) (Of. ws ap -Gen GC
Eapseombos CB. .:S_O- 297:
The Coleopterous fauna of stones at
Staines, Middx. J. Muggleton,
BSc. 2871.
Collecting Notes 1967. Sa
Harman, 185.
Conistra liaula Esp. in Winter. T. D.
Fearnehsugh, 212.
Cosmopteryx druryella Zell, at
Wicken Fen (Lep., Cosmoptery-
gidae). Liewt.-Col. A. M. Emmet.
MBE AD e227.
Cryptoblabes gnidiella MiAill. R.
Fairclough, 59.
Danaus plexippus L. (Monarch
Butterfly) during Ocotber. Im-
migration reports of, 297, 330.
Death of a Moth. E. A. Sadler,, 283.
Derbyshire. Lepidoptera of North-
East Derbyshire in 1967. J. H.
Johnson, 112, 141.
Derbyshire. Pyralid and Plume
Mothsyot. .P: CG. Aaulme. dois 22
Devon invaded by Plusia gamma
C2): w RavAS Jacksan 32 Ic
Robert Dick Centenary Exhibition,
Thurso, Saturday, 16th July,
1966. I. R. P. Heslop, 102.
Dilophus febrilis L. (Dipt., Bibioni-
dae). A “Wreck” of fever flies,
as food of Swallows, etc. L.
Parmenter, 28.
Dioryctria abietella Denis & Schiff.
and D. abietella f. mutatella
Fuchs (Lep., Phycitidae). G. H.
Youden, 2.
Diptera, Tipulidae. Some collecting
and setting hints. P. N. Crow, 55.
Diptera from Monks Wood National
Nature Reserve. H. J. Wills, 115.
Nive
Diptera Collecting in Scotland. L.
Parmenter, 175.
Diptera: Tipulidae. Some further
notes on preservation. Eee
Crow, 176.
EY CONTENTS
Diptera: Two species probably new
to Berks. from Windsor Forest.
A. A. Allen, 238.
Diptera. More records of Brachyopa
(Dipt., Syrphidae). R. M. Payne,
296.
Dungeness. Some Moth Records
from Dungeness, 1967. R. E.
Scott, 257.
Early appearances in
Trevor B. Silcocks, 66.
Effect of wind direction on _ the
index of diversity of night flying
Lepidoptera in a particular area.
Je Harting, 2:
Elaphropeza ephippiata Fall. (Dipt.,
Empididae) in England and
Wales. L. Parmenter, 211.
English Entomological Methods in
the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries, Part 3. R. S Wilkin-
son, 193.
Entomological Notes for 1967. _ S.
Wakely, 121, 164.
Ephemeroptera. A new genus and
species of Ephemeridae from
Madagascar. W. P. McCafferty,
293.
Epirrhoe alternata Muller ab. degen-
erata Haw. T. D. Fearnehsugh,
Dale
Epirrhoe alternata Muller ab. tenui-
fasciata Schima. B. J. Lempke,
258.
Erebia christi Ratzer. In search of.
July 1967. C. G. M. de Worms,
16.
Erebia inuitica Wyatt. Some struc-
tural icharactenisties of, (B:-7C "S:
Warren, 241.
Essex. Some interesting captures of
Lepidoptera in South Essex in
1967. R. Tamlinson, 190.
Euphydryas aurinea Rott. (Lep.,
Nymphalidae). Notes on the Hod
Hill, Dorset colony of. R. W.
Watson, 220.
Euphydryas aurinea at Hod Hill.
Maj.-Gen. C. G. Lipscomb, C.B.,
DIS:O2 321.
Eupithecia venosata Fabr. A new
aberration) of “He: “GC. “Huggins,
bse
Eupithecia millefoliata Rossler at
Woking. C. G. M. de Worms,
295.
Euros occulta i.., in Surrey. “J.-L:
Messenger, 259.
Fiji. Some new species of Lepidop-
tera from the Fiji Islands. G. S.
Robinson, 249.
First appearances, 1968. William E.
Busbridge, 176.
Flies over the Atlantic.
menter, 85.
Somerset.
[x Par=
Further December catches. Trevor |
B. Silcocks, 60. |
Geology as an ecological factor in|
the distribution of insects (con- |
tinued form Vol. 79, p. 316). |
Alan E. Stubbs, 22, 56.
Grants to Entomologists from the |
Entomological Fund. B. Me
Hobby, 156.
Grapholitha ornitopus Hufn.: An
early appearance. Trevor B. |
Szlcocks, 24: !
Greek Butterflies. More about.
Greek Butterflies, June 1968.
ROOF. *Bretherton.’ GBs M.A., |
IDE Rid dase AT i5 i
Hapalotis venustula Hubn. in the —
Woking district. C. G. M. dem
Worms, 258. |
Herefordshire. Migrants in Here-
fordshire, 1967-68. Dr. M. W.
Harper, 236.
Herse convolvuli L. Number of
instars of the larva of.) D. St
Bunn, 138.
Herse convolvuli L. and Pararge
aegeria LL: on Canna. > Joe
Campbell, 294.
Heversham. Lepidoptera at Hever-
sham—Addenda et Corrigenda.
Gaden S. Robinson, 120.
Hippotion celerio L. in the Folke-
stone area. C. Bibb, 329.
“Innisfallen” fare thee well. H. C.
Huggins, 315.
Inverness-shire in 1967. Commander
G. W. Harper, 100.
Jamaica. Quest for Exotic Rarities.
Dr. Ian Howat, 67.
Jamaica, seven weeks in, Winters
1966-1967. A. G. M. Batten and
Mrs, A. M. Batten, 3.
Jersey Tiger. Rearing the Jersey
Tiger (Euplagia quadriunctaria
Poda). L. G. F. Waddington, 255.
The Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly: a
further note. P. B. M. Allan, 307.
Le Moult Collection. The Butterfly
Sale of the Century. Brian
O. CGardiners 133!
Lithocolletis emberizaepennella (Lep.,
Tineina) mining the leaves of
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos
rivularis). J. M. Chalmers-
Hunt, 84.
Luperina nickerlii in the Dingle
Peninsula, August 1967. Re
Fairclough, 129.
Lysandra coridon ab. syngrapha.
Breeding. Mayj.-Gen. «<6. G:
Lipscomb, C.B., D.S.O., 284.
The Macrolepidoptera of Inverness-
shire: Newtonmore district.
Supplement No. 9. Commander
G. W. Harper, 36.
CONTENTS V
Manx Entomology. J. M. Chalmers-
Hunt, 41.
Maruca testulalis (Geyer): “The
Bean Pod Borer” (Lep., Pyrali-
dae) bred out at East Malling
from French beans. Sie ails
Chalmers-Hunt, 242.
Melanargia galatea L. Late emer-
gence of. N. A. Watkins, 294.
Microlepidoptera. Notes on_ the.
H. C. Huggins, 233.
Mid-October Butterflies in South
Devon. C. G. M de Worms, 326.
Migrants. Some migrants at Woking,
Surrey. C. G. M. de Worms, 258.
Mompha conturbatella Hubn. (Lep..
Tineina) in Suffolk. Jin) Mie
Chalmers-Hunt, 85
Moths at light in early December.
Trevor B. Silcocks, 27.
Naming aberrations—if you must.
Sete bOWGeN, 20a.
Natal. Insects at light: Hilton,
Matak J. Ss: Laylor; 93:
On the Nearctic Species of the
Bryoniae- and Oleracea-groups
Givne senus eieris: — Bails) (Ss:
Warren, 61.
Nepticula suberivora Stainton (Lep.,
Tineina) in Kent. Je M.
Chalmers-Hunt, 176.
Nepticula suberivora Stainton new
to West Kent and the London
area. A. A. Allen, 238.
New subspecies of Zygaena (Agru-
menia) ganymedes Herrich-
Schaffer (Lep., Zy gaenidae).
Hugs Reiss and Adolf Schulte, 1.
Nomenclature and common _ sense.
Aen Ae AMEN. 13:
Nomenclature. Letter on. Professor
D. Keith McE. Kevan, 232.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy. R. G.
Ainley, 173.
Nomenclature. J. L. Campbell, 176.
eee L. G. F. Waddington,
239.
Obsolete forms of the Lycaenidae
Gep)L- imitDorsetay) AvwiegDh ek?
Brown, 236.
Ochropleura plecta Linn. L. W.
Siggs. 60.
October Butterflies. P. B. M. Allan,
306.
On Paralabis aborensis (Burr) (Der-
maptera, Carcinophoridae) comb.
nov. G. K. Srivastava, 292.
Orgyia antiqua L. at light. C. G. M.
de Worms, 327.
Phasis wallengrenii (Trimen) com-
plex (Lepideptera, Lycaenidae).
A further new species of the.
C. G. C. Dickson, 89.
Phasis thero (L.). Some observations
on the Phasis thero (L.) group
(Lep., Lycaenidae) with a
description of a new _ species.
CNGAiCeDickson,.201.
Pieris adalwinda. On an _ instable
race of, located in Scotland.
B. C. S: Warren, 299.
Pieris brassicae (Linn.) (Lep., Pieri-
dae). A new aberration of. L.
McLecd, 127.
Plusia acuta: An imigrant Plusia.
C. W. D. Gibson, 27.
Plusia gamma in Devonshire. Hilton
L. O’Heffernan, 328.
Poliana natalensis (Btlr.) and P.
oheffernani Gess (Lep., Sphingi-
dae). D. G. Sevastopulo, 239.
Polychrisia moneta Fab. (The Golden
Plusia) at Woking. A. G. M.
Batten, 329.
Polyommatus icarus Rott. A rare
variety of. A. E. Stafford, 294.
Post-graduate Studentships in
Natural Resources offered by the
Ministry of Overseas Develop-
ment, 146.
Pseudococcyx posticana Zett. (Lep.,
Tortricina). The larval habits of.
Lieut.-Col. A. M. Emmet, M.B.E.,
ToD ee2a5-
Rhamphomyia (Amydromeura) hir-
sutipes Collin (Dip., Empididae)
in Shropshire. C. H. Wallace
Pugh, 120.
Sahara. Some aspects of the Fauna
of the Sahara. J. L. Cloudesley-
Thompson, 200.
Sea-shore flies as food for Snow
Buntings. L. Parmenter, 28.
Semiothisa alternaria Hubn. (alter-
nata Schiff.) at Witherslack. R.
Fairclough, 57.
Some data overlooked by Dr. Ainley
in his recent notes on the British
species of Argynninae. B. C. S.
Warren, 48.
South African Bees and Wasps.
Notes on some. J. S. Taylor, 69.
South African Lepidoptera. Notes
on some. J. S. Taylor, 149.
South African Lepidoptera. D. G.
Sevastopulo, 259.
Special Index. Note on. Ed., 140.
Spilosoma urticae Esp., at Pul-
borough, Sussex. A. J. Wight-
man, 238.
Stirling Area. Lepidoptera from
thes, we Le COGS la LOE:
Stirlingshire and South Perthshire.
The Macrolepidoptera of. George
Thomson, 246.
Suffolk. Moths in. Rev. Guy A.
Ford, 294.
VI CONTENTS
Telphusa alburnella Dun. (Gelechii-
nae) in Hertfordshire. Hye
Bradford, 236.
Thestor stepheni: A new species of
Thestor Hiibn. (Lepidoptera). D.
A. Swanepoel, 54.
Thorpeness, Suffolk, 1968. Holiday
at. S. Wakely, 312.
Thorybes. Northern Species of the
Genus Thorybes Scudder (Lepidop-
tera), and a new Aberration of
Thorybes pylades (Scudder), from
Southern Ontario. PH (As! sD.
Lanktree, Thoughts on Hyperan-
thus and other things. H. Symes,
40.
Twenty-two species of Lepidoptera
at light in December. D. W. H.
ffennell, 28.
Wales: July 1967. R. G. Chatelain,
229.
Zyugaena. New species in the Genus
Zygaena Fab. (Lep., Zygaenidae).
Hugs Reiss, 96.
Zygaena (Mesembrynus) diaphana
Staudinger and Zygaena (Argu-
menia) carniolica Scopoli in
Georgia Transcaucasia). Hugo
Reiss, 285.
CURRENT NOTES
The Butterflies and Moths of Kent.
Volume 3: Geometridae, 28.
The British Butterfly Conservation
Society, 256.
Proposed National Nature Reserve.
Cora Fochno, Cardiganshire, 85.
CURRENT LITERATURE
The World of an, Insect, Remy
Chauvin, 26.
Opuscula Entomologica, 32, parts
1-3, 1967, 26.
Ants pirom yclose (up; 13) ugh
Newman, 86.
Poliana natalensis (Butl.) and P.
Oheffernani sp.n., two hitherto
confused hawk moths from South
Africa. F. W. Gess, 86.
Bheswot aoe, British isles: "Ge iN.
Colyer, 148.
Forandringer i Sveriges storfjaril-
fauna senaste tioarsperiod (Lep.).
Ingvar Svensson, 87.
Nature Trials: Nature Conservancy,
87. .
Scopula aequicerata Traff not a
separate species (Lep.). Ingvar
Svensson, 177.
The Tineid Moths of the Royal
Museum of Central Africa, Ter-
vuren, Belgium. L. A. Gozmany,
177.
The Family Holopogonidae Fam.
nov. (Lep.) and its. constituent
taxan ois AY Gozmang, Lit
Some Tineid Moths (Lep.) from the
National Museum (Rhodesia) L. A.
Gozmany, 177.
Some Tineid Moths of the Ethiopian
Region in the Collection of the
British Museum (Natural History).
L. A. Gozmany, 177.
Perissomastix varii sp. nov. (Lep.,
Tineidae). L. A. Gozmany, 178.
New Symmoca Moths (Lep.) in the
Collection of the British Museum.
L. A. Gozmany, 178.
A Remarkable Aberration © of
Speyeria nokomis (Edwards). T.
W. Davis and P. H. Arnaud, jun.,
178.
The Complete British Butterflies in
Colour. L. Hugh Newman and
E. Mansell, 178.
Common . lasects > of “India. IN. B3
Kalyanam, 179.
Prevention of Rh-Haemolytic
Disease. C. A. Clarke, 179.
Warne’s Picture Reference Books,
Nos. 1-4, 179.
Warne’s Picture Reference Books,
Nos. 5-8, 264.
Proceedings and Transactions of the
South London Entomological and
Natural History Society, Parts 3
and 4, 180.
Field and Meadow Life in Colour,
Leif Lyneborg, 180.
The Aloeides thyra Complex (Lep.,
Lycaenidae). G. E. Tite and C. G.
CG uDicksen, 212.
Plant Nematology. W. R. Jenkins
and) D2 3P Taylor, 260:
Extinet and Vanishing Animals,
Vinzenz Ziswiler, 260. b
Practical Work in Biology. Gi.” Fe:
Meyer (ed.), 261.
Kritisches tuber die Mitteleuropais-
chen Pomoidideae-Minerer aus der
Gattung Lithocolletis. Ing. Dr.
Dalibor Povolny, 261.
CONTENTS VII
Neue und wenig bekannte Taxone
aus der Tribus Gnorimoschemini
Povolny, 1964. (Lep., Gelechiidae).
Dalibor Povolny, 261.
Elements of Entomology.
Oldroyd, 264.
The Dance Language and Orienta-
tion of Bees. Karl von Frisch, 264.
Wild Animals of the British Isles.
Dr. Maurice Burton, 265.
Nature Trails in Britain, 265.
Pocket Encyclopaedia of Plant Galls.
Arnold Darlington and M. J. D.
Hirons, 262.
Harold
Some Asvects of the Natural History
of the Folkestone District, 262.
Evolutionary Trends in the Genus
Aricia (Lepidoptera). Ove Hoegh-
Guldberg, 262.
Norwegian Species of Dicrorampha
Gn. (Lep., Tortricidae). Magne
Opheim, 263.
The Oxford Book of Insects. John
BUTGeOne lwo Wi VOTTOW. AL AG
Allen, L. Parmenter and I. Lans-
bury. 263.
Various Papers on Macro and Micro-
lepidoptera. N. P. Kristensen, 330.
OBITUARY NOTICE
Orazio Querci, 87.
AUTHORS
Pumiley. spr RR. G.: 50, 173:
Wilan, P. B. M.: 306, 307.
Allen, A. A.: 73, 229, 238, 318.
Batten, A. G. M.: 3, 329.
Batten, Mrs. A. Ml: 3:
Bibb, C.: 329:
Bowden, S. R. 282.
Bradtord, KE) S!: 236.
Bretherton, R: F., C.B., M:A.: 273.
Brown A. Dake: Zoo.
Brown, Alan J.: 240.
Brown, David: 297.
Bruce, C. G.: 83.
Bunn, D. S. 13:
Busbridge, William E.: 176.
Campbell, J. L.: 294.
Chalmers-Hunt, J. M.: 28, 41, 84, 85.
176, 242.
Chandler, P. J.: 169, 205.
Chatelain, R. G.: 229.
Cloudesley-Thompson, J. L.: 200.
Coates, D! Lids 104.
Cowan, C. F. 109, 303.
Crow. (PN 55.176:
Dickson, €. G. C.: 89, 267.
Emmet, Lt.-Col. A. M.: 227, 235.
Fairclough, R. 59, 129.
Fearnehough, T. D.: 212.
ffennell, D. W. H.: 28.
Ford, Rev. Guy A. 294.
Gardiner, Brian, O. C.: 133.
Gibson, C. W. D.2 27.
Goater, B.: 264.
Greenwood, J. A. C., O.B.E.: 29.
Greenwood, Dorothy F.: 29.
Haggett, G. M.: 51.
Harling, J: 32:
Harman, shaves lop:
Harper, Commander G. W., R.N.: 36,
100.
Harper Dr. M. W.: 236.
Hobby, B. M.: 156.
Howat, Drs tan= 67.
Mumsoins phe C aloe Jon alo:
Hilmev DC. lore ale
Jacobs. SS. Ne VAL) 2645 S646. On ie
178, 179, 180, 212, 240, 256, 260, 261,
262, 263, 264, 265, 297, 314, 330.
Johnson, Maj.-Gen. Sir George: 294.
Johnsons deyeles tebe
Kevan, Prof. D. Keith McE.: 232.
Lanktree, P. A. Desmond: 213.
Lempke, B. J.: 258.
Lipscombe, Maj.-Gen. C. G.: 284, 2937,
327.
McCafferty, W. P.: 293.
McLeod, L.: 127.
Messenger, J. L.: 259.
Muggleton, J.: 287.
O'Heffernan, Hilton L.: 328.
Old Moth Hunter, An: 243.
Parmenter, L.: 26, 28, 85, 120, 148,
aes Axo
Payne, R. M.: 296.
Pugh, C. H. Wallace: 120.
Reiss, Hugo: 1, 96, 285.
Robson, Gaden S.: 120, 249.
Sadler, E. A.: 283.
VIII CONTENTS
Saundby, Air Marshal Sir Robert,
KCB vKeB Ss MC Der. C. AL EYC.,
Dib: 147
Schulte, Dr Adolf: 1.
Scottin. Bea aol. 257:
Sevastopulo, D. G.: 60, 147, 212, 239,
259.
Siggs, L. W.: 60.
Silegeks) (Erevor,; 7B5: °27,260).66,..327,
328.
Silcocks, Mrs Trevor B.: 328.
Srivastawa. G.’ Ke? i292:
Stafford, A. E.: 294.
Stubbs, A. E.: 22, 56, 80.
Symes, H.: 40.
Taylor, J..S.:; 52, 69, 93; 149.
Thomson, George: 246.
Tomlinson, R.: 190.
Waddington, L. G. F.: 239, 255.
Wakely, Si2) 1219 164.270, 303
Warren, B.C. S.: 48, 61, 241, 299.
Watkins, N. A.: 294.
Watson, R. W.: 181, 183, 220.
Wightman, A. J.: 238.
Wilkinson, R. S.: 193.
WilisMEas: Seals:
Worms, Baron de, M.A., Ph.D.: 16,
258, 295, 326, 327.
MoudenwGa bs 2) 2:
The Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variaiton
SPECIAL INDEX
VOL. 80, 1968
PAGE
ARACHNIDA
MideriGion “so. oe foe eee lente
tinctorium (Dinothrombium) .. 203
COLEOPTERA
acutifrons (A. bicolor)
E.Staverey Gi eee yee) vee a ee a cs E 289, 291
FeMeUus) | (Earpalus)) qty. ss cws 3 eat 288
aeneus (Meligethes) ............ 230
aS) -CATOMATIO) metus h bales. ee.Ps 3295
amis; (BerOSUS)) «stem cine & ocedouy: 230
hpina: CAtomania)is jis.) . ant 325
MIS CAtOMeAria)! fin) wevicn® asian i se 138
memalis (‘Cinichocera)! 22.05... 22. 26
hirsutipes (Rhamphomyia) .. 119-20
BEOLIMODCZA. 1, ere mene Sia: 207, 209
mortorum “(Morellia)” .. 222s 139
hyalipennis (Tetanocera) ...... 138
nybridus (Helophilus) ........ 119
mistris (Cb wen vay ty oi ee edo. 139
immaculata (Symphoromyia)
22-5, 56-9, 80-3
immarginatus (Platychirus) .... 118
imperfecta (Microsania) ...... 208
iatancula, (Coenosia)s .... 2a: .a.-< 140
minnrma CNupedia) | . 2. . ...!a<.. 140
mintumata CPlatypeza). << 2222-67: 173
Biascripta (Neoleria), . 2. .). 2s. 2 138
-insensilis (Brachyopa) ........ 238
PErICALIUS. CET Stalisy! yi) 254 se 119
Bieritans.. (Hydrotaea). 4:34 5. «22. 139
yaponica. (Trichocera)),.\. .: = 45. 26
manenrvyal. (Contarinia).+. © . as 27
Reetitica, (Helima)e east). ssn or 140
leardaria’ CPolietes) oie as... 95.- 139
lasiophthalma (Helina) .,...... 140
Rateralis, Chipulayt sesietjae eh. sch: 116
ieitirasciatus, (Syrnphus) .- . 42.26 118
Fembis(VWasneria) 2: fiays Ay. sense 139
leucocephala (Argyra) 47, 117
lineatipes (Coenosia) .......... 140
mtorea (Scatophagad) oa): . yee: - Ith
STIG NER G Dich opisy eee on Meese Cees eee take
lucorum (H. laetifica)
inecorum Cleucozona)ia.'44.. ie 118
mmectuosa. (Onysma)y Fos. wren: 27
RGM eR CSV PUSS) 4 as ae ass oe 118
Hoel cay. Clara eke C2 LILY)
itaria. (Scatophaga)) 2 4. 140
Me aL CE NIMPDIS inate oe af siGeals ISL
iutea CLonchoptera) #4 ss....... 118
maculata (Graphomyia) ...... 139
manicatus (Platychirus)e...2.- 118
mranitimlas CHUCETMNa) ies os S. ont
meadii | (luaSiomma)) yess... 2-1. 140
mellinum (Melanostoma) ...... 118
menthastri (Sphaerophoria) .... 118
BISA LrIChOCECra gsi malas 42 oe 26
mieCans),,setacera)) Ui g.05hM o.oo. 138
modesta (Hydrellia)) ..222. .22u: 138
modesta (Protoclythia) \.2:2.4:: 206
mmollicula. +(Coenosia)) 248% s.ishei 140
mortuorum (Cynomyia) ........ 139
maman CVO GINA) eee a hee 139
MED UOSA | COIA) ak ures os ele PAT
meMorum (Giristalis)m eae. 12. 2 119
nigritella (Crossopalpus) ...... 117
mitida.. (Paranthomyza) 25.5...) 138
mitidula, GNemopoda)) 225.254. -..- 137
nobilitatus (Poecilobothrus) .... 117
motata (Agathomyta) ...5)....: nyAlt
PAGE
NOtata | CRHASIO) Se mea ts weeks 56
nubeculosa) (zimnobia)) 222.0.) 116
Obscura (Ptiolina) ae ae 2259 158
obscurellus (Hypophyllus) .... 117
obsecuripennis, .dBaccha) %: 22...) 118
occidentalis (Microsania) .... 208-9
oculatus)) (Diaphorus) ieee. +2. 2p Lay
oestroldeayaG@Erixaiiinhy eos). we): 138
oleraceas CEipula) mere es ee 116
ernatus .Chumerus) sees 5. wae 119
OrthoenemismdSepsis)ie &. aya 138
pachyceras (Symphoromyia) .. 57
pacifica (Platypezina) ........ 207
paganay, (Cheilosia)a-e- a. a 118
pallida (Parascaptomyza) ...... 138
pallidastéPhaonia) peas ere 139
pallidiventris (Lyciella) ...... 137
pallipes), @Vilerosania) +. = ).2. 05 208
pallipes: <@Syntormom) 2). 222 117
Dakidosay Chipulay ieee. ee 116
banyval (Rhabdomastiom.. | oan Zi)
Danvan Clirichoeceray)iye 2 eae 26
pectinipennis (Microsania) .... 208
pellucens (Voiucella).. 47, 119,
176
peltatus, (Platyehirus) ys): 7.46 118
pendulus (Helophilus) ........ 119
perdita) (Phaoniay eats see 139
pertinasc \iriStallis) ie seis ary ee 119
pllipennis: CACtiay Aenean: vee 48
pilosa’ /(Brachy.opal) asians: 238, 296
Piplen's |CSy Litta ese ae. eee 119
Dilatyptecus (Sciopus) eas.) sees. Ly
pluvialis (Haematopota) ...... etry
podarrica “GNeoascta) yy) aa. ene 118
polychaeta’ “(@annia)i es 2 Seater: 140
praeusta (Tricholauxania) .... 137
procellaris (Anthomyia) ...... 140
proxima’ (Cheilosia) ass) sere 119
pubenula VsCDiscay Petes ee Pat
punctatus, CAnisopus)) (2s e: 116
punctulata (Trypetoptera) .. 47, 138
punctum i¢Sepsis)) Rate see 137
pyrasin ((Scaeva) oes 85, 118
quadrata (Scatellay es. oe 138
quadrifasciata (Conops) ...... 119
rapton: CAphrosy lusts. 2
reliectus™ (Chrysops)) 4 wre. LAU
Kibesi | CSyrpnus) me Ae ee 118
Kowa @Eny.e1elllay) tye ae eee ee 137
rosanumy) (Pyrophaecna) ay. si: 118
BUGIS CZoOllemiay iy wy Bayes aoe 139
KUmMan. CPEs omyayily weve eee 140
Gudipalpis. CPhaoniay wey ee 139
rufipes (Physocephala) ........ 119
rufomaculatus (Eriothrix) .... 139
RUEATTS CVioria)) (Leary iii 4) ae 139
scalare (Melanostoma): =........ 118
scolopacea (Rhagio) ...... Og Bis
Seriptan (Sphaerophoria)\ 254.25. 118
scutatus )(Platyechirws) 1.) s55.5: 118
Scutellaris @Brachyopa)iie. | i246: 296
seutellatai(Cheillosia)h ae 118
segnis:. (CxXylotajmen's Sete. oe eee 119
4 SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
semicinereus (Lasiops) ........ 139
sepulchralis (Eristalis) ........ 119
Serenae (Hanniai rat okie. 2e eke 140
Serica Caueiliajne ein... sii 139
Sienatay (Phacmia) i) o.0.).4 seis. a 139
siivanwnn, | Ceacilialywe..' Rae: 139
SaMilig ue Channa esse pws oe Balt 140
SmmilisimCh vdretacay inl) ...). shinny 139
sordidella (Anthomyza) ........ 138
speciosa (Callomyia) ...... 118, 206
spinimanum (Norellisoma) .... 140
squalida (Scatophaga) ........ 140
stabulans (Paraphorocera) .... 139
Stasnalis (Seatella)ie oa oy 27, 138
stercoraria (Scatophaga) 47, 140
stigmaticalis (Microsania) ...... 208
Serie ats) (CE MMACTUS) Vy i. adi Rporare be 119
Strisosa, Cebylemaiyia), (ait, ace 140
Subnodicornis \Clipuladi on... 23-4
subobsecura (Drosophila) ...... 138
SUD SEAL SC MANNIE) hala bake kl). ls 6 140
Suillonum: Copromiyza)) Wess: - 2 138
Siva ears UNI yy CNG OAD) 022 | sya ap totes fae 119
TST CE EIST ALIS Nhs Maen eH fee fot 119
tenuieosta. (Scatella) . 2.25.2... OAT
fessellata .Cmipis)) a fee. 117
thermarum: (Seatella) 72 o...2..". 27
thoracia ehilanray eee eee | Ie: 117
fipralis: (Chortsops) eee eb. . 116
fonnom: (MicKosania) ssi y.2 2): 208
TORVUS ACS EPOUS) Gels e: eis ee. oo 118
friatomus (Anthrax)>°..0 2... : 69-70
iecmetus (Syrphus)? so... 3 118
IRrreh OECTA, ee Teche ee ee 26
trehodactyla: ((Deliayy 2 te. . 2. 2 140
{rimaculata (Phaonia)’ ..%...°: 139
Trimaran pCR MASTO)N ears. « 56, 116
thivdalise GC) OMeChOpus) yee... * 7: 47
truncorum (Medeterus) ........ 117
umbellatarum (Syrphus) ...... 118
umbratica (Hebecnema) ...... 140
LmMpLosa Ch annia)) cera: tiie 14.0
ungulatus (Dolichopus) AT alls
wunicolor CAgathomiyila): 4.0.12. 209
vacinalis’ GCuonchaea)”’ i.e S- 119
Vana CbIcell aria) Meine case co 1 3erl
Vanianue ollenia)” Weer. 2 ae 139
vanlesata (Helomyza) a tae. 4: 138
Vanier ara, sCehaonia) | Win a. oe 139
vibrissina (D. confusa)
Violacea WiCSePSiS) yl... saeee oe ke oi 137
virginea. (Pegoplata)! (090.2. 2% 140
Vithipenms \(Syrphusyie =. i228 118
volvulus (Phyllomyia) ........ 138
yomttona, (Calliphora) eeee ater 139
Vulgaris, \(Piopiilayic: arab. 2°. 119
Villpina. ,(Linnaemyia) aes)... 2: 139
wahlbergi (Dolichopus) ........ Wy
wankowiczi (Agathomyia)
Paro e lil
winthemi.|(Pegomya) 22)... .- 4. 140
zetterstedti (Agathomyia) ...... 209
PAGE
EPHEMERGPTERA
BatOmi@a) 2 Ve ee wae ote te 293
Fontainieca (fen. nov.) :-..---: 293
josettae? (Fontainicay yi yan: 293
Pentagenia.) 222... fea wneecies ee: 293
HEMIPTERA
AnthoGoris\MSDatine sete en eee 46
bifasciatus (Aphrodes) ........ 46
WMiacrostelles! \.90.l2 IN ae ee Stl | dre earn 46
sexcuttatus (Calocoris) “ee eee 46
HYMENOPTERA
AinSttias iite ei Riel AOR rt AM Sa 48
Apanteles ‘Spe sGR eerie. Woe ost 48
areticus’ ‘CApanteles)) (22 2 ve 262
braconius:) C&xothecus)v:- 2.22). 48
Cateranium) (Gasteruption). 9252" ae
Cam poplex Wspyt: | Vee yey ek. Se 48
Chorinaeus: Sp. ead wee a ee 48
CoeclopencystusMmirspir: 01)... see 71
extensor) (Hubadizonyin ss. 2. oe. 48
freygessneri (Heriades) ...... 69
Sratiosa’ @Viegachile) 2... 2-2: 70
hawaiiensis (Melittobia).. 70, 71, 72
helvolus V@Dory lus) eles 2 2 eee 96
heraldicus (Nothylaeus) .... 70, 71
mops (Chiry Sis) ire mee css eens rel
lineipes (Apanteles) .......... 48
foreulay (Coechioxys) eso. er 70
mazoensis: (AUplopus)-" eles: Ta
melltera,WAgotS) tape. ee. 53, 96, 265
Oneius spe ee eA ee ore 48
phryne(Chrysochanis)? yan] er 48
sjoestedti (Pseudanthidium) .. 70
transvaalensis (Pison) ...... CPM aTZ
Vulgaris: (Viespula)> (een oe 101
vumbula (Coclioxys) te sere ae 70
xanthostigma (Apanteles) .... 48
ISOPTERA
Maecrotermes iSpy Wiese. a 204
MEGOPTERA
aneulosuss Gaittacus) ae tana ee 53-4
tipulaciis. CBittacus) meee ee 53
NEUROPTERA
eiganteas Gtalochrysa) amy: eer 94
ORTHOPTERA
brunneus (Chorthippus) ...... 47
loneirestris, CBulla) eee. ere 94
maculatus (Myrmeleotettix) .... 47
pardalina,’ Guocusta) Y. 7 8" 2c 94
viridulus (Omocestus) ........ 47
PLECOPTERA
bicaudatad (Dita) Pas ee eee 47
PSOCOPTERA
flavidus i Caecilins) aise uae bre 4 47
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
TRICHOPTERA
macaw ()e: (Beraea ry. sas ee. 46
mclachlani, (Tinodes), ........:. 46
montanus (Philopotamus) ...... 46
LEPIDOPTERA
abbreviata (Eupithecia) ........ 104
mpietana “CACIeris) 2.200.270. 8, 108
apilerella .CDionry.ctria) —- 2... 4. Ae HD)
absinthiata (Eupithecia) .... 104, 145
statis (CUCINA Sore trt 5 acne 145
acanthodactyla (Amblyplitia)
108, 225
achatinella (Nyctegretis) ...... 310
mcreon (Lhymelicus)” 25 3...°-.. 305
ZH COPIDISIE) axis pees Ze 20
Oran ina eteniS)) “Pace. 2. she. 297
adippe (A. cydippe)
admetus (Agrodiaetus) 274, 278, 281
adusta (Eumichtis) ...... LOMAT SG
Bovenal(@Orthosia),) (4... 935 191
aegeria (Pararge) 20, 29, 31, 141,
274, 280, 294, 296, 314, 324, 327
Felon (@eneiSy ei saan tes Ti PAD
Bequicerata (ocopula) - 22 2. LZ
aeratana (Dichrorampha) .. 108, 263
Perealise Ce VraUStayr ek oa we 22
aescularia (Alsophila) ...... 12, 190
HeuMOpS LCE rebial) ee ee ee 101
Saunitata (Perizoma) 7. --.- 37, 186
Bacantie “CPhoebis) oe a 7
-agathina (Amathes) .... 92, 101, 248
agestis (Aricia) ale 2505.) 202.
Zoe Zo
agilana (Dichrorampha) ........ 263
aglaia (Argynnis) .. 8, 45, 51, 79,
101, 220, 247, 275, 280
ahenella (Hypochalcia) ........ 222
ED CWSI) a. nee ect os oa 21
alathea CHurema)) tits) i522 7
aipercanus (CErebia) ~..2...- iO
albersana (Kucosmomorpha) .... 166
albicillata (Mesoleuca) ...... Seea2
albicolon (Heliophobus) .. 123,
187,310, 314; (315
albicornuella (Coleophora) 168
aibicosta. (Coleophora)> 321i. 107
albifrontella (Elachista) ........ 43
albipalpella (Stomopteryx) 169
albipunctata (Cosymbia) ...... 248
albistria (Argyresthia)’ ..:...%- 43
alipovenosa | (Simiyral)? Se". 307
erlloulareCIN@la) i See CREE eS ashe as, 257
albulata (Perizoma) 109, 120, 248
alournella: Clelphusa)’.=:. 9:2. - 236
aleceae (Carcharodus) .. 31, 274,
275, 279
alchemillata (Perizoma).. 12, 45, 192
MNeciphron. CEeOdes). i eer. 18
aleyone (Hipparchia) LT 20 209
alcyonipennella (Coleophora) .. 141
alexis (Glaucopsyche) 275, 281
icae @CNOnNASTIA) cee. 189
PAGE
alsaeu Bry ophilaymiee sat: LOR Py2ul
alismanarGPhalonidia) (24220)... 4. 165
alitonii ((Eipparchia) —-.32- 279, 280
allous (CAricia)) cess: 215° 29) (37262
alnisCApatele)iy. 2a. ot 84, 229, 294
alniaria (Deuteronomos) 105, 325
alnifoliella (Lithocolletis) ...... 43
alopeymChrinnyis) ieee) Sate e 6
alpinana (Dicrorampha) ........ 263
alsinellum (Caryocolum) 1653 Si
alsimes ((Caradnrina) ier se ea 132
Alternanag@otenOGes) tm 754m. sce 145)
alternaria (Semilothisa) a. a4: ce- 93
alternata (Epirrhoe) 59, 104,
1324 228258
alticolella (Coleophora) .... 107, 125
SVS s CRAPS) a eeebecrcar LGA2e 29
amalthea (Pseudochazara) ...... 280
amanaduse daysandray payee = 278, 281
amasisnCDionyenOpUS) pees oes: 95
amathusia (C. titania)
ambigua (Caradrina) 93, 164, 257
ambigualis (Scoparia) .. 45, 106, 159
ampaichroa \(Cerenitiaye, e-n" 96
anatipennella (Coleophora) .... 1695
angustana (Eupoecilia) ...... 44, 108
aMeusteam CHUGOnCAye ten ce 158
ancustionnana (Batodes) sy... -. — 164
anomeala) Coplliotay es oer PI WS. LO
anonyma (Limenitis) ...... 274, 280
ANTECEO SH CATICI A) Meee ec Wye sae: Dat elt
AMES CCOCYERIEUS) mA i rae 2 on Cs igi)
anthyllidella (Aproaerema) .... 122
antiopal GNymphalis) (222... 277, 280
antigua (Ons yiaeeren aa: 133, 248, 325
antiquana (Endothenia) ........ 106
apiella (Depressaria) .......... 43
apollos \(Parnassius)): ae 2. We. 240
applana (Agonopterix) ...... 43, 106
appolonia (Heniocha) .......... 95
apr btiaal (Gro OSia)) memes | oe: 10
aptatar (uarentia) ? serrate ys sere 21
arcania (Coenonympha) .... 17, 29
arenella (Agonopterix) ........ 106
areola. (Xylocampa)itur 45: scat. 93
arcentella |\(Elachista)) =. = es. -u 43
argiolus (Celastrina) 31, 188, 280
aGSUS "CE IeEDeIUS) eee oe eee Lomi
arion (Maculinea) .. 18, 21, 278, 281
AGiStaeus? CElppaLrenia)y «em. 278
armivera: Cleliothis) Miers’. Ae 95
anbaxerxes) (ATICIQ)Iee es: se . oie LOL
artemisicolella (Coleophora) .... 127
artemisiella (Coleophora) ...... 126
aruncella (Micropterix) 42, 120
arundinata (S. dubitalis)
asella (Hieterogenea) 22°... 24 92
ashworthn (Amathes) i 2). #2522 229
asiatica: (Niycteola) mi sanes Basee 87
asinalhis” (VWiecymay seer ieee 122,
assimilata (Eupithecia) ........ 104
assimilella (Agonopterix) .. 106, 113
asteris: (Guculliaye? 22 ey . ee 189, 310
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
atalanta (Vanessa) 8,7 208 29;
31, 101, 143, 280, 296, 304, 314,
324, 326
athaliaGVielitaea)) 2... Aen eba. a 20
atomaria (Ematurga) ...... 105, 114
atomella (Agonopterix) 108, 168, 169
atratan (Odeziall ys22is: 104, 142, 187
atricapitana (Cochylichroa) 120
atricomella’ Chlachista)) 40: .8 «<: 43
atmipliieis: (irachea)s¢ a). cnn 307
atropos (Acherontia) 60, 84,
1985 212) 236)4245.0/247 0301) 327
anentalis MSoyvleptal ein. eae 156
augur (Graphiphora) .. 9, 92, 145, 192
AUranay Guaspeyresia)! Wee.) 5! 44
aurantiaria (Erannis).. 27, 28, 60, 105
A Gaitan Cay GaAS lay” cys. 2 ete nee) cus 162
aura (Huphydryas)) ae. © 220, 325
aurita(Setina).” igre ese Paciycsieus 21
aurora (Colas Mame ia 277, 280
aureilentella (Argyresthia) ...... 167
australis (Colias) 44 22% oa" 20293 0eS2
austrina (Aethiopsestis) ........ ML
autumnata (Oporinia) ...... 101, 105
amersata,y (Ssterchane 2e2 . 4: 12, 45, 93
badiana (P. rubigana)
badiata, (Harophilla) 223. a2, 190.248
Daqas CAmMathes) pe etc Beko) ile misc: 9, 146
baliodactylus (Pterophorus) .... 226
bankesiella (Epischnia) ........ 22
baniwana sCHUStEOtia) yo aye. 2 oe 187
bathoglusy Ghhorybes\in cee aen cc Als
lores (Gblatieinncey) 270 be ore oneal 9, 45, 93
DevlawmGUITethelSa) a) cies seater. oe aoe 5
bellargus (Lysandra) Malle 9243 )5
236, 305
bembeciformis (Sphecia) 124, 165
bennettii (Agdistis) ........ 165, 166
berovera (Amphipyra) ...... 147, 295
berberata (Rareulype)yaint se. 44.2 21
bergmanniana (Croesia) ......-. 106
petulace(Salebria) ieee seer 222
betularia (Biston) .. 45, 93, 105,
145, 327
betulea (Neofaculta) ...... 108, 114
betuletanan CA potomis)) {ee 2 ne 106
pbemlicolaw(Calopiiliaysras ta. or. 42
bistomella \CElachistajin a... 3h) 124
bicolorana (Pseudoips) 164, 191
bicolorata “(Hadena) 9. sl 3e2e' 10,
Bis. CAST
bicoloria (Leucodonta) 132, 307
bircostella, (Pleuroata)iye | ace eee 108
bierunis @iadenalin ie sowie 10, 56
pLreuspic) \CHarpyla)eyaen see seee 84
bidentata (Gonodontis) 105, 114,
145, 315
bitactata, \(Perizoma)ioy ies =: 8. 2
bilineata (Euphyia)...... 127.45, 133
bilunaria \(Selenia) A .3444 > - ese 105
binaevella (Homoeosoma)...... 164
binaria (Drepana) 4) inase s. a) 145
biplaga:” (Marias))é nace). at lelie 95
bipunctaria (Ortholitha) ...... 142
PAGE
bipunctellay Ethnaiad esse... 126
bipunctidactyla (Stenoptilia) 45,
106, 144, 225
biselata \(Sterrnanien sc .ee eck 12; 45
bistrigay (Cry ptroblabes)).).--o..- 223
biundularia (Ectropis).. 93, 108, 248
blanda (Caradruina) wer eli, 3S) 10"
blandiatay /(Perizoma) ie. 4. 19), 2
blatteariella (Anacampsis) ...... 236
blomert )\CDiscoloxia) iis OPN elas 188
boeticus (Lampides) .... 31, 279, 280
boisduvaliella (Epischnia) 166,
310,312
bombycina (Hadena) 10, 19, 21,
186, 314
boscana® (CAGCIERIS) Gaels were ee 167
bowesi (Oidaematophorus) een P47)
Deacteay G2 usa) eee ae 11, 188
brassicae (Mamestra) .. 10, 20, 46
brassicae (Pieris) 8, 29, 31, 37,
1 Aas Gs er40} 0 4S) 0 oc: 7-2
327, 328
braver: CE NasiS)mel ave bal. ole 267
britanniodactyla (Capperia) .... 225
brockeella (Argyresthia).... 43,
120
brurata (Operophtera) 27, 28,
60, 102, 105, 145, 168, 248
bEunneat@Diarsiad inh oat lea
bELAMeaval .Gltanie)) tape rice 294
brunnichiella (Stephensia) .... 125
bryce (Satyrus) wilt 205 216,280
bryoniae (Pieris) .. 17, 18, 20,
29, GL, 29%
bueephala | (Phalera) ease. 4: 9, 38
Cacaliaea(e yrs) aaa Lee
caecana (Grapholita) ...... 124, 233
eaenesal Ceaclia) Wane. 307
ecaesia (Hadena) 21, 46, 130,
Nsw els
caesiata (Entephria) 12) r4os
186, 316
caespititiella (C. alticolella)
Gatica ((Siccia) eee 95, 149, 259
Caja mCATCtia) Wicdariae ae 9, 145, 192
c-album (Polygonia) 20, 32, 41,
277, 280, 296, 307, 309, 324
calcatrippae (H. rivularis)
ealedoniana (Acleris) ...:...... 44
calida (C. australis)
eallidice (Synechloe)ia"y.. area 18, 20
calodactyla (Platyptilia) ...... 316
calthella (Micropteryx) ........ 328
cambrica «(Venusia) ) 2 2 a58" 229, 248
camilla (Limenitis) ........ 188, 307
capensana (Chorteixo i asee ee 96, 156
caprana (Epinotia) .. 106, 165, 166
capsophila (Hadena) .. 46, 132, 197
capucina (Lophopteryx) 9, 144, 146
Garbonaria sCIStuGcilada eter > ek 100
cardamines (Anthocaris) 20, 29,
40, 100, 141, 176
cardui (Vanessa) 29, 31, 247, 273,
280, 296, 314, 324, 326
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
earmelta, (Odontosiade 2-22. 27: 100
Eacniolca, (Zyeaena) ca) ) 8. 2e 286
Carphodactylus (Oidaemato-
PLOLUS) epi ie sete wes tale 124
eanpinata (Cirichopteryx)u—...2.. 105
Santhnami WP yCTous )fiisen eae). oa 21
eastaneae (Phragmataecia) .... 187
castanea (Amathes) ...... 185, 186
easticata (Eupithecia) .-. 15:2 104
etScOGlag-CRICrIS)iiyiett+., Lhele) 61
caudana (A. emargana)
eeancelia,. (Cada), (sere os vas sy 9, 222
eects CP yronic))\ ates, 32, 279, 280
celerio (Hippotion) ........ 247, 328
eembrae , (Scoparia) {+ .. © 106, 159
centaureata (EKupithecia) 104, 132
Eonasana soRandemis) \esie2 3. 2k 106
eespigalis (Pyrausta) >). -—.. 106, 162
Beespitis (Tholera), 2..5)..... 39, 145
ceto (E. alberganus)
-chaerophylli (Depressaria) ...... 311
Bemalcites/(Plusia) Fela: . ae: 251
-chamomillae (Cucullia) Tey
39, 185
charithonia (Heliconias) ........ 6
chenopodiata (Ortholitha) .. 12, 245
ela CAME Pe): 2) oeo.0'5 ees 5 10, 143, 185
ehiron (Eumedonia) ........ LEG Zul
enlorosata: »(iithinay) 7222): . TOS ROM
emrcisti- CErebia) Gioia... s.. 16, 20, 241
christyi (Oporinia) .... 92, 105, 248
chryseis (L. hippothie)
eanysitis (Plusia) le 132) 2573328
ehnysorrhea’ (Euproctis) =:....-. “oth
eas \CNASCIA yaa sees. BN Eee 123
epiella (Agonopterix) :..... 43, 108
peiaereal CASTOtIS)) house AN ey a 314
cinerosella (Euzophera) .... 122,
NGbs2255 ol
emeulata,@Pyrausta)os0.4..-..2-. 161
eimicella (Agonopterix) ./..:... 165
emxia. (Vielitaca)” . 755 0... 18, 20, 305
eiree (Brintesia) .2..-. 32, 276, 280
circellaris (Agrochola) .......... 10
emstanali(Epiblema) 2.32)... v- 106
Behera sow Ch liacea) tn. chasis o oy... 45, 132
dimidiata “(Sterrha))...). 1... 37, 146
Giniana(CZeiraphera) 7) 25 ec. sae 106
GiSameHneDla)y jon ee eee en aaa ee 242
discordella (Coleophora) ........ 43
aqispar Gaymantnriayy 0 es. 2 se 307
dispareerhersamoniay a. 2). a 307
dissolutay @Nonaegria),... .... UGG elo
distinctaria (Eupithecia) ...... 36
ditrapezium (Amathes) ........ 229
dodonaea (Drymonia) .......... 107
dolabrariawPlagedis) 2s. 7s 107
domestica (Bryotropha) ........ 120
doreus (Cystineura))) (es... 22% 6
dorylas (Lysandra) .. 18, 21, 278, 281
dromedarius (Notodonta) 9, 131, 257
druryella (Cosmopteryx) IPA PPAr|
GrustiiaxCA ppias): :).05% PA a8 ee 7
drusillae (Glutophissa) ........ |
arusius-Chhory bes) 4) hae 2, Oe 214
Gubiosa® (GEIeris)ie APs ce cle ee 65
dubitalis (Seoparia) 22)". ">: 45, 159
dubitata’ Giriphosia)) 1) oe Fae 248
duleimea. 7 ¢Pieris), (S207e" Sei2 61, 298
duplaris (Tethea) ...... OF 92.120
duponchel (Goeytius) ie) 24 6
dysodea: (Hadena)’ 2.1528.) .24 2" 307
egea (Polygonia).. 32, 273, 279, 280
elmeuaria \(Crocallis) 105
ENG ah (Cu valaby Ais): een mie sa Be sia 6
PAGE
elocata’. (Catocalae why aeras ti is 30
elongella (Caloptilia): oS... 2s: 42
PAGE
elpenor (Deilephila) 9, 144, 314
elutella Chiphestia)weeeer.:. ater 222
elymi. CArenostola) aisc4aeo. Jane 310
emargana CAGIErIS)» —“At. weet 160
emberizaepennella (Lithocol-
FOTIS) if. von epee ho he ee 84
emortualis (Trisateles) ........ 188
emutaniays(Scepula) aie. - ae: 125, 16%
eos) iCAmblySerrtes) tae 4 2 eee 218
ephialtes «(Zysaena)! ) 45S. yee 98
epiphron (Erebia) 17; (18, 203446
epomidion (Apamea) ...... 107, 315
eremita (Dryobotedes))) .¢2.s25: 10
engane |(Pieris) tyisee- 213, 21s 2ou
ericetella (N. betulea)
emosoma, CPLuUISIa) :peeetawen see 250
eriphyle (Chrebia)igg aaa LY, 2G
eroSaria (Deuteronomos) ...... 107
escheri (Lysandra) 21, 205, (28m
euphorbiae (Apatele) ........ RS eter)!
euphorbiae, «(Celerio) 35../56050 30
euphorbiana (Lobesia) ........ 125
euphrosyne (Clossiana) 17, 20,
29, 101, 247
eunyale, CErebia): pensar 17 =, ea
eurypilus (Plebejus) ...... Dilly om
enayvaeme: i(Colias) aaa ee t
euby.chea a(Catocalay ananassae 276
evias (E. triarius)
evonymella (Yponomeuta) 106
exanthemata (Deilinia)...8 7.2.4. 105
exclamationis (Agrotis) 9, 38, 45,
93
exigua (Laphygma) 93, 104, 258, 313
expallidata (Eupithecia) ...... 127
exsoleray @xvlena) yee sec 107
Gxtersaiia Ch CtrOpis) mae ie 45
extimalis (Evergestis) 189, 310
extrema (Arenostola) .......... 187
exulans): (ZiySaena) yoctecunas.Ge. 22
Sxuise CAjoamea)) same 8, 101, 107
fapriciana CAnthophila)i a. 26. 43
fagana (B. prasinana)
baiatsiay AGO NSCla)) tee agen ee 248, 315
fagata (Operophtera) 28, 92, 102, 105
feIgeiiae CO imran wat ae 106, 113
fagi (Hipparchia) WPA PATON
278, 280
fag MStauropusy, Cee. awe ge 186
fagiglandana (Laspeyresia) 235
facinella “Ceithocolletiis) 2...) 42,
faleataria, (Drepana) eae... ne 9
falselasmCCatoptriany =. yaoe oe 224
falginialis me yhalis) "ee see eee 221
farinosa (Gonepteryx) 273, 275,
276, 280
fascelina (Dasychira) ...... 248, 257
fascelinellus (PediaSia) ........ SU
fasciana | (Pammeneyn .) vee eee 311
fasciatiae CoO pia) sect ae = 105
fasciata CHrepia) Weert oe eee 242
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
fasciuncula (Procus), 42). =: 11, 46
ferrago (L. lythargyria)
ferrugalis (Udea) .. 93, 96, 106,
162573
rerrucata (Xanthorhoe)) ..../) 12;
132, 316
ferruginea (R. tenebrosa)
festucae (Plusia) AG Gas
Sa229 a ol5
mp UTlella uCAdelayh ele. . ol belie 141
GUIS ACP aC y 1a) ine cal eveceh We fhe kel 6
mociensis )(Dasyechira) ios. .3: 2. - 253
meourava (Thalassodes)...\-..:%...- 254
filigrammaria (Oporinia) 105, 190
filipendulae (Zygaena) ........ 42
renloreieuhign (GMatikeiren) — enue ee deen 257
fMbLiata im ann pGaie oi. s oe OG aks
hinmeata (HNC) 4 aictaatey.la a. 93, 104
flammea (Meliana) 167, 187, 294
mammea (Panolis) ...:...... 105.39
fammealis (indotricha) §....).. Be
flammeéolaria (Hydrelia) 145,
191, 248, 311
meanae Clb yMeleCuUs). \, os. 0. Zi 209
flavaginella (Coleophora) ...... 43
MawceOrm (GORtYMA) \. vse os 4) a: eles fal
menvAcInetas CAME Oe). J... ya ae 326
mawalcoma, (CeLOMILLa ys a4. | se 96
newdGcorni su (Achilivia) yee. se. 2 9, 100
Havotasciata (Perizoma) .... 12, 45
moKeiia (Catopsiliay ).. 42 so 6. cla 95
floslactata (S. lactata)
muctuata’ CXanthorhoe) .... 12;
9351325 193.14
apenella (Ee piblema) 2.2... .: 164
montis. (Bomolocha) 9 .. 222. 132, 229
forficalis (Mesographe) 106, 221
forficellus (Donacaula) 15S 259
formicaeformis (Aegeria) ...... 124
formosana (Lozotaenioides) 164, 311
Maorskaleana (Croesia) ........ 164
| forsterana (Lozotaenia) ........ 108
frequentella (E. mercurea)
freyerella (E. nigrella)
mEuUStatay (uaerentia) >... c5. 21
romania: GParascotia) vo... 2... 192
fuliginosa (Phragmatobia).. 144,
19 24e Dor
folonian (@threis)aersa oo. wa 252
flvata n(Cidaria)” a... 5. 12, 142, 310
fumatella (Chionodes) ........ 311
| furcata (Hydriomena) 104, 283
meee Ul ale aT Vlas croc. See Sale 9
AANA tCBACthAye ene ae 235
hon eUlay (CPTOCUS) 9 6.22 42: 11, 46
furva (Apamea) Ml OG 229% 310
maSca (eaodamila), 6555s. eae 222
MISCalis: (Opsibotys) 7 )/%)..- 106, 162
fuscedinella (Coleophora) ...... 114
fuscocuprella (Coleophora) Woy ati
fusconebulosa (Hepialus).... 42,
925105. 2295 ola
galathea (Melanargia) ...... 20, 294
Saliata: (CHpirrnoe) 9.8... <,. ac. 0 132
PAGE
gallicana (Laspeyresia) ........ 125
gamma _(Plusia) Ml E28 46s
932 LOl SiS 3201026
gannascus (Amolypterus) ...... 6
ganymedes (Zygaena) ........ 1
feminipuncta (Nonagria) .. 189, 257
gemmiferana (Grapholita) 123,
126
geniculeus (Agriphila) 225, 316
genistae (Coleophora) 166, 169
genitalana (Cnephasia) ........ 125
serronellays(Brachmiua)) >) a5. 311
gigantellus (Schoenobius).. 158,
234, 312
omlaac@x (CCT hal) eee a oe 193
gilvata (U. polygonalis)
gilvicomana (Brevisociaria) 168
glacialis (E. pluto)
alandon CAgriades) 225.4. - LG Pall
slareosanCAmathes) hase ae. mse 9
elaueimalis Gtereulia) ge — . 275
lychnidis (Agrochola) .......... 325
Bvehnitis’ (Cucullia) my 3s ee 294
lycidas (Plebejus) sy Its
277, 280
lythargyria (Leucania) .... 10, 46
macdunnoughii (Pieris) ........ 62
machaon (Papilio) eis. PAL: Bile
274, 279, 312
macilenta (Agrochola) .... 10,
ils 2483
macmasteri (Phasis) .......... 89
macularia (Pseudopanthera)
105, 142
maculipennis (Plutella) .... 28,
woe. OT
maera (Dira) . 20, 274, 279, 280
maestingella (L. faginella)
mmaillard Cladena) (i212). LO ead
mala (Gynanisadr 401). Aiea 95
maja (P. pandora)
malvae (Pyrgus) .2..j2 20943 29, 141
PAGE
malvordes (Pyrsus)v sk Sone. 21
Manny, CPISGIS) mes hy Shee 32, 280
mansueta (Maceda) .........:.. 249
mareellus | (Papilio)imsas? ane 68
margaritata (Campaea) .... 105,
1915 329
margaritellus (Catoptria) ...... 225
MmacomahistGL1erIS ie ae ot aan 61, 297
Marcinarial vOkranais)) oes. e es 66, 105
marginata (Lomaspilis) .. 105, 191
marginellus (Dichomeris) ...... 167
maritima (Chilodes) .. 188, 193, 312
marmorea (Eurhodope) .....-.. 165
marrubii (Reverdinus) ........ 278
marselliinus (Papilio) Ie. 88 67
martialis (U. ferrugalis)
matura’ (Clhalpophiliayy: -2ey2 ee 132
mediopectinella (Ochsenshei-
TNETIA)A seal hia ee Ae 4 143
MOC UuSa MGR elie )wntes Coe yaaa 29
mevgerg. (Paragce) 2) 31/143; 192)
274, 279, 280, 296
melampus; CEhKebia) hee ip 20
Melete CPIeTIS) | ee. poets eee ee 297
meliloti (Z. viciae)
mie Miata Gi yioris es 5 meg eee 12
Me OUCA COlARSI aye meee 9, 45, 191
Menrcunes CHUGOLEay ae eaen | 106, 158
mesomelian (Cy bosia) soe a ae 107
messaniella (Lithocolletis) .. 28, 238
meteus (Metaretia)’ .-.. 95; 149, 1259
meticulosa (Phlogophera) .. 11,
Qc 205 Go. 2 te Ole aes
metzerniella (Metzneria) ...... 120
mi @Gsuchidimera)e lie il4 i 24378316
miataye(Chloroelysta). 42.2% ae 2517
micacea (Gortyna) .... 11, 146, 325
microdactylus (Adaina) .. 122, 226
microgrammana (Collicularia).. 311
millefoliata (Eupithecia) .. 126, 295
milvipennis (Coleophora) ...... 127
minimas (Petilampa)s) .5 2h. ILA
minimus.) (Cupidoyiny..1i. 721; 29;
36a (etOls 230
ministranay (Bulna)) Moe. we... 106
munonratal (Perizomayiy a. We all
mnemosyne (Parnassius) .. 18,
OAD, PAM ZA
mnestra, \CHFeDIAG iN). jhe ibs | Zalk
modesta (Lymantria) .... 151, 259
MO SOL Ones CLITETIS) Ly ice pee a4 use 62
moneta (Polychrisia) .... 11, 40,
164, 327
monodactylus (Emmelina) .. 28,
45, 227
monoglypha (Apamea) .. 11, 46, 132
mentanata (Xanthorhoe) .. 12,
45, 141, 146, 191, 316
montanus (Erebia) ...... DEA PAL
MOntensis) CATIGIAN Ae secre Palla, AAEM E
montivagata (Calocalpe) ...... 21
moneani) Ganthopam) iiss 4a. 239
morpheus (Caradrina) 11, 39, 46
12
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
mucronata (Ortholitha) .... 12, 248
mucronellus (Donacaula) ...... 235
multistrigaria (Colostygia).. 12, 124
mundana (Nudaria) Qe TDF 229
munitata (Xanthorhoe) . 109, 248
‘aa b bec Ti SeM CS) y%a) 6} 0 ie) eS ee 315
murana (Eudoria) ........ 106, 158
PAMEIGA Ta STEEN) ocx cs optic we 5 187
PUESeerea be (PClOSIA). .arrs «<2 2puenslen 84
musculana (Syndemis) ........ 106
myopaeformis (Aegeria)........ Stal
mayntivlana » CANCYIIS) sv): ./.1.- 44, 142
myriilin, CAnartade ..< . os). 39, 142, 248
Watiay CHada) eyes eto OS 2
Nanata “CHhupithecia) <)>... 5: 93, 104
nanatella (Agonopterix) ...... 124
nandarivata (Dasychira) .....-: 253
Napocaw(Boleria’) a. .4 twat oe ee 2A0
napi (Pieris) 8, 45, 61, 100, 130,
280, 282, 296, 297, 327
Marina GPIeris) .. 066 s2558ab ke 61, 297
matalensis; «Poliana)... 2...) 5.4: 86, 239
mebidiosay CPOWa) ys) ad..05% < 45h 38, 107
nemoralis (Zanclognatha) .. 12, 46
neophanes (Apomyelois) 166
netentella (S. seminella)
Neubica HONONALTIA) 63: =. > cose 4 Sil
TAM ACE SETES TA) igh oso. open cles az se 256, ,20G.. ans
MICTPPe CHUTE) feria + 4 Hedes y
nickerlii (Luperina) ...... 129, 315
nigra (A. lunula)
Miata LaAUSbay) , teres « seyeeepeas 161
Sree Maw PaCHISta)y . jas) ee. 2). eu: 43
nigricoma (Laspeyresia) ...... 125
PIAPICANS wCHMXOd) Me een ee as 9
nigriplaca (Ecpantheria) ...... 6
niobe (Fabriciana) 20:4 2250
EUS ea CLOTS oe nn ite ccs ee qi
mtseliay CE pInOay ya... he 106
PMILCTIS SACO): he. : sae es ss 191, 310
nitidella (Argyresthia) ........ 141
Pvealis GUdea as seats en. 106, 162
niveicostella (Coleophora) .... 124
NIVeCUS MCACENtFOpUS) “He... ae: 158
noctuella (Nomophila) .. 93, 95,
10851615, sis
nNokwnals) (SPCVEMIA)y 0.8: oe se 178
nubeculosa (Brachyonica) 100
nutantella (Coleophora) ........ Sui
nympheata (Nymphula)...... 160
opauctella <(Salebria)y’’ soe. 28 125
oneliscata (Thera) nes.) ee 104
obfuseatas (Gnophos) * <2... 21, 248
oblonga CApamea)s .<. ..... 248, 310
obscurata “(Gnophos)* .<)).~. 131, 248
obsoleta (Leucania) 93, 188, 191
obstipata (Nycterosea) .. 84, 93,
164, 188, 189, 192 193
occulta. CHUrols) tae eae. . 5 10, 259
ocellana® CAgonopterix) ©. es: 106
neellana. (Spilonota)?> 2.5. e."ine 166
ocellaris: (Girma) \ lit). Oa ser. 164
ocellata (Lyncometra) ...... 12," 45
ocellatella (Scrobipalpa) 122
PAGE
ochrata. (Sterrha),, (event): 310, 328
ochreariaw(Aspitates) ) sul viog it 167
ochrodactyla (Platyptilia) 226
ochroleuca (Eremobia) ........ 257
octomaculana (Cnephasia) 44
ocularis. .(Pethea)i aieccene se hE 164
eculéa ! GHydraecciaiit. eee). Ha 1
oegistus (Sematura) ............ 6
oenotrus ChrinnyiS) ae Bee 6
o’yheffernani (Poliana) ...°.. 86, 239
Olclus ICViadorys0pesen A rere 6
oleracea (Diataraxia) 10, 46, 288
oleracea (Pieris) ieee. ee 61, 300
olivaceella (Coleophora) ........ 127
olivalis (Uidea)y. 2205 Aaeeeee See 163
onobrychis, (Zyeaenalve : -emoeesee 286
ononariaseCAplasta) yc. aree. >: nee 234
ophiogramma (Apamea) 11
Or CRethea)’. tashany aeened \. eae 21
GEbiterw (Splalliia)) see «che se: 274, 279
orbitulus (A. glandon)
orbona (Euschesis) . sac, LOketsa
omehnaleea’ GElusialiye aan 5. hee 95
orientalis (Reverdinus) 274, 278, 279
orion (Scolitantides) . oat 2S
ornitopus (Lithophane) ........ 27
osteodactylus (Oidaematophorus) 226
oxyacanthae (Allophyes) . acalG
oxyacanthella (Stigmella) ...... 42
pabulatricula (Apamea) J:...-.: 307
palaemon (Carterocephalus) .... 21
palaeno ”(Colias) erence 185/020
paleacea (Enargia) ...... 8) Lisa
paleana (Amelia)! Sar eee 44, 106
pDales#(@Boloriay eee 185295520
pallens, (heucania)-35.... 10, 39 46
pallladay i@Pieris); Ans a2 eee | cee 61
pallida) GWatlesia)i. sya. oe 159, 310
pallidactyla (Platyptilia) 45, 106, 226
pallidanay(Cochylis) wenn ae BHI
pallidissima (Pieris) . EGG?
palpina, (Pterostoma) yas. . 38, 191
paludis, CHydraccia)me mata sse. ane 92
palumbella (Nephopteryx) ...... 222
palustrana (Cochylis) .......... 108
palustrella (Aristotelia) ... 167, 311
pamphilus (Coenonympha) 8, 29,
32, 45, 141, 274, 280, 296
panagaea. Clycaena)) eee ese PATE
pandora (Pandoriana) .. 32, 279, 280
pandrosesCHrebia): ceases He Be il
paphia (Argynnis) 130, 188, 276,
280, 326
papilionaria (Geometra) .... 12, 310
parenthesellus (Ypsolophus) .... 108
parthenias (Archiearis) ........ 40
parthenoides (Mellicta) ........ 20
barvay CHUblemma) .)0.....- 236, 258
pascuellus (Crambus) 44, 105,
223, 316
Hassosi, \GPierts) SRA SRRPee 2 eeeeay 62
pastinacella (D. heracliana)
pastinum, Cuygephila) ete. ya-% 188
2 URS ere) 251
paulii (Othreis)
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
pavonia (Saturnia) (2/2)... .": Satis
poy kulliana’ (Epinotia) 2.2 22.9: 106
pectinataria (Colostygia) .... 12, 248
pedaria (Phigalia) 60, 93, 100,
105 190
peltigera (Heliothis) 126, 258,
SLOMSIS 3326
pendularia (Cosymbia) ......... 93
pennaria (Colotois) 27, 26, 105
pennatula (Psalis) 95. 151, 259
penningstoni (Thestor)) 2:2: .:- 54
pentadactylus (Pterophorus) 226
Men ZiaMaeGWana) rnd Gye. sae oe ee 44
perla (Cryphia) 11, 46, 166
perlellus (Crambus) 44, 143, 224
perlepidana (G. jungiella)
perlepidella’ (Acrolepia) 22:2: -./: 124
pernix (H. zeta)
perplexa (H. capsophila)
petasitis “(Gortyna) tsa). oe 39
petiverella (Dichrorampha) 143
petreus (Marpasia) As, 28o9. 35.2! 7
Petropolitana Dina) o.. 017, 0203229
pflugiana (E. scutulana)
phicomone (Colias) ......... 19, 20
phlaeas (Lycaena) 8, 31, 39, 148,
247, 280, 296, 324, 327
phlomvais \CSpialial sion . Se 28 278
phragmitellus (Chilo)... 68222: 145
phragmitidis (Arenostola) Zoe
phryganella (Diurnea) . 108
phyllophiela (Botyodes) ...... 156
mesa ((Clostera)ecdi ais). pope 131
ptilosaria, (P. pedaria)
pinastrr \CAyloicus) (ets ia 2) . 187, 310
pinellus (Catoptria)) 2225.2 106, 224
pinguinalis (Aglossa) ...... 222, 310
pinguis (EHuzophera) 164, 223
PUTaria MCSUPALUS)iasenean ease. 105
pirithous (Syntarucus) ...... 305) nS
psi | (Céeramica) 2... 25.6% 10, 46, 145
placsiata CAnaitis)* .. 2.2.5.2: 104 142
plantaginis (Parasemia) 21, 107,
186, 248
plantiginella (Scrobipalpa) 122, 131
plecta (Ochropleura) 9, 45, 60,
evs, 1ep.
plexippus (Danaus) 4, 297, 328
moelumbaria (Ortholitha)’ .532. 75. 107
pluto: CErebia)i se wasees ees 19, 20
podalirius (Papilio) 20, 274, 279
politana (A. pulchellana)
politella” (Bryotropha) 2.2.5.4". 311
polychloros (Nymphalis)'276, 280, 305
polycommata (Trichopteryx) .... 124
polygonalis (Uresiphita) .... 96, 236
polygrammata (Euphyia) ...... 307
popularis (Tholera) .... 10, 132, 169
HopUlata nC y Sris)) eae es. ae i
mopulin (Laothoe) i. 228 Wiss: 141
populi (Poecilocampa) .. 9, 27, 28, 60
porcellus (Deilephila) ... 9, 191, 314
DOFOSa EN (ORUMOSIA) Ne ee 328
45, 93
porphyrea (Peridroma) 9, 28, 38,
posticana (Pseudococcyx) .. 109, 235
potatonriay (Philudorta) ones. 247
potentillae (Coleophora) ....... 127
praecoxs (CAC tEbDIay 2 ae 130, 132
prasina (Anaplectoides) .. 10, 93, 229
HRAStMmaN aan CCMA) ews ay aapok 11
pratellus®(Crambus)y a5. 22. - 105, 223
pretoriae (Cyana) ...... 95, 150, 259
proboscidalis (Hypena) -.-.. 12) 46
promutatal(Scopulayy sees vee 164
pronuba (Noctua) .. 10, 45, 132, 288
pronubana (Cacoecimorpha) 122
proteus CUrbanuS) ees. soe n 6
DLOLOMOIOPEKIA) ae. eo ae 31, 279
proximeaiChtademay (ye s.r sc amare Dit
pruinata (Pseudoterpna) ... 191, 193
prunalis (U. nivealis)
DRUMAtaN CsyeriIs)l ae wee ae Eos
prunt (Strymonidiayy ees yc ces 40
pLUMiahay CAPOLOMIS). odes egos: 44
pseudorapae (Pieris) .12...-.-: 65
pseudospretella (Hofmannophila)
43, 106
sin CApaAtele yaaa eet tee. 11, 148, 146
pterodactyla (Stenoptilia) ...... 225
pulehella (Spodoptera) ......... 6
pulchellar(itethersay nee. - Bo bs
pulchellana (Argyrotaenia) 106, 164
pulchellata (Eupithecia) cee LOL
pulehrina, (Plusia)e2 232-2 11, 46, 164
pumMilata, (Gymnoscelis) 73. 22 2 248
pumillio-(Gegenes) Asse. - a eA)
punctalis (Synaphe) SAA 33\(0)
punctulata (Aethelura) ......... 191
puplliana ((Hucosma)) nes. 22
purpuralis (Pyrausta) . 106, 162
purpuralis! (4yegaena) (2. 2.4. 22, 285
purpurea (Agonopterix) ...... 43
pusania: (Caberayrs ee. 45, 105, 191
DUtrish (Asuy Ha) Ennely a2 10, 38, 45
pygmaeana (Epinotia) See ae GS
pygmaeella (Argyresthia).. 120, 165
pyemacolan(hilema) 4. oe. 257
pygmina (Arenostola) ...... 12) Ti
py ladesis CLhorybes) meee ts mee OAS
pylaon: (Plebejus) set 8 2 o.. Padi Tie Ase
pyraliatar ChLy2ris)ieci\s ees ater. te 12
pyramidea (Amphipyra) .... 147, 295
pyinal nCZLeCUZELA ie creer ee. coor 164
pyritoides (Habrosyne) 38, 146
Quadra Gnthosia) yas ss ss ae 93
quadriella (Argyresthia) ...... 168
quadrifasiata (Xanthorhoe) Bea ie)
quadripunctaria (Euplagia) 255, 279
auercifoliella (Lithocolletis) .... 107
quercinaria (Ennomos) .. 8, 105, 189
quercus (Lasiocampa) 39, 92,
186, 247
quercus (rheclayre.. -2 222. 247, 326
radiatellus (Ypsolophus) .... 28, 108
ramburialis (Diasemia) .... 93, 164
14
SPECIAL INDEX
PAGE
ramella (E. paykulliana)
rapae (Pieris) .. 8, 20, 29, 31, 37,
45, 88, 176, 274, 280, 296, 324,
raschkiella (Mompha)
ratzeburgiana (Zeiraphera) .. 8,
ravida (Spaelotis)
rebeli (Maculinea)
rectangulata (Chloroclystis).. 39,
remissa (Apamea) ...... 11, 46,
Repandata, CAlCIS)y ver: 93, 105,
reticulata (Heliophobus) .... 187,
retinella (Argyresthia) 108
revayana (Nycteola) .... 11, 87,
rhamni (Gonopteryx) .. 32, 176,
2? ie DOU maar
rhodesica (Episcardia)
rhododactyla (Eucnemidophorus)
rhombana (Acleris) 106,
rhomboidaria (Cleora)
rhomboidella (C. conscriptella)
rhynchosporella (Elachista)
ribeana (P. cerasana)
richardsoni (Meesia)
ridens (Polyploca)
ripae (Agrotis)
ripartii (Agrodiaetus)
rivularis (Hadena) ..
roborella (Phycita)
rosa (Philotherma)
rosaecolana (Notocelia)
rosana (Archips)
roseana (Cochylis)
rossi (Erebia)
rotundella (Agonopterix) ......
roxelana (Pararge) .... 274, 276,
rubi (Callophrys) .. 8, 21, 29, 100,
185, 186, 247, 275,
2S OR LON,
aVisttelra al felwwiali=gietiarne
sO OO OO oe o O50"S
Ao oug. tf 0 O10 Sp Geer OOD
BUI ADTAESI a) >. Aca Apedeertnct et als, ote ;
rubi (Macrothylacia) .. 107, 144,
247,
rubigana (Phalonia) .... 44, 106,
LED Siaatan( Ee lemy Gia) ea) 93,
FupTicosay(CerLastis) i. aaa e
ruprifusa (Spodoptera) 7. . 2...
Tia. GCOCNO DIA). vache ak: 2 easier
rtaca (Chesias). | lawton 248,
rufescens (Brachmia)
ruficornis (Chaonia)
rugosana (Phtheochroa)
rumieis, (Apatele) .- tui: - ete
rupicapraria (Theria) 105,
Fralis “Celaritala) ©. eerie cys ce
rusticella (Monopis) ........- 2
sacraria (Rhodometra) .. 30, 93,
95, 153, 193,
salaciella (Opostega)
salicata (Colostygia)
salicis (Leucoma)
sambucaria (Ourapteryx) 37, 105,
sannio (Diacrisia) 36
sarcitrella (Endrosis) ...... 43,
saturatella (Coleophora) ......
saturnana (Dichrorampha) 125,
satyrata (Eupithecia)
327
164
106
192
21
105
113
146
191
, 120
93
327
177
123
143
105
ered
PAGE
satyrion (Coenonympha) ...... 17
saucia (P. porphyrea)
sauciana. ,(Apotomis) vetoes, a. 142
Savina, ACCU) © weet. ars ee 249
saxicola (Homeosoma) ........ 45
scopariella (A. atomella)
scopoliana (E. hohenwartiana)
scutigera (Heliothis) ...... 151,258
scutulana (Epiblema) ....=...-. 106
secalis, (Apamea) ........)+.- 11, 46
segetum (Agrofis) .......- 9, 38, 45
Selene CAreyniais) ee ee 8, 247
semele (Eumenis) ...... 45, 278, 280
semiargus (Cyaniris) .. 17, 21, 29,
278, 201, s0M
semicostella (Sophronia) ...... 311
semidecandrella (C. alsinellum)
semdascias (Caloptilda)yiy ee ssee 168
semitulvella ‘Ginea)) & 2. .-200e- 107
semifuscana (E. caprana)
seminella (Scrobipalpa) ........ 43
senectella (Mniophaga) ........ 43
Senex: (Comacla)iqieiteet st) 829-22 38
sennae, \(PHOeDIS)h Pepi ee 7
sequana (Dichrorampha) ...... 125
serena (H. bicolorata) -
seriata (Sterrha)s eee oe 12, 146
SericealisGRivit la) mayen is ©. See 107
Sserotian(hrebiavel eee wee ass As. 16
senpentata, (Sterrha)igeeee.. fee 328
serratilinea (Miselia) .......... 21
Senratulac: (@yreus)iee eee ee 21
sexguttella (M. stipella)
sexta (Manduca)oyee.. as. 6
sexstrigata (Amathes) ...... 10; 257
siculanayGNycteolaliites ee eae ee 87
silaceata (Ecliptoptera) .... 12, 316
similis (Dionychopus) .. 95, 149, 259
simpliciata (E. subnotata)
simplicita (Semiothisa) ..:. 95, 154
simplonia (EKuchloe) 16,/20; “24
Simulans -GRihyaciayiieereyes — ear 38
Sinapis (Leptidea) 1855205 29,
' 274, 279
Sinope wGUirotay. ee ay eee 154, 259
sinuellay, CHiomeosoma)is =.) . 422). 223
Siterata (Chloroclysta)...... 125) 2G
sobrinata (Eupithecia) ........ 104
sociella (Aphomia) 45, 105,
130, 223
Solandriana . (Epinotia) ©? . 222. 114
solidaginis (Lithomoia) ........ 190
somnulentella (Bedellia) .. 85, 123
Sorbi) CNeptieula) eae 4 sae 42
Sorbt Chithocolletis):qyiagee. aie 42
Sordens® (Apamen) aie. ..20 11, 46
sororculana (Apotomis) ........ 109
sororculella (Gelechia) ........ 165
Sonoriatas, (Carsiaisrs st) e.aeu ae 248
Spadicearia (Xanthorhoe) .. 12, 248
Sparganii (Nonagria) .. 93, 188,
1925) 193-257
Sparsana’ CAcleris)itawi heen 28, 106
spartiella (Anarsia)
telecanus (S. pirithous)
SPECIAL INDEX 15
PAGE
BpeviertalCRoliay mere. hacks seine 151
Spini. (Strymon eee. 42: 274, 279, 280
splendidella (Dioryctria) ...... 2
squamosella (Coleophora) ...... 126
Stabilis’ (Orthosia) 92.2.2. 10, 46, 185
stagnata (Nymphula) .......... 160
SEAtiCes -CASOISEIS) es 2 seis 122
SENLICES: CP rOCLIS) = cea aaeacmeen ee 187
stelenes @Victorina)) 9... 2. .2.4- U
stellatarum (Macroglossum) 30,
88h S25
stepheni. (Thestor) .2..... 2.22. 54
stettinensis (Lithocolletis) sien
stigmatella (Caloptilia) .... 42,
gis, sult
Srapellan(Michrosetia)s .:5:.2.22 2. 43
Bstolida (Grammodes) .....0....:. 95
straminea (Stenodes) .......... 105
straminea (Leucania).. 188, 192,
Wily Sill)
Sikavaria. (BiSston)) 12" 44 Ja). 93, 105
SpEatiovuata’ (Parapoyn™) mj... .. 161
Speiatay (COSeimia) ahs) osc ste 307
Striatipennella (Coleophora) 43
Sirigana (Lathronympha) ...... 108
SM OTS: «CPE OCUS) Es ches. state, os 1i
Strigillaria (Perconia) .... 108, 24
epocOSar CApatele): yes: saat. 307
BEEOeMmianaw Ch pInotia). 4. \.o8.:- 144
spacdella’ (Scrobipalpay 7222)... 22,
Seta sae (Hagena ie Ness sce arr. 314
suavella (Hurhodope) ...:...... 125
Subbistrigella (Mompha) ...... 2
Suberivora (Stigmella) 165,
176, 238
subfulvata (E. icterata)
Submacula (Teracotona) ...... 95
Subnigrella (Elachista)) 3....... 124
Subnotata (Hupitheefa) <.....-. 45
sabocellea CEhiotricha): ~. 20.22 168
Subpropinquella (Agonopterix) 131
subpurpurella (Mnemonica) .... 107
Eoibsequana .CAcrolicta)) 22... 2... 122
Bubtusa (Zenobia) .......... a dU
Succedana (Laspeyresia) .. 44, 106
succenturiata (Eupithecia) .. 93, 146
suffumata (Lampropteryx).. 12,
100, 248
Swammerdamella (Nemophora)
107, 114
sylvata (Abraxas) 84, 186,
187, 192
sylvestris (Thymelicus) ........ 130
syivina (CHepialus) ........ 105, 249
myrmcaria: CApeina) 25.52.0205. 93
syringella (Caloptilia).. 42, 107,
114, 126
saenitalis | (Sechrankia)) 2.05 sei 92
Paemiata. CPerizOma) \) = sas eels 132
eases) (Brynnis)) 5... 21!,' 29; 38; 279
fantillaria (Eupithecia) ........ 104
tarsipennalis (Zanclognatha) .. 12
eeaellay (Epinotia) 2. esa , 106
PAGE
temeratay (Baptay Pye a 191
cemplin (@Dasypolia)) ies ones. see 10
tenebrosa (Rusina) ........ e315)
tenulata, (Hupithecia)) sees)... 104
tephradactylus (Oidaemato-
PI ORUSD) ie vie ope Pe tearm A 226
tephroleuca (Gtadena) ha.) 2... 21
ternatan(Seopulay it. ain wae 12
terrella “@Bryotropha) yaije 2.6. 5s 43
tersan€Xylophanes) isso weer a 6
testacea (Luperina) Ol ea Os
130, 189, 325
testaceata. Chiydrehia) = 5 ee 229
testaceella Gi permenra)) ae .- 168
testatal, Ceyeris) arora eink 12
cestulalisu(Marwca) mts «mee see 242
tetradactylus (Pterophorus) .... 226
tetralunaria a (Seleniany 2 2 er 248
tetraquetrana (Epinotia) ...... 106
tetrioy Ceseudosphinx)) 125-22. 6
thalassinarteCHadenay)) 22) eh: ees 10
thaumas (T. flava)
thero™. (CPnasis)), +A ee se 267
thersites (Lysandra) ....-- 278, 281
thrasow CAchlyoOdes) 195 wee. Gyo
thrasonella (Aechmia) ........ 106
tnetella..(Borkhausenia)= —-. 164
titamia. (Closstanayiy saa eee Tah vA ()
fthonus — CMlantolayier sia ane 296
tity use (EICOdeSs) ais. 2a ase 21, 280
toLtricellay CRortricodes) were ae 113
tragopogonis (Amphipyra).. 11,
185, 325
eransalpina.. (Zyeaecnaleas ase 22,
transversal) (hupsilia) Mee a OS 2G
iGapezinay (Cosma) arse teee se 11
tremula nG2NeOsSiay) yaa or ee 9
Leranemlunin CAmabthesy in ss. one 9
ELanutSs .CoGe Dia 2 eee ee erin 7A)
thidens: CApatele) ys = seca re 143
trifolii (Scotogramma) .... 38, 257
CLIC OMA (Ay SaACnal) peewee ie ee 42
trigemina (U. triplasia)
tGicGammMican., CUViCkIStIS) 45s 248
trimaculana (Epinotia) .... 44, 120
tringipennella (Aspilapteryx) .. 122
apoenanicy (Ohare) “OG. pemnee Saat
jae olleienel (UfaKesl)) 9 Se ce ele oein.c 3 11, 146
tripunctana (P. cynosbatella)
cipunctarnia’ (Hupithecia) y=: 4: 104
truiStatay Ch piIsrnoe) i re sce weer 104
tristellus (Agriphila) .. 45,°106, oe
trituberculana (Celama) ....... eel)
trochiella (Coleophora) ........ 123
trochilus (Magroglossum) .. 95, 153
troslodytar Ceyrrharea ears a qf
truneata. (Braise) que eee 95
truncata (Dysstroma) IPA CAT
191, 325
truncicolella (Scoparia) .. 44, 108, 160
trux (Agrostis) .... 122, 131, 229, 248
16
SPECIAL INDEX
; PAGE PAGE
tullia (Coenonympha) 8, 229, versicolora (Endromis) ..... ot Oo
247, 297 vespertillio (Deilephila) LOM om
tumidella (Acrobasis) .......... 223 vespiformis ‘ (Aegeria)* 9122.7: 124
epee CVE TTT) one. ss). a 229 Vestigialis, (Agrotisnni es UR 187
cae (P. chrysitis) vetusta (Xylena) ......... 10, 229
yndarus (Erebia) .......... LI vibicella (Coleophora) 168, 169
relate peer ine Reo it pate (Amelia) eee 1.7) G99 44
Bile feii> fella Nis! aifermneim * (ie viciae GS Nt) hi tod. Yen D
ulicetana (L. succedana) vicrama ehilotes) WN recder beababa pte a
Beane cack ata ta 44, aa ee oe a) AS a ee
peere © <8) See villica rctia rch MN bak ae OL
umbellana (Agonopterix) 106, viminalis (Bombycia) ..... 10, 39
125, 311 viminetella (Coleophora) ...... 167
See ee ics Aeboo.8 9) 8, ae viminiella (Lithocolletis) ...... 42
SE Sue 9 mae es i 1 I ORO OL ty oer ee oto e 4
umbrosella (Mniophaga) |... 43 | Gants (Camus) Rane 9, 143
unangulata (Euphyia) 164, 310 virgaureae (Heodes) .... 18, 21, 307
ea ees Coe sees 5 koe virgaureana (C. interjectana)
undulana (Orthotaenia) ........ 108 Meta ie eae ey Oa i: aR hy
undulata (Rheumaptera) . Fae virginiensis (Pieris) ............ "62
unifasciana (C. consimilana) ita viet le CE hypomee a ta ee
a ERE (Eni) 93 vitalbata (Horisme) BE tt hee eae 192
apupnns (Aner) ikea ATA 167 vitellina (Leucania) STi yenane 93, 193
urticae (Aglais) 8, 20, 29, 31, 32, cee te Hee HORT CU ie
100, 113, 130, 143, 176, 296. PENAL det noma Une
304, 309, 314, 324, 397 wahlbergi (Ceromitia) 5 EP OteEe. Ose. 5 96
urticae (Spilosoma) .. 191, 237, 257 wahlbergi (Nudaurelia)..95, 154, 259
urticana (O. undulana) w-album (Strymonidia). . 41, 186, 297
vaccinii (Conistra).......... ee wallengreni (Phasis) .......... 89
vaniliac Drone). 14 eta! ox, 7 wauaria (Itame) .......... 105, 248
Vania Givcophatiaye yas Willan 9 williana (Phalonia)iny |.) eee 122
variabilis (Plusia) ........ 17, 21 w-latinum (Hadena) ...... 186, 257
Varinte: (Thera) &...../..0....4, 28 wockeella (Coleophora) ........ 127
variegana)! (Acleris)) Os. 28 hey 160 xanthographa (Amathes) 10,
Varin CPEGISSOMASHEXOI . <) se eee 178 132, 325
velata, (Athy sania) asol pie 6 xanthomista (Antitype) ........ 326
venata (Ochlodes) .. 21, 32, 141, xerampelina (Attethmia) .... 10, 132
279 xylostella (Cerostoma) ........ 107
WEHOSawCELEKIS)! jo eae ee = ey ceed 61 younei “(Erebia)). 4a eee 242
wenosa Gsimyra) leet ce 8: 12 Gy zebeana (Laspeyresia) ........ 164
venoSata (Eupithecia) .. 21, 157, zelleri (Mellisoblaptes) .... 234, 311
311 zephyrana (P. williana)
venustula” (Hapalotis)® 0.) ns ve 258 zeta “(Hadena)) #29 Nae! | wee Aa
werbascella \CNothris)” . exces: 166 ziczac (Notodonta) .. 9, 1381, 191, 257
verhuellella (Teichobia) ........ 122 zellhikotert MCA pamea) isne — eee 294
MeEsicolors(ERrocus)) 6). We) y st) 11 Zona CNVSSIA)) wietie Ses aes a: 229
JANUARY 1968
ENTOMOLOGIST’S
RECORD
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
Edited by S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E:s.
with the assistance of
A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.RA.S.
NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. es dial asia
ENTER, F.R.E.S.
J. Be CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. H. SYMES, M.A.
Major A. E. COLLIER, M.C., F.R.E.S. S. WAKELY
Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E-s.
| oy
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PLATE I.
s “(packed :
‘ = | Angehir Sutien - Dagkt
2—Z. ganymedes sultana n. subsp., Allotype
. 1—Zygaena ganymedes sultana n. subsp., Holotype ¢
VOL. 80.
2
4+, wingspan 24 mm.
(@)
2, Wingspan 25:5 mm.
On a New Subspecies of Zygaena (Agrumenia*)
ganymedes Herrich-Schaffer (Lep., Zygaenidae)
By Hueco Reiss, Stuttgart, and Dr. ADOLF SCHULTE, Hannover
Herrich-Schaffer originally illustrated Zygaena ganymedes Herrich-
Schaffer in 1851 in the Systematische Bearbeitung der Schmetterlinge von
Europa and described the species a year later in 1852 without quoting the
exact locality. I have already written (Reiss, 1933a: 205) on Z. ganymedes
and suggested that Zeitun in the Taurus mountains of Turkey should be
taken as the type locality. On the coloured plate I figured a § and 2 from
Zeitun. These specimens were also illustrated on the black and white
plate where, in addition, a specimen labelled Armenia was figured. Later
the same year (Reiss, 1933b: 267) I referred all populations from, the
Taurus to the nominate form of Zygaena ganymedes Herrich-Schiffer.
Tremewan (1966: 31, pl. 1, fig. 1) designated a ¢ (26 mm. wing span),
labelled Asia minor, as a lectotype of Z. ganymedes Herrich-Schaffer and
illustrated the specimen together with the genitalia.
A series of 5d, 292 labelled: Tiirkei, Ak-Sehir, Sultan Dagh, 15.vi.-
15.vii.1963, leg. Leinfest, shows little variation. Until now, the species
was unrecorded from this locality in the central region of Turkey. The
specimens are smaller than ganymedes from Zeitun and have a wingspan
of 24-26 mm. in the ¢ and 25 and 25:5 mm. in the 9°. In1d,19, the red
and connected forewing spots 1, 2, 2a, that reach the inner margin, are
enlarged, spot 1 is separated from spot 3 only by the yellow edging. The
antennae are blue-black, likewise the frons and the palpi. The patagia
and tegulae are red, the latter mixed with yellow and in 2¢ with black
scaling. On the abdomen, the last segment is blue-black, the remaining
segments are red dorsally, but are red ventrally only on two to three
segments. In 2, the red is even somewhat reduced on the upperside of the
abdomen. The legs are mostly bone-yellow. Compared with ganymedes
from Zeitun, the red coloration is less mixed with vermilion, the yellow
edging of the forewing spots is stronger, also the red spots 5 and 6 are
distinctly surrounded with yellow. While in ganymedes from Zeitun the
margins of the forewings are blue-black in the specimens from Sultan
Dagh the edges of the wings are yellow and in 2¢ and 29 the normally
blue-black inner margin is likewise yellow. The fringes of the forewings
are yellow, those of the hindwings are dark. On the underside of the
forewings the coloration is duller, the forewing spots and their yellow
edging are visible, between the spots the ground colour is dusted with
yellowish scaling, the apex and the termen are blue-black.
We name this race sultana n. subsp. Holotype 4, Ttrkei, Aksehir,
Sultan Dagh, 15.vi.-15.vii-1963, leg. Leinfest, in coll. H. Reiss; allotype 9°,
with the same data, in coll. A. Schulte; 43, 19 Paratypes with the same
data in coll. H. Reiss and coll. A. Schulte.
The holotype Jd and allotype @ are figured on the accompanying plate.
These figures show the form and length of the antennae, the wing shape,
the size and shape of the forewing spots and the hindwing border.
We are greatly indebted to Dr. Gunther Reiss for preparing the
original photographs reproduced on the plate.
*The placing of this species in the subgenus Agrumenia Hubner follows Reiss
(1958).
A) ENTOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 8U 15/1/68
REFERENCES
Herrich-Schatfer, G. A. W. 1851. Systematische Bearbeitung der Schmetterlinge
von Europa, 2, pl. 14, figs. 100, 101.
——, 1852. ibidem, 6: 45.
Kkeiss, H. 1933a. Versuch einer Monographie Uber die Gruppen der Zyguena
fraxini Mén. und olivieri Boisd. (Lep.). Ent. Rdsch., 59: 205, black and
white and coloured plates.
———-. 1933b. in Seitz, De Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 267.
——. 1958. Versuch der Darstellung von Entwicklungsreihen bei der Gattune
Zygaena F. (Lep.). Z. wien. ent. Ges., 43: 157-161, with sketches.
Tremewan, W. G. 1966. On some Type Specimens of the Genus Zygaena Fabricius
(Lep., Zygaenidae) in the British Museum (Natural History). Entomoloyist’s
RCC da VAT Te Ole leSe ieee rien mom ete
Dioryctria abietella Denis & Schiffermuller and
D. abietella {. mutatella Fuchs. (Lep. Phycitidae)
By GEORGE H. YOuDEN, F.R.E.S.
It appears that all British specimens supposed to be Dioryctria splen-
iddella H.-S. (a synonym of D. sylvestrella Ratzeburg) which have been
examined, have proved to be D. abietella D. & Schiff. Before reading
Mr. M. Shaffer’s paper (Ent. Gazette 17: 20) I fowarded to him some
of my larger, well marked specimens, some with prominent brown
patches, which I thought were splendidella. Mr. Shaffer has kindly
compared them with other material at the British Museum (Natural
History) with the result that he has determined these larger specimens
as D. abietella. He goes on to emphasise that the smaller specimens
which in the past have been called abietella are referable to the form
mutatella Fuchs.
This species does not appear in the loca! list of moths found in the
Dover and Deal district of Kent, prepared by the late B. E. Embry and
myself in 1949, as we could not find any records of its occurrence at that
time. It has, however, been recorded from Kent (Barrett, British Lepi-
doptera 1X :415). ;
The first record in the Dover area appears to be in 1955, in which year
15 came to my mercury vapour light trap—one on 9th July, 13 on 29th
July, and one on 28rd August. This sudden appearance seems to suggest
migration. The species does not occur regularly here, although the food
plant, Pinus sylvestris is close by. The only other specimens I have
recorded locally are one on the 22nd August 1959, and one on 20th June
1966.
Single specimens have been taken by Mr. D. G. Marsh, at Ickham,
near Canterbury, on 31st July 1956, and 29th August 1961. If all recor-
ded specimens refer to this species, it occurred in the Ashford, Kent,
area in 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957 (E. Scott annotated list of Lepidoptera
1964: 59) and I understand it has turned up fairly regularly in the Folke-
stone area (A. M. Morley, in litt.).
Specimens from Hailsham, Sussex, formerly in the collection of the
late B. E. Embry, which I now have, appear to be smaller, and refer-
able to form mutatella Fuchs., as indeed, are the majority of those taken
by me in Rothiemurchus Forest, Inverness-shire, in July 1959.
My thanks are due to Mr. Shaffer for his help and for examining
some two dozen specimens which I sent to him.
18 Castle Avenue, Dover, Kent.
wo
SEVEN WEEKS IN JAMAICA, WINTERS 1966-1967
Seven Weeks in Jamaica, Winters 1966-1967
By A. G. M. Batten and Mrs. A. M. BatrEen
We have been to Jamaica twice, for seventeen days in January 1966
and for nearly five weeks from the 3rd January 1967. Since Jamaica is
north of the equator it should be realised that we were there in their
mid-winter as well as our own, though winter conditions are, of course,
different. Most of the time we spent at Good Hope, Falmouth, an 18th
century Great House standing in its own 2400 acres, carrying mainly cattle,
a small amount of sugar and many palm trees, with access to another
4000 acres for riding purposes. Falmouth is about 23 miles east from the
resort of Montego Bay and our hotel was 5 miles inland at an altitude of
540 feet. This part of the island borders the so-called Cockpit Country,
much of which is almost impenetrable. The vegetation is, of course, tropical
—the rainfall is substantial.
On this last visit we left Heath Row by B.O.A.C. on 3rd January and
flew to Kingston, Jamaica, stopping only for refuelling at Bermuda, a
journey from door to door of about 14 hours. We spent three days in
Kingston, on business, with little opportunity to look for lepidoptera.
Nevertheless, on the morning after our arrival at Sheraton Hotel we
walked through its long covered passage ways between the bedroom blocks
and saw, some eight feet from the ground, a large moth which has since
been identified as Thysania lonobia, Cram. This needed a net to dislodge
it when it quickly made its way round a corner into thick herbage. On
following up we saw what we took to be the same insect resting at a
convenient height on a white wall and it was easily captured. No sooner
was this accomplished than what was undoubtedly the first insect seen
appeared fluttering about. It settled and was also captured. Both were
in perfect condition and had probably only emerged the night before. We
saw no more examples and despite a search of the hundreds of yards of
corridors, found nothing else. The yellow lights used in the tropics to
discourage insects seemed to us to have done their job all too well.
Before leaving Kingston we spent one day in the Blue Mountains (at
4000 ft.). However, no sooner had we arrived there than cloud descended
and no insects were seen.
We then drove, in a small car made available to us, the 110 miles from
Kingston to Good Hope. This took us inland from Kingston through Spanish
Town and the mountains to Ocho Rios, passing through the extraordinary
Fern Gully which exceptionally in the Island bears masses of tree ferns.
The day was rather dull and windy and there was no opportunity to
collect.
This year, for the first time, we used a portable moth trap, indeed, apart
from having sent one by post we bought, and brought, another since we
were told that the Jamaican Customs might delay the postal parcel for too
long. (In fact, replacement tweezers sent by post took more than a month
to reach us by airmail—and at an import duty cost of 4/4.) The portable
traps now available in England and run off a 12 volt battery, have much
to commend them. However, at home we have never found the vertical
tube used in this device to be as effective as the 125 m.v. lamp. Transport
and electric voltage problems precluded our taking the large trap although
it would undoubtedly have given better results in every way. However,
to the interest of our co-guests, only one of whom was entomologically
conscious (he was an eminent coleopterist and warmly welcomed our
4 ENIOMOLOGIST S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
enterprise), we set up the moth trap nightly immediately in front of the
hotel with an uninterrupted view of at least 7 miles of wooded and agri-
cultural country unaffected by pesticides of any kind. The results were
varied and, as usual, much affected by the moon for a part of the time.
Wind often affected the early part of the evening but usually the wind
dropped by 8 p.m. It was dark by 7 p.m.
Later in this note we shall record some of our catches. At this point
it will suffice to state that the numbers of insects during an operating
period of three hours were sometimes very great but that the number of
species seen was not so many as might have been expected. We found that
a sheet set up behind the trap was useful and, fortunately, most of the
larger insects, despairing of entering the trap, rested, undamaged, on the
sheet and were readily taken. Inside the trap itself chaos reigned and
many insects destroyed themselves. They were not so prone, as at home,
to settle down and await events. The presence of beetles and crickets, in
the trap as well as outside, added to the confusion. A praying mantis
thoroughly enjoyed the facilities.
One evening, having just set up the trap, we were admiring the last of
the setting sun over the top of a Flame of the Forest tree (Spathodea
campanulata) when a large hawk moth (identity uncertain) could be seen
against the remaining light in the sky, visiting the tulip-like flowers one
by one for some long time. We suspect that it came to the trap eventually.
It was no doubt one of the largest sphingids and probably Cocytius anteus,
which came that night.
We must now mention the butterflies. The Great House owned about
two miles of sandy beach (complete with palm trees, blue lagoon and coral
reef) about three miles east of Falmouth, all for the exclusive use of less
than forty guests, and while we were there, for fifteen and sometimes
less. Some 60 yards behind the beach there was a grassy cart-track with
miscellaneous vegetation ranging from grass to small plants, flowering and
otherwise, to shrubs up to 10 feet high and a few small trees. It was easy
to pass to and fro along this track. To leave it was to risk the hazards of
prickly pear (Opuntia megacantha), which abounded often just below the
height of the grasses. Along this track most of our butterflies were caught.
Our second visit was not so productive as the first because some of the
attractive flowering shrubs had disappeared and had been replaced by
wire fencing. Others seemed to have changed their flowering periods since
the previous year. Quite unusually near-drought conditions prevailed
during our visit which may have accounted for this and plants and shrubs
wilted visibly.
A few hundred yards away was a disused road-stone quarry. This was
ideal for hunting lepidoptera and movement was possible along those parts
not yet overgrown. In a year or so many colonies of butterflies and moths
will doubteless be established there. We found a number of caterpillars
and some pupae but could not identify them. To us this quarry was
noteworthy in that it was here that one of us saw his first Monarch (Danaus
plexippus). These are not by any means very common in the north of
Jamaica. More are found on the south coast.
Unfortunately, each day at about 10.15 a.m. wind was apt to arise. This
militated against collecting and on some days resulted in there being
nothing but small euremas and tiny blues to be seen. These insects flew,
close to the ground, from morning to night and seemed quite unworried by
the wind.
SEVEN WEEKS IN JAMAICA, WINTERS 1966-1967 5
Our butterfly collecting was confined to these two situations, both
within 100 yards or so of mile-post 79 from Spanish Town to Montego Bay
and, also, alongside the Martha Brae, a small river rising in the mountains
and passing through the Good Hope estate to the sea.
We were advised by the owner of the Hotel, Mr Patrick Tenison—
himself very knowledgeable on lepidoptera—to walk along the banks of
the Martha Brae where swallowtails were to be found. We took his advice
and on each occasion found a number of Victorinas fluttering about on the
steep banks in dappled sunshine beneath the trees. We took some ten
specimens. Those of 1967 were in far better condition than those of 1966—
probably due to absence of rain storms. There were very few other butter
flies in this location.
The Zebra (Heliconius charitonius, Linnaeus) is very common in this
neighbourhood. We heard many stories of their having been seen in vast
numbers but did not really believe these tales until reliable witnesses who
went for early morning rides on the Estate repeatedly reported having
seen them. Undoubtedly this species came together at night in wooded
areas, often near water.
Our most thrilling entomological experience concerned Papilio
homerus, the largest and scarcest of the Jamaican butterflies. The hotel
dining room was an extension from the main hotel, enclosed in mosquito
netting with a steep drop of some 30-40 feet to the ground. This insect
came to a Flame of the Forest tree daily while we were at lunch and
remained there, wings folded hanging downwards for long periods. After
a while, however, it would take off and settle on a palm tree—again only
some ten feet away from the dining room and then return to its former
perch. Sometimes it took off and settled on the angle of the roof within a
few feet of us so that we could just see its two antennae hanging below the
roof. This kind of thing happened for seven consecutive days always at
the same time and on two of them the insect came to exactly the same
point on the roof. One evening, at about 5.0 p.m. we saw a similar insect
on the wing about a mile away. Good Hope is one of the places in the
Island where the insect is not infrequently seen.
We took a number of examples of Utetheisa bella L., one or two at light
but most of them in the quarry by day. The upper wings are almost
identical with those of our own Crimson Speckled Footman (Utetheisa
pulchella) but the hind wings of those caught were pink with black mark-
ings round the edges instead of white hind wings as recorded in this
country. One example especially showed almost the same black markings
on its hind wings as our own migrant. It is suspected that a bushy vetch
is their food plant since many rose from the neighbourhood of such bushes
when disturbed during the day, but not elsewhere in the quarry.
It should be noted that while Richard South ascribes our pulchella to
many warm countries he does not mention the Americas.
We did not confine our collecting to the M.V. light. For nearly three
weeks we sugared trees each night with a mixture of Jamaican molasses,
Guinness and rum. The results were disappointing and the best we ever
achieved in one evening was 45 insects of not more than five species.
Moreover, we had to contend with our usual enemies, bats and toads. In
addition, great slugs, some five inches long, came to sugar, as well as
lizards. The latter managed to simulate the bark of the tree. Incidentally,
lizards in our bedroom were a hazard when setting. They would jump
6 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
from the wall into the waste paper basket to retrieve each discarded
specimen. No holds were barred.
Since our return most of the insects have visited the British Museum
(Natural History) who retained one butterfly, Achlyodes_ thraso
mithridates Fabricius, since this is very thinly represented in the National
Collection.
Many of the moths have proved difficult. The accurate identification of
the noctuids will require, in many cases, the preparation of the genitalia.
This might, perhaps, be undertaken at a later date. Of the 100 or so
specimens submitted to the Museum 39 were retained comprising 29
varieties. One of the Sphingids gave special satisfaction, Madoryx oiclus,
Cramer. This may well prove to be a new sub-species of the examples
already in the Museum.
The 13 Sphingids captured were :—
Madoryx oiclus Cramer.
Pholus labruscae F.
Cocytius duponchel Poey.
Amolypterus gannascus jamaicaensis R. & J.
Erinnyis ello L.
Manduca sexta jamaicensis Butl.
Erinnyis oenotrus Stoll.
Erinnyis alope Drury.
Pachylia ficus L.
Epistor lugutris Roths. latipennis.
Pseudosphinzx tetrio L.
Cocytrius anteus Drury.
Xylophanes tersa L.
Among the other moths recorded were more than 40 species includ-
ing :—
Ecpantheria nigriplaca Walker.
Pachydota iodea H. Schaffer.
Automolis delicata Moshler.
Ammaus insulata Walker.
Palpita hyalinata L.
Athysania velata Walker.
Paraote immanis Walker.
Sematura oegistus Fab. (this is a swallowtail-like insect reminiscent
of the butterflies, brown in colour and said to be much sought
after by certain American museums).
Euglyphia hieroglyphica Cram.
Spodoptera rubrifusa Hampson.
Spodoptera pulchella H. Schaffer.
As already stated, many of the other moths, and especially the noctuids,
were difficult accurately to identify.
We captured 27 species of butterflies which included the following (in
addition to Papilio homerus, which we did not catch but only saw) and a
number of very small Blues which we did not identify :—
Heliconias charithonia L.
Urbanus proteus R. & J.
Cystineura doreus Fabricius.
LEPIDOPTERA FROM THE STIRLING AREA 7
Andia jatsophe jamaicensis Moshler.
Victorina stelenes lavinea Fabricius.
Eurema alathea Cramer.
Colaenis julia Fabricius.
Dione vanillae L.
Phoebis aganthe antillia M. Brown.
Pyrrhanea troglodyta portia Fabricius.
Glutophissa drusillae castalia Fabricius.
Achlyodes thraso mithridates Fabricius.
Colias eurytheme Boisduval
Eurema nisa Latscille
Eurema nicippe Cramer
Eurema lisa Boisduval and Le Conte.
Marpasia petreus Cramer
Phoebis sennae Linnaeus
Appias drusilla Cramer
Precis lavinia Cramer
In conclusion, we are greatly indebted to our friends at the British
Museum (Natural History) —and especially Mr A. H. Hayes —for their
untiring efforts to help identify what were so often difficult subjects. Our
thanks to Mr. Hayes are not in the least modified by the knowledge that
his wisdom and charm persuaded us to part, to the Museum, with some 40
items of nearly 30 species.
Lepidoptera from the Stirling Area
By D. L. Coates
The following list of lepidoptera from an area centred on Stirling has
been compiled from records gathered between 1962 and 1965 inclusive.
Stirling lies close to the borders of several other counties, hence the
inclusion of some records outside Stirlingshire. The area is defined by a
circle of twenty miles radius, centred on the town of Stirling. All records
are from my surburban garden, which is situated about half a mile south
of Stirling, unless otherwise stated. Night records other than from the
aforementioned garden are entirely from (a) the street lights in Bridge of
Allan, Stirlingshire, (b) an inn near Airdrie, Lanarkshire, (c) a friend’s
house in Brig O’ Turk, Perthshire, and (d) my house near Aberfoyle,
Perthshire, since moving here on 27th September 1965.
As far as I know, this is the first comprehensive list for this area. The
only other list, which includes a number of Stirlingshire records, was
published by Dalglish and King (1901, Macro- and Microlepidoptera, in
Fauna, Flora and Geology of the Clyde area, pp. 233-257, British Associa-
tion, Glasgow).
A mercury vapour light trap has been used at home since autumn 1962,
on all suitable nights, excepting holidays, etc. A portable generator has
not been used. Daytime operations have been limited, owing to the not
unusual fact that an income has to be made in order to support a wife and
family. From these facts alone it is patently clear that there is still a great
deal to be discovered. Very little work has been done on the smaller
moths, and what has been done only began in 1964. However, since mov-
ing to Aberfoyle, I have been lucky enough to discover a Tortricid moth
8 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
new to the British Isles, Acleris abietana Hiibn. (Ent. Rec., 79: 151). Other
species rarely reported from Scotland include Cucullia chamomillae
Schiff., Zenobia subtusa Schiff., Mesoleuca albicillata L., Perizoma bifaciata
Haw., Rheumaptera undulata L., Ennomos querinaria Hufn. and Eucosma
ratzeburgiana Saxesen. Also worth mentioning are Enargia paleacea Esp.,
Apamea exulis subsp. assimilis Doubld, and Pyrrhia wmbra Hufn., which
I had not expected to find in this part of Scotland.
For no reason other than convenience, nomenclature and order are as
follows:—Butterflies according to the ‘Revised List of British Butterflies
according to the report of the Committee of the Royal Entomological
Society of London on Generic Nomenclature (1934). Larger moths accord-
ing to “South (1961), the Moths of the British Isles, 4th Edition”, except
that the Lasiocampidae and Arctiidae have been brought back between
the Saturniidae and the Notodontidae. Smaller moths according to
“Ford (1949 and 1958), a Guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera and
Supplement”.
My sincere thanks are due to Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton of the Royal
Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, without whose help with indentification and
general advice, this list would not have been possible to publish; also to
Mr. David Simpson of ‘“Dundarroch’, Brig O’ Turk, for allowing me to
“plug in’ whenever I wished, and for his never failing hospitality and
supply of delectable ““White Horse” whisky.
STIRLINGSHIRE
SATYRIDAE
Maniola jurtina L. Cambusbarron. July/Aug., local but common
where found.
Coenonympha pamphilus L. Cambusbarron. May/Sep., widespread
common.
C. tullia.Mull.. Flanders Moss. June/July, common in one area.
Aphantopus hyperantus L. Flanders Moss, July, locally common.
NYMPHALIDAE
Argynnis selene Schiff. Cambusbarron, dunes duly local but doinly
common where found.
UN aglaia L. Cambusbarron, July, in one area, uncommon.
Vanessa atalanta L. Sept./Oct., not seen every year.
Aglais urticae L. Widespread and fairly common.
Nymphalis io L. Widespread—uncommon.
LYCAENIDAE
Polyommatus icarus Rott. Cambusbarron. June/July, common in
‘one area, single brooded.
Lycaena phleas L. June and Sept., wurde spre ae uncommon, probably
double-brooded only.
Callophrys rubi L. Easterton, May/June, local but fairly common
where. found.
PIERIDAE
Pieris brassicae L. Not seen every year.
Pr. rapae L. Very common.
P. napi L. June and Aug. Widespread, very common, double-brooded.
LEPIDOPTERA FROM THE STIRLING AREA
SPHINGIDAE
Laothoe populi L. Common.
Deilephila elpenor L. Bridge of Allan, occasional.
D. porcellus L. Occasional.
SATURNIDAE
Saturnia pavonia L. Probably fairly common in suitable places.
LASIOCAMPIDAE
Poecilocampa populi L. Fairly common.
ARCTIIDAE
Nudaria mundana L. Fairly common.
Spilosoma lubricipeda L. Very common.
Arctia caja L. Common.
NOTODONTIDAE
Harpyia furcula Clerck. Uncommon.
Cerura vinula L. Occasional.
Chaonia ruficornis Hufn. Fairly common.
Pheosia tremula Clerck. Uncommon, single-brooded.
P. gnoma Fab. Apr./Aug., fairly common, possibly double-brooded.
Notodonta ziczac L. Uncommon, single-brooded.
N. dromedarius L. Fairly common, single-brooded.
Lophopteryx capucina L. Fairly common, single-brooded.
Phalera bucephala L. Fairly common.
THYATIRIDAE
Thyatira batis L. Uncommon, single-brooded.
Tethea duplaris L. Fairly common.
Achylia flavicornis L. Common.
DREPANIDAE
Drepana falcataria L. Bridge of Allan, one only.
NOCTUIDAE
Euxoa nigricans L. Fairly common.
Agrotis segetum Schiff. Common.
A. exclamationis L. Common.
A. ipsilon Hufn. Fairly common, but numbers fluctuate.
Lycophotia varia de Vill. Fairly common.
Peridroma porphyrea Schiff. One only.
Graphiphora augur Fab. Fairly common.
Diarsia brunnea Schiff. Uncommon.
D. mendica Fab. Very common.
D. dahliti Htibn. Uncommon.
D. rubi View. Very common.
Ochropleura plecta L. Common.
Paradiarsia glareosa Esp. Fairly common.
Amathes baja Schiff. Common.
A. c-nigrum L. Fairly common.
A. triangulum Hufn. Fairly common.
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
A. sexstrigata Haw. Uncommon.
A. xanthographa Schiff. Very Common.
Axylia putris L. Fairly common.
Anaplectoides prasina Schiff. Occasional.
Eurois occulta L. Occasional.
Euschesis janthina Schiff. Abundant.
E. comes Hubn. Abundant.
Noctua pronuba L. Abundant.
Lampra fimbriata Schreber. Fairly common.
Cerastis rubricosa Schiff. Common.
Naenia typica L. Occasional.
Mamestra brassicae L. Fairly common.
Diataraxia oleracea L. Fairly common.
Ceramica pisi L. Fairly common.
Hada nana Hufn. Fairly common.
Hadena thalassina Schiff. Common.
H. bombycina Hufn. Fairly common.
H. bicolorata Hufn. Uncommon.
H. conspersa Schiff. Uncommon.
H. bicruris Hufn. Fairly common.
Orthosia gothica L. Very common.
O. cruda Schiff. Fairly common.
O. stabilis Schiff. Very common.
O. incerta Hufn. Very common.
Panolis flammea Schiff. Occasional.
Tholera popularis Fab. Kippen, one only.
Cerapteryx graminis L. Common.
Leucania pallens L. Common.
L. impura Hubn. Common.
L. comma L. Fairly common.
L. lythargyria Esp. Fairly common.
L. conigera Schiff. Fairly common.
Cucullia chamomillae Schiff. Once at light on 26.v.1963.
Bombycia viminalis Fab. Uncommon.
Aporophila lutulentula s.sp. luneburgensis Freyer. Uncommon.
A. nigra Haw. Common.
Xylena vetusta Hubn. Fairly common.
Allophyes oxyacanthae L. Common.
Griposia aprilina L. Fairly common.
Eumichtis adusta Esp. Common.
Dryobotodes eremita Fab. One only.
Dasypolia templi Thunbg. One only.
Antitype chi. L. Common.
Eupsilia transversa Hufn. Common.
Omphaloscelis lunosa Haw. Fairly common.
Agrochola lota Clerck. Fairly common.
A. macilenta Hiibn. Common.
A. circellaris Hufn. Common.
Anchoscelis helvola L. One only.
A. litura L. Common.
Atethelia xerampelina Esp. Uncommon.
Tiliacea citrago L. Uncommon.
Citria lutea Str6m. Fairly common.
LEPIDOPTERA FROM THE STIRLING AREA 11
Cirrhia icteritia Hufn. Fairly common.
Conistra vaccinii L. Very common.
Cryphia perla Schiff. Uncommon.
Apatele leporina L. Occasional.
A. psi L. Fairly common.
A. rumicis L. Fairly common.
Amphipyra tragopoginis Clerck. Common.
Rusina ferruginea Esp. Common.
Apamea lithoxylaea Schiff. Fairly common.
. monoglypha Hufn. Abundant.
. crenata Hufn. Common.
. sordens Hufn. Common.
. remissa Hubn. Common.
. unanimis Htibn. Occasional.
. secalis L. Very common.
. ophiogramma Esp. Occasional.
Procus strigilis Clerck. Common.
P. versicolor Borkh. Occasional.
P. fasciuncula Haw. Common.
P. literosa Haw. Uncommon.
P. furuncula Schiff. One only.
Luperina testacea Schiff. Fairly common.
Euplexia lucipara L. Common.
Phlogophora meticulosa L. Common.
Petilampa minima Haw. Fairly common.
Stilbia anomala Haw. Fairly common.
Caradrina morpheus Hufn. Common.
C. blanda Schiff. Occasional.
C. clavipalpis Scop. Fairly common.
Celaena haworthii Curt. Occasional.
C. leucostigma s.sp. scotica Cockayne, occasional.
Hydraecia oculea L. Fairly common.
H. lucens Freyer. Uncommon.
Gortyna micacea Esp. Very common.
G. flavago Schiff. Fairly common. -
Cosmia trapezina L. Common.
Enargia paleacea Esp. One worn specimen at light on 16.viii.1964.
Zenobia subtusa Schiff. One at light in ix.1962.
Rhizedra lutosa Hibn. Uncommon.
Arenostola pygmina Haw. Fairly common.
Bena fagana Fab. Bridge of Allan, one only.
Nycteola revayana Scop. Uncommon.
Euclidimera mi Clerck. Cambusbarron, very local, uncommon.
Colocasia coryli L. Fairly common.
Plusia moneta Fab. Occasional.
. chrysitis L. Common.
. bractaea Schiff. Uncommon.
. festucae L. Fairly common.
jota L. Fairly common.
. pulchrina Hubn. Common.
gamma L. Varying numbers annually.
. interrogationis L. Occasional.
Unca trigemina Wernberg. Occasional.
bP bP PD Pp
yvuyyuyUty
12 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
U. triplasia L. Fairly common.
Scoliopteryx libatrix L. Uncommon.
Phytometra viridaria Clerck. Balmaha, one only.
Hypena proboscidalis L. Fairly common, single-brooded.
Schrankia costaestrigalis Steph. One only.
Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Treits. Uncommon.
Z. nemoralis Fab. Uncommon.
GEOMETRIDAE
Alsophila aescularia Schiff. Common.
Geometra papilionaria L. Fairly common.
Scopula ternata Schrank. Balmaha, local but common where found.
Sterrha seriata Schrank. Uncommon.
S. aversata L. Fairly common.
S. biselata Hufn. Uncommon.
Xanthorhoe montanata Schiff. Very common.
X. fluctuata L. Very common.
xX. ferrugata Clerck. Balmaha, local and uncommon.
X. spadicearia Schiff. Balmaha, local and uncommon.
xX. designata Hufn. Common.
Ortholitha mucronata s.sp. scotica Cockayne. Balmaha, local but
common where found.
O. chenopodiata L. Uncommon.
Colostygia pectinataria Knoch. FEasterton, local but very common
where found.
C. salicata Hubn. Balmaha, one only.
C. multistrigaria Haw. Common.
C. didymata L. Widespread, very common.
Earophila badiata Schiff. Uncommon.
Anticlea derivata Schiff. Uncommon.
Mesoleuca albicillata L. One at light on 9.vii.1965.
Entephria caesiata Schiff. Bridge of Allan, fairly common.
Perizoma alchemillata L. Fairly common.
P. bifaciata Haw. One at light, 12.vii.1963.
P. flavofasciata Thunb. Uncommon.
Euphyia bilineata L. Widespread, fairly common.
Lyncometra ocellata L. Fairly common.
Lampropteryx suffumata Schiff. Bridge of Allan, fairly common.
Electrophaes corylata Thunb. Cambusbarron, local but fairly com-
mon where found.
Ecliptoptera silaceata Schiff. Fairly common, single-brooded.
Lygris pyraliata Schiff. Fairly common.
L. mellinata Fab. Uncommon.
L. prunata L. Uncommon.
L. populata L. Widespread, fairly common.
L. testata L. Fairly common.
Cidaria fulvata Forst. Fairly common.
Chloroclysta siterata Hufn. Fairly common.
C. miata L. Fairly common.
Dysstroma truncata Hufn. Very common, double-brooded.
D. citrata L. Very common.
(to be continued)
NUMBER OF INSTARS OF THE LARVA OF HERSE CONVOLVULT L.
Number of Instars of the Larva of
Herse convolyuli L.
By D. S. BuNN
On 16th September 1967 I was presented with a rather battered female
Convolvulus Hawk Moth which had been caught in Preston, Lancs., about
ten days previously. It was encouraged to feed on some sugar and water,
and during the night laid about seven or eight pale blue eggs. Some of
these were affixed to the Convolvulus leaves provided, the rest were loose
in the bottom of the box. It was fed again on the following evening and
laid a further half-dozen eggs during the night. The next morning it was
dead, I think from over-feeding as its abdomen was prodigously distended
and oozing liquid. The eggs soon turned green and on 28th and 29th
September six of them hatched. Two of the larvae were given away and
the remaining four at the time of writing have burrowed into the soil to
pupate.
Since the larvae went down I have seen the article in the Entomologist’s
Record (Vol. 71, No. 10) by C. M. R. Pitman entitled “Further Observations
on Rearing: Herse Convulvuli L.” and as my notes will demonstrate, I have
strong reason to suspect that the author was mistaken in his assumption
that the larvae only moulted three times. In fact, Mr. Pitman says in the
final paragraph that his two larvae had only three instars, but as he has
described three moults they must have had at least four instars, and this
remark must have been simply due to a slip of the pen. However, I
submit that Mr. Pitman missed the first moult and that his larvae actually
had the expected five instars. I also suspect that the captions beneath
the photograph were mixed up, the description of (a) agreeing with the
right-hand caterpillar which is labelled (b), and vice versa. So far as
can be seen my own specimens resembled more the left-hand caterpillar
which is the dark type.
Let us compare our independent descriptions of the most vigorous
larvae in the following way :—
BUNN
Dull yellow when first |
PITMAN
For the first few days of their
pst: and
existence growth was very
slow. When hatched they
were approx. 3 mm. long,
dull whitish green in colour,
with rough skin and a
slightly curved pale greenish
horn tipped with black. By
hatched. with a long black
tail, sometimes straight,
curved to a varying degree.
After eating a little the
larvae become green, especi-
ally in the thoracic region.
Growth is very noticeable a
or |
the end of the first week (a) few hours after hatching. | 1st
had attained a length of The larvae eat holes in the ; Instar
about 6 mm. with (b) slightly leaves rather than starting | (4 days)
smaller, and both ate very
little at this stage.
from the edge. They tend
to rest on the last two pairs
of claspers only and take up
a station on one of the basal
2nd leaf lobes. The green soon
ae covers the whole caterpillar
apart from the head.
(12 days)
A dark green longitudinal
band develops along the back
edged by two yellowish
|
|
|
14
2nd’ but
?3rd
Instar
(4 days)
‘OL. but
24th
Instar
(5 days)
ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD, VOL. 8U
PITMAN
(a) was light green in colour
with a black horn and small
black spiracles with a row of
black dots above them and
seven whitish oblique lines
along each side, with the
skin a little rougher than
before. (b) looked very much
the same but the spiracles
were deep green with no
spots above them, the oblique
stripes almost invisible and
the horns brownish. For the
next few days their appetites
increased, eating voraciously;
they grew to 16 mm. By now
they were feeding both by
day and night, but still con-
tinued to rest along the mid-
rib of the leaf.
(a) Very rough pale apple
green skin, the horn green,
tipped with black, which had
turned all black before the
next moult; the spiracles
were bright orange ringed
with black, and the black
dots above them were much
longer and more _ distinct.
The oblique stripes on the
sides were of a darker green
and edged inwardly with
white. (b) (which took two
days longer) also had under-
gone marked change when
the ecdysis was completed.
It was not much darker in
general colour; the spiracles
were dark green ringed with
J) white and the horn brown,
remaining brown. The
oblique stripes were dark
green with paler green edg-
ing. Very rapid growth was
BURR
bands (one on each side), the
remainder being a lighter
green. The tail remains jet
black. As the instar proceeds
the yellowish bands become
broad white bands. There
are white rings between the
segments and somewhat less
noticeable white rings all
along the body close together.
These appear to be numerous
folds of skin. The head re-
mains pale green.
At first not unlike previous )
instar but soon begins to
show typical hawk moth
characteristics. The head is
green and rough with a
yellow inverted ‘V’ on _ it.
The tail is mostly green but
the basal half on top tends to
bel | dark: ) and): yalsougithe
extreme tip, though there is
much individual variation.
The body becomes progres-
sively a whitish green. The
thoracic segments have two
dorso-lateral whitish lines
and the abdominal segments
have the usual 7 oblique
stripes; the lower’ edge
whitish, the upper green. The
darker green longitudinal
stripe of the preceeding
instar gradually disappears.
The spiracles and a dot above
them are sometimes con-
spicuously dark. They no
longer eat holes in the
leaves.
The variability for which this
caterpillar is noted is now
very evident. All four larvae
are different and no doubt if
there were more there would
be still further variations to
observe. The lightest is not
unlike a fourth instar Privet
Hawk. The inverted ‘V’ on
the head has a black outer
edge. The spiracles are
orangish and ringed with
black. The ‘rings’ between
the true rings are eight in
number. The true legs are
dark reddish and there is a
dark spot on the claspers.
The oblique. stripes. are
lighter green with some dark
colouration at the front edge.
The tail is black, then pale
green near the tip, tip itself
being black. When it comes
to describing the other,
15/1/68
2nd
Instar
(5 days)
3rd
-Instar
(4 days)
4th
Instar
(4 days)
|
‘4th’ but
5th
Instar
(ey) 1?
days
before
leaving
the food-
plant
(b) 11
days
before
leaving
the food-
plant
NUMBER OF INSTARS OF THE LARVA OF HERSE CONVOLVULI L. 15
PITMAN
now noticeable in both
larvae and (b) was becoming
much darker than (a), but
still smaller, and the skin
appeared to be much rougher.
Small mauve spots began to
appear above the spiracles
before it moulted for the last
time. (b) spent two. days
longer in this instar than
(a).
:
((a) was a lovely rich green
| with smooth skin, heavily
marked on its first four seg-
ments with two rows of
black dots. Thick heavy
oblique lines joined together
on the back; the spiracles
were large and jet black, the
horn brown, tipped black,
anal claspers black. The
head was striped with a
black line on each side. As
it grew the markings became
much better defined and it
fed by both day and night.
The colour of (b) was now
shades of brown, being much
darker on the back and
whitish below the spiracles.
The horn black and markedly
curved; the oblique stripes
dark brown to black edged
broadly with white on the
inside; the spiracles black
ringed with white, and the
head brown with black
stripes on each side. Even-
tually (a) reached a length
of c. 42” and was very big in
circumference. It became
much darker in colour and
the black markings were
spread over a much greater
area; the spots on the 2nd,
3rd and 4th segments had
coalesced into stripes along
the sides.
BURR
darker, specimens difficulties
arise. They are very hand-
some. The amount of dark
colour (dark grey) varies.
The pattern on the back is as
follows (a drawing). The
marks on the claspers are
better developed. The yellow |
inverted ‘V’ on the head is |
edged black on both sides.
There is a smaller inverted
We ewathiney they first) pesbhe
whole larva is covered with |
tiny light excresences which
give it a pretty frosted ap-
pearance.
Surprisingly, the four larvae
are now all fairly similar.
The larvae are basically a
dull black. Along each side,
low-down, is a pale pink
wavy band running along the
whole length of the body. A
dark orange stripe runs
dorso-laterally from each
side of the head along the
whole length of the cater-
pillar, being well-marked on | 5th
the first three segments and | Instar
much fainter afterwards.
Along the centre of the body | 7 days
there is also a dark orange | for the
stripe, barely discernible in] first 2
some of them. The sides of | larvae,
the prominence on which the ! 8 for the
tail is situated is orangish or | third and
pink, also the ‘anal flap’. The|9 for the
oblique stripes are very | fourth
faintly marked, are pink or | before
Orangish and there is a leaving
pinkish or orangish suffusion | the food-
below the stripes. Both the plant
true legs and claspers are
black “them light marks: on
the head are now the same
Orange colour as the mark-
ings on the body. The tail is
curved and black. The spir- |
acles are now all black. a
|
this instar they ate almost
continuously.
It will be appreciated that in the final instar Mr. Pitman’s larvae were
of a different colour variety than mine, but there are still certain
characteristics, such as the curved horn, which tend to suggest they were
in the same instar.
I have, however, put in italics the similarities through-
out the descriptions in order to make them more obvious. It would indeed
be remarkable if a larva so small as the newly emerged Convolvulus Hawk
Moth could attain a length of 43” after only three moults. If Mr. Pitman
16 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
did miss the first ecdysis, as he could very well have done owing to their
small size, this would explain why the first instar appeared to last
approximately twice as long as the second and third.
30.x.67.
Mr Pitman has been shown the script, and he says that as he could
only inspect his larvae in the mornings and evenings, being out at work
during the daytime, he may well have failed to note the first ecdysis.—Ed.
In Search of Erebia christi Ratzer. July 1967
By C. G. M. DE Worms, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.E.S.
Of the 44 species of the genus Erebia now recognised as occurring
within the confines of Europe proper, Erebia christi Ratzer shares with
E. serotia Descimon and De Lesse, of Pyrenean fame, the distinction of
having the most restricted range among this large genus of mainly
mountain butterflies. As yet E. christi is only known to exist in a few
valleys south of the Simplon Pass within the borders of Switzerland,
though there are reports that it has been taken on the Italian side of the
frontier. Ever since it was first described at the end of the last century
by Ratzer, collectors of many nations have visited its home and have
studied its habits. They have even bred it ab ovo (cf. V. Stubenrauch,
Biologie der Erebia christi 1935, Mitt. munch. ent. Ges. 25: 9-26). Though
there have been many early accounts of the insect’s habitat, of recent
years it would appear that hardly any records of its present status and
of its relative abundance have been published nor anything of the many
other Erebias flying on the same ground with which E, christi can often
be confused. The valleys in which this much sought insect exists, teems
with butterflies, many of which are of especial interest.
It was with the intention of studying this rara avis of the butterfly
world that Mr R. F. Bretherton and I planned to visit the Simplon area
early in July 1967, the best period for the flight of E. christi. Before we
set out on July 7 I had gleaned a lot of very helpful information from
that eminent authority on the Erebias, Mr B. C. S. Warren who had
collected this species on three occasions, in 1906, 1923 and in 1927. We
chose as our haven the hotel he used to patronise, the Fletschhorn at
Simplon-Dorf, at 5000 ft., seven miles south of the Simplon Kulm at the
summit of the famous pass. We travelled by the Simplon-Orient Express
direct to Brig via Calais, Paris and Vallorbe arriving at 9 a.m. in what
was virtually a heat wave. Not having arranged for a car, we caught
the pastbus at 10 a.m. which took us up the steep and tortuous road via
Schallberg and Berisal over the summit of the pass, landing us at our
destination at Simplon-Dorf by 11.30 in glorious weather. But much less
settled conditions welcomed us after lunch when we walked down the
main road, the 14 miles to the Laquintal, the chief home of E. christi. At
the start of this well-known valley we met several notable collectors.
These included Dr. and Mrs. Hesselbarth from Germany who was accom-
panied by Dr. von Mester from Sweden. Also there was Dr. Epstein
and his family, formerly of U.S.A., but now living near Lugano. We
walked up the path for about a mile to the spot where E. christi is mainly
found, a stretch bordered by some very ancient railings with a very
precipitous slope downwards towards the ravine of the river and with an
Hee Nt Way PUY ew ce be thy
-
PLATE Ii.
a
WV
l
tar
Third ins
L.
convolvuli
Herse
IN SEARCH OF EREBIA CHRISTI RATZER, JULY 1967 LL
equally steep grassy slope going upwards to the right. But little was
flying except Parnassius apollo L. and Erebia alberganus de Prunner
(ceto Hubn). There were a good many Pararge petripolitana Fab. (hiera
Hubn), mostly past their best. But it was not till the following morning
of the 9th that we were able to get a real appreciation of the wealth
of lepidopterous life in this noted haunt. We were on the ground by
10 a.m. in beautiful sunny weather, but with a high wind blowing.
It was not long before Mr Bretherton had netted a couple of male E.
christi among the short tufts of grass on the rugged slope by the railings.
On examining these insects their main characteristics were at once
apparent, chiefly the four small spots always in a straight line in the
orange patch at the apex of the forewings, though in a few species one
or two of these spots are missing. This is the main distinction from
E. epiphron Knoch. which has these spots in a slight curve. Also E. christi
is noticeably larger with slightly more pointed wings, while the underside
of the hindwings is paler towards the outer area and not uniformly
dark as in E. epiphron, which incidentally we did not see that day.
E. christt occurs for about half a mile along the path, especially where
it is bordered by larch trees growing on the very sheer grassy slopes.
Pursuit on this terrain is difficult and we found it better to waylay and
snap up the insects as they flew upwards across the path. They were,
however, nownere numerous and were by no means easy to pick out on
the wing from the eight other species of Erebia which frequented more
or less the same ground. The small examples of E. alberganus de Pr. and
of E. mnestra were particularly troublesome. This last species was flying
both in this length of the path and further up it, some of the females
being strongly spotted on the forewings. Besides these there were a few
fresh males of Erebia tyndarus Esp. together with late specimens of E.
triarius de Prunner (evias Godart). E. euryale Esp. was fairly numerous,
while E. montanus de Prunner (goante Esp.) was just coming out. Papilio
machaon L. was dashing about in company with some very dark females
of Pieris bryoniae Ochs. The Argynnids were represented by Clossiana
euphrosyne L. and C. titania Huibn. (amathusia Esp.) with Melitaea
dictynna, Esp. well to the fore. Among the Blues Lycaeides idas L. was
present in a very large and bright form, while Cyaniris semiargus Rott.
and Cupido minimus Fuesslyn were in great plenty accompanied by a
few Eumedonia chiron Rott. Another interesting denizen of this rich area
was Coenonympha darwiniana Stdgr., an insect which seems to be in
markings a mélange between C. arcania L. and C. satyrion Esp. On this
occasion and also later we met Mr. Raymond Uffen, Mr. Peter Cribb and
Mr. W. L. Coleridge which made it seem almost like an alpine reunion
of the South London Entomological Society.
July 10 was an even better day when we revisited the Laquintal. On
this morning even more insects were on the wing, as it was quite wind-
less. We replenished our series of E. christi, taking several very striking
females which are appreciably larger and more heavily marked than
those of E. epiphron. We saw all the species seen on the previous day
with the addition of Erebia melampus Fuessly and Lysandra coridon
Poda. An unexpected capture by Mr. Bretherton was an Oeneis aello
Htibn. The following day, July 11, was even finer and warmer when we
set out by the early bus from Simplon-Dorf which landed us at Schallberg
by 9.20. As we alighted, we at once ran into a lot of the big Satyrids
Hipparchia alcyone D. & S. and Satyrus cordula Fab. We then made our
18 ENTOMCOLOGIS!’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
way to the nearby slopes covered with the special Astrgalus which is the
foodplant of Plebeius lycidas Trapp. We were delighted to see this fine
Blue on the same ground as I had found it in June, 1954. It was flying
there plentifully and was still in good order in both sexes. We even
watched some laying on this plant. P. argus was about in numbers and
it was while we were having our lunch that we noticed 3 Blue which
turned out to be a female Maculinea rebeli Hirscke, being towed along the
ground in a paralysed condition by several ants. This is noteworthy
because this species like M. arion L. pupates in ants’ nests from which this
adult had presumably recently emerged. We did in fact see M. arion and
also Heodes alciphron Rott. We caught the 2 p.m. bus as far as the
summit at the Kulm whence Mr. Bretherton walked back the six miles to
Simplon-Dorf, while I disported myself on the slopes above Kulm which
were covered with Aipenrose. Here Synchloé callidice Esp. was dashing
about, but as usual was very difficult to net. On the higher ground
where there was plenty of Vaccinium uliginosum, Colias palaeno L. was
also on the wing and was equally hard to catch. A few Boloria pales
Schiff. were skimming over the herbage while a dark Skipper turned out
to be Pyrgus cacaliae Rambur. I returned to our hotel by the late bus
at 7.30 where I was met by Mr. Bretherton who had found the rich
meadows between the col and Simplon-Dorf surprisingly devoid of
butterflies apart from a few Heodes virgaureae L.
We thought it worth while to explore further to the south on July 12.
So we took the bus via Gabi past the very well-appointed local hotel
where most of the other collectors were staying. We travelled through
the very narrow gorge for five miles to the small frontier town of Gondo
near which some E. christi had been reported, but in spite of a very
thorough search on the grassy slopes just outside the town, none of this
species was forthcoming, since at this low level of some 2000 ft. they
were probably already over. However, we walked nearly three miles up
a quite steep road leading along the Zwischbergental. Among the wooded
slopes were flying Erebia ligea L. and some very fine E. montanus. Ata
very shady spot by the local torrent where we had our picnic lunch, we
took a very late female of Parnassius mnemosyne L. and saw many Leptidia
sinapis L. On the downward walk we saw single examples of Melitaea
cinxia L. and of Lysandra dorylas W.V., also one Pyrgus alveus Hubn.
On the 13th, another sunny day, we paid our last visit to the Laquintal.
E. christi was still about and in good condition. On this occasion we took
one or two examples at rest on flowers which they seldom seemed to
frequent. On our last two days in this area we collected in the Ross-
bodental at 6000 ft. This fine valley we reached by walking the 14 miles
up the road from Simplon-Dorf to the small hamlet of Eggen, then
ascending the steep path for about a mile till some very sharp slopes
are apparent covered with the familiar short tufts of grass. Here E.
epiphron was flying in plenty. Among them, however, we were pleased
to find and take several E. christi which has not often been reported from
this valley. We walked up to the morain below the glacier emanating
from the great massif of the Fletschhorn, but little was flying except
one or two Agriades glandon de Prunner (orbitulus Esp.). On our final
day, July 15, a good many Pieris bryoniae and Maculinea arion were on
the wing in this region where we also took a single Euchloé simplonia
Bdv. On both these days we were troubled by clouds which seemed to
form and hang over the Fletschhorn glacier.
IN SEARCH OF EREBIA CHRISTI RATZER, JULY 1967 19
During our last three nights at Simplon-Dorf, one of which, the 12th,
was very mild and still, we ran a Heath mercury-vapour light in a
narrow road leading downhili from the back of our hotel. It was
amazing how the moths flocked to it for the first couple of hours after
dark. In some ways it might have been in the Scottish Highlands judging
by the familiar species which came to this source of attraction. These
included Hadena bombycina Hufn., Apatele euphorbiae Fab., Perizoma
blandiata Schiff and P .minorata Treits. A very outstanding visitor on
the 13th was a huge female of Deilephila vespertilio Esp. Several Plusia
variabilis Piller graced the sheet together with Bryophila algae Fab. and
the large noctuid Hadena maillardi Bdv. There was a spate of the large
Crambid Catoptria conchella Denis.
On the evening of July 15 we took the late bus to Brig where we stayed
at the Victoria Hotel which had been recently renovated. Early the
next morning we caught the train on the Andermatt line to Gletsch
where the Grimsel and Furka passes meet. It was again a glorious day
and we made for the path among the short alders just across the railway
track which had proved to productive during my visit in 1959. It was
not long before we saw some small Erebias among the alders which
turned out to be some very early E. eriphyle Freyer, but only seven in
all proved to be this species. Boloria napaea Hffmsg, was also already on
the wing together with Palaeochrysophanus hippothoé L. and several
Colias phicomone Esp. The Rhone glacier was looking at its best in the
bright sunshine and was being patronised by a large section of the
populace on holiday. We returned by the same route that evening in
great warmth and set out even earlier on the 17th to escape the impending
heat. We travelled by train to Zermatt up the very attractive valley
where many butterflies could be seen flying. It was once more an ideal
day and on reaching Zermatt we at once ascended by the steep rack
railway to the Gornergrat at 10,000 ft. where we had a magnificent view
of the Matterhorn in all its glory towering above the huge massif of
surrounding peaks and glaciers. After a brief break for refreshments
at the hotel at the head of the railway, we decided to descend on foot to
the next station at Riffelberg, as had been recommended by Mr. Warren
who had had some very good collecting en route in bygone years. No
sooner had we set out than we found FErebia gorge Hiibn. flitting about
the screes in plenty just below the hotel. As we proceeded down the
rough path, often covered by the remaining snowdrifts, this little Erebia
became very numerous among the rocks but, as usual, was very hard to
net. Similarly difficult to catch were fewer E. glacialis Esp. (pluto de
Prunner). Slightly further down a few worn Euphydryas cynthia Schiff,
were careering low over the short herbage accompanied by a fair number
of Erebia pandrose Borkh. (lappona Esp.). Boloria pales Schiff. was very
numerous flying along a small stream. We joined the train at Riffelberg
which took us to Zermatt in time to catch the express back to Brig. After
dining there we caught the night express which reached Paris early on
July 18 and were back in London that afternoon after what had been
a most profitable and really successful ten days owing to our great good
fortune in striking a spell of glorious conditions which is very unusual
in these alpine regions in the height of the summer.
The following is a list of the species of butterflies (83 in all) seen
between July 7 and 17.
20 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
Papilio machaon L. A few in most parts of the Simplon area.
Iphicledes podalirius L. Only one seen in the Zermatt valley on July 17.
Parnassius apollo L. Fairly numerous in all areas.
Parnassius mnemosyne L. One late female in the Zwischbergental.
Leptidea sinapis L. A few on the wing near Gondo.
Anthocharis cardamines L. Some late specimens in Laquintal.
Euchloé simplonia Bdv. One taken near Eggen on July 15.
Synchloé callidice Esp. Few on Col du Simplon on July 11 and at
Riffelberg.
Pieris rapae L. Occasional at high levels.
Pieris bryoniae Ochs. Fairly common in Laquintal and Rossbodental
Pieris brassicae L. Fairly common in the meadows and in the tals.
Aporia crataegi L. Numerous at all levels on the Simplon.
Colias australis Verity One seen near Zermatt, 17th July.
Colias phicomone Esp. A few at high altitudes.
Colias palaeno L. Only seen on Col du Simplon on 11th July.
Euphydryas cynthia Schiff. A few specimens on Riffelberg, 17th July.
Melitaea cinxia L. Only seen worn in Zwischbergental on 12th July.
Melitaea diamina Lang (dictynna Esp.) Fairly numerous in the tals.
Mellicta athalia Rott. A few in Laquintal and in Rossbodental.
Mellicta parthenoides Kef. Only seen near Schallberg.
Boloria pales Schiff. A few on Col du Simplon and near Riffelberg.
Boloria napaea Hffmsg. Flying at Gletschon 16th July.
Clossiana euphrosyne L. Late examples flying in Laquintal.
Clossiana titania Htibn. (amathusia Esp.) Not many in the Simplon area.
Fabriciana niobe L. Only in the Zwischbergental.
Vanessa atalanta L. A few in Laquintal.
Inachis io L. Only seen near Schallberg.
Aglais urticae L. Widespread in the Simplon region.
Polygonia c-album L. In the Laquintal on 9th July.
Agapetes galathea L. Only observed at Schallberg on 11th July.
Pararge aegeria L. Seen only in Zwischbergental on 12th July.
Pararge maera L. Fairly common in the tals.
Pararge petripolitana Fab. (hiera Hiibn.) Worn specimens in Laquintal
and Rossbodental.
Oeneis aello Hubn. One taken in Laquintal on 10th July.
Hipparchia alcyone D. & S. Common at Schallberg on 11th July.
Satyrus cordula Fab. Plentiful at Schallberg.
Maniola jurtina L. Scarce in the tals.
Coenonympha darwiniana Stdgr. Very common at all high levels.
Erebia ligea L. Only seen near Gondo, 12th July.
Erebia euryale Esp. Fairly common in the valleys.
Erebia eriphyle Freyer. A few just out at Gletsch on 16th July.
Erebia christi Ratzer. Only in Laquintal and Rossbodental: about three
dozen recorded.
Erebia epiphron Knoch Common, especially in Rossbodental, also on col
du Simplon.
Erebia melampus Fuessly Fairly numerous in the tals.
Erebia triarius de Prunner (revias Godart). Worn examples in the tals.
Erebia alberganus de Prunner (ceto Hiibn.) The commonest Erebia, flying
in all parts.
Erebia glacialis Esp. (Pluto de Prunner) Few on the Gornergrat, 17th
July.
IN SEARCH OF EREBIA CHRISTI RATZER, JULY 1967 Zi
Erebia gorge Hiibn. Plentiful on the Gornergrat.
Erebia mnestra Hitibn. Common in Laquintal and Rossbodental.
Erebia tyndarus Esp. Fairly numerous at high levels.
Erebia montanus de Prunner (goante Esp.) Common in all the tals.
Erebia pandrose Borkh. (lappona Esp.) Only at Riffelberg, 17th July.
Callophrys rubi L. A few worn in Laquintal.
Heodes virgaureae L. In meadows near Simplon-Dortf.
Heodes tityrus Poda. Only noted at Schallberg.
Palaeochrysophanus hippothoé. Only observed at Gletsch on 16th July.
Cupido minimus Fuesslin Very common in a large form in Laquintal.
Maculinea arion L. Many of the dark mountain form in the high valleys.
Maculinea rebeli Hirschke. One female taken at Schallberg.
Lycaeides idas L. A large and bright form in the tals.
Plebeius argus L. Mainly on the wing at Schallberg.
Plebeius lycidas Trapp. Fairly common near Schallberg on 11th July.
Aricia allous G.-H. Uncommon in Laquintal.
Eumedonia chiron Rott. Fresh specimens at high levels.
Agriades glandon de Prunner (orbitulus Esp.) Only in Rossbodental.
Cyaniris semiargus Rott. Very common in all the valleys.
Polyommatus icarus Rott. Numerous on the high ground.
Lysandra escheri Hiibn. Only seen at Schallberg.
Lysandra dorylas Schiff. Only in the Zwischbergental, 12th July.
Lysandrus bellargus Rott. Only observed at Schallberg.
Lysandra coridon Poda A few in Laquintal.
Erynnis tages L. Numerous in the valleys.
Pyrgus cacaliae Rambur. Taken on the Col du Simplon and at Riffelberg.
Pyrgus carthami Hitibn. A very large form at Schallberg.
Pyrgu: alveus L. Only seen in Zwischbergental.
Pyrgus malvoides E. & Ed. A few in the alpine valleys.
Pyrgus serratulae Rambur Seen on Riffelalp on 17th July.
Carterocephalus palaemon Pall. One taken in Laquintal on 10th July.
Adopaea lineola Ochs. A few at high levels.
Adopaea flava Brunnich (thaumas Hufn.) Common in Laquintal.
Ochlodes venata Brem. & Grey A few seen in Laquintal.
Hesperia comma L. Only seen in Laquintal.
The moths recorded at Simplon-Dorf mainly at light on 12th, 13th and
14th July included the following species:
A large female of the spectacular sphingid Deilephila vespertilio Esp.,
the Thyatirid Tethea or Schiff. and the Noctuids Apatele euphorbiae Fab.,
Bryophila algae Fab., Ewxoa grisescens Fab., females of Euxoa simplonia
Bdv., also Heliophobus calcatrippae View., Euchmichtis adusta Esp.,
Hadena bombycina Hufn., Hadena nana Hufn., Hadena compta Fab.,
Hadena caesia Borkh., Hadena proxima Hutbn., Hadena lateritia Hufn.
and the very local Hadena tephroleuca Bdv., many Hadena zeta Fab.
(pernix L.), Hadena maillardi Bdv., Leucania comma §8.V., Plusia ain
Hochenwarth, Miselia serratilinea Treits., and Plusia variabilis Piller.
The Geometers comprised Coenotephria berberata Schiff., Perizoma
blandiata Schiff., Perizoma minorata Treits., Calocalpe montivagata Dup.,
Larentia infidaria Lah., Larentia frustata Treits., Larentia aptata Hubn.,
Eupithecia venosata Fab., Eupithcia subfulvata Haworth, Gnophos
obfuscata Schiff., Gnophos dilucidaria, Scopula incanata L.
By day Parasemia plantaginis f. hospita Schiff. was careering about on
high ground with the footman Setina aurita Esp. The only Burnets seen
22 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
were Zygaena transalpina Esp., Zygaena purpuralis Brunn., while Zygaena
exulans Hoch. was in plenty on the Col du Simplon. The large Crambid
Catoptria conchella Denis was about in long grass which also produced
Pyrausta aerealis Hiibn. An interesting species among the smaller lepidop-
tera was the black Melasina lugubris Hiibn., the larva of which lives in a
tube, covered with granite grains, in which it pupates.
Three Oaks, Woking. 16.xi.1967.
Geology as an ecological Factor in the
Distribution of Insects
By ALAN E. STusBBs.
(Continued from Vol. 79., p. 316)
GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF DISTRIBUTION
Thirty-one records are sparse evidence, and any conclusions drawn
can only be tentative. However, the predominance of localities on chalk
and limestone outcrops is very marked. There are twenty-two records
known to be from such outcrops, five are interpreted as probables and
only four are from other rock types. Of these four, one is the East
Bexington locality which could be interpreted as a calcareous clay or
even a limestone. Oxwich Bay, for which I have no habitat data, includes
calcareous dunes and limestone hillsides. Therefore the highest possible
ratio in favour of calcareous districts may be 29:2. The two remaining
localities may have been on clay or alluvium.
A preference, though not a restriction, to certain geological conditions
is already recognised in a related family, the Asilidae, many of whose
species like sandy districts. Like the Rhagionidae, they have soil dwelling
larvae, and one may mention Isopogon brevirostris (Mg.) as an example
of a species which is possibly restricted to chalk grassland in the south.
I am not aware of any previous suggestion of a soil preference for British
Rhagionidae, but there is no reason why it should not exist in some species.
It is of interest that none of the records for S. immaculata are clearly
related to acid soils, if one may count clay and alluvium as neutral. The
major outcrops of sandy formations appear to be avoided, as are the acid
and neutral superficial deposits occurring on the Chalk outcrop. Actually,
two ambiguous records were sent to me, one from woodland on the
Dartmoor Granite and the other from boggy ground in the New Forest.
Both these records were from very acid areas and no previous records
had been received from woodland or boggy ground. Also, the New
Forest is well-worked ground, on clays, sands, gravels and alluvium, and
one would have expected supporting records. The specimens were
checked and it was found that both these records were Ptiolina obscura
Fall. whilst several records from chalk grassland sent by the same col-
lector proved to be genuine Symphoromyia immaculata.
Geology is an important ecological factor, particularly in a species
with a soil dwelling larva. The soil is derived from the underlying
geological deposits, indeed on steep chalk slopes the soil may be so thin
that the chalk is almost on the surface. The rock type is often a dominant
factor in the topography of the countryside, in Southern England the chalk
ECOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AN INSECT 23
and limestones forming high ground whilst the clays often occupy the
lower ground and, of course, some superficial deposits such as alluvium
are restricted to the valleys and flats. Thus a species which prefers
hillsides, perhaps because of their better drainage, or aspect to sunshine,
will often show a preference for the outcrops of the rocks forming these
hillsides. Chalk is porous and well jointed, whilst many other limestones
are themselves impervious but permit good drainage by their jointing.
Chalk and limestone thus produce relatively dry soils, from the nature
of the rock and the sloping ground they provide. Also hillsides are more
exposed to the wind which can act as an important drying factor on the
soil and could more than compensate for the additional rainfall which
high ground attracts. In the case of S. immaculata, high ground formed
by sands and gravels is avoided, though these deposits have similar pro-
perties of drainage and aspect, so the ecological factors controlling dis-
tribution may not lie in this field. Clays, forming the lower ground, often
tend to form marshy ground, even on a slope, but their poor drainage can
be compensated, in dry summers at any rate, by low rainfall, fairly high
temperatures and sometimes drying wind, especially near the coast.
The geology is partly responsible for the structure and physical and
chemical characteristics of the soil (the other major factors being climate,
vegetation and land use history). To a soil dwelling larva, these are
important factors, for it must move through the soil to find its food, which
may itself be restricted by soil properties.
The relationship between geology, soil and vegetation is already well
recognised. The vegetation occurring above the soil will be important to
the adult insect, whether it be short chalk grassland or a lush water
meadow flora, but one must remember that the roots of the vegetation
are an important feature in the life of a soil dwelling larva, and the
vegetation will partly control the microclimate within the soil.
The geology may also have a considerable effect on local climate.
The question of aspect and rainfall has already been mentioned in relation
to the gross features of topography related to geology. An important
factor easily overlooked is the relationship between geology and air
temperature, which is easily appreciated with reference to the suscepti-
bility towards fog and frost. Plants are known to react to these factors,
such as the date of the flowering in the spring of plants having different
aspects or growing on different soils. Chalk and limestone warm up in
the spring more rapidly than a clay, mainly because of their greater
porosity and a lesser quantity of interstitial water. Hilly country gives a
greater range of aspect than flat clay country, giving a species a greater
chance of finding locally suitable climatic conditions. In the cooler part
of the year low ground underlain by clay and alluvium is often more
susceptible to fog and frost as a ‘cold’ soil than the high ground from which
‘cold air tends to ‘drain off’. Sand can also be regarded as a ‘cold’ soil,
ahich may explain the absence of S. immaculata.
That the character of the scil with regard to the drainage and soil
water content is important can be demonstrated by an example given to
me by Mr. A. Brindle. He considers that larvae in a dry soil should be
less susceptible to mould than those in a damp soil, and that this factor
is less important when the larvae are active than in winter when they are
hibernating. He has found that the larvae of the cranefly Tipula
subnodicornis Zett. in mosses or soil on the moors around Manchester
are often heavily infected with mould after a damp winter, producing
24 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
an estimated mortality of 80%, Whereas after a cold dry winter the
mortality was below 20%. Any influence of geology and aspect on micro-
climate and drainage may be important.
CLIMATIC ASPECTS OF DISTRIBUTION
This is a particularly difficult subject on which to reach firm con-
clusions, since though the gross climatic condition of Britain is known,
the relevant factor is local climate or, more specifically, the microclimate
in which the species is living. Climatic recording falls well short of these
requirements. As indicated above, questions such as geology and soil,
aspect, drainage and vegetation are all important factors modifying local
climate or microclimate, but their influence cannot be adequately assessed.
It would be of little practical value to consider in detail the monthly
and average charts of rainfall, temperature, etc. The known distribution
of S. immaculata is within the more continental part of lowland Britain,
with fairly warm summers and low rainfall. ‘There appear to be two
climatic factors of particular note, especiaily in relation to the apparent
geological preference of S. immaculata.
Tke potential water deficit, i.e. desiccation over precipitation, is high
within the range of the species. Data is still very scanty on which to
base a map for this climatic factor, but the distribution almost fits within
the line for a deficit of greater than five inches, or possibly one should say
the four inch line to include the fringe localities, on the map published
by F. W. Green (1964, J. appl. Ecol., 1: 151-8), though four inches is the
best line on a revised unpublished map. It is of note that the small area
around Oxwich Bay has the highest potential water deficit in Wales—
either two or three inches. The highest deficit within the known range is
six to seven inches in the St. Margaret’s Bay, Ringwould and Dover areas.
The ‘Thames Marshes’ record comes from an area with a deficit of seven
inches and the clay/alluvium record from the Oxford District has about
five inches deficit. This factor conforms with a preference for the dry
soils of chalk and limestone.
Another reasonably good fit is found with the map for the date of last
air frost in the Spring (1952, Climatological Atlas of the British Isles,
H.M.S.O.). With the exception of the Sharpenhoe record, this date is not
usually later than Ist May, a date soon before the earliest recorded
emergence of the adult. This factor must reflect soil temperature as well
but, unfortunately, there are no maps for annual or seasonal soil tem-
perature. The map demonstrates later frosts over Wiltshire and western
East Anglia, where the species has not been recorded despite the presence
of active dipterists. A lobe of earlier latest frosts extends up into the
area of the records near Oxford. Oxwich Bay and the Doncaster district
are relatively mild. This factor fits the concept of a preference for chalk
and limestone related to the faster warm up of these soils in the Spring—
a factor which may be important to a continental species on the edge of
its range. There appears to be no climatic reason why the species should
be absent from East Suffolk and north Norfolk.
A COMPARISON OF DISTRIBUTION WITH Symphoromyia crassicornis
(Panzer)
Before considering the biology of S. immaculata and the possible factors
affecting its life history, it is worth considering what is known of the only
other British species in the genus Symphoromyia, S. crassicornis.
ECOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AN INSECT 25
S. immaculata has a southern and eastern distribution in Britain, and
on the Continent is known to occur in France and Central Europe but is
unknown in the Scandinavian Region. (Modification to Verrall, informa-
tion kindly provided by Mr. J. E. Collin.) S. crassicornis, on the other
hand, has a western and northern distribution in Britain and on the con-
tinent is recorded by Verrall as extending from extreme North Europe
to Italy.
It has not been my purpose to look thoroughly into the distribution of
S. crassicornis, but the only area I am aware of where the ranges of the
two species meet, is in the Gower, Glamorgan, where S. crassicornis has
been taken by Mr. Fonseca. Reference to Verrall and the British Museum
Collection suggests a wide distribution in Scotland, as well as the Lake
District, Yorkshire, Wales (Brecknock), and Cornwall. An important
aspect is that there is clearly no relationship in geology of the localities,
a wide range of rock types being concerned, acid and basic. No records
occur from Mesozoic limestones, but these are mainly of eastern and
southern distribution. Mr. Brindle informs me that S. crassicornis occurs
on the moorlands near Manchester and that it likes marshes, including a
limy marsh, though he has never actually succeeded in finding the larva
in marsh soils. He also mentions an S. crassicornis record for Humphrey
Head, on the North Lancashire coast, which is a headland of Carboniferous
Limestone.
From this sparse information on the distribution of S. crassicornis
one may conclude that the larva and its food are not limited by soil type,
the larva is probably able to live in marshy soils whereas this does not
appear to be the case with S. immaculata where adults have generally
been taken over drier soils. In Britain the distribution of S. crassicornis
is western and northern whereas S. immaculata is continental.
THE LIFE HISTORY, BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF S. immaculata
One must say straight away that virtually nothing is known of the life
history of this fly. One can, however, assemble the sparse direct and in-
direct information and build upon this some lines of thought for future
study.
From the distribution data, the preferred habitat can be summarised
as chalk or limestone grassland with long grasses, often with associated
scrub.
(Ee) Dbsin Jivere
Nothing appears to be known of this stage, yet observation of the
oviposition habits of the female could readily provide a key to the where-
abouts of the larva. A study of the ovipositor itself may give some lead
as to where the eggs are laid, as in the work by Melin on Asilidae (1923,
Swedish Asilids, Uppsala). However, it will be direct observation of the
female that will show any preference for certain floral communities,
whether the eggs are laid in the soil between or under tussocks of grass,
if they are laid directly in the soil at all, or perhaps a site is chosen in
the shade and more humid conditions under a bush. This information
could provide a short cut to tearing up many square yards of turf looking
for the larva. A study of the egg itself would yield much interesting
information, such as its resistance or otherwise to desiccation in chalk
soil.
26 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
Current Literature
The World of an Insect by Rémy Chauvin, translated from the French by
Harold Oldroyd.
World University Library, 14/- (in U.K. only), 254 pp. with 57
diagrams and 20 photographs.
The Introduction explains the scope of this book and gives several
examples of “insect worlds”. It pays special attention to the differences
detween the societies of insects and of man and the larger animals. Atten-
tion is also given to the fantastic numbers of individuals often concerned
in an “insect society”. The text of the book is divided into six chapters
with the self explanatory titles of “The microclimate of an insect”,
“Counting populations”, “In the laboratory”, “Populations in nature’, “The
fauna of the soil” and “The battle against insects”’.
In Chapter 1, the problems attached to devising instruments suitable for
measuring temperature, humidity, etc.,in microclimates in close proximity
are discussed. The chapter goes on to show how the structure modifications
of some plants can create small microclimates within the plant differing
widely from one another. The differences between various levels in
forests, from tree-tops to ground level, clearings and rides are also men-
tioned. These examples are only a sample of the many microclimates
discussed; tables and graphs illustrate the chapter. Chapter 2 opens with
remarks about the differences which exist between laboratory and field
naturalists (these are not so marked in this country, where the two get on
very well together) and laboratory insects are discussed. Naturally
crickets, locusts, Drosophila and Tribolium receive considerable notice,
but many other interesting subjects for experiment are also mentioned;
experiments are suggested and results tabulated.
Populations in nature are cited in many interesting and stimulating
paragraphs, the charting of results being explained, and Chapter 5 deals
with the relations between soil populations and the chemical composition
of the soil, and also some very interesting notes on the repopulation of
areas treated with insecticides, while Chapter 6 makes welcome mention
of the need, if insecticides have to be used, to see that natural predators
do not suffer, for these are more reliable in the long run. It finishes with
the very wise lines: “The populace of insects is only the enemy of man
because he does not behave intelligently and make use of it”. S.N.A.J.
Opuscula Entomologica 32. Parts 1-3, 1967.
Christine Dahl, in a paper on the Trichoceridae of the arctic and sub-
arctic Canada, Greenland and Alaska describes 2 new species of Metatri-
chocera and one Trichocera with figures and redescriptions of others
including T. hiemalis Deg. mentioning the variation of the genitalia of
this species that is on the British List, and describes the larva of T. colum-
biana Alex. There is some discussion of the ecology of the species. In
another paper, on Swedish Trichoceridae, Dahl describes 2 new species of
Metatrichocera and gives keys to the Swedish species of this genus: in-
cluding 2 additions to the Swedish List. Distributional notes on seven
species of Trichocera include one species new to Europe, T. japonica Mats.
with figures of the ovipositor of this species and a figure of the oviposi-
tor of T. parva Meig. that is on the British List. T- excilis Dahl is sunk
as a synonym of T. japonica Mats.
H. Anderson lists, with habitat data, 131 species of 30 families of diptera
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS Bil
from Iceland. Many known also from Britain. There is a detailed discus-
sion with figures of three species of Scatella—stagnalis Fall., tenuicosta
Collin and thermarum Collin and figures of part of the genitalia of
Scatophaga litorea Fall. include one of a specimen from Kent, England. In
a short note on 7 species of diptera added to the Swedish List Anderson
mentions Sicus abdominalis Krob. as “known from the British Isles’ (It
was found in the Hamm collection and recorded by M. Chvala in 1965.
Acta Univ. Carol. Biol., 1965, with a redescription and a key to the genus
in English).
Bo Tjeder has restudied the British specimens previously regarded as
Rhabdomastix parva Siebke by Dr. F. W. Edwards. They have been found
to belong to a new species and named R. edwardsi. A fresh description
with ten figures is given. The same author gives the reason for renaming
our Erioptera flavescens L. as E. gemina. H. Andersson claims 2 species
new to Sweden on the basis of galls attributed to Agathomyia wankowiczi
Schnabl on Ganoderma/Polyporus/applanatus R.H. (with photo) and
Zeuxidiplosis giaridi Kief. on Hypericum perforatum R.H.
Contarinia kanervoi Barnes, a Cecidomyiid attacking Timothy grass, is
added to the Swedish List by M. Raatkainen and A. Tinnila. F. Vaillant
in recording Dixa nebulosa Meig. and D. puberula Lw. from north of the
Arctic circle in Sweden gives figures of the male genitalia of both species
which are also known from Britain. Ge.
Notes and Observations
AN IMMIGRANT PLusID—I am pleased to report the capture at my
mercury vapour light trap near Sherbourne, of a specimen of Plusia acuta
Walker. This was on 25th September 1967; the specimen was identified by
Dr. I. W. B. Nye at the British Museum (Natural History) on 3rd Novem-
ber. The species is normally found in the southern half of Africa.—C. W.
D. Gipson, Lyon House, Sherborne, Dorset. 7.xi.1967.
Motus At LIGHT IN EARLY DECEMBER—A large number of moths appeared
at my light traps in early December 1967. The weather conditions were
perfect; the temperature during the three nights, 30th November-|st
December, Ist-2nd December and 2nd-3rd December, varied between 8°C.
and 10°C. and there was no wind throughout. The first night was foggy
and two traps were run, one in my garden and the other in a wood 13
miles away, producing 42 and 71 moths respectively. Only one light was
run on each of the other nights, once at each site. The total catches of the
eight species recorded were:—77 Poecilocampa populi (including 2
temales), 4 Agrochola macilenta Hibn., 1 Dysstroma truncata Hufn. (first
night), 20 Operophtera brumata L., 2 Operina dilutata Schiff., 6 Colotois
pennatia L., 29 Erannis aurantiaria Htibn., 11 E. defoliaria Clerck. The
D. truncata could have been a specimen of the third generation. It is
perhaps noteworthy that no hibernating species were tempted out. One
Phlogophora meticulosa L. was taken on the night preceeding this very
mild period.—TREVoOR B. SiLcocks, 3 Kenmeade Close, Shipham, Somerset.
3.X11.1967.
AN EARLY APPEARANCE—Further to my notes of 5.vii.1967, I was sur-
prised to find a Grapholitha ornitopus Hufn. at my trap on 13.xii.1967 in
view of the very cold weather of the previous few days.—T. B. SILcocks, 3
Kenmeade Close, Shipham, Somerset. 13.xii.1967.
28 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
TWENTY-TWO SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA AT LIGHT IN DECEMBER—In view of
the mild weather, I ran a 125 watt mercury vapour lamp during the nights
of 2nd and 3rd December at Garnons, Byford, Hereford. The bag was as
follows:—17 Poecilocampa populi L., 2 Peridroma porphyrea Schiff., 1
Agrotis ipsilon Hufn., 20 Phlogophora meticulosa L.,9 Agrochola macilenta
Hubn., 6 Conistra ligula Esp., 4 C. vaccinii L., 1 Eupsilia transversa Hufn..
1 Plusia gamma L., 1 Chloroclysta siterata Hufn., 3 Thera variata Schiff.,
48 Operophtera brumata L., 17 O. fagata Scharf., 1 Colotois pennaria L., 33
Erannis aurantiaria Hubn., 17 E. defoliaria Clerck, 1 Emmelina mono-
dactylus L., 1 Acleris sparsana Schiff., 2 Mompha subbistrigella Haw., 5
Lithocolletis messaniella Zell., 1 Ypsolophus radiatellus Don. and 1
Plutella maculipennis Curtis.—D. W. H. FFENNELL, Martyr Worthy Place,
Winchester, Hants. 4.xii.1967.
A “WRECK” OF FEVER FLIES, DILOPHUS FEBRILIS L. (DiIPT., BIBIONIDAE), AS
Foop OF SWALLOWS, ETc.—On 29th August 1966, a hot and sultry day at
Clevedon, Somerset, Mr B. King (1967, British Birds, 60) saw about a 100
Swallows, Hirundo rustica; 65 House Martins, Delichon urbica, and a
Sand Martin, Riparia riparia, feeding on small black flies stranded on the
calm surface of the Bristol Channel stretching as far as a half mile from
the shore. Ten specimens of the flies were collected and sent to me and
proved to be one maie and nine females of Dilophus febrilis L. It is a
species that emerges in large numbers and captured by several species of
Empid flies. I found 209 specimens in the balls of food of nestling Swifts
obtained in the Oxford University Museum Tower in 1952 (1954, J. Soc.
Brit. Ent., 5) and J. F. Thomas found it to be regularly fed to nestling
Swallows in Carmarthenshire (1934-40, British Birds, 27-33).—L.
PARMENTER.
SEA-SHORE FLIES AS Foop or SNOW BuntTinGs—In October, Mr. B. King
saw four Snow Buntings, Plectrophenax nivalis on the rocks and beach at
Tresco, Isles of Scilly, feeding on winged insects. He collected three
specimens similar to those that the birds appeared to be eating and sent
them to me for identification. They proved to be a male Aphrosylus
raptor Walk. (Dolichopodidae), a male Fucellia maritima Hal. (Muscidae).
and a female Orygma luctuosa Meig. (Coelopidae).—L. PARMENTER.
Current Notes
THE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS OF KENT. VOLUME 3: GEOMETRIDAE.—Com-
mencing Volume 3 of the above work, I have decided after much
consideration to follow the nomenclature and classification of the “New
Kloet and Hincks List’, to be published sometime in 1968. I therefore
take this opportunity for thanking Mr. D. S. Fletcher (British Museum,
Natural History) for most kindly making available to me the typescript
of the new list and for permission to follow it prior to its publication.
This excellent list has been produced by a number of. prominent
members of the staff of the British Museum (Natural History). It is a
far superior list to any other, and will undoubtedly remain the standard
one for many years to come. J. M. C.-H.
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT (369)
H. nana Hufn.
p. 163—
Scott (Ent, Rec., 77: 37-39) compares results from m.v. trapping at
Dungeness in 1962-64, of this species with H. w-latinum Hufn., H.
bicolorata Hufn., H. albimacula Borkh., H. conspersa Schiff., and
H. lepida Esp.
H. trifolii Hufn.
p. 164—
Massee (Rpt. E, Malling Res. Stn., 1947: 137) states that at Teynham
(div. *), larvae were found feeding on apple fruit still hanging on
trees, and that change of diet was owing to clearance of Chenopo-
dium alba from under trees before picking started.
H. w-latinum Hufn.
p. 165—
see H. nana (above).
H. suasa Schiff.
p. 166—
Aylesford (div. 11), 1951 (1), 1953 (4), June 17, 1956 (1); E. Malling,
1951 (G. A. N. Davis). Dungeness (div. 15), August 29, 1963 (1), June
13, 1964 (1) (R. E. Scott). Preston (div. 4), several, August 22, 1965
(C.-H.).
H. thalassina Hufn.
p. 167—
Dungeness (div. 15), one, June 19, 1964+ (R. E. Scott); is presumably
casual (C.-H.).
H, contigua Schiff.
p. 168—Meopham (div. 6), one, July 8, 19617 (J. Ellerton). Aylesford,
July 12, 1955 (1), July 2, 1956 (1), July 11 (1), 14 (1), 1957; taken in
m.v. trap by G. A. N. Davis (C.-H. coll.),
H. bicolorata Hufn.
p. 170—
see H. nana (above).
H. albimacula Borkh.
v. 170—
see H. nana (above).
H. conspersa Schiff.
p. 171—
see H. nana (above). Shorne Ridgeway (div. 6a), one, July 25, 1964
(E. E. J. Trundell).
H. compta Schiff.
p. 172—
St. Mary Cray (div. 1), © in m.v. trap, September 14, 1964 (R. G.
Chatelain); Farningham Wood, one at Lychnis dioica bloom, July
10, 1967 (B. K. West). Westwell (div. 7), July 13, 1962 (E. Scott).
Hothfield (div. 12), larva on Dianthus, August 1, 1963 (E. Scott);
Willesborough, June 22-July 22, 1963 (4), June 10-29, 1964 (5) (W. L.
Rudland).
line 4 up—for “Ashfield”? read: Ashford.
H, lepida Esp.
p. 174—
line 17 up—for “carophaga” read: carpophaga.
p. 175—
see H. nana (above). Pinden (div. 6), one, “all white’. taken by E.
(370) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
J. Hare (de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1964: 32).
. albicolon Hiibn.
p. 176—
Dungeness, 1963 (1), 1964 (1)-(R. E. Scott).
. reticulata Vill.
p. 177—
Scott (1964, 19) gives Saponaria officinalis as the foodplant, but in
a letter to me subsequently, invalidates this (C.-H.). Ashford, 1903
(Jeffrey, Trans. E. Kent. nat. Hist Soc., 1903: 25). Orpington (div.
1), 1953 (L. W. Siggs); St. Mary Cray, 1955 (R. G. Chatelain).
. cespitis Schiff.
p. 179—
Ovenden (Ent. Rec., 16: 269) remarks on the larval habits of this
species [in the Rochester district]. Dungeness, August 31-September
24, 1963 (78), with max. (14) on September 15; August 28-September
23, 1964 (118), with max. (19) on September 7 (R. E. Scott).
. graminis L.
p. i79—
Wrotham (div. 6), 1965 (1) (T. Peet). Willesborough (div. 12), 1957
(9), 1958 (1) (W. L. Rudland). Dungeness (div. 15), July 25-August
23, 1964 (5) (R. E. Scott). Dartford Heath, 1967 (D. O’Keeffe).
. populeti F.
p. 184—
Broad Street (div. 7), at light, April 4, 1955 (1) (E. Philp). Ham
Street (div. 12), June 2, 1965, larvae quite numerous on larger
aspens (R. G. Chatelain).
. advena Schiff.
p. 186—
Bromley (div. 1), two in 1965, the second on May, 27; 1966 (3);
1967 (1) (D. R. M. Long); Orpington, April 27, 1966 (1), in m.v. trap
(I. A. Watkinson).
. flammea Schiff.
p. 187—
St. Mary Cray (div. 1), 1964 (1) (R. G. Chatelain); Bromley, 1960 (3),
1961 (1), 1962 (4), 1964 (4), 1965 (12), 1966 (5) (D. R. M. Long).
Willesborough (div. 12), April 18, 1958 (W. L. Rudland). Jeffrey
(Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1910: 10) records finding on this
species in Kent, the fungus Isaria farinosa, and gives details.
. favicolor Barr.
p. 189—
Pinden (div. 6), July 16, 1956 (1), July 10, 1958 (1), July 1959 (1)
(Hare, teste de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1959: 108). Doubtless casuals
(C.-H.).
. pudorina Schiff.
p. 191—
Willesborough (div. 12), one, June 17, 1957 (W. L. Rudland). In
addition to marshes and heaths, this is also in Kent a species of
chalk slopes (C.-H.).
line 7 down—for “June 18” read: July 19.
. obsoleta Hubn.
p. 191—
Preston Marshes (div. 4), a larva on Phragmites communis, August
22, 1965 (C.-H.).
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT (371)
L. literalis Curt.
p. 192—
Dungeness (div. 15), July 31, 1964 (1) (R. E. Seott). Lydd ‘lown,
1965 (D. W. H. ffennell).
L. comma L.
p. 192—
line 21 up—for “1924” read: 1928.
L. uinpuncta Haw.
p. 192—
R. A. French (in litt.) states that despite the discrepancy, both
records in Entomologist, 98: 76, refer to the same capture, i.e.,
Hayward’s at Dungeness, September 21, 1963. 1964: Dungeness
(div. 15), September 26 (1) (T. W. Harman); October 5 (1) (R. E.
Scott). 1966: Otford (div. 6) in m.v. trap, September 11 (1) (W. B.
L. Manley). Dover (div. 8), in m.v. trap, September 8 (¢), 20 (¢)
(G. H. Youden). Ashford (div. 12), in m.v. trap, September 18 (1)
(P:: Cue).
L. albipuncta Schiff.
p. 197—
1967: Folkestone (div. 16), one, July 21 (A. M. Morley).
R. lutosa Hubn.
p. 199—
Willesborough (div. 12), 1957 (3), 1963 (11), 1964 (1) CW. L. Rudland).
A. pygmina Haw.
p. 200—
Willesborough (div. 12), August 27-September 15, 1957 (3), August
31-Sentember 29, 1963 (5), September 23-24, 1964 (2) (W. L. Rudland).
Dungeness (div. 15), August 20-September 4, 1963 (3), August 14-28,
1964 (5) (R. E. Scott).
line 32 up—for “Fen” read: Fenn.
A. fluxa Hubn.
p. 201—
Dungeness, on the night of August 6, 1965, under suitable conditions,
I examined unsuccessfully for this species, a hundred or so flower-
heads of Calamogrostis epigeois (C.-H.).
line 22 up—for “two, including one” read: <4.
A. morrisii Dale
p. 201— :
Apparently Festuca arundinacea is the sole pabulum, since Tugwell
(Entomologist, 11: 252) seemingly misdetermined the plant from
which Nicholls’ bred the species (cf. Knaggs, Entomologist, 30: 318),
as Arrhenatherum elatius. And it is also noteworthy that G. M.
Haggett, who worked unremittingly for the larva, categorically
states he found it only on F. arundinacea.
A. phragmitidis Hubn.
p. 203—
Willesborough (div. 12), August 1-4, 1963 (2) (W. L. Rudland); Brook
(Duffield, fide Scott (1964: 20)), Dungeness (div. 15), August 3-6, 1964
(2) (R. E. Scott). Dover (div. 8), July 31 (1), August 6 (1), 1951, July
29, 1963 (1); allin m.v. trap (G. H. Youden).
N. sparganii Esp.
p. 204—
East Kent [Reculver (div. 4)] (Battley, Trans. E. Kent nat.. Hist.
(372) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1/68
Soc., 1904: 35). Dover (div. 8), August 28, 1958 (1), in mv. trap
(G. H. Youden).
N. geminipuncta Haw.
p. 208—
[Reculver (div. 4)], very common (Battley, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist.
Soc., 1904: 35). Dungeness (div. 15), August 11 (1), 21 (1), 1964:
Boulderwell, August 12-22, 1966 (4) (R. E. Scott). First Record.
1874: Cliffe (Fenn, Diary), replaces, that given.
N. dissoluta Treits.
p. 207—
Bromley (div. 1), one in m.v. trap, August 3, 1964 (D. R. M. Long).
Preston (div. 4), August 22, 1965 (2) (C.-H.). Greatstone (div. 15),
July 20, 1963 (1) (C.-H. & Wakely, Ent. Rec., 76: 94). Dungeness,
August 6, 1964 (2); Boulderwell, August 21, 1966 (1) (R. E. Scott):
Lydd Town, August 1965 (D. W. H. ffennell). First Record, 1904:
East Kent [Reculver (div. 4)] “N. neurica and var. dissoluta”’
(Battley, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1904: 35), replaces that
given.
C. mia, Haw.
p. 209—
Willesborough (div. 12), 1955 (1), 1957 (1), 1964 (1) (W. L. Rudland).
Dungeness (div. 15), July 17, 1964 (2) (R. G. Chatelain); August 6.
1964 (R. E. Scott); August 28, 1964 (T. W. Harman). Bromley (div.
1), July 20, 1967 (1)' (D. R. M. Long).
C. maritima Tausch.
p. 209—
Battley (Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1904: 35) records it from
East Kent [Reculver (div. 4)].
C. ambigua Schiff.
p. 212—
line 13 up—delete: “Sandwich, September 6 (A. J. L. Bowes)”.
p. 213—
Willesborough (div. 12), 1957 (6), 1958 (2), 1963 (3), 1964 (1) (W. L.
Rudland), Dungeness (div. 15), 1964 (6), 1967 (1) (R. E. Scott).
Bromley (div. 1), 1965 (1), 1966 (5), the first on June 5; 1967 (3)
(DER. Mone):
L. exigua Hubn.
p. 216—
Willesborough, June 19, 1958 (1) (W. L. Rudland). Boulderwell
(div.215). June 271), Aueust 1). 12" @) 246. (1). 21 Ce o6G7 CREE:
Scott). Dover (div. 8), September 11, 1966 (¢) (Youden, Ent, Rec.,
79: 60).
D. scrabriuscula L.
p. 217— ;
Dungeness (div. 15), July 20, 1964 (1) (R. E. Scott); is presumably
casual (C.-H.)
P. littoralis Boisd.
p. 218—
Chatelain (Proc. S, Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1964: 16) states the
early stages were imported with chrysanthemum cuttings from the
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EXCHANGES AND WANTS
Wanted.—Six male specimens of J/. jurtina from Scilly Isles and six from
For
Hebrides, and also from W. Scotland of the form splendida B.-W. Con-
dition not important but good specimens preferred. Exchange for European
species can be arranged.—L. Higgins, Foclhlesbrook Farm, Chobham, Surrey.
Telephone No.: Chobham 8154.
Sale.—Papilio aeacus kaguya. Papilio magellanus. Papilio agamemnon,
Papilio kotoensis, Papilio maraho, Papilio aeacus kaguya, and more than
100 different species of Formosan butterflies including sexual mosaics and
abberations. Attacus atlas and Actias selene formosana available in large
quantities. Also living ova and cocoons of Attacus atlas and Saturnia
pyretorum in Season, and Formosan beetles and other insects.—7aiwan
Novelty Co., P.O. Box 860, Taipei, Formosa, Free China.
Urgent Request.—Would anyone running a light trap in January, February and
March 1968, who would be willing to help in a survey of the dark forms of
the moth Phigalia pedaria please contact D. R. Lees or H. B. D. Kettlewell,
Dept. of Zoology, Oxford.
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= | LE MOULT COLLECTION
On Sth, 6th and 7th February 1968 (public exhibition on 3rd
February), Dr Claude Lemaire wil) sell by auction at the Hotel
_ Drouot in Paris the internationally famous Le Moult Collection of
Lepidoptera (several hundred thousands of set specimens and very
important lots of unset material).
All genera of Macrolepidoptera figure in the collection and it is
particularly rich in the following groups: Morpho, South-
American Nymphalidae, “mostly Prepona, Erycinidae, exotic
Papilionidae, Heliconius, Charaxes, palearctic Parnassius, Pieridae,
Apatura and Heterocera.
It also includes a large number of types and para-types of Le
Moult, Le Moult et Réal (Morpho, Prepona, Helicopis, etc.), many
rare species and aberrations and several Gynandromorphs.
| For any information and catalogue please write to:
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GEOLOGY AS AN ECOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AN fe
INSECT. ALAN E. STUBBS a oe ’ Hee Sek eee
CURRENT LITERATURE . Ps aS: ei neh aa ine Ee we Bhs 26
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS iis ie ca ws ig mx iy oe ay Q7
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29
Brief Visits to Austria, Malta and Sicily in 1967
By J. A. C. GREENWOOD, O.B.E., F.R.E.S., and Mrs. D. F. GREENWOOD
We hope that some brief notes may be helpful to those considering
collecting trips to these areas.
AUSTRIA
We made our base at the Alpenhotel Lamm in Seefeld, not far from
Innsbruck. We arrived on the 9th June and for the first week the weather
was poor with much cloud and periods of long heavy rain. The second
week was very much better and we enjoyed really hot sunshine.
Seefeld is some 4,000 feet above sea level and the collecting areas rise
steeply so that we should probably have found a good many more species
had we been there a week or so later. As compensation, the spring
flowers were superb and the snow stretching down the mountains was
very beautiful, although this had almost vanished by the end of our stay.
We found much the best area to be a large, south facing hillside some
two miles towards Innsbruck.
We recorded the following butterflies :—
Erynnis tages L. A few.
Pyrgus malvae L. A few.
Pyrgus alveus Hb. A few.
Leptidea sinapis L. Common.
Anthocaris cardamines L. Very abundant, some very small speci-
mens.
Pieris brassicae L. Common.
Pieris rapae L. Common.
Pieris bryoniae Ochs. Common.
Colias australis Vty. (calida Vty., alfacariensis Ribbé). Fairly
common and very fresh.
Clossiana euphrosyne L. A few just emerging at end of period.
Vanessa cardui L. Only two.
Vanessa atalanta L. Only one.
Inachis io L. Only one.
Aglais urticae L. A few.
Hemearis lucina L. Fairly common.
Pararge aegeria L. Fairly common.
Pararge petropolitana F. (hiera Hb.). Numerous in clearings in
woods.
Coenonympha arcania L. One only.
Coenonympha pamphilus L. Very few.
Erebia medusa Schiff., ssp. hippomedusa Ochs. Very abundant and
variable.
Callophrys rubi L. Three only, very worn.
Palaeochrysophanus hippothoé L. (chryseis Schiff.). A pair.
Cupido minimus Fuesslin (alsus Schiff.) Very abundant.
Scolitantides orion Pall. (battus Schiff.). A few.
Aricia allous G.-H. Common.
Cyaniris semiargus Rott. (acis Schiff., cimon Lewis). Very few.
Polyommatus icarus Rott. (alexis Anett.). Abundant.
Lysandra bellargus Rott. (thetis Rott., adonis Schiff.). Very few at
30 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
end of period.
Moths were not numerous. Mr. and Mrs. Pryor, who were also in
Seefeld for part of our stay, were with us one evening when a commotion
in the bar drew our attention to a large Herse convulvuli L. which may
have been resting on one of the logs used to stoke the blazing fire. On
the street lamps we found many specimens of the ghost swift Hepialus
humuli L.
MALTA
We arrived in Malta on the 13th September at the end of a dry
summer. Thanks to the great kindness of Mr Anthony Valletta, F.R.E.S.,
and his son Albert, we were shown much of the island and the best
collecting areas during our four days’ stay, which were hot and sunny.
The new Sheraton Hotel was very comfortable and well placed. Its
gardens were watered freely and proved a useful collecting area. Half
a mile away, in complete contrast, a neglected garden, overgrown with
weeds and dried by the sun, also provided some specimens. On the other
Side of the island the Buskett area, which is heavily wooded and partly
irrigated, was also excellent.
We were surprised that so late in the season we were able to find
quite a large number of butterflies and indeed recorded a considerable
proportion of the total number of resident species.
Syntarucus pirithous L. (telicanus Lang), the attractive little blue, has
become quite common on the island and was particularly abundant
round the flowers of the blue plumbago. We observed females ovipositing
on the shoots and brought a sprig back to this country. Three larvae
hatched and were tried on a variety of leguminous plants, including
gorse, which is stated to be one of the food plants. All of these were
refused and we had no plumbago. However, we managed to presuade
them to eat the seeds of a small shrub in the garden, Caryopteris
clandanensis which, like plumbago, has blue flowers. One pupa was
obtained.
Moths were not numerous in Malta either. Several specimens of
Rhodometra sacraria L. were captured. We saw no Hawk moths except
Macroglossum stellatarum L. but there were evident signs of the old
eating by larvae of Celerio euphorbiae L. We found a very dark Herse
convolvuli L. at rest in the transit lounge at Naples Airport where we
changed planes. We were lucky enough to see a number (and capture
three) of spezimens of Catocala elocata Esp., a very fine red underwing
resembling our own C. nupta L. This moth was regarded as extremely
rare in Malta until Mr. Valletta discovered its habit of resting by day
on expanses of rock, and particularly under culverts and in caves and
grottoes. Mr. Valletta showed us these areas and the moths were quite
abundant.
Sicily
We moved on from Malta on the 17th September and, having landed
at Catania, drove some 45 miles to Taormina. In Sicily the weather was
delightful and our hotel, the Timeo, very comfortable with a large garden
of several acres of flowers, shrubs and olive trees. This was an excellent
BRIEF VISITS TO AUSTRIA, MALTA AND SICILY IN 1967 ol
collecting area.
We found that there were more butterflies between Taormina and the
sea, a 700 ft. descent, than there were higher up. Again, bearing in
mind the lateness of cur visit, numbers were good.
The most surprising incident was when we went up to the active
craters at the top of Etna (10,800 feet). The encyclopaedias state that
there is no life for the last few thousand feet, and this certainly seemed
to be so as we climbed the slopes of loose lava which did not have even
a patch of iichen. At the summit the most active cone was exploding
and throwing out showers of white hot rocks at intervals of about one
minute. The whole atmosphere was reeking of smoke and sulphur fumes.
Suddenly, in the midst of the smoke, we saw a small tortoiseshell flying
quite happily. Within a few minutes two more specimens flew across the
path. These A. urticae were very fresh and brightly marked.
Mr. Bretherton informs me that he investigated the lower slopes of
M. Etna earlier in the year and that urticae was the commonest butterfly
there. It is, however, interesting that they should have flown up some
9,000 feet or more and several miles in order to reach a completely
barren area torn by icy winds of high velocity created by the heat rising
from the burning hearts of the craters. Strangely enough, these three
specimens were the only urticae which we saw in Sicily.
We saw several M. stellatarum and were given (by a workman who
noticed our nets) a dead H. convolvuli.
The following butterflies were taken in Maita and Sicily respectively:
Malta Sicily
Gonepteryx cleopatra L. Two males seen.
Aricia agestis Schiff. (medon Hufn., A few.
astrarche Byster.)
Gegenos pumilio Hffmsg Very few. Very few and
elusive
Papilio machaon L. Four seen. Very few.
Pieris brassicae L. Abundant, heavily Fairly common.
marked
Pieris rapae L. Common. Scarce.
Colias crocea Fourc. One seen. Very few.
Vanessa cardui L. Several. Several.
Vanessa atalanta L. One seen. Several.
Pararge aegeria L. Several at Common.
Buskett.
Pararge megera L. A few. Several.
Maniola jurtina L. Common. Common.
Lycaena phlaeas L. Several. Common.
Syntarucus pirithous L. (telicanus Abundant in Scarce.
Lang) gardens.
Lampides boeticus L. Scarce. Only one worn
male.
Lycaenopsis argiolus L. Several. Common.
Polyommatus icarus Rott. (alexis Common, well Common.
auctt.) marked.
Carcharodus alceae Esp. Scarce.
Sloperia proto Ochs. One only.
32 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
Ochlodes venata Brem & Grey One only.
(sylvanus Esp.)
Pontia daplidice L. scarce.
Pieris mannii Mayer (manni Stder.) Very few.
Colias australis Vty. (calida Vty., One seen.
alfracariensis Ribbé)
Gonepteryx rhamni L. scarce.
Pandoriana pandora Schiff. (maja Several in hotel
Cramer) gaqrdens.
Polygonia egea Cramer A few outskirts of
Taormina.
Polygonia c-album L. Two on walis at
Taormina.
Aglais urticae L. Three at summit
OL Mp eitnar
Brintesia circe F. Two seen.
Pyronia cecilia Vallentin (ida Esp.) Very worn males
common.
Coenonympha pamphilus L. Several.
The Effect of Wind Direction on the Index of
Diversity of Night Flying Lepidoptera in a
Particular Area
By J. HARLING
(Department of Zoology, University of Durham)
It has been noted (Robinson, 1967) that there may be certain limita-
tions to the general inference that from a reasonably large sample catch
of insects it is possible to predict the statistical content of catches of
different sizes taken at the same place within short periods of time. This
prediction is based on Williams’ (1948) suggestion that a random catch
of insects falls into a logarithmic series whose form is a function of the
index of the diversity of the area in which the catch is taken. The same
author has more fully discussed the use of the logarithmic series, as
applied to insect and other animal data, in a later work (Williams, 1964).
It was tentatively put forward by Robinson (1967) that occasional
abnormal meteorological conditions might increase the activity of insects
and extend their “normal range” of distribution. These conditions could
lead to the temporary recruitment of insects to a homogenous area (with
its particular index of diversity) from another homogenous area, thus
creating a new, although temporary, index of diversity in the area where
catches are being made.
Such an effect, even in relation to “normal” meteorological conditions
of wind direction, was noted by the present author when trapping night
flying lepidoptera at Carlisle from 17th July to 20th September, 1964.
During this period 2,803 specimens, representing 110 species, were trapped
in a Robinson-type mercury vapour lamp light trap. An analysis of the
meteorological factors affecting the activity of night flying Macro-
lepidoptera, based on the afore-mentioned trapping period was made
INDEX OF DIVERSITY OF NIGHT FLYING LEPIDOPTERA 33
(Harling, in press) and the findings were similar to those of Williams
(1940). It must be emphasised here that no single meteorological factor
can be completely isolated as independently influencing activity. How-
ever, a factor like the wind, which has a directional component, may
influence “range of activity” in flyng insects when other meteorological
factors, e.g. heavy rainfall, are not present in full force. In the above
analysis it was noted that the wind direction pertaining on a trapping
night did appear to influence the numbers of specimens caught during
that right. When east winds (from NNE to SSE) and west winds (from
NNW to SSW) were considered, catches appeared to be higher on nights
with east winds than on those with west winds. If nights where the
rainfal' was greater than 0-1 inches, and where wind force was greater
than force 3 (factors which became more influential above these values)
were ignored, then the average catch per night of east wind was 62:8
(mean of 16 nights) and for nights of west wind 39:5 (mean of 15 nights).
Differences in the index of diversity on particular nights were also noted
to be correlated with the wind direction pertaining on those nights. A
summary of the composition of catches and the wind direction pertain-
ing when each was made can be seen in Table I.
TABLE [|
Summary of catches of night-flying Lepidoptera and wind directions
pertaining on respective trapping nights for the period July 17-Sept. 20,
1964.
* * *
q fe q
2 iS g&
SH Hy as) SH oH S SH tH S
ee ae Nae ee Sa an
One) a = BS 8 wp S ao By =
ey) Hey @h = OS Vey a eS io) ob =
so SS s so Ss q SO. fo =
3 (oD) 5 {eD) a 5 vo i) oO 5 5 oO 5 ov sh
a ea iS Zieh APA
Date Date Date
yp yea 134 24 E} 8 viii 29 ily Esp ae texe 25 12 E
18-20 vii no data : 46 17 NI 2, 34 16 E
2 Vall 150 34 BO 33 12 —|3 ,, 102 24 E
DO 145 29 cP PLGM a 43 16 IN ee 67 0 —
Uae 93 31 W/12 128 23 1S GG) 50 15 —_
2 85 ON W113 63 25 IG. 5 20 8 W
25 2. fal 27 VA 116 27 ch eeromaes 32 11 W
26, 85 33 Wile 89 24 1B B34, 26 13 WwW
2 re 79 26 W/16 65 2ill BG Qik 4 4 WwW
By 5 18 12 WAT 78 27 INNO) 11 8 WwW
29). 5, TLL 35 JETS} 67 22 Jen 4 13 6 WwW
30" 5 59 26 Wi19 23 12 ING eee 12 6 E
Sil 63 DE: W)\20 ri 5 Walesa 3 3 E
1 viii no data DZ Liaits) 4 4 Wii4 i,, 37 14 E
Die rs 59 2 Wil22 ae 16 8 WiitSaues 4 3 E
Sia oe 23 11 Wil2sia 33 a WilliGn 1 2 2 W
Ante at 64 2B W |24-29 viii no data yee 2 2 W
sy il 35 W/30 viii 10 9 Wises 2 2, WwW
Bo ss 40 18 \WAIBSL gs 18 tet JO) 0 0) W
Ties 52 24 WwW 200%, 3 3 WwW
*Wind direction:
E=East wind (from range NNE to SSE)
W=West wind (from range NNW to SSW)
34 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
TABLE II
The number of species of night-flying Lepidoptera with different numbers
of individuals in catches taken during the trapping period July 17 to
September 20, 1964
Individuals No. of species Individuals No. of Individuais No. of
per ee per species per species
species estimated species observed species observed |
observed (log. series)
i 15 22-4 19 = 54 ies
2, 8 11-1 20 1 56 1 |
3 9 7:4 21 1 on il |
4 6 5:5D 22 —_— 66 ik |
5 5 4:3 23 — 68 1
6 8 3:6 24 1 70 1
vil —_— 3:0 25 1 71 1
8 5 2°6 26 --—- 74 1
9 6 2°3 alk — 83 1
10 2 2:1 28 1 91 1
it il 1:9 29 il 92 1
ie, 2 1:7 31 1 94 1
1035 il 1:6 32 iL 107 1
14 1 1-4 34 1 119 1
15) 2 —_— 38 1 28 1
16 3 —_ 41 1 138 1
17 2 — 49 1 169 1
18 3 —_ 50 1 336 1
cena! Frequency distribution of species of night-flying
Lepidoptera, with different numbers of individuals,
from catches in a mercury vapour light trap at
30 Carlisle. The dotted line shows values estimated
from the logarithmic series distribution,
w
ov
“4
12)
o
ro
1?)
U4
°
u
v
Q
=I
5
Zz,
hOmNS)S,0 meee —
O 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Individuals per species
INDEX OF DIVERSITY OF NIGHT FLYING LEPIDOPTERA 35
If all the trapping data was analysed according to the number of
species, with different numbers of individuals represented (see Table II),
then the relationship between the observed frequency of distribution of
species and that estimated for the logarithmic series distribution (from
the index of diversity for the catches over the whole trapping period)
was found to bear poor correlation. This is especially noted in the
graphical comparison seen in Fig. If.
The differences between the observed distribution data and that
estimated for the log. series distribution indicates that a single value for
the index of diversity may not have been a constant factor throughout
the trapping period. That this was so can be seen in a comparison of
the trapping data from different night’s catches. Several nights with
reasonably large catches (over 70 specimens) are compared in Table ITI.
TABLE III
Comparison of the Index of Diversity for various nights during trapping
period
Wind | No. of | No. of Index of
Date ' direction | specimens species diversity
17 July E | 134 26 1S
Zileri unlay, E | 150 | 34 14-84
PPA ARolay E | 145 29 10-91
12 August E 128 | 23 14-46
3 Sept. E | 102 24 ESS
23 July W | 93 on 16-42
25 July WwW | 71 Pill eee
26 July W 85 33 21-25
17 July-20 Sept. — 2,803 110 22-61
It can be seen that the index of diversity was higher for nights with west
winds than for those with east winds. If the wind does affect the
distribution vf active moths it may thus have been instrumental in causing
the dispersion of moths from another area into the area where trapping
was taking place, resulting in fluctuations about the calculated index
of diversity cf the whole trapping period.
The actual trapping took place in a suburban garden, to the east cf
which was a built up area extending for 3 miles, and 200 yards to the
west of which was open countryside extending with liitle interruption to
the Solway Firth. East winds may therefore have been responsible for
contributing specimens mainly from the housing area while a more
diverse species contribution from the countryside resulted from nights of
west wind.
It is not suggested that wind direction is a major factor in influencing
the prediction of the statistical content of catches of different sizes taken
in the same vlace, but the above discussion may indicate that fluctuations
of the type mentioned tentatively by Robinson (1967) do exist to some
extent even under normal meteorological conditions.
REFERENCES
Harling, J. (in press). Meteorological factors affecting the activity of night-flying
Macro-Lepidoptera. Hntomologist. 101.
Robinson, H. S. (1967). The flight-ranges of insects. Eniomologist’s Record, 79:
239-243.
Williams, C. B. (1940). An analysis of four years captures of insects in a light
trap, Part Il. Trans. Roy. Entomol. Soc., 9Q: 227-306.
Williams, C. B. (1964). Patterns in the Balance of Nature. Academic P. London.
Williams, CG. B., Fisher, R. A.. and Corbet, A. S. (1943). J. Anim. Ecol., 12: 42-58.
36 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
The Macrolepidoptera of Inverness-shire :
Newtonmore District
By Commander G. W. Harper, R.N. (Retd.), F.R.E.S.
(See Ent. Rec., 66: 58, 90, 124; 67: 91; 69: 52; 71: 115; 72: 14; 73: 60, 61;
74: 59, 60; 77: 83)
SUPPLEMENT No. 9
ARCTIIDAE
Arctiinae
Diacrisia sannio L. A slightly worn but undamaged male of this species
was in my mv. light trap at Newtonmore on 10th July 1966. It was of the
very distinctive Scottish race with very dark hind wings. This species is
local in small colonies in the West of Scotland, but frequent search has
failed to reveal it in this area; I am therefore inclined to think this
specimen a vagrant from the West.
This addition increases the total number of species of the Macro-
lepidoptera on my Badenoch List at the present date, 15th March 1967, to
SIT,
THE STATUS OF SOME BADENOCH RARITIES AT 1967
Fifteen years having elapsed since I settled in Newtonmore and thir-
teen since I published this List followed by nine supplements, I think that
a few comments may now be timely and of interest. I shall confine my
remarks mainly to the apparent changes that have occurred in this area
of the Scottish Highlands during that period to the climate, to the physical
state of habitats, and to populations of some of the species of Macrolepi-
doptera that are now apparently rare.
CLIMATE. Broadly speaking the area is a very cold one in winter
with spells of temperature falling below zero F., and considerable snow
falls lasting for weeks at a time. Summers are mainly cloudy and cool,
every month producing a day or two of slight ground frost, but also short
spells of sunshine. Only one year of the fifteen, 1955, produced a real
“Summer”, and that in the latter half. With the single exception of the
very severe winter of 1962-3, the last few years have exhibited a marked
lessening of contrast between summer and winter by an increase of mild-
ness of the winters, very severe frost being much reduced. There has also
been a marked increase in wind.
HABITATS. One of the greatest fascinations of collecting Lepidoptera
is the task of ferreting out our prey in their habitats and the Badenoch
area is especially rich in species which are more than elsewhere confined
to small suitable spots for breeding. An example of the pleasure thus
derived was my eventual discovery that Hadena conspersa Schf., far from
being the apparent rarity it had seemed to be, was in fact breeding com-
monly on Silene maritima growing only on the shingle banks in the River
Spey. Many other species, however, do in fact seem to be rare as well as
local; examples are Cupido minimus Fues. and Eupethecia distinctaria H.-S.
of which I only know of one colony each. Such very small and rare
habitats are particularly vulnerable to human interference which is
THE MACROLEPIDOPTERA OF INVERNESS-SHIRE 37
increasing alarmingly even here in the far North. The worst culprit is, at
present, undoubtedly the Forestry Commission. Every year they fence
off and plant more and more lovely hillsides, bogs and other good insect
habitats with their serried rows of alien conifers. They have already
exterminated one fine colony of Endromis versicolora L. near Kincraig.
The local County Council is also responsible for the destruction of an
increasing number of roadside verges by their so-called road improve-
ments, even where quite unnecessary to secondary roads. The long term
effects of the Hydro-Electric Board water diversion and dams also can
only be awaited with grave misgivings.
LEPIDOPTERA POPULATIONS. I now return to my Badenoch List.
In my paper “Inverness-shire in 1966“ (Ent. Rec., 79: 101) I gave the total
numbers of moths trapped in my garden and spinney annually for the last
ten years, showing significantly an increasing fall which began in 1964,
and I shall here confine comment to the present position of the rarer
species in 1967. These fall naturally into three main categories; first is
that containing doubtful records which I have been unable to confirm in
my fifteen years residence, and the number of species here is very small;
secondly, those rare or very local species of which I have learned more
since I compiled my list and which seem to be reasonably secure including
some migrants, and questionable vagrants from other areas; and thirdly
those species which seem to have disappeared altogether.
My comments on this third and unfortunately increasing category must
of course be treated as pure opinions not untainted with anxiety, for many
more years experience will be needed to provide genuine evidence of local
extinction, or more happily of long period fluctuations in population
density. for which there is some already.
DOUBTFUL RECORDS REQUIRING CONFIRMATION. Four Geome-
trid and two Agrotid species all recorded on only one occasion comprise
this small section. The latter are Triphaena interjecta Htibn. to which
some of the very small local race of T. comes Hiibn. bear a considerable
resemblance and Apamea infesta Ochs. The four Geometrids all occur in
other parts of Scotland, some in more northerly districts, but may also be
misidentifications. They are Sterrha dimidiata Hufn., Scopula floslactata
Haw., Perizoma affinitata Steph., and Ourapteryx sambucaria L.
RARITIES
Cupido minimus Fuess. It is pleasant to record that Dr. Waller’s
original colony is still holding its own. It is a very small one and I have
not yet found another. The race is single brooded and flies in June.
Aricia artaxerxes (allous C.Hb.) Fab. The researches of Hoegh-
Guldberg and Jarvis have established this butterfly as a good species dis-
tinct from A. agestis Schiff. and my list should be amended accordingly.
Pieris brassicae L. A single brooded race flying in July, most speci-
mens seen being immigrants from Scandinavia seen flying up the Moray
Firth whence they sometimes penetrate up the Spey valley. Progeny are
then produced emerging the following July in some good years. Like
Vannessa atalanta L. it probably needs immigration to sustain it.
Pieris rapae L. Another uncommon immigrant probably in the same
class as P. brassicae, but even rarer, and I have not been able yet to
check it by breeding.
38 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
Erynnis tages L. Very local to the north of Aviemore. I have been
unable to find any other colonies.
Pterostoma palpina Cl. Our rarest Prominent; only one record when I
took a male in 1954. It occurs rarely in the West of Scotland, and I think
it is probably present in Badenoch in very small numbers.
Phalera bucephala L. Equally rare; I took one specimen in 1956. I
think it also is probably a vagrant from the West coast but unlikely to be
established here.
Habrosyne pyritoides Hufn. (derasa L.). Very rare, one specimen
taken at m.v. light near the railway at Aviemore in July 1958 by Mr. R.
Fairclough being the only modern Scottish record. A very old Clydesdale
record exists. I think it most likely that the Aviemore specimen was
imported accidentally by train.
Comacla senex Hb. Extremely local; I know of only one small locality
near Boat of Garten discovered by Mr. Noble in 1959. It is, I think, the
most northerly station in Great Britain for this species, which is not
common anywhere in Scotland, and it is the only Footman to be found in
Badenoch.
Spilosoma lubricipeda L. This species is interesting; it has been re-
corded only twice in Badenoch, once at Aviemore in 1955 and I had no less
than three fresh specimens in my m.v. trap in 1960. As it is very common
on the West coast, I feel sure that it is a sporadic vagrant from that area
but which cannot maintain itself normally here due to low temperatures.
Diacrisia sannio L. See first paragraph of this supplement.
Callimorpha jacobaeae L. A single dismembered specimen was taken
on his m.v. trap in 1960 by Mr. A. J. Wightman. This species is far from
common and very local even in Southern Scotland, and I am inclined to
think our visitor came by train, though it may be a vagrant.
Agrostis segetum Schf. Very rare, only noted by me in 1953; probably
it is a rare vagrant from the South-west.
Agrostis exclamationis L. Uncommon and sporadic in appearance, and
never abundant as in England, but probably native.
Peridroma porphyrea Schf. (Saucia Hb.) A rare and sporadic immi-
grant only seen twice in the last fifteen years.
Rhyacia simulans Hufn. Rare but definitely native. The form is a very
fine melanic one.
Axylia putris L. Extremely rare only seen once, a female in my m.v.
trap in 1955. Probably a rare vagrant from the South-west.
Triphaena orbona Hufn. Apparently extremely rare but native, as a
specimen was bred about 1947 by Dr. de Worms from a larva found near
Aviemore. It occurs at Findhorn on the Moray Firth.
Lampra fimbriata Schreb. (fimbria L.). Probably a rare native; I only
have two records, from Dalwhinnie and Kincraig.
Polia nebulosa Hufn. Apparently rare as I have only seen two speci-
mens, both of the typically Scottish silvery white form. It occurs com-
monly in the West and may have been a vagrant from that area.
Hadena trifolii Hufn. Very rare, probably a vagrant from the West,
where it is not common.
Hadena serena Schf. Uncommon and apparently very local; I found an
imago and Mr Crawford larvae on Hawkweed both in 1946 and only at
Aviemore. Not seen since.
THE MACROLEPIDOPTERA OF INVERNESS-SHIRE 39
Hadena cucubali Schf. Uncommon except near Aviemore where there
is a colony of its favoured foodplant, Silene inflata, by the railway. Mr.
A. J. Wightman found larvae there a few years ago.
Orthosia cruda Schf. Very rare, a single specimen in my m.v. trap in
1955 being the only record. Probably a rare vagrant from the West.
Tholera cespitis Schf. Very rare, only one record, a specimen taken at
Aviemore in August 1955 by Dr. de Worms. Probably a vagrant from
Moray area.
Luperina testacea Schf. Also very rare, a single specimen taken at
Aviemore also by Dr. de Worms in August 1955. Probably a vagrant too.
Cucullia chamomillae Schf. Very rare and a most Northerly British
record, a single fresh specimen in my m.v. trap in April 1954. Pernaps a
vagrant.
Apamea unanimis Hb. Very local and uncommon. I have only found it
in one very small habitat containing Digraphis arundinacea, which has
this year, 1967, been destroyed by County Council so-called road improve-
ments. There may be a few other suitable habitats left.
Bombycia viminalis Fab. Not rare as I originally recorded. Fairly com-
mon everywhere, a very silvery form being dominant, with a fine dark
brown and richly marked form also present.
Caradrina blanda Schf. A rare species, only seen in one year, 1958,
single specimens simultaneously at Aviemore and Newtonmore in July at
m.v. light. It is not uncommon all round the central Highlands and these
two specimens were very probably vagrants.
Caradrina morpheus Hufn. Very rare, only taken on one night at m.v.
trap at Newtonmore on 5.v.i1956, most curiously two specimens. It has not
been seen before or since! Probably a rare resident.
Hydraecia petasitis Dbld. Very rare, only one record when a fresh
male was taken at my m.v. trap at Newtonmore on 18.viii.1955. A small
patch of Petasitis fragrans grows about three miles away, but Coltsfoot is
not uncommon and might perhaps be an alternative foodplant.
Rhizedra lutosa Hb. Rare. I have taken a fresh male in m.v. trap in
each of two years. I consider that the species does breed in small colonies
in the Spey valley reed beds although I have not succeeded in finding
them, and the reeds do not often provide good habitats as they are mostly
in deep water.
Nonagria typhae Thun. Very rare, only one male specimen in m.v.
light trap. No suitable foodplants, probably a vagrant from North.
Ectypa glyphica L. Very rare, only one specimen recorded by Dr. de
Worms in May 1945, possibly breeding locally.
Phytometra viridaria Cl. Not rare as previoulsy thought, but local.
Chloroclystis rectangulata L. This species seems to be associated with
Birdcherry as a local food preference to Apple, uncommon.
POSSIBLE EXTINCTIONS. Lastly, I must append the list of species
which I have not seen for at least three years, and which I fear must be
on the danger list of possible extinctions, although I continue to hope for
recovery. It must not be forgotten that even many of the commonest
species have also shown a marked decline in populations. Nymphalis io
L., always rare not seen for twelve years; Lycaena phlaeas L., three
years; Lasiocampa quercus L., Endromis versicolora L., Anarta myrtilli L.,
Panolis flammea Schf., Leucania pallens L., also at least three years and
all erstwhile common or not uncommon species, as also was Polychrisia
40 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
moneta Fab. which has not been recorded for twelve years.
Finally, I would like to emphasize that this area of Badenoch is
particularly interesting as a very high proportion of the recorded species
are clearly on the edge of their normal range of distribution; four good
examples are Erebia epiphron Kn. and Coenocalpe lapidata Hb. which
do not occur East or North, and Anthocaris cardamines L. and Brephos
parthenias L. South or West of the district. From this undoubted
characteristic of the Badenoch area I would expect to find a marked
fluidity in the population densities corresponding with the ebb and flow of
favourable and unfavourable factors such as climate and habitat changes.
Most unhappily these seem at present to be all unfavourable.
Neadaich, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. 22.xi.1967.
Thoughts on Hyperanthus and Other Things
By H. SyYMEs.
Major General Lipscomb’s article on Variation in Aphantopus hyper-
anthus L. (Ent. Rec. 79: 127) has roused at least one entomologist to
examine his series of Ringlets and try to sort it out.
I find I have ten aberrations of hyperanthus, of which five are un-
doubtedly Fuch’s caeca and two are Miuller’s arete. The remaining three
must, I think, be Seitz’s centrifera, although no two are alike. No. 1 has
two pale rings round a black spot with a white centre similar to but
much smaller than those on normal undersides, on the fore wings, and
one similar ring and three white dots on the hind wings. No. 2 has one
very small pale ring and two white dots on the fore wings and four
white dots on the hind wings. No. 3 has one faint ring and no dots on
the left fore wing, which is not perfectly developed, three minute and
very faint rings on the right fore wing, four small rings on the left
hind wing, and four small rings and one dot on the right hind wing.
Caeca appears to be widely distributed and is found in totally differ-
ent types of habitat. Two of mine were taken near Wantage, two in Hell
Coppice near Oxford, and one in Broadley Enclosure in the New Forest.
The Wantage locality was on the chalk, a very small area not more than
about twenty yards square, close to the B4494 road from Wantage to
Newbury: it was about 600 feet above sea level on the Berkshire downs,
and very dry. I was present when a fine caeca or arete was taken at an
even higher altitude (about 800 feet) on the limestone of the Cotswolds.
This type of habitat is very different from Hell Coppice and Broadley, both
on heavy clay soil and very damp. My two arete came from the same Wan-
tage locality, and so did one of the centifera, I never saw anything else of
interest there, but it was a good little place for hyperanthus. -I did not
think that anybody else knew of it, and I hope it has not yet been
destroyed.
Reading Mr. Heslop’s mention of the occurrence of Strymonidia pruni
L. at Southampton (Ent. Ree. 79: 301) has revived my memory of an
incident which occurred rather more than twenty years ago, and which
has never been solved to my satisfaction. I remember every detail of
the event and its locality, but unfortunately cannot find a written record
of the date. But the year was about 1944 and I am quite sure that the
date was in the second week of July.
MANX ENTOMOLOGY 4)
I was taking a walk in the New Forest and stopped on a bridge
across the Ober Water about a mile from Brockenhurst. To my left was an
impenetrable mass of tall blackthorns, and high up on a branch overhang-
ing the water, and about ten or twelve feet from the surface was a small
butterfly at rest with its wings closed. I saw at once that it was a hairstreak,
and from its colour and the pattern on the underwings it could only be
the Black (S. pruni or the White Letter (S. w-album Knoch)). To have
any chance of capturing and identifying the insect, one would have
needed a net, a long stick, and a pair of waders. I had none of these
things. I remember thinking that the date was rather late for pruni and
early for w-album. Afterwards, however, on looking up my records, I
found that I had taken pruni, at Hell Coppice, as late as 10th July, and
w-album, near Wantage, as early as 11th July, so that neither species is
ruled out. Neither species is included in the list of Rhopalocera at the
end of J. R. Wise’s classic work on the New Forest (published in 1862), or
in V. C. H. (1900). I do not know if w-album has been taken in the
Forest in more recent years, but I have never seen it there myself (Bad-
bury Rings is the nearest locality where I have found it) and there are
not many wych-elms about. On the whole, I am inclined to think that
the insect I saw was pruni.
In the same article on Blackmoor Copse, I was much interested and
rather surprised to read oi a colony of Polygonia c-album: (Comma) at
Whiteparish that fed on sallow and produced a fine large race. I have
never seen or heard of this larva feeding on sallow, although I have
found it on wych-elm, gooseberry and currant, as well as the more usual
nettle and hop, both wild and cultivated.
Manx Entomology
By J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT
INTRODUCTION
A visit to the Isle of Man this year from July 8th to 21st fortunately
coincided with some fine warm weather, though for a few days a fairly
strong breeze tended to hamper collecting operations. We stayed at the
picturesque town of Port Erin situated on the south-west coast, and from
thence daily excursions were made to various parts of this attractive
island.
A total of some 640 species of Lepidoptera had been recorded from
Man, but as approximately two-thirds of this number were macros, my
efforts were chiefly directed towards working the lesser known groups.
This resulted in the discovery of 36 species of microlepidoptera (indicated
by asterisks) that so far as I am aware have not previously been recorded
from the island.
The nomenclature and classification followed is that of the Lepidoptera
portion of the new “Kloet and Hincks”, to be published sometime in
1968. I am most grateful to Messrs J. D. Bradley, D. S. Fletcher and
P. E. S. Whalley, of the British Museum (S. Kensington), for kindly
permitting me to avail myself of this excellent list prior to its publi-
cation, and take this opportunity for thanking them.
42 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
In addition to Lepidoptera, I managed to collect, en passant, a few
species of some other Orders, a list of which is appended.
Finally, I must thank the following specialists for most kindly under-
taking a number of determinations: Mr. A. A. Allen, Mr, D. E. Allen, Dr.
R. R. Askew, Mr. J. D. Bradley, Mr. J. P. H. Brenan, Mr. A. G. Carolsfeld-
Krausé, Mr. R. L. Coe, Mr. P. A. Goddard, Mr. A. M. Hutson, Mr. J. Huxley,
Mr. S. N. A. Jacobs, Mr. D. E. Kimmins, Dr. W. J. Knight, Dr. A. Melderis,
Mr. G. E. Nixon, Mr. L. Parmenter, Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton, Dr. J. F.
Perkins, Mr. A. C. Pont, Dr. F. Rose, Mr. M. Shaffer, Mr. W. G. Tremewan,
Mr. R. W. Uffen.
LEPIDOPTERA
ZUGLOPTERA
Micropterix aruncella (Scopoli), Brada, one; Langness, one; Garey,
26 flying about and settling on ash leaves. This species has only
once previously been recorded from Man.
MONOTRYSIA
Hepialus (Phymatopus) hecta (L.), Port Erin, one. H. (Korscheltellus)
fusconebulosa (Degeer), Port Erin, ¢, 9, the latter a dark varia-
gated form.
NEPTICULIDOIDEA
*Nepticula sorbi Stainton, Glen Helen, mines in Pyrus aucuparia, 10.vii.
*N. confusella Wood (det. A. G. Carolsfeld-Krausé), Sky Hill,
Lezayre, mine in birch, 13.vii; Glen Helen, mine in birch, 10.vii.
ZYGAENOIDEA
Zygaena (Zygaena) filipendulae L. ssp. anglicola Tremewan (det. W. G.
Tremewan), Calf, two flying in a marshy spot; Cregneish, plentiful
very locally. Z. (z) trifolii (Esp.) ssp. decreta Verity (det. W. G.
Tremewan), Cregneish, plentiful but mostly rather worn, flying in
two sloping dry fields near the cliff-top together with the preceding.
Fleshwick Bay, a few noted on the high ground.
TINEOIDEA
*Blabophanes imella (Huibn), Point of Ayre, one disturbed from marram
grass halms, 18.vii. Leucoptera laburnella (Staint.), mines abun-
dant on Cytisus laburnum at Bride and Rushen Abbey. *Lyonetia
clerkella (L.) (det. S. N. A. Jacobs), Lezayre, numerous empty mines
in leaves of cherry, 13.vii. *Caloptilia (Caloptilia) elongella (L.),
Glen Helen, larvae on alder, 10.vii, reared 5-6, viii. ZO CO)
betulicola (Hering), Glen Helen, larvae on birch, 10.vii, reared 1, 4.
viii. *C. (C.) stigmatella (Fab.). Ballaugh Curraghs, mines in Salix,
18.vii, from which a single pale imago reared. C. (Gracillaria)
syringella (Fab.), Port Erin, larvae on Ligustrum ovalifolium; Union
Mills, larvae on lilac; Laxey, larvae on L. ovalifolium and lilac;
Lezayre, Ballaglass and Tholt-y-Will, larvae on ash. *Phylonorycter
oxyacanthae (Frey), Port Erin, mine in hawthorn, 9.vii. imago
reared 22.vii. *P. sorbi (Frey), Glen Helen, mines in Pyrus
aucuparia, 10.vii. *P. viminiella (Sircom), Ballaugh Curraghs, two
mines in Salix, 18.vii, imagines reared 25.vii. P. maestingella
(Miull.) faginella Zell., Laxey Glen, mines in beech, reared. P.
MANX ENTOMOLOGY 43
alnifoliella (Hubn), Glen Helen, numerous mines in alder, 10.vii.,
reared. *P. stettinensis (Nicelli), Glen Helen, a few mines in alder,
10.vii.
YPONCGMEUTOIDEA
Anthophila fabriciana (L.), Croitecaly; Calf. *Argyresthia (Argyresthia)
brockeella (Hubn.), Lezayre, one, 13.vii.; Tholt-y-Will, one, 18.vii.
A. (A.) albistria (Haw.), Port Erin; Ballaglass.
GELECHOIDEA
Coleophora lixella Zell., Bradda, 2 ¢d; Cregnish, near The Chasms,
in afternoon sun, 2 gd flying, 2 observed ovipositing on Thymus
druceit and afterwards imbibing from the flowers. C. discordella
Zell., Bradda, one; Langness, several cases and signs of many others,
on Lotus corniculatus growing in rock crevices. *C,. striatipennella
Tengstrom=apicella Staint (det. R. W. Uften), Bradda, one. *C.
flavaginella Zell. (det. R. W. Uffen), Point of Ayre, one disturbed
from marram grass halms, 18.vii. Elachista argentella (Clerck)=
cygnipennella (Hubn.), Peel Castle; The Lhen; Port Erin; Balla-
kilpheric; Langness. E. atricomella Staint. (det. E. C. Pelham-
Clinton), Port Erin, <. E. luticomella Zell. det. E. C. Peiham-
Clinton), Langness, 12.vii., flying in numbers in a boggy hollow.
E. albifrontella (Hubn.) (det. E. C. Pelham-Clinton), Port Erin;
Ballakilpheric. *Cosmiotes freyerella (Hubn.)=nigrella auct. (det.
Ea C2 Pelham-Chnton)., Port? Erin *O)— at. basevor clits) 21svin-
Endrosis sarcitrella (L.), Port Erin, one. Hofmannophila pseudo-
spretella (Staint.), Port Erin. Depressaria apiella (Htibn.)=nervosa
sens. auct., larvae abundant on Oenanthe crocata at Port St. Mary,
Langness, Garey, Port Greenaugh, Calf, Port Soderick. IDy
pastinacella (Dup.)=heracliana sens. auct., larvae abundant on
Heraclium spondylium at Port Greenaugh, Garey, Niarbyl.
Agonopterix heracliana (L.)=applana (Fab.), Peel Road Station,
larvae on Heracleum sphondylium, reared; Rushen Abbey, larvae
on Aegopodium podagraria, reared; The Lhen, larvae on Conium
maculatum, reared. *A. ciliella (Staint.), Fleshwick Bay, larvae
on Angelica sylvestris, 21.vii., imago reared 21.vili. A. puwpurea
(Haw.), Bride, larva on Chaerophylum temulum, reared. A.
rotundella (Douglas), Perwick Bay, larvae on Daucus carota, reared.
*Microsetia sexguttella (Thunberg)=stipella sensu Hutbn., larvae
shore at Port Grennaugh, 12.vii, reared; larvae in leaves of
Artiplex sp. (det. J. P. H. Brenan), in the enclosures at Peel
Castle, 10.vii., reared. *Briotropha (Mniophaga) umbrosella (Zell.)
(det. P. A. Goddard), The Lhen, three, smoked out of marram
grass halms, 18.vii. *B. (M.) senectella (Zell.) (det. P. A. Goddard),
Port Erin, a single specimen in m.v. trap, 12.vii. (Note: The
specimen conforms to Goddard’s “senectella (b)” ie. the “dark
form”, as compared with Goddard’s “senectella (a)’” the “pale
form?) "Bs (Bryotropiia). terrella (Denis) & Schiff) (det. PP) A.
Goddard, Calf, one. “*Scrobipalpa netentella (Fuchs)=seminella
Pierce & Metcalf (det. P. A. Goddard), Langness, two disturbed
from amongst A. hastata (det. D. E. Allen), 12.vii. *Anarsia
spartiella (Schrank), Laxey, larvae and pupae in shoots of Ulex
europaeus, 1l.viii., reared. *Hypatima rhomboidella (L.)=conscrip-
44 ENTOMOLOGISIT’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
tella (Hubn.), Laxey Glen, larva on hazel, 11.vii., reared. *Brachmia
rufescens (Haw.), Calf, one, 15.vii.
TORTRICOIDEA
Laspeyresia (Laspeyresia) succedana (Denis & Schiff.), Calf, Ballakil-
pheric. L. (L.) aurana (Fab.), Niarbyl, pair in cop. Eucosma
(Eucosoma) hohenwartiana (Denis & Schiff.) (det. J. D. Bradley)
Spanish Head; Port Erin. *Epiblema (Notocelia) cynosbatella (L.)=
tripunctana (Denis & Schiff.), Bradda, one at rest on Rosa spinosis-
sima, freshly emerged, 9.vii.; Ballakhaigan, one ovipositing on
underside of leaf of cultivated rose, 14.vii. *Epinotia (Hamuligera)
trimaculana (Don.) (det. J. D. Bradley), Sky Hill, Lezayre, one
worn specimen, 13.vii. *E. (Evetria) immundana (Fisch. v. Rossl.),
Glen Helen, larvae)jon alder, l0:vii.,, reared 15(), 80). vail. =i:
(E.) tedella (Clerck), Glen Helen, one beaten out of conifer, 10.vii.
*Ancylis (Anchylopera) myrtillana (Treits), Injebreck and Snaefell,
larvae on bilberry, 13 and 19.vii, respectively, reared. Bactra
lancealana (Hubn.), Rushen Plantation; Langness; Injebreck;
Ballakilpheric. Lobesia (Lobesia) littoralis (Humph. & West.),
Gali ‘Sound; Port Erin. (“(‘Hedya pruniana (Hubn:), Port Erin,
numerous imagines in a sloe thicket, including one captured by the
Dipteron Scatophaga stercoraria L. Olethreutes (Argyroploce)
lacunana (Denis & Schiff.), Croitecaly; Langness; Port Greenaugh;
Garey; Niarbyl; Ballaglass Glen; Cregneish. Small specimens,
often with suffused markings. Archips rosana (L.), Port Erin,
larva on Ligustrum ovalifolium, reared; larva on sloe, reared. -
Aphelia (Aphelia) viburnana (Denis & Schiff.), Ballakilpheric;
Injebreck. A. (Zelotherses) paleana (Hubn.), Spanish Head, larva
feeding on Agrostis tenuis (det. A. Melderis); Langness; Port Erin.
Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Fab.), Ballaglass Glen. Cnephasia
(Cnephasia) conspersana Douglas (det. J. D. Bradley), Calf Sound,
one freshly emerged, 15.vii.; Langness, larvae in flower heads of
Tripleurospermum martimum (det. F. Rose), 12.vii., reared. *C.
(C.) octomaculana Curtis (det. J. D. Bradley), The Lhen, larvae in
flowers of Leontodon leysseri (det. F. Rose), 18.vii., imago reared
6.vili. Eana penziana (Thunberg & Becklin) ssp. colquhounana
Barrett, Langness, a larva and a pupa in roots of Armeria maritima
growing on sea-sprayed rocks, imagines reared. Tortrix viridana
(L.), Sky Hill, Lezayre, one, 13.vii., and only the second Manx
record. Acleris caledoniana (Steph.), Injebreck, larvae on bilberry,
reared. *Aethes (Aethes) rubigana Treits.=badiana sensu Hubn.,
Niarbyl, one, 13.vii.; Spanish Head, one, 20.vii.; Calf, three disturbed
from Arctium vulgare, 15.vii. Eupoecilia angustana (Hiibn.),
Bradda, one.
PYRALOIDEA
Chrysoteuchia culmella L.=hortuella Hubn.; Langness; Port Erin,
Crambus pascuella L., Ballakilpheric. *C. wliginosellus Zell. (det.
M. Shaffer), Ballakilpheric, numerous, mostly worn, 19.vii. C.
perlella Scop., Port Erin; f. warringtonellus Staint., Langness,
several on saltmarsh. Agriphilia straminella Denis & Schiff.=
culmellus sensu auct., Old Laxey; Langness; Ballakilpheric; Creg-
MANX ENTOMOLOGY 45
neish; Port Greenaugh. A. tristella Denis & Schiff., Port Erin.
Scoparia arundinata Thunberg=dubitalis Hiibn. (det. M. Shaffer),
Langness, fairly plentiful, including several dull brownish
examples. S. ambigualis Treits. (det. M. Shaffer), Glen Roy,
Rushen Plantation. *S. truncicolella (Staint.) (det. M. Shaffer),
Port Erin, one, 20.vii. Eurrhypara hortulata L.=urticata L., Calf,
two. Udea lutealis Hubn., Port Erin, larva on Plantago lanceolata;
several larvae on Filipendula ulmaria, reared; Perwick Bay, larva
on Centaurea nigra; Ballaglass, imago. Aphomia sociella L., Port
Erin. *Anerastia lotella Hiibn., The Lhen, two smoked out 3>f
marram grass halm, 18.vii. Pempelia dilutella (Hiibn.) (det. M.
Shaffer), Calf Sound, one. Rotruda saxicola Vaughan (det. M.
Shaffer), Langness, one. Platyptilia pallidactyla Haw., Port Erin,
one. Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla Scop., Ballakilpheric, one.
Emmelina monodactyla L., The Lhen, one.
PAPILIONOIDEA
Pieris rapae L., Andreas; Laxey. P. napi L., Rushen Abbey. Polyom-
matus icarus Rott., Spanish Head. Argynnis (Mesoacidalia) aglaja
L., Calf, about 30 seen, mostly ¢ 6, 15.vii.; between Calf Sound
and The Chasms, several. Eumenis semele L., Point of Ayre;
Spanish Head. Maniola jurtina L., Croitecaly; Langness; Port Erin;
Garey; Lezayre; Calf; The Lhen; Old Laxey; Cregneish; Fleshwick.
Pamphilus pamphilus L., Peel Castle; Injebreck; Snaefell;
Cregneish.
GEOMETROIDEA
Thyatira batis L., Port Erin, one. Idaea biselata Hufn., Ballaglass
Glen. I. aversata L., Rushen Abbey. Xanthorhoe montanata Denis
& Schiff., Croietealy; Fleshwick Bay. Scotopteryx luridata Hufn.=
plumbaria Fab., The Chasms, four amongst Ulex gallii; Bradda;
Ballakilpheric. Camptogramma bilineata L., Bradda; Calf; Port
Erin; Spanish Head; Fleshwick. Entephria caesiata Denis & Schiff.,
Rushen Plantation, plentiful, flying at dusk. Cosmorhoe ocellata
L., Calf. Ecliptopera citrata L., Lezayre. Perizoma alchemillata
L., Peel Road Station. P. flavofasciata Thunberg, Port Erin. P.
didymata L., Ballaglass, flying in abundance by day in the Glen,
and on the road towards Maughold; Ballakaighan. Eupithecia
simpliciata Haw.=subnotata Hiibn.., Langness, one disturbed from
A. hastata on the saltmarsh, 12.vii. E. lariciata Freyer, Sky Hill,
Lezayre. Biston betularia L., Port Erin, ¢, typical. Peribatodes
rhomboidaria Denis & Schiff., Port Erin, a rather small greyish
form. Cabera pusaria L., Lezayre.
NOCTUOIDEA
Spilosoma lubricipeda L.=menihastri Denis & Schiff., Port Erin. S.
lutea Hufn.=lubricipeda sensu auctt., Port Erin. Agrostis segetum
Denis & Schiff., Port Erin. A. exclamationis (L.), Port Erin.
Axylia putris L., Port Erin. Ochropleura plecta (Ee) -Port) Erin:
Noctua pronuba L., Port Erin. Lycophotia porphyria Denis &
Schiff.=strigula Thunberg, Rushen Plantation; Port Erin. Diarsia
mendica Fab.=festiva Denis & Schiff., Port Erin, in m.v. trap, and
46 ENTOMOLOGIS?T’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
at veronica bloom. Amathes c-nigrum L., Port Erin. Mamestra
brassicae L., Port Erin. Lacanobia oleracea L., Port Erin. Ceramica
pisi L., Port Erin. Hadena perplexa (Denis & Schiff) ssp. capsophila
(Dup.), Spanish Head, larvae on Silene maritima; Port Erin, a few
in m.v. trap. H. bicruris Hufn.=capsincola Denis & Schiff., Port
Erin. H. caesia Denis & Schiff. ssp. mananii Gregson, Fleshwick
Bay, a few larvae on S. maritima growing in precipitous places.
Cerapteryx graminis L., Port Erin. Orthosia stabilis Denis &
Schiff., Glen Roy, a larva on oak. Mithimna (Aletia) conigera
Denis & Schiff., Port Erin. M. (A) ferrago F.=lythargyria Esp.,
Port Erin. M. (A.) impura Hubn., Port Erin. M. (A.) pallens L.,
Port Erin. M. (Leucania) comma L., Port Erin. Cucullia umbratica
L., Port Erin. Cryphia (Bryoleuca) domestica Hufn.=perla Denis
& Schiff.. Port Erin. Euplexia lucipara L.. Port Erin. Apamea
monoglypha Hufn., Fert Erin. A. lithoxylea Denis & Schiff., Port
Erin. A. remissa Hubn., Port Erin. A. sordens Hufn., Port Erin.
A. fasciuncula Haw., Port Erin. Mesoligea furuncula Denis &
Schiff., Port Erin. Mesapamea secalis L.. Port Erin. Caradrina
morpheus Hufn., Port Erin. Chrysaspidia festucae L., Port Erin.
Autographia gamma L., Garey; Port Erin. A. pulchrina Haw., Port
Erin. A. jota L., Port Erin. Hypena proboscidalis L., Port Erin.
Macrochilo nemoralis F.=grisealis Denis & Schiff.. Baliaglass Glen;
Port Erin.
COLEOPTERA
Byrrhus pustulatus Forst., Old Laxey, one, 19.vii., among rocks at edge
of Laxey River. Lagria hirta L., The Lhen, one on the dunes,
18.vii. Rhagonycha fulva Scop., The Lhen, on the dunes, 18.vii.
Corymbites cupreus F., Sneefell, a pupa under a rock near the
summit (2034 ft.) 19,vii., reared. Dascillus cervinus L., Glen Helen,
10.vii. Helophorus brevipalpis Bed., Glen Helen, 10.vii. Otiorrhyn-
chus isinoulanris 1. Lortab, above
The above were determined by A. A. Allen, who writes (in litt.):
“All are already recorded from I.o.M. in Britten (The Coleoptera
of the Isle of Man, North-West Naturalist, 1943-45) .... but the
Byrrus only on one specimen, and the Lagria and Dascillus seem
uncommon there”.
HEMIPTERA-HETEROPTERA
Anthocoris sp. (det. A. A. Allen), nymphs, Glen Helen, 10.vii. Calocoris
sexguttatus F. (det. A. A. Allen), Port Soderick, two, 14.vii
HEMIPTERA-HOMOPTERA
Aphrodes bifasciatus (L.) (det. W. J. Knight), Snaefell, ¢, near the
summit, 19.vii. Macrosteles sp. (det. W. J. Knight), Snaefell, ¢,
amongst bilberry, 19.vii.
PRICHOR DT ERA
Beraea marus Curtis, Port Erin, @,-15.vii. Philopotamus montanus Don.,
Port Soderick, on alder, ¢ “(speckled)”, 14.vii. Tinodes maclach-
lani Kimmins, Port Soderick, ¢, 9, 14.vii. All det. D. E. Kimmins.
MANX ENTOMOLOGY 47
PSOCHOPTERA
Caecilius flavidus Steph. (det. D. E. Kimmins), Glen Helen, 10.vii.
PLECOPTERA
Diura bicaudata (L.) (det. D. E. Kimmins), Tholt-y-Will, ¢, 18.vii.
ORTHOPTERA
I was naturally hoping to encounter the remarkable Manx Orthopteron,
Stenopothrus stigmaticus (Rambur), so far only known in G.B. from
the Langness Peninsula, but unfortunately failed to see it. It is
possible, however, I was a month or so early, as I see the original
specimens were taken on August 25th (cf. Ragge, Entomologist,
96: 211).
Myrmeleotettix maculatus (Thunberg), Point of Ayre, ¢, 9, 18.vii.
Corthippus brunneus (Thunberg), Cregneish, ¢, 15.vii; Old Laxey,
6G, 19.vii. Omocsetus viridulus (L.), Spanish Head, ¢, 3 99Q,
20:vil.; Calf, ¢, 15.vii. All det. J. Huxley.
DIPTERA
RHAGIONIDAE
Chrysopilus cristatus F., Port St. Mary, ¢, 9.vii.
DOLICHOPODIDAE
Argyra leucocephala Mg, 3, Port St. Mary, 9.vii. Chrysotus gramineus
Fall., Port St. Mary, CG, 9.vii. Dolichopus trivialis Hal., 3, Glen
Helen Ow “Dy iungulatus in Os Port tstaeManya Gavan:
SYRPHIDAE
Syrphus glaucius L (det. R. L. Coe), 5, Glen Helen, 10.vii. S. grossulariae
Mg., Glen Helen, 4, 10.vii. Volucella pellucens L., 9, Tholt-y-Will,
18,vil.
SCIOMYZIDAE
Pelidnoptera fuscipennis Zett., Glen Helen. ¢, 9.10.vil. Trypetoptera
ounctulata Scop., Bradda, 9, 9.vii.
OPOMYZIADAE
Opomyza germinationis L., Glen Helen, 2, 10 vii.
SPHAEROCERIDAE
Trichiaspis equina Fall., Port St. Mary, 2, Port St. Mary, 9.vii.
SCATOPHAGIDAE
Scatophaga stercoraria L., Port Erin, g, 14.vii. This specimen had
captured an example of the Tortricoid moth Hedya pruniana
(Hiibn.), and was presumably eating it. The moth was still alive
but in a moribund condition.
TIPULIDAE
Tipula fascipennis Meig (det. A. M. Hutson), Port St. Mary, J. 9.vil.
MUSCIDAE
Spilogaster denigrata Mg. (det. A. C. Pont), Glen Helen, dg, 10.vii.
Phaonia basalis Zett., 9, Tholt-y-Will, 18.vii.
48 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
'TACHINIDAE
Actia pilipennis Fallen, Douglas, 92, bred from a larva lof Acleris
variegana Denis & Schiff.] taken on rose, 11.vii.
Except where stated, the Diptera were all determined by L. Parmenter.
HYMENOPTERA
Exothecus braconius Hal. (det. G. E. Nixon), Glen Helen, bred 17.vii.,
ex Nepticula sorbi Staint. mine collected 10 vii. Eubadizon extensor
L. (det. G. E. Nixon), Douglas, bred from a larva [of Acleris
variegana Denis & Schiff.] taken on rose, 11.vii.; Glen Helen, bred
from a Torticoid larva taken on sycamore, 10.vii. Apanteles
xanthostigma Hal. (det. G. E. Nixon), Glen Helen, bred ex larva
[of Caloptilia (Caloptilla) elongella (L.)] taken on alder, 10.vii.
A. lineipes Wesm (det. G. E. Nixon), Laxey Glen, bred from a
tortricoid larva taken on sycamore, 1l.vii. Apanteles sp. (ater-
group) (det. G. E. Nixon), Snaefell, bred from a larva [of Ancylis
(Anchylopera) myrtillana (Treits.)], taken 19.vii. Ongilus sp. (det
G. E. Nixon), Langness, ¢, bred from case of Coleophora discor-
della Zell., collected 12.vii. Angitia sp. (det. J. F. Perkins), Glen
Helen, bred from Caloptilia (Caloptilia) betulicola (Hering), taken
10.vii. Chorinaeus sp. (det. J. F. Perkins), Powick Bay, 9, bred
from larva of Agonopterix rotundella (Douglas), taken 9.vii.
Campoplex sp. (det. J. F. Perkins), Peel Castle, bred from larvae
of Microsetia sexguttella (Thunberg), taken 10.vii.; The Lhen, bred
from larva [of Agonapterix heracliana (L.)=applana Fab.], taken
18.vii.; Glen Helen, bred from larva [of Epinotia (Eveiria) immun-
dana (Fisch. v. Rossl.)], taken on alder, 10.vii. Chrysocharis phryne
(Walker) (Eulophidae; Entedontinae) (det. R. R. Askew), Glen
Helen, 2, bred from a mine of Phylonorycter sorbi (Frey), taken
10.vii.
West Wickham, Kent, 8.xi1.1967.
Some data overlooked by Dr. Ainley in his recent
notes on the British species of Argynninae
By B. C. S. WARREN
Dr. Ainley’s premises:—The British Argynninae were all included in
one genus in his youth — recently placed in five — a modern “trend
ad absurdum’—socn leading to a genus for each species—no ascertain-
able reason for these changes.
The facts:—Since about 1902, the British species of Argynninae have
been classed in four genera; Dryas, Argynnis, Issoria and Brenthis. In
1903 all these names were used in Wheeler’s “Butterflies of Switzerland,”
and in the Entomologist’s Record from that date to 1930 or later. Brenthis
and Argynnis were used by Kirby in 1903 in his “Butterflies of Europe,”
and all four by Tutt in his “British Lepidoptera,” Vol. 9, Chapter 4,
1907-8. With the progress of research Dryas was found to be a synonym
of Argynnis and had to be discarded. Mesoacidalia was brought in to
fill the gap in 1926. Brenthis was found to be so highly specialized in
RECENT NOTES ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF ARGYNNINAE 49
structure that the majority of species included in it were not true Bren-
this, so Clossiana was brought in for them in 1920. No true Brenthis
occur in England. Further in 1920 Fabriciana was introduced for a very
distinct group, one species of which, adippe (Denis & Schiff.) occurs in
England. In 1966 in Bretherton’s new “List of the Butterflies of West-
ern and Southern Europe” all these names are used.
The position therefore is that during the past 66 years two generic
names have been removed from the British list; two new names replacing
them and one new genus and name added. So much for the British List.
Turning to the Argynninae of the World, modern work places them
in thirteen genera. One cannot say exactly how many species there are,
the north American and east Asiatic species being far from fully known,
but there must be well over 100. This situation is described as “genus-
splitting” with more and more new names recently added (the most
recent one dates from 1926), bringing us to the verge of a genus for each
species. (We are apparently still about 100 genera short of Dr. Ainley’s
forecast).
Dr. Ainley supposes the genera are based on “ sound reasons,” but is
unable to find out what these may be or where the details have been
published. The following references will give the facts he has been
searching for.
Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 94: 1-101, pls. 1-46, 1944. Proc. R. ent. Soc. Lond. (B)
15. Pts. 5-6; 71-73, 1946. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 107: 381-391, pls. 1-4, 1955.
In view of the doubts Dr. Ainiey casts on the validity of all generic
names, I may be excused quoting a few lines from the 1946 reference
given above. This short note was the work of Dr. Cyril F. dos Passos,
Dr. L. P. Grey and myself in collaboration :—
“In the years 1944 and 1945, two papers were published by the pre-
sent authors, independently - - - Both papers had been completed before
the authors became aware that a contemporaneous study of the classifi-
cation of the Argynninae had been made... Warren’s revision included
an exposition of the researches made by Dr. Reuss on Argynninae (pub-
lished during the past twenty years in isolated papers) together with the
results of his own work . - - The two papers (1944 and 1945), therefore
presented the results of three independent genitalic studies of Argyn-
ninae; the work of men of three different nationalities. That the
classification adopted from these three standpoints coincided in all essen-
tials is, we feel, not only a remarkable testimony to the taxonomic value
of morphological data, but also a striking confirmation of the interpre-
tation of such data by the individual authors.”
The note was written to establish the structural characters of the Sub-
family Argynninae and the great division of the species into the Tribes
Boloridi and Argynnidi, without the recognition of which no classification
of the Subfamily could accord with reality. The characters given are
very definite, simple and unmistakable.
Finally a word on Mesoacidalia. This interesting genus is remarkable
in being the link between the great American genus Speyeria and the
Palaearctic species. Though Mesoacidalia no longer occurs in America
there can be no doubt that it shows the line from which Speyeria has
evolved. Mesoacidalia contains 8 or 9 species one of which occurs in
50 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/I1/68
England.
We may not like the name but does that matter so long as we use it
for the species it represents. Unfortunately some who dislike a new name
will often use a name they like instead, even if they know it implies, and
describes, some other species. This curious action they apparently con-
sider a “contribution to science” as it avoids changing a name. But it
also is the reason why systematic workers all over the world welcome
the Rules, which whatever their shortcomings, remain the only protection
against the flights of fancy of dissatisfied individuals.
Folkestone, Kent.
I am grateful to Mr. Warren for providing references to the work on
the taxonomy of the Argynninae, and for his other observations on the
genera in question, which I find very useful.
It is a pity that, in addition to this, he uses the old debating trick of
attributing to me statements I have not made, then criticising me for
them. For example: “In view of the doubts Dr. Ainley casts on the
validity of all generic names” (my italics). I fail to see how anyone who
has read what I actually wrote, could believe I hold all generic names
to be invalid (whatever that may mean). I was merely enquiring
whether any agreed criteria exist for determining generic status in
general. Mr. Warren has not supplied an answer. If agreed criteria do
not exist, then surely it cannot be denied that the choice of characters
used for grouping species into genera is to some extent subjective and
arbitrary. Therefore taxonomists will on occasion come to different con-
clusions. Therefore in the absence of any procedure by which the world’s
taxonomists can come together, sink their differences, and agree on a
single compromise classification, there are bound to be different classifica-
tions in circulation. suppose, for the sake of argument, that Messrs.
Reuss, Warren, dos Passos and Grey, as a result of their researches, had
each arrived at different conclusions as to the classification of the
Argynninae. How would it then have been decided which classification
was to be adopted internationally?
As we now know, the four authorities quoted above agree on the
classification of the Argynninae, on the basis of their genitalic structure.
What happens if, ten years hence, someone discovers that half the species
at present included in Brenthis have, say, a major biochemical or chromo-
somal difference from the rest, and proposes to reclassify Brenthis into
two more new genera on this basis? Who will then decide whether
splitting the genus is justifiable? Which criteria are the more “valid’’?
And at what point will it be agreed that any further differences dis-
covered between species are not to be regarded as grounds for intro-
ducing new genera?
Mr. Warren implies in his first paragraph that I think the placing of
the British Argynninae in five genera instead of one is a “modern trend
ad absurdum” and that we are at present “on the verge of a genus for
each species.” The sense of what I actually wrote is that if (repeat, IF)
the genus-splitting tendency were to continue unchecked, the end-result
would be that each species would come to be given a generic name
peculiar to itself. I submit that the logic of this statement is undeniable.
ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY—BUT NO-ONE CAN WIN 51
Again, I merely ask, where do we draw the line between generic and
specific differences?
Mr. Warren states as a fact that “since about 1902 the British species
of Argynninae have been classed in four genera.... ” (implying that
T am about 66 years out of date). Then Mesoacidalia, Fabriciana and
Clossiana were introduced in the nineteen-twenties. Why, then, did the
Royal Entomological Society’s authoritative Check List of 1934 retain the
single genus Argynnis for our six species of Argynninae? Why did San-
dars in 1939 follow suit, and likewise Heslop in 1947? Why did E. B. Ford
in 1945 (p. 73 & 74), with the benefit of the advice of no less an authority
than Mr. Francis Hemming, perpetuate the heresy? These, too, are
facts. Perhaps Mr. Warren now sees the source of my confusion. He
says “we may not like the name, but does that matter as long as we use
it for the species it represents.” But if Mesoacidalia charlotta Haw. so
obviously represents the Dark Green Fritillary, how could all these
authorities be so misguided as to think that Argynnis aglaia L. repre-
sented that species?
To avoid being misunderstood further, may I conclude by stating that
I am entirely in favour of Latin names and bionomial nomenclature. I
think it a pity that there is apparently no authoritative inter-
national body to issue definitive and agreed revisions at intervals, to
guide the world at large, both amateur and professional. Cintrary to
the implications of Mr. Warren’s final paragraph, I am more than willing
to adopt new names and revised classifications provided I can see good
reasons for doing so—reasons related to the biology of the insects, not to
unnecessary complications of the rules of nomenclature. (1 hasten to
add that I do not regard the work of Mr. Warren and his colleagues on
the Argynninae as being in this last category). Obviously taxonomy can-
not ossify; it must be revised as new facts come to light. I suspect we
have not yet decided which facts are important in taxonomy and which
are not. While I appreciate the need for rules to guide systematists and
help to avoid chaos, I cannot help feeling that 87 rules occupying 91
pages of an octavo volume must be an equally potent source of con-
fusion.
R. G. AINLEY.
REFERENCES
Ford, E. B. 1945. Butterflies. Collins.
Sandars, E. 1939. Butterfly Book for the Pocket. Oxford.
Heslop, I. R. P. 1947. Indexed Check-List of the British Lepidoptera. Watkins
and Doncaster, London.
Any number can play — but no-one can win
By G. M. HaGGettT
The contributions by Professor Balfour-Browne and Dr. Ainley in
recent numbers of this journal nicely sum up the feelings of field
workers who have always been irritated by the name-changers and who
despair at the present acceleration of their antics.
The nomenclature and classification of the Lepidoptera have become
playthings far divorced from practical usage and good sense with each
successive change bearing less and less relevance to the patterns of life
these names should reflect. Any person with time at his disposal—pro-
52 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
fessional or amateur—can ransack the libraries of the world and after a
deal of researching can proclaim further change due to a doubtful pub-
lication date or a dubious describtion or an erroneous figure reference;
and so armed he may then swell the muddy flood of synonymy by throw-
ing in more confusion, more names in brackets, more abbreviated authors
and more chain reactions with incalculable consequences. Such a
learned study will be utterly indifferent to the natural relationship of the
insects themselves for the rules of the game are the rules of a word
game and they are invented and invoked by persons whose preoccupation
is with names and not living creatures.
I especially share Dr Ainley’s concern for the genus, a concept that has be-
come so abused that it is nowadays fast losing its purpose. I, too, thought that
one of the wisdoms of binomial nomenclature was to indicate the natural
affinities between living things, I, too, had always hoped that classification
was a natural science that endeavoured to show relationships between in-
dividuals, and I, too, believed that names were of significance in achieving
this. But I found that Checklists were issued with no indication of why
species were placed in their genera, and textbooks were published with
no real attempt at justifying how the genera and families were arranged.
The game is no new pastime of course, as reference to journals over
the years will show. It just gets bursts of enthusiasm from time to time
which appear to be due to whims and caprices of the player who has
time to spare at any particular moment. We might have thought that
researches over the past sixty years would have resolved most names by
now and the violent upheavals that nomenclature and field workers have
suffered could have been borne in quest of finality and perfection. But
finality is a snare and perfection is a fancy, and the rules of the game
ensure that no solution can be ever reached.
My answer to all this is simple. I have caught, reared or otherwise
handled most of the larger British moths and I think I know something
of them and their habits in the field, and a bit about their life histories
and early stages; I have studied Seitz and Meyrick, Ford and Pierce, and
I think I am aware of the principal structures that can be meaningfully
employed in the classification of these insects. So I have produced my
own classification and my own genera, and although I have tried to con-
form with accepted nomenclatural practice I have gone my own way
where I have thought necessary, and I readily expect that my system
may be full of pre-occupied names and obsolete genera. But this does
not worry me. My collections, both of set moths and the Hammond-
Haggett larval collection, are arranged and labelled according to the way
I believe the species are related. And the genera I have used clearly
indicate this relationship.
But when I submit a paper or note for publication I have to trans-
late these names to a current list and even then I expect to see them
mutilated and battered so that I can scarcely recognize what I have
written, and at the present rate of change I shall not even know what
insects I have written about. Perhaps that is why I am writing less.
A note on Bittacus angulosus Tyeder
(Mecoptera, Bittacidae)
By J. S. TAYLOR
A NOTE ON BITTACUS ANGULOSUS TJEDER (MECOPTERA, BITTICIDAE) 53
While collecting insects with my friend Mrs N. Gardiner on the grassy
slopes immediately below Hilton, Natal (3,700 ft.) on 14th March 1966, we
disturbed in the long grass what I at first thought to be a tipulid. When,
just afterwards, another individual was seen to be carrying a small beetle,
the matter was investigated further, and several of these curious-looking
insects were obtained. They proved to belong to the Mecoptera, and later,
on reference to Imms (1957) to a species of Bittacidae.
Anything more unlike the usual kind of scorpion-fly (Panorpa spp.)
could scarcely be imagined. It is a reddish-brown insect, with long and
elongate wings and particularly long and slender legs. Imms (op. cit.)
refers to resemblance to the Tipulidae of this family of Mecoptera, as also
does the Cambridge Natural History (1901) which figures a_ species,
significantly named as Bittacus tipularius.
Material from Hilton was submitted to Dr. Bo Tjeder of the University
of Lund, Sweden, who determined it as being Bittacus angulosis, a species
which he had described (1956) from a female specimen collected at Krantz
Kloof, Natal. According to Dr Tjeder (op. cit.), 2 genera and 18 species
have been recorded in South Africa while “‘all species of the order hitherto
known from Africa belong to this family which is easily distinguished
from all other families by having one single claw on each tarsus and the
legs modified to raptorial use, being very long and having the tarsi so
constructed that they can be curled round a captured insect. All other
Mecoptera have tarsi with two claws and legs of moderate length and
usual shape”.
As little seems to be known of the life-history and habits of these
interesting insects, it is felt that the few notes we made on B. angulosus
may be worthy of record.
The curious method of capturing passing insects with the third pair of
legs and then by their means conveying the prey to the mouth, while
hanging suspended by the other legs from a twig or grass stem, was
recorded independently by Mrs Gardiner who had a caged pair under
observation. This habit is mentioned by both Imms (op. cit.) and in the
Cambridge Natural History (op. cit.) the latter having a figure of B.
tipularius in the act of capturing an insect. The bittacids at Hilton were
often seen perched at the tip of a twig or grass stem, presumably in wait
for passing insect prey. The latter was varied, and included a chrysomelid
beetle, a small lycaenid butterfly, a larval grasshopper about one inch in
length, and the Hive Bee (Apus mellifera), this last being recorded on
several occasions. It seemed surprising that such a stout and formidable
insect as the Hive Bee should be subdued by such a frail-looking and
slender creature as the bittacid.
During the heat of the day the bittacid seeks shade down in the grass
or elsewhere, but in cooler weather and in the early morning it is usually
to be seen perched upon grass stems and the like. When disturbed it
generally flies a short distance before settling again.
At Hilton in 1966 it continued to be present until the advent of the cold
weather at the beginning of May, and it was not noted again until 26th
February 1967. Its late appearance may have been due to the cool and
wet summer of that year. The individuals then seen were lethargic and
were obviously freshly emerged. B. angulosus would appear to be single
brooded. It was also recorded at Karkloof, Natal, by Mrs. Gardiner, and
in this case again carrying a hive bee.
54 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
Little seems to have been noted of the early stages of the Bittacidae,
but they are said to be similar to those of the more well-known Panorpi-
dae.
I am much indebted to Mrs Nancy Gardiner, Hilton, Natal, for her kind
assistance in the study of this interesting insect, as well as for the use of
her observations, and to Dr. Bo Tjeder of the University of Lund, Sweden,
for his kindness in determining the insect, and also for supplying litera-
ture.
REFERENCES
Sedgwick, A., Sinclair, F. G., and Sharp, D. 1901. Cambridge Natural History
v, Peripatus, Myriopods and Insects, Pt. 1. London. pp. 451-452.
Imms, A. D. 1967. Textbook of Entomology, London. pp. 505-509.
Tjeder, Bo. 1956. Mecoptera. S.A. Animal Life, iii. Upsala. pp. 344-390.
3 Aird’s Court, Westgate, Crail, Fife. 31.x.67.
A new species of Thestor Hubner (Lepidoptera)
By D. A. SWANEPOEL
Thestor stepheni sp. nov.
This recently discovered “black” species would at first sight appear
to be very similar to most of its congeners but when closely examined it is
seen that it comes closest to Thestor holmesi van Son. from which it differs
as follows:—The rather more uniform spread of the strikingly whitish-grey
colouring over so much of the underside of the hindwings (but with
some specimens of both species no different in this respect); the median
spots in the hindwing on the upperside tend to be smaller (though not
constantly so); the median spots in the forewing are usually smaller and
discocellular mark of the hindwing underside is, on the whole wider (less
linear than is often the case in holmesi and penningtoni).
Male holotype: blackish-brown on the upperside with chequered mar-
eins, sex-mark not as conspicuous as in holmesi. Median spots small and
indistinct. Underside—slate grey. Median spots smaller than those of
most holmesi specimens. Length of forewing: 16.25 mm. (or exp.: 31
mm.).
Female allotype: larger than the male, with rounder wings and the
general colouring is not quite as blackish as in the male. The general
tone of the forewing underside is not as grey as in the male, but rather
suggests a dark brown colouring.
The median spots as well as the discocellular mark of the hindwing
underside are well developed. The submarginal row is distinct. Length
of forewing: 17 mm. (or exp.: 34 mm.).
In both sexes, small postdiscal markings of the forewing underside
either not saggitate or less so than is nearly always the case in holmesi
(more towards apex): this applying on the whole, also to the hindwing.
Material examined: Boesmanskloof Pass (Robertson dist., Cape) R.D.
Stephen male holotype; idem, 19.xii.1965, R. D. Stephen female allotype;
idem, 16-xii.1964, two paratypes one male idem, 19.xii.1965, one female
idem, 16.xii.1964, in collection D. A. Swanepoel. The allo and holotype
are in Mr. Stephen’s collection.
I have much pleasure in naming this new species after its eaptor Mr.
R. D. Stephen of Cape Town.
VOL. 30
PLATE III
1. male upperside
2. male underside
Thestor stephenit Swanepoel
3. female upperside
4. female underside
DIPTERA, TIPULIDAE. SOME COLLECTING AND SETTING HINTS 55
Diptera, Tipulidae. Some Collecting and Setting
Hints
P. N. Crow
At the Annual Exhibition of the South London Entomological and
Natural History Society held on the 28th October last at the British Museum,
I exhibited, amongst other insects, a drawer of Tipulidae which Mr. L.
Parmenter kindly tells me were admired by many of the people there as
they are very difficult insects to set as well as collect intact.
Now with regard to the collecting great care must be taken always
when netting or tubing the creatures as the legs are so delicate. I think
previous experience with collecting Lepidoptera helped me a lot to get
good species as one seems to sense a good spot. Beech trunks and the
surrounding foliage are splendid places in dull weather for good collect-
ing, especially where there are some natural rotten ones. Big trunks
seem to be very good and one gets very ‘Tipulidae’ tree conscious, just
like in the old Lepidoptera days when I used to search each year for
females of the Lobster Moth Stauropus fagi L. These I could always
find a few specimens of, and occasionally a pair in ‘cop,’ but only on the
small trees of about arm’s thickness. To get back to Diptera, certain
trees always seem to produce good species and, no doubt, the ‘Tips’ have
bred there.
With regard to the killing of the Tipulidae, I use both Ethyl Acetate
and Cyanide, and to this latter I am still much attached from Lepidop-
terous days as it has never let me down. The only trouble these days is
to find a chemist who will make up a bottle to one’s exact instructions!
Ethyl Acetate is quite good as a Killing Agent, but the only drawback is
that the bottle has to be charged with more of the liquid every time it
is used daily. The great thing one must not do is to leave the insects in
the bottle after they are dead as they can go greasy. Usually an hour
or two is plenty of time for them to be ‘bottled’ and then although they
may seem to be fairly relaxed it is best to transfer them to the laurel
relaxing tin for a day or two. This process really softens the legs, which
is essential for good setting. When I am Satisfied the legs are supple I
pin the insect, taking the greatest care as it is very easy to dislodge a
leg. Then I spread the wings before I finally set the legs. Before I take
an insect off the board I always run the setting needle under the legs to
make sure one has not stuck to the board. The essential point of set-
ting the creatures is to ensure that the laurel relaxing tin is in perfect
working order. I make myself up two tins a year, each of which lasts
me just over four months. For setting after killing with cyanide I leave
the creatures in the cyanide just 30 hours before transferring them to
the relaxing tin. But really the great thing about setting is the care
taken. It always helps with the ‘Tips’ to coax the insects to die in a
position from which it is possible to transfer them to the relaxing tin
without any chance of damaging a leg.
I hope these little notes of mine will be of help to anyone interested.
c/o Reading Museum, Reading, Berks. 8.1.68.
OVER PAGE
Alan FE. Stubbs: continued from Page 25.
56 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
(b) THE LARVA
It is unfortunate that the larva of Symphoromyia immaculata appears
to be unknown.
Verrall says that the metamorphoses of S. crassicornis are known but
gives no references to published work. He appears to refer to Beling’s
observations in Germany (1882, Arch. naturgesch, 44: 193-4) since he says
that Beling found the larva of S. crassicornis in earth beneath turf on a
cart road near a wood. Mr. R. Uffen suggests that a translation of the
field observations should read :—
“A larva was found on 12th May, 1880, in the topsoil of a turfed
carriageway at the edge of a beech wood. This was a pupa on the
22nd May, from which the imago hatched on the 4th June. Four
further small larvae found up to 5th June attained no further
development. On the 10th June the following year, I found at
the same wooded spot three more fully grown larvae; with these,
however, no attempt at rearing was arranged”.
Mr Brindle informs me that, in Britain, he associates the adult of this
species with marshy ground. The food of the larva is apparently un-
known.
One must look to related genera and the following information is taken
from a paper by Mr. A. Brindle (1965, Entomologist, 95: 311) for Rhagio,
and he has also kindly given me further information on Rhagio and
Chrysopilus. The larvae of Rhagio are known to live in the soil, often
not far down, and also among decayed wood debris, in leaf mould and
moss. Of the species, the nearest in habitat to S. immaculata would
appear to be Rhagio notata Mg. whose larvae have been found in shallow
limestone soils. Mr. Brindle has only taken this species on limestone in
Lancashire and Yorkshire, but he dces not know whether such a prefer-
ence is true for the whole range of this species in Britain. The larvae of
Chrysopilus cristatus also live in the soil, at the edges of streams and
rivers, where the chief factor appears to be soil water content, since they
oecur in alkaline soils as well as peat. Mr. Brindle, in his paper, quotes
Marchal’s record of the larvae of Rhagio tringaria Linné feeding on earth-
worms in leaf mould and decaying wood. Mr. Brindle considers that it is
reasonable to presume that all the Rhagio larvae are carnivorous, possibly
all feeding on worms of some kind, and that a similar diet may be
expected for the species of Chrysopilus and Symphoromyia. There are,
however, many other soil-dwelling invertebrates on which S. immaculata
could feed. This information leads to two possible controls of distribu-
tion, the soil water content and the food of the larva. Since soil tempera-
ture may be an important factor in distribution, it would be useful to know
the timing of the larval and pupal stages and at what depth in the soil
they occur. Chalk and limestone soils are often shallow.
Food is obviously one of the immediate factors affecting the life of
the larva. At first sight a preference for calcareous districts could be
related to prey living in calcareous soils. This may be the case, and the
reason for its apparent absence from acid soils, but S. crassicornis appears
to find food in acid and calcareous soils. A study of the mouthparts of the
larvae may throw some light on the food of Symphoromyia and other
Rhagionids. but it seems unlikely that the food of the two species within
ECOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AN INSECT Dil
one genus would be widely different, though these two species are not
closely related but belong to different groups of a very large genus. One
must remember that it is not proven that Symphoromyia larvae are
carnivorous; the only Rhagionid larvae which are generaliy accepied as
carnivorous are the members of the subfamily Xylophaginae which live in
wood. Melin was able to show that many Asilid larvae are not primarily
carnivorous as originally thought, but may be saprophagous, and the
presence of masticating tablets suggests that the food consists of solid
substances.
(c) THE PUPA
Nothing can be said of this stage, except that on the edge of the
British range the date of last air frost is very close to the beginning of
the emergence period and it may be that soil temperature is a critical
factor.
(d) THE ADULT
As the only stage which has been observed, most of our ecological
discussion must be based on the adult, yet this is only a brief phase in
the life history. For instance, is the preference for long grasses a factor
required by the adult or is there here a fector in the soil essential to the
larva? Also it is far easier to collect small inconspicuous flies by sweep-
ing long grasses than by looking at short turf, so one may be dealing with
a collecting bias or perhaps the adults shelter from the wind in long
grasses. As indicated above, ovipositing females are likely to be the key
to solving much of the life history and ecological requirements of the
species.
The habitat has important bearings on the life of the adult—its mating
behaviour, feeding, shelter and susceptibility to enemies. Much can be
discovered about the feeding habits by studying the mouthparts as
Bletchly did for Rhagio scolopacea L. (1955, Proc. zoo. Soc. Lond. 125: 779-
794). This paper refers to continental workers who found that
Symphoromyia has mandibles in the female as in Tabanids and the
interesting observation that the females can be blood suckers, indeed
Verrall mentions a case of a Californian species which bit painfully and
drew blood. F. Knab and R. A. Colley (1912, Proc. ent, Soc. Wash, 14:
161-2) provide an interesting account of the blood sucking habits on man
of a species believed to be S. pachyceras Williston in Montana, U.S.A.,
and drew attention to the considerable diversity of mouth parts of
different species of the genus. H.H. Ross (1940, Ann. ent. Soc. Amer., 33:
254-256) illustrates the mouth parts of S. atripes, a species which he
reports as biting man in southern British Columbia, and quotes Aldrich’s
observations of large numbers attacking horses. This is not the place to
pursue discussion on this aspect of biology but absence of European
records of biting and the diversity of mouth parts suggests that not all
species bite man. It seems likely that both sexes of some Symphoromyia
species are predatory on smaller insects, as suggested by E. Becher (1882.
Denkschr. Akad. Wiss. Wien., 45: 123-162), but in 1955 Bletchly (op. cit.)
was unable to cite any literature referring to this supposed habit in the
family and C. N. Colyer (1951, British Flies London) was unable to record
this habit from his field experience with British Rhagionids. Bletchly
concluded that the mouth parts of Rhagio scolopacea are only suited to
nectar feeding, but no field observations were made. H. Oldroyd (1964,
58 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
The Natural History of Flies, London) refers to a disputed French record
of R. scolopacea biting and also draws attention to the non British sub-
family Vermileonidae which specialises in flower feeding. The well-
developed mouth parts of S. immaculata must have a function, and for
the present it is perhaps simplest to subscribe to the popular, but
unsubstantiated, view that as a Rhagionid, the species is probably
predatory on small insects. A preference for long grasses could be
related to the Rhagionid habit of standing at the ready on a perch,
possibly waiting for a mate or prey or for fast escape at the approach
of danger. Melin showed that in the predatory Asilidae selection ot
suitable prey was governed by its size, thickness of integument and
behaviour. All stages in the life history are probably liable to predation
and the earlier stages may well become hosts to parasites. There is a
large field of unknown ecological factors here.
The main emergence period seems to run from the second week in
June to mid-July, though the earliest date is the 11th May at Coulsdon
and the latest is the 16th August at Ringwould. It is of interest that the
only August records cover the extreme limits of distribution—Yorkshire
and Ringwould (near Dover) so there appears to be no definite emergence
pattern related to climate. This information is based on rather meagre
evidence since relatively few recorders sent the dates of capture. There
appears to be only one brood a year and the peak emergence period
coincides with the time of year when long grasses are in good condition.
A very brief description of the adult may be welcomed by those not
familiar with the species. S. immaculata is a dark grey fly about 4 mm.
long and with smoky wings. Its overall build is narrow, yet stout, and
the abdomen is gently tapering. Its Rhagionid stance and perky
behaviour are the best clue to look for among a sweep net full of small
black flies. It is readily identified from other small Rhagionids by its
short segmented antennae, the third segment of which is kidney shaped,
with the lower lobe extending well below the rest of the antennae. There
is a fairly long anterio-dorsal arista. S. crassicornis is about 7 mm. long
and with a large hairy first antennal segment and the third antennal
segment is less markedly kidney shaped. Since S. immaculata has been
confused with Ptiolina obscura, it may be as well to mention that this
genus has an oval third antennal segment with a short terminal arista.
As one of the immediate characters on which to identfy the genus
Symphoromyia, Verrall defines that the anal cell is open, In his dis-
cussion on S. immaculata, referring to its distinction from other European
species, he states ‘no mistake should be made if attention be given to the
reniform third antennal joint and the cpen anal cell.” However, of the
two specimens taken by Mr. Waller at the same spot at Temple Ewell,
the female has an open anal cell whilst the male has the normal closed
cell (the specimens were taken on different dates). Abnormal wing
venation is known in other species of the family, thus care should be
given when using a key for identification.
SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
CONTROLLING DISTRIBUTION
The factors probably controlling the distribution of S. immaculata
can be considered under four headings.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 59
(a) FCOD. This species requires food at two stages in its life cycle and
its requirements in each are quite different. One must for the
present assume that the larva is carnivorous and preys on soil
invertebrates. It is possible that these invertibrates are themselves
directly dependent on components of a calcareous vegetation or
require a calcarecus soil, However, S. crassicornis is able to find
Suitable food in wet non-calcareous soils. An element or trace
element requirement in the diet is an aspect which cannot be
pursued. The food of the adult may be fairly specific though this is
unlikely. If, in fact, it feeds on small flying insects, the adult may
be suited to catching insects with a particular behaviour among
long grasses. It is difficult to know how much emphasis to place on
its apparent blood sucking abilities.
(b) SOIL. The soil is the environment of the early stages of the life
(ce)
history which occupy the bulk of the life span. The texture of the
soil must be a factor of importance to the larva moving through it
and also for its prey. The texture of the soil will affect soil water
content, drainage and interstitial air, and the underlying rocks, from
which the soil has been derived, will play an important part in
drainage and aspect.
VEGETATION. The roots of vegetation are an integral part of the
soil environment and the whole plant contributes to the micro-
climate in the soil, The surface vegetation is essentially the
environment of the adult where it must find food, shelter, mate and,
in the female, presumably controls the sites suitable for laying her
eggs. The vegetation, in species composition and growth character,
is dependant on geographical distribution, climate, geology/soil,
drainage, aspect, grazing and land use history. The vegetation is
also the environmen: of the prey of the adult, whose early stages may
depend on the vegetation and soil.
CLIMAT®. This affects all stages of the life history, but in its
control on distribution it may just be small factors which are critical,
such as late frosts. Distribution in the drier part of the country on
dry, well-drained soils, suggests that water balance is important. In
a very local species on the edge of its European range occurring in
a widespread habitat, it is probabie that microclimate plays an
important part.
(to be concluded)
Notes and Observations
SEMIOTHISA ALTERNARIA HuBN. (ALTERNATA SCHIFF.) AT WITHERSLACK.—
It will interest Mr. Gaden S. Robinson to know that I took two speci-
mens of S. alternaria Hiibn. at Witherslack on 14th June 1952 (Ent. Rec.
7S:
278). They were either caught at dusk, flying, or came to a parrafin
pressure lamp.—R. FarrcLoucu, Blencathra, Deanoak Lane, Leigh, Surrey.
4.11968.
iby
CRYPTOBLABES GNIDIELLA Mitu.—Further to the note by the Rev. D. J.
Agassiz (Ent. Rec. 79: 317), a larva found wandering about on a
pomegranate box in Reigate, pupated at once in tissue, and produced a
60 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
Crytoblabes gnidiella Milliere in November 1967.—R. FarrcLoucu, Blen-
cathra, Deanoak Lane, Leigh, Surrey. 4.1.1968.
CuRIOUS BEHAVIOUR OF LARVA OF ACHERONTIA ATROPOS L.—Mr. O’Heffer-
nan, in his note under the above heading 1967 (Ent. Rec. 79: 263) appears
to have overlooked my comment (1967, ibid, 79: 24) on his previous note
(CLS66srb1d.. 78 >, 212). I would repeat that the behaviour he describes,
viz:—nocturnal feeding and daytime concealment, is completely normal
for the larva of Acherontia atropos, and that the same behaviour pattern
is followed by the brown forms of the other Acherontinae that I have
bred.—D. G. SEvastopuLo, Mombasa. 2.i.1968.
FURTHER DECEMBER CATCHES. — When writing my earlier notes on
December light trapping, I thought the catches were large for the time
of year. However, a catch of over 200 moths on the night of December
22nd/23rd, 1967 was totally unexpected. Using a 6 watt ultra-violet
lamp off a 12 volt battery in Cheddar Wood for a conservation project
regularly since April, the only other month when catches have exceeded
200 is July: 6 nights out of 14 with an average number of 42 species. The
large December catch comprised: 138 Poecilicampa populi Linn., 98
Operophtera brumata Linn., 2 Erranis aurantiaria Hb., 90 E. defoliaria
Cl., and a single Phigalia pedaria Fab. There was a fresh S.W. wind
with periods of rain and a minimum temperature of 8°C, but the site in
the wood was well sheltered.—TREVOR B. SiLcocKks, 3 Kenmeade
Close, Shipham, Winscombe, Somerset. 28.xii.67.
OCHROPLEURA PLECTA LINN.—In 1966 (Ent. Rec. 78: 182) I noted the
occurrence of specimens of O. plecta in which the orbicular stigma was
club-shaped. In that year I took a female of this form and bred the eggs
she laid. The result was:—
orbicular club-shaped
Male ital 2
Female 5 3
Total 16 5
South says that the months occur in May and June and again in
August and September, but I find that they also occur regularly through-
out July. This brood came through in the same year. The proportion
of the club-shaped from appears to be roughly constant throughout the
season.
During 1967, I kept separate records of the two forms occurring in my
m.v. trap. The result was:—orbicular 1,057, club-shaped 366.
The closer scrutiny of this common moth necessitated by this record
has shown that there is a good deal of minor variation, but the clearly
orbicular and the clearly club-shaned remain the principal forms. I
have included the minor variations with the orbicular for the purposes
of this count.
As a result of my earlier note, one entomologist has told me that he
has taken the club-shaped form and I should be glad if other readers
would look at their collection and let me know if they have any, so that
an idea of its range may be arrived at.—L. W. Sicas, Sungate, Football
Green, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hanis.
A.
AN
A.
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT (373)
Canary Is., in 1963.
line 7 down—after “article is” insert: by.
. sublustris Esp.
p. 218—
Wrotham (div. 6), July 20, 1965 (2) (T. Peet).
zollikoferi Freyer
p. 220—
line 5 down—for “transversing” read: traversing.
crenata Hufn.
p. 223—
Bromley (div. 1), one, June 6, 1965, none in 1963-64, or 1966-07
(D. R. M. Long). Willesborough (div. 12). June 3-27, 1963 (3), June
8. 1964 (i) CW. L. Rudland).
. unanimis Hubn.
p. 224—
Willesborough idiv. 12), May 25 (1), June 1 (1), 1964 (W. L. Rudland).
Dover (div. 8), June i2 (1), 19 (2), 1956, June 14, 1960 (1), June 11
(1), 20 (1), 22 (3), 238 (1), 1962, June 12 (1), 15 (1), 1963, June 20, 1964
G)p June 1941965:(@2), all-in mvs trap (G. Bi wYouden)*
chlonga Haw.
p. 225—
Pinden (div. 6), one, August 22, 1963 (E. J. Hare, fide de Worms, Lond.
Nat., 1964: 2). Dungeness (div. 15), July 23, 1964 (1) (R. E. Scoit);
Greatstone, July 21, 1963 (1' (C.-H. & Wakely, Ent. Rec., 76: 94).
. furva Schiff.
p. 226—
Capel-ie-Ferne (div. 8), at the edge cf the Warren, one at mv.l.,
July 20, 1965 (R. G. Chatelain).
. scolopacina Esp.
p. 227—
West Wickham (div. i). 1966 (C.-H.); Bromley, 1964 (14), with max.
(3) on August 2; 1965 (3); 1966 (1) (D. R. M. Long); Orpington, 1964
(2), 1965 (3) (I. A. Watkinson). Westerham (div. 5), 1958 (R. C.
Edwards, teste de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1959: 106).
ophiogramma Esp.
p. 228—
Orpington (div. i), July 21-August 1965 (2) (I. A. Watkinson).
Bromley, July 29, 1967 (1) (D. R. M. Long). Lydd Town (div. 15),
August 14, 1965 (1) (D. W. H. ffennell). Pinden (div. 6), 1956-57
(Hare, teste de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1959: 105).
. ypsillon Schiff.
p. 229—
Bromley (div. 1), July 15, 1965 (1), July 4, 1966 (1) (D. R. M. Long).
Dover (div. 8), 1960 (1), 1962 (1), 1963 (2), 1964 (1) (G. H. Youden).
Willesborough (div. 12), 1963 (2), 1964 (1) (W. L. Rudland). Pinden
(div. 6), 1959 (1) (Hare, teste de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1959: 106).
. ochroleuca Schiff.
p. 280—
Dungeness (div. 15), August 6-29. 1964 (5) (R. E. Scott). Orpington
(div. 1), one at light, August 18, 1966 (P. E. & D. Webb).
(374) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
P. fasciuncula Haw.
p. 2338—
Dungeness (div. 15), June 5-July 6, 1964 (192), with max. (144) on
June 13, and max. not exceeding 11 (on June 29) on any other date
(R. E. Scott).
P. minima Haw.
p. 239—
Bromley (div. 1), 1965 (1), 1966 (1) (D. R. M. Long). Boulderwell
(div. 15), June 30, 1966 (1) (R. E. Scott).
C. leucostigma Hubn.
p. 240—
Lydd Town (div. 15), August 1965 (D. W. H. ffennell). Pinden (div.
6), July 19, 1957 (1) (Hare, teste de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1959: 107).
G. petasitis Doubl.
p. 243—
Westerham (div. 5), September 5, 1948 (1) (R. C. Edwards, teste de
Worms, Lond. Nat., 1959: 107). Having seen this specimen, I can
testify it is not petasitis but an exceptionally large G. micacea Esp.
(C.H.).
G. flavago Schiff.
p. 243—
Syndale (div. 7), larva in stem of Inula conyza (H. C. Huggins, Ent.
REC 18 16m):
C. pyralina Schiff.
p. 245—
Bromley (div. 1), 1960 (2), 1961 (1), 1962 (3), 1964 (1) (D. R. M. Long).
Ashford (div. 12)*, 1903, seen for the first time in this district
(Jeffrey, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1903: 25).
Crafimis i:
p. 247—
Lydd Town (div. 15), August 1965 (D. W. H. ffennell).
E. paleacea Esp.
p. 250—
Orlestone Woods, Ham Street (div. 12), one worn specimen, August
28, 1964 (de Worms, Entomologist, 98: 156).
Z. subtusa Schiff.
pe Zool
Dover (div. 8), 1947 (1), 1951 (1), 1954 (1), 1955 (1), 1962 (1), 1964 (1);
all in light trap (G. H. Youden).
A. tragopoginis Clerck
[o. 25S—=
The records suggest this may be native.
line 10 up—for “tragopogonis” read: tragopoginis.
C. muralis Forst.
p. 256—
Sheppey (div. 2), occurs “abundantly along the dockyard wall” [at
Sheerness] (Walker, Naturalist’s Notebook, 1869: 141).
line 6 up—for “Welker” read: Walker.
p. 2o7—
line 8 down—for “records” read: record.
p. 258—
First Record, 1864: Plumstead (Purnell, teste Fenn, Diary, 11.1.1864),
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT (375)
replaces that given.
alni Te:
p. 262—
Dover (div. 8), one in m.v. trap, May 28, 1956 (G. H. Youden).
lines 9-10 down—delete the *“Winchfield’” record, which is Hants.
a TALIECTS) yy.
p. 266—
Dover (div. 8), September 5, 1951 (1), May 12, 1952 (1), both in
m.v. trap (G. H. Youden). Dartford Heath (div. 1) larva on birch
and Potentilla crecta, October 6, 1967 (C.-H.).
. venosa Borkh.
p. 268—
Lydd Town (div. 15), one, mid. August, 1965 (D. W. H. ffennell).
. asteris Schiff.
p. 269—
Ashford, 1902 (Jeffrey, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1902: 38).
. chamonillae Schiff.
p. 270—
Ashford (div. 12), larvae on Matricaria and Anthemis, 1902; in
1901, a larva found feeding on carrot in a garden at Ashford
(Jeffrey, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1902: 38).
. gnaphalit Hubn.
p. 271—
Ashford, 1902, two larvae (Jeffrey, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc.,
1962: 38).
line 1 down—for “out” read: cut.
. absinthii L.
p. 272—
Dartford (div. 2), larvae on A. absinthium, 1967 (B. K. West). Dover
ive 6)" duly 22" Cl) 28) CO) 1963. uly 26,01965) CD) allein amma thap
(G. H. Youden).
. verbasci L.
p. 273—
Ashford, larvae on Verbascum lychnitis (Jeffrey, Trans. E. Kent
nat. Hist. Soc., 1902: 38).
. semibrunnea Haw.
Dp: 2/5—
Orpington (div. 1), one, at light, April 11, 1962 (P, E. and D. Webb,
one, 1965 (I. A. Watkinson, Westerham (div. 5), one, May 11, 1958
(R. C. Edwards, teste de Worms, Lond. nat., 1959: 112).
. lamda F.
p. 277—
The 1875 specimen was recorded as L. furcifera Hufn. in error, but
this was corrected in Entomologist. 9: 191.
_ornitopus Hufn.
On 2IC==
line 6 down — for ‘“ornithopus” read: ornitepus.
. exsoleta L.
p. 279—
Pauls Cray (div. 1), in R. G. Sanderman coll. in B.M.N.H., one
labelled “Pauls Cray Sept., 1900.” (C.-H.)
line 17 down—for “betusta” read: vetusta.
(376) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
X. vetusta Hiibn.
Ry
p. 260—
line 5 down—for “vestuta” read: vetusta.
. lunula Hufn.
p. 282—
The Dipteron Eumea hortulata Mg. (det. A. C. Pont) emerged
ex pupa, Dungeness, June 1966 (C.-H.). Dungeness (div. 15), imago
cn post, June 3, 1965 (R. G. Chatelain); imago at rest on yarrow
bloom, August 5, 1967 (H. E. Chipvperfield).
. australis Boisd.
p 287—
Dungeness (div. 15), larvae on “grass and sorrel” (Wakely, Ent. Rec.,
78: 68). Haggett and Wightman (Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc.,
1964: 17, plt. 1, fig. 6) exhibited an extreme melanic, taken Dunge-
ness, 1864, which they considered apparently referable to “ab. (or
ssp.) orientalis H.-S.”
. adusta Esp.
p. 290—
line 20 up—for “(1963)” read: (1964).
lichenea Hiibn.
p. 291—
Folkestone (div. 16), September 13, 1967 (A. M. Morley).
_ suspecta Hubn.
p. 292—
The records suggest this is native in Kent (C.-H.). Petts Wood (div.
1), 1953 (R. G. Chatelain).
. flavicincta Schiff.
p. 293—
Abbey Wood (div. 1). 1951 (J. Green, teste Showler, Ent. Rec., 68:
166). Orpington, 1962 (1) (P. E. and D. Webb); October 2, 1965 (1)
(I. A. Watkinson).
. lota Clerck
Dp: 297—
line 18 down—for “A.” read: Agrochola.
. helvola L.
p. 299—
Westwell (div. 7); Brook (div. 8)* (Seott, 1964).
. xerampelina Esp.
p. 301—
The records suggest this is native in Kent (C.-H.).
. citrago L.
p. 302—
Sheppey (div. 2) (Walker, Naturalist’s Notebook, 1869: 141). West-
well (div. 7) (Scott, 1964).
. gilvago Schiff.
p. 305—
The records suggest this is native in Kent (C.-H.). Sheppey (div. 2)
(Walker, Naturalist’s Notebook, 1869: 141).
. palleago Hubn.
p. 306—
A. J. Wightman (in litt.) points out the name palleago Hubn. should
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For Sale.—Papilio aeacus kaguya, Papilio magellanus, Papilio agamemnon,
Papilio kotoensis, Papilio maraho, Papilio aeacus kaguya. and more than
100 different species of Formosan butterflies including sexual mosaics and
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Novelty Co., P.O. Box 860, Taipei, Formosa, Free China.
Urgent Request.—Would anyone running a light trap in January, February and
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For Sale.—Two cabinets each 40 drawers and one of 20 drawers, all mahogany
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. A. Cole, now of ‘“Wragnor,” Bantham, Kingsbridge, S. Devon.
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aT
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61
On the Nearctic Species of the Bryoniae- and
Oleracea-Groups of the genus Pieris
By B. C. S. WARREN, F.R.E.S.
It has been suggested to me that a more detailed systematic treatment
of the Nearctic insects of the bryoniae and oleracea groups of Pieris than
I gave in my last paper on the subject (Warren, 1967), would be of
interest to collectors. But it is doubtful if this is possible, at present.
The following list shows the relationship of these insects as exactly as
our data permits. I have added an outline of the geographical distri-
bution of each form, but the very general habit in the past of referring
to all these insects as “P. napi’ makes it impossible to obtain anything
like an accurate idea as to how closely many of the forms approach one
another. Several will be found to overlap.
In the bryoniae-group both forms of androconial scale of the subsp.
pseudobryoniae, though smaller, correspond so exactly with those of
typical P. bryoniae of the European Alps that no question can remain as
to its being conspecific with the latter. The photographs I gave (Warren
1961, figs. 27, bryoniae, 32, pseudobryoniae) should convince the most
sceptical of the fact. The only other member of the group, P. hulda, is
rather an uncertain quantity. It is shown to be a member by the perfect,
primitive-type bryoniae-scale, which so far as I know does not appear
in the oleracea-group species. But the ordinary hulda scale is variable,
and not exactly typical of bryoniae, though it suggests it.
All other Nearctic species so far known, belong to the oleracea-group.
(A) Bryoniae-group.
1. P. bryoniae pseudobryoniae Vty. North of 64.N. to shores of Arctic
Ccean. Monogenerational. Alaska and N.W.T.
2. P. hulda Edwards. Kodiak Island and south Alaska to Yukon.
Monogenerational.
(B) Oleracea-group. Hyrbid species: P. narina Vty. x P. dulcinea Btlr.
1. P. kamtschadalis Rober. Kamchatka. (? Alaska).
2. P. oleracea Harris. South of 54.N. Bigenerational. Manitoba;
Ontario; New Hampshire; New York; New Jersey. (2nd gen.
cruciferarum Boisd.).
Monogenerational race. Between 58.50 N. and 62.N. Alaska;
Mackenzie (Ft. Simpson; Gt. Slave Lake; Ft. Smith); Manitoba.
subsp. frigida Scudder (=borealis Grote). Island race between 46.50
N. and 52.N. Gt. Caribou Island, Labrador; Belle Island; Funk
Island; Anticosti Island and Newfoundland. Bi- or mono-
generational.
3. P. venosa Scudder. Bigenerational. California to British Columbia.
(2nd gen. castoria Reakirt).
Monogenerational race. Lake Louise, 6000 feet, Alberta; Chata-
nika, Alaska, 64.59 N. and Slana and Suslota, south Alaska.
P. marginalis Scudder. Bigenerational. Oregon; Washington;
recorded from British Columbia and California (Barnes and
MecDunnough). 2nd gen. pallida Scudder).
ee
62 ENTOMOLOGIS!I'S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
5. P. pallidissima Barnes and McDunnough (2nd gen.). Bigenerational.
Rocky Mountains, Colorado; Utah.
Monogenerational race. Macdunnoughiit Remington. Silverton,
Colorado, at 10,000 feet. (“Single brooded, last week of July’,
Barnes and McDunnough).
6. P. mogollon Burdick. Bigenerational. Arizona. (2nd gen. warreni
dos Passos).
7. P. virginiensis Eaqwards. Monogenerational. Ontario south to New
York. Recorded from north and south Colorado (Edwards).
(C) Inter group hybrid.
PY passosi Warren, Elybridi Ps oleracea >a E> snulda. Nione-
generational. Palmer, south Alaska.
As noted, the oleacea-group insects are of hybrid origin, obviously of
great age. According to the rules of nomenclature then, they are to be
dealt with as “species”. But of course this would not apply in cases
where one could be shown to be a derivitive of another. At the moment it
seems that frigida is most probably a local race of P. oleracea, and possibly
venosa also, for the seasonal dimorphism in both generations in the
latter follows a similar line as in oleracea, which is suggestive of unity.
Against this, however, must be set the fact that where venosa becomes
monogenerational at high altitudes or latitudes, it tends to be reduced
in size. This is not the case in oleracea, for in high latitudes where it
produces but one generation it retains its full size.
In the case of frigida the first generation suggests a large, island
race of oleracea, and there is some increase in size of the scales of the
few specimens I have examined which points to some change between
the two insects, for in Pieris as a rule the size of the scales seems
independent of the size of the specimen. In some of the Nearctic hybrids,
however, a reduction in size of scale appears in some small forms, which
suggests that the size of the scales becomes a variable quantity in these
hybrid forms. Then, the female of the second generation of frigida is
said to be somewhat suffused with dark scaling on the upper Side as in
P. bryoniae, a phenomenon not known in any mainland oleracea. There
are therefore some reasons for separating frigida and oleracea, but they
are not decisive, and there is a lack of data concerning what forms of
insect appear in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia which might throw
some light on the question.
There are some who may question the likelihood of hybrids developing
into so many distinctive forms as exist in the Nearctic Region, or the
possibility of such forms spreading throughout great areas unimpeded
by extreme alterations in climate and habitat. A recent discovery that
illustrates how readily two very distinctive Pieris species can cross is
therefore most welcome, especially as this case is obviously of fairly
recent occurrence. It is a cross between P. oleracea (hybrid-group) and
P. hulda (bryoniae-group).
My friend, Dr. Cyril F. dos Passos, obtained a series of “P. napi’” from
Palmer, south Alaska; 20 males and 9 females. With great kindness Dr.
dos Passos sent me the entire series (together with other specimens).
Had he only sent a few of them, I should most certainly have failed to
recognise what they are, for the variation among them is so remarkable
that several could not be connected with any known form. The mixture
GROUPS OF THE GENUS PIERIS 63
of scale formation and characteristics was puzzling, ranging as it does
from typical forms to a variety of atypical ones, and from symmetrical
types to malformed ones. In some cases malformation is predominant.
But the primitive-type scales led me to realise the meaning of the other
fluctuating forms. In many specimens I failed to find any of the
primitive-type scales. In others fully developed examples of the
bryoniae-type existed; in yet others the primitive scale was of the
oleracea-type, some of them much reduced in width, a feature known to
occur in Palaearctic hybrids. The entire series are hybrids; a cross
between P. oleracea and P. hulda. The most surprising fact is that one
specimen in each of the parent species is present in typical form. As
these two individuals are most striking and catch the eye at once, there
is no reason to suspect they had been overlooked in collecting. It is
therefore clear that the pure parent forms are now very rare: but they
still exist. In view of the predominance of the hybrids it is unlikely
they will continue to do so much longer.
Once the meaning of the confused state of scale development was
recognised, comparison of the specimens themselves left me wondering
how I failed to appreciate their true nature at once. In such cases
illustrations convey the facis better than pages of descriptions would.
The accompanying plate shows this. Fig. 1 is a typical P. oleracea from
the east of the region, fig. 8 a topotypical P. hulda. Figs. 2 and 7, show
these two species from Palmer, absolutely typical, not to be distinguished
from figs. 1 and 8. Figs. 3, 4,5 and 6 show some of the transitions which
link the two extremes in Palmer. The colour changes are equally
gradual; they are noted in the explanation of the plate. It must be
remembered that the remaining 14 males of the series are all of the
intermediate U.e. hybrid) forms. The females are all closest to P. hulda,
with a bryoniae-like, dark suffusion on the upper side and two dark,
discoidal spots. Five somewhat resemble P. oleracea in that the markings
on the under side are more sharply marked and narrower than in the
other four which are more like P. hulda, with broader, paler and more
suffused marking on the hind wings. There are not any quite typical
of either parent species. The ground colour on the upper side is yellow
in seven, paler, almost white in the other two, but still with a strong
bryoniae-suffusion. This series was captured in 1965 and 1966.
In describing such a hybrid it is useless to designate a type
specimen, no individual can be said to be ’typical’. I therefore include
the Palmer series, with the exception of figs. 2 and 7, as Paratypes,
that is 17 males and 9 females, and have much pleasure in naming this
hybrid, P. passosi n. sp., to commemorate the fact that it was to the
willingness of Dr. dos Passos to risk sending his entire series across the
Atlantic we owe the recognition of this remarkable hybrid.
We know several long established hybrid species of Pieris, but
P. passosi gives us one such hybrid in what must be a relatively early
stage of development, for the parental species are still present. Some
future collector will probably be able to record their disappearance.
But when that time comes and P. passosi is represented by some par-
ticular form, or forms, between figs. 3 and 6 on our plate, it should be
remembered that in spite of the superficial change, the mixed scale
characteristics will still persist.
It is certain that there are localities in the great expanse of the
64 ENLOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ 111/68
Nearctic Region where some of these Pieris species overlap, but they
are known in their most remote areas in their typical forms. Possibly,
here or there, a mixed race exists. This would account for difficulties in
identification and divergent views. It also reminds us that the same
phenomenon may appear in the Palaearctic Region. The central Balkans,
for example, is one area where it is possible P. napi and the Palaearctic
hybrid species P. pseudorapae or P. dubiosa may be in contact. (See
Note at the end of this paper.)
Should such a zone of contact between P. napi and the hybrid species
be found, the individuals would probably be in much the same condition
as P. passosi is at the present time; i.e. hybrids mating with other hybrids
of differing characters, on occasions back-crossed to one or other parent
race only to be back-crossed again to some hybrid form. Under such
conditions the establishment of any constant form could only follow on
the elimination of many temporary vagaries and probably of the pure
parent strains also. In the meantime the existing individuals will be
lacking in any fundamental stability and if used for experimental
breeding might well give wholly anomalous data.
I have previously described the hybrid characters of the scales which
appear when P. oleracea is crossed with either P. marginalis or P.
virginiensis (Warren, 1967). These characters prove the insects to be
specifically distinct, for they are such as do not appear in crosses between
races of one species. The P. oleracea xX P. hulda cross gives the same
characteristics seen in the other interspecific crosses. The discovery of
P. passosi not only emphasises the likelihood of the hybrid nature of the
oleracea-group species, but illustrates the facility with which long-
established species can cross on occasions, but it should be noted by no
means on every occasion when it might be possible, for if that were so
the great geographical range of P. oleracea, and probably several other
species also, could not have been achieved. One may call to mind that
P. oleracea ranges from south Alaska to the islands off the Atlantic
coast, a distance of at least 3500 miles, in the course of which it has
spread over some 20 degrees of latitude. P. hulda occurs from Kodiak
Island, south Alaska, to the borders of\ Yukon, perhaps even further, for
it has been said to range into the western Alaskan islands also.
Such facts prove both species to have existed throughout extended
periods of time, yet both are still able to cross and breed without loss
of fertility, for P. passosi is said to be abundant in the Palmer district.
The under side of some P. passosi can resemble P. bryoniae subsp.
pseudobryoniae. In the latter the colour on the veins is not so straight-
edged as in P. hulda but appears more curving as seen in fig. 4, but on
the whole the pseudobryoniae markings are somewhat broader than in
that figure.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE
1. Typical Pieris oleracea from New Hampshire.
2. Typical Pieris oleracea from Palmer, Alaska. 61.48 N., 149.7 W.
3. Hybrid Pieris passosi, typical of P. oleracea in size and marking;
cclouring as in P. hulda; from Palmer, Alaska.
4. Hybrid Pieris passosi, markings as in P. oleracea; size and colouring
as in P. hulda; from Palmer, Alaska.
GROUPS OF THE GENUS PIERIS 65
5. Hybrid Pieris passosi, size, marking and colour all approaching P.
hulda, but width of spaces of ground colour between the vein
markings of the hind wings approaching P. oleracea; from Palmer,
Alaska.
6. Hybrid Pieris passosi, markings very suggestive of P. hulda, note
especially the expanding, dark bulges on the veins of fore wings;
size and width of spaces of ground colour between the veins of hind
wings as in P. oleracea; colouring also as P. hulda; from Palmer,
Alaska.
7. Typical Pieris hulda, slightly worn specimen. note the extreme
reduction in width of the spaces of ground colour between the veins
of the hind wings; from Palmer Alaska.
8. Topotypical Pieris hulda from Kodiak Island, Alaska. 57.30 N.,
153.30 W.
All specimens exacily natural size. Colour on the veins. dense, pblack-
brown, sharoly marked in P. oleracea. diffused, pale brown, not com-
pletely obscuring the ground colour in P. hulda and P. passosi.
Photograph E. J. M. WARREN.
REFERENCES
Barnes, W. and McDunnough, J. H. 1916. Contributions to the Natural History
of the Lepidoptera of N. America. Vol. 3: No. 2. Decatur Ill.
Edwards, W. H. 1881. On Pieris bryoniae Ochs.. and its derivative forms in
Europe and America. Papilio, 1: 1881, 83-99.
Warren, B. C. S. 1961. The Androconial Scales and their hearing on the question
of Speciation in the genus Pieris. Entomol. Ts. Arg., 82, H. 3-4, 121-148:
1961.
——. 1967. Supplementary Data on the Androconial Scales of some Holarctic
species of Pieris. Ent. Rec., 79: 139-143.
[Note on the Palaearctic hybrid species of Pieris :—
Since I first recognised the Palaearctic hybrid species in 1966 (Ent.
Record pp. 57-65), I have always referred to them as P. dubiosa in the
western area and P. pseudorapae in the eastern. With increase of our
knowledge a change of these names, unfortunately, becomes unavoidable.
In 1895 Heyne gave the name “P. napi meridionalis” to the napi-like
insect of “central Italy’, in Rhiil’s “Die Palaearktischen Grossschmetter-
ling” p. 714. In the summer of 1967 Col. W. B. L. Manley collected a
series of this insect from Toscana and Lazio: the second generation.
Examination of the scales showed them to be one of the hybrid spccies,
but a difficulty at once became apparent: the locality was in the centre
of the dubiosa zone, but the scales were not typical of that species;
further, the size and under side markings suggested the eastern P.
pseudorapae. My first impression was that these Italian insects must be
some unrecognised race, but on considering the scales I had of some
specimens from central Greece which I had referred to dubiosa I con-
cluded they all would have to be attached to the latter. Mr. Bowden
had earlier in the year captured some specimens in south Italy of the
first generation, which I also accepted (doubtfully), as dubiosa. Later
he bred hybrids between the south Italian race and Corsican duwbiosa.
These hybrids raised further doubts for the scales showed no increase in
malformation beyond that normal to dubiosa and there was a distinct
reduction in the size of the hybrids though they were of the second
generation. This change in size was evidence that the races crossed
66 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/III/68
were constitutionally different. P. dubiosa on the average is smaller
than P. pseudorapae, but the hybrids are a little smaller than normal
dubiosa. Some check to normal development was active and this could
not be attributed to treatment with such an expert breeder as Mr.
Bowden. Indeed, at the same time, he bred an extensive series of the
second generation of the Italian race from the same stock he had used
in the cross and the resulting specimens were of full size and normal in
every respect. The Italian race could therefore not be dubiosa. As an
hybrid species, however, if not dubiosa it must be pseudorapae, in spite
of the western locality. The superficial characters of pseudorapae, its
great size, in both generations; the strong, dark markings of the under-
side hindwing in the first generation, practically unmarked in the second,
all accord exactly with the Italian race. Occasional specimens of dubiosa
can attain an equal size in the second generation, but it is much smaller
in the first in which the underside markings more resemble those of
P. napi while the first generation of pseudorapae on the underside is
suggestive of P. bryoniae neobryoniae. The second generation of dubiosa
tends to be more marked on the underside and the black spots on the
upper side are larger even in the females, and the discoidal spot on the
upper side forewing in the male dubiosa is more constant: it is frequently
wanting in pseudorapae.
All these facts prove that the southern Greek and central and southern
Italian insects can only be P. pseudorapae, in spite of the distance they
have spread to the west, and of the presence of dubiosa in the central
Balkans. My previous idea that the extreme malformation existing in the
scales of pseudorapae of the Constantinople area resulted on a cross
between dubiosa and pseudorapae seems impossible and must be connected
with some local disturbance.
The first result of this discovery is that the name meridionalis will
have to replace pseudorapae Vty. The name dubiosa will still apply to
the Spanish, Portuguese and Corsican hybrid insects. But it must be
noted that “meridionalis” cannot be applied to any form of P. napi as
it has been (incorrectly), in the past.
The distribution of the Palaearctic, hybrid species, is of considerable
interest. They are completely absent from some islands in the
Mediterranean yet present in others at no great distance. I have some
reason for thinking that a mixed race meridionalis x dubiosa may exist
in Sicily, but have only seen a very few specimens. A considerable
series will be needed before one can establish the nature of the indigenous
race with certainty.]
Earty APPEARANCES IN SOMERSET—On 20th January 1968, I was shown a
specimen of Eurrhypara hortulata L. (small magpie moth) inside a
bungalow near Weston-super-Mare. Possibly the larva had entered last
autumn and its life cycle accelerated by the warmth indoors. One of the
numerous house plants kept there may have aided this very early
emergence.
Early dates at my light traps include 4 Erannis marginaria Fab. at
Cheddar, 19.i1.1968 and an E. leucophaearia Schiff. at Shipman, 21.1.1968.—
TREVOR B. SiLcocks, 3 Kenmeade Close, Shipham, near Winscombe,
Somerset. 22.1.1968.
QUEST FOR EXOTIC RARITIES 67
Quest for Exotic Rarities
By Dr. IAN Howar.
The rugged bush land of Jamaica is renowned for Papilio homerus F.,
that huge yellow and black creature, which ninety years ago used to be
found along the backbone of the blue mountains. But how many are
familiar with Papilic marsellinus Dbld. I suspect, very few, for this
insect, although recorded for over one hundred years has rarely been
caught in any numbers until recently, because it was never seen except
for one or two days in the year, and then only in one place.
The opportunity to work at the University of the West Indies in
Jamaica, also afforded the opportuntiy to search for these two Papilios.
Firstly, the famous homerus — featured on the Jamaican sixpenny
stamp—was investigated by enquiring of the native residents if they had
ever seen it near Bath—where ninety years ago it was common—well
almost. No, no one had seen it for years. A similar reply came from
those who went up into the mountains, and in fact, I found no local
resident who had ever seen Jamaica’s national buttefly. However a zoolo-
gist at the University had seen it one year ago—high up in the wildest
mountain range in the island—about ten miles from Bath. There are
only one or two trails leading up into these mountains, and these trails
are precipitous—usually with a cliff on one side and a ravine on the
other, the whole being overgrown with jungle—even vertical cliff faces.
For the most part they allow only single file progress, which is impeded
by cressing torrents, hacking away undergrowth, and climbing steeply
for about four miles, to a pass lying at the crest of the range. Here it was
that the only sighting of homerus was made for years, since its disap-
pearance from the rest of the mountain range and the Cockpit Country,
about twenty years ago. In fact many people believe it to have died out
about ten years ago.
Armed with the necessary maps and equipment for ascending these
trails, I went on weekend expeditions to this wild country many times,
frequently to encounter torrential rain—these mountains have over 150
inches a year.
On one trip, I explored a small clearing for the first time, and found
homerus flapping majestically in circles 15 feet above me, and there he
remained for five circuits, quite unassailable, but none the less, a glor-
ious sight. I encountered homerus on four occasions on subsequent trips;
one of these encounters was at the end of a homerusless day, resting on
the way down, in a glade. I watched one of the large tropical brim-
stones 100 yards away and it was there for three minutes before I
realised that it was no brimstone, but homerus. As I ran to him, he flew
to me, thus the only homerus of 1967 was caught. On another occasion,
a friend of mine (that is he was), caught one ten yards ahead of me, and
managed to let it get out. However, one homerus in the bag where none
was expected was rather satisfying.
It is interesting to note that only one female was seen, and that the
foodplant is not known with any certainty, and also that no records of
larvae or pupae have come to light, although it used to be bred in Bath
by a Chinese gentleman, ninety years ago, who sold them to passengers
and crew of ships.
Papilio marsellinus presented greater difficulties still, for it is virtu-
ally unknown, even to zoologists. The five or six in the British Museum
68 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/11/68
collection are between 80 and 100 years old, and were probably the
only ones in Europe until this year. Thus, probing had to start in refer-
ence libraries, which revealed that it was an attractive blue, white and
red Papilio, only found in Jamaica, if one could find it at all. A local
entomologist made a sighting of several of these coming over the beach
from the direction of Venezuela four years ago, but no such creature has
ever been seen in South America, although a similar Papilio marcellus
Cramer is common there and in Cuba.
The first clue came after asking the natives all round the coasts and
from one end of the island to the other if they had ever seen anything
like the description and pictures of marsellinus. No one had ever seen
such a creature, except near the same beach where they had been seen
four years ago; several of the locals recognised it. Many days of
questioning many locals began to reveal a pattern.
Firstly, the creature was unknown in any other area of the island (or
of the world), and had only been seen in this one area of about two or
three square miles.
Secondly, all the sightings, whichever year they were in, were all
within the same two weeks of each year.
Thirdly, they were only seen for two to four days of each year.
Fourthly, some years they were not seen at all.
Thus. a connecting link had to be found to account for this quite
extraordinary time sequence. Exhausting attempts were made to un-
earth some recurring factor at the specific time each year that sometimes
would precipitate sightings, and sometimes would not. Tides, changes
in seasonal influence from South America, or other Caribbean islands,
and many other factors were excluded. However, it finally became
apparent that it was the annual preceding heavy rains which was the
link. Always the first sighting was ten to fifteen days after the rains had
ceased, and if there were no rains that year, there were no sightings. If
the rains were late in ending, marsellinus was apparently late in appear-
ing. It seemed that these rains broke the diapause, allowing the insect
to hatch out.
The next step was to explore the area fully for evidence of eaten food
plant, larvae, pupae, etc. The area is about one or two miles from the
coast, and very thick, high bush, almost impossible to work through.
However, nothing of significance was found, so the final step was to
monitor the area about ten days after the rains had ceased. This year,
not only were the rains very late, but heavy showers continued for many
days afterwards. Trips almost every day to the area were disappointing.
During extensive exploration of the area after heavy overnight rain, one
marsellinus was seen and caught. Next day, again after heavy rain,
nine more were caught, and two days later, the insect was not seen
again.
It is interesting to note that these creatures fly exceedingly fast, and
only one was taken on the wing, and that by accident; furthermore, they
were observed to fly through this difficult country down to the beach,
there to take on moisture from seaweed and then fly back again to their
locality. All specimens were absolutely fresh indicating very fresh
emergence, Although the area was explored for a long time during and
after their disappearance, no evidence of egg laying or of larvae was
found.
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN BEES AND WASPS 69
At first it was thought that only males had been caught, but later,
dissection revealed females in the ratio of 1 to 3.
Questions still to be answered about this extremely rare and attrac-
tive creature are: on what does it feed? why does it appear for such a
short time? and why in such a restricted locality?
This year, time was not available to continue the investigations, for
shortly after that, I went to South America, where, on one expedition
to the Amazon jungle, several exotic rarities fell victim—but that is
another story.
Notes on some South African Bees and Wasps
Bye OL AVLOR
Since the publication of previous notes on the biology and behaviour
of certain species of solitary bees at artificial nest sites at Port Elizabeth
and Wilderness, C.P. (Taylor 1962, 1962, 1963, 1965), further work has been
carried out at Hilton, Natal, and the following notes deal with the results
obtained there. As far as the species of bee are concerned, the present
notes are supplementary to those already published on the same species
in the Eastern Cape Province. The nests used were exactly the same,
i.e., blocks of wood containing three-inch lengths of plastic tubing, one
quarter-of-an-inch in diameter.
While the three species of bee which occurred commonly at both Port
Elizabeth and Wildnerness were also found at Hilton, they were noted
there much more sparingly and none could be described as common.
Nesting operations were much more sporadic. This is thought to be at
least partly due to the climatic conditions obtaining at Hilton. The
altitude of the latter is some 3700 feet and it is situated in the mist belt.
Damp mists occur frequently during the spring and summer months,
while it is not unusual for the sun to be totally obscured by low cloud for
several days ata time. As the bees are active only in sunny and warm
weather, there were many days during which they remained inactive and
did not venture outside their nests or tubes. Nest construction therefore
frequently oceupied lengthy pericds. while many attempts were abortive
or abandoned. This was especially the case in the summer of 1966/67
when the weather conditions were particularly wet and cool.
During the occasional warm spells the contrast was most marked;
the rate of nest construction being accelerated considerably, and was
more on a par with that noted in warmer parts of the country. It is
also thought that the protracted nesting operations gave parasites a better
opportunity to do their work; the percentage of parasitism being certainly
higher at Hilton than in the Eastern Cape.
The three species of bee occurring at Hilton and the two Eastern Cape
localities are dealt with below.
Heriades freygessneri Schletterer. (Megachilidae).
Very few nesting attempts by this species were observed at Hilton and
of these only one such was successful. From a nest of two cells, sealed on
28th February 1965, an adult female bee emerged on 5th November of the
same year, the period spent in the development stages therefore being
250 days, which is normal. From a nest of four cells, abandoned while
under construction about 18th November 1966, an individual of Anthrax
70 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/111/68
triatomus Hesse (Bombylidae) emerged on 16th April, 1967 and another
on 28th April 1967. This parasite was also obtained from Heriades
freygessneri at Port Elizabeth (Taylor 1962). Several individuals of the
eulophid Melittobia hawaiiensis Perkins were later—July 1967—obtained
from the same nest.
Megachile (Eutricharaca) gratiosa Gerstaecker.
Nesting by this species was first noted at Hilton on 22nd January 1966,
it being even later than at Wilderness where in 1964 it commenced on
3rd January as compared with mid-August in Port Elizabeth (Taylor
1965). In 1967 this bee was not observed at the nest site until 27th
January. The construction of a nest sometimes occupied up to 14 days
if the weather was cool, damp and sunless. As in the case of Heriades,
this often resulted in a nest being abandoned before completion. The
duration of the immature stages at Hilton in summer varied from 79 to
110 days, being longer than at Wilderness and Port Elizabeth where 50
to 60 days were more usual.
It was noted that, as at the other localities, some individuals preferred
the coloured petals of flowers to the more usual green leaves for nest
construction. This leaf-cutting bee although more often noted at Hilton
than Heriades, was by no means of common occurrence there and there
were seldom more than two individuals using the nests at one time. In
1967 most of the nests, particularly those formed late in the summer,
produced varying numbers of the evlophid Melittobia hawaiiensis. These
nests were brought to the United Kingdom in June, and the parasite
emerged from 15th July to 20th September (or from 119 to 165 days
after the completion of the nest). This parasite was previously recorded
from nests of the same bee at Port Elizabeth, but only during the
summer (Taylor 1963). The pereentage of parasitism by this eulophid was
much higher at Hilton.
The species of Coelioxys, reared from nests of M. gratiosa at Port
Elizabeth and previously referred tc as C. vumbula Pasteels (Taylor 1965)
has since been found to be Coelioxys loricula Smith. This parasite has
hitherto been obtained from M. gratiosa only at Port Elizabeth.
From nests completed late in the summer of 1965 at Wilderness, C.P.,
adults emerged at Hilton from 31st December until 19th January 1966.
When dismantling the nests at Wilderness in May 1965, preparatory te
departure, the nest of a carder bee, hitherto unnoticed, was found in one
of the tubes. Before this nest was unpacked at Hilton, late in the
following October, ten male adults emerged from this particuiar nest and
were found dead in the containing vial. In December two further
individuals emerged, on the 24th and 31st respectively. This carder bee,
the only species of its kind recorded at Wilderness, was subsequently
determined as being Pseudanthidium sjoestedti (Friese) (Megachilidae).
No carder bees were recorded at Hilton.
Nothyiaeus heraldicus (Smith) (Colletidae).
This species, popularly known as the Membrane Bee, which occurred
commonly at both Port Elizabeth and Wilderness. also frequented the nest
sites at Hilton from time to time, but like the others was subject to
weather conditions. The duration of the immature stages at Hilton
occupied from 68 to 77 days in summer, samewhat longer than in the
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN BEES AND WASPS ral
Eastern Cave, and the maximum number of cells in a nest was five.
The perasite Gasteruption caffrarium Schletterer, recorded at beth the
Cape localities, was likewise found at Hilton, and was seen at the nest
site on several occasions. It was reared frcm one nest the adult parasite
emerging 67 days after the nest was sealed. On 25th March 1966 a small
species of chalcid emerged in large numbers from a nest of N. heraldicus
at Hilton. This later proved to be a new species of Coelopencystus, and
the first African one recorded from any host other than a xylocopid.
Only cne male was found among the specimens reared. On Ist August
1967. Melittobia hawaiiensis was obtained from a nest of N. heraldicus.
WASPS
While the incidence of bees at the nest sites at Hilton was disappoint-
ing, the occurrence of other occupants of the nests was more frequent and
rewarding. The first indication of anything at the nests was on Ist
December 1965 when a small black wasp was seen entering and leaving
a beetle flight hole in one of the wooden blocks containing the tube or
nests. Later on the same day the entrance to this hole was seen to be
plugged or sealed with mud. On the following day a wasp was seen to
be using a nest in an adjoining block, and by evening two complete cells
were found towards the inner end of this partciular tube, while the wasp
was at rest in a curved position on the seal of the second cell. No
further activity took place on the two following days, the weather being
overcast, damp and cool, but when fine and warm weather returned on
6th December, activity was resumed, and the nest was sealed at the
entrance on 9th December. This nest consisted of five occupied cells,
each filled -with small spiders, and one empty cell between the plugged
entrance and the fifth occupied cell. The cells were separated by thin
partitions of dry mud, with thicker plugs at the entrance and inner end.
There appeared to be no other structure in the nests apart from the cell
divisions and plugs. The spiders were for the most part immature
individuals of the species of Theridion, a genus incompletely known
in South Africa, and more common in the Northern Hemisphere. Up to
17 spiders have been found in one cell.
The wasp, or owner and builder of the nest, was determined as being
Pison transvaalensis Cameron (Sphecidae). It is black and measures
some 7 mm. in length. The egg is elongate, curved, opaque and cylindrical;
it measures about 1 mm. in length, and is deposited on an immobilised
spider, the curve of the egg fitting closely to the body of the spider. It
hatches in 24 hours or less. The larval stage lasts some nine days, while
the total duration of the developmental stages from the time of the
sealing of the nest until the emergence of the progeny occupied from 51
to 68 days (October to March). Emergence may be spread over several
days. The maximum number of cells per nest was five.
From several nests of this sphecid a species of Chrysidiidae was
obtained. This was determined as Chrysis (Pentachrysis) inops Gribodo.
The developmental period of this parasitic wasp was sometimes con-
siderably shorter than that of its host, in one case by as much as 26 days.
Wasp nests brought to the United Kingdom in June 1967 produced many
individuals of Melittobia hawiiensis; these commenced to emerge in the
middle of July and continued to do so until 20th September, or from 119
to 175 days from the time of the sealing of the nest. Apart from a few
2, ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/111/68
chrysidiids there were no other emergences from these nests. The
eulophid would therefore annear to be a most effective controlling agent
in this case. The sphecid was observed nesting at Hilton from October
to March.
During winter another species of wasp with similar habits was
recorded as occupying the nests at Hilton. This wasp behaved similarly
to Pison and also preyed upon immature spiders: in this case two species
of Theridion were involved. The wasp was indentified as Auplopus
(Conagenia) mazoensis (Arnold), a member of the Pompilidae. It is a
black and slender, somewhat ant-like waso and measures about 8 mm. in
length. From nests formed in autumn, adults emerged in September and
October, while from those constructed in November, the resulting
progeny emerged in the following February, developmental periods of
88 days being obtained. Up to four individuals have been obtained from
one nest.
Nothing is known of the parasites of this species but it is thought
that it is also affected by Melittobia hawaiiensis.
Climate again proved to be a factor in the lives of these wasps as in
dull and damp weather there was little activity among them. However,
they appeared to be quicker to avail themselves of dry and sunny
intervals than were the bees, which may account for the fact that more
of the nests were occupied by them.
SUMMARY
An account is given of certain species of bees and wasps in artificial
nests at Hilton, Natal. In the case of the bees, these notes supplement
previous ones concerning the same species at Port Elizabeth and
Wilderness in the Eastern Cape Province. At Hilton, the climate as well
as the parasite Melittobia hawaiiensis Perkins were controlling factors.
Two species of wasp, Pison transvaalensis Cameron (Sphecidae) and
Auplopus (Conagenia) mazoensis (Arnold) (Pompilidae), predatory upon
small spiders Theridion spp., also occupied the nests at Hilton. Both
species were affected by the climate, while Pison was heavily parasitised
by the eulophid.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The writer is much indebted to Dr. K. V. Krombein, of the U-S.
National Museum, for his continued and encouraging interest in these
studies, as well as for determining, or arranging for the determination of
much of the material; also to Prof. J. J. Pasteels, Drs. D. P. Annecke,
H. E. Evans, and R. F. Lawrence for the determination of several of the
species involved.
REFERENCES
Taylor, J. S. 1962. Notes on Heriades freygessneri Schletterer (Hymenoptera :
Megachildae). Jl. ent. Soc. S.A., 25: 1, 133-139.
———. 1962. A Note on Nothylaeus heraldicus (Smith) the Membrane Bee.
(Hymenoptera: Colletidae). Pan-Pacific. Hntomol., 38: 4, 244-248.
———. 1963. Notes on the Leaf-cutter Bee Megachile (Eutricharaea) gratiosa
Gerstaecker (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). Jbid., 39: 2, 129-134.
——... 1965. Notes on some South African Bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae,
Meegachilidae). bid, 41: 3, 173-179.
3 Aird’s Court, Crail, Fife. 18.xi.67,
NOMENCLATURE AND COMMON SENSE 713
Nomenclature and Common Sense
By Aw AS ALLEN, B.Sc.) A.b.@is:-
Our Editor calls for a readable article from some enlightened person
entitled ‘Nomenclature without Tears. Far be it from me to attempt
anything so diffiicult—or should I say impossible? Indeed, the subject
becomes for many of us ever more lacrimose, whether the tears are of
sheer bewilderment or mounting impatience and exasperation. But
(though doubtless unenlightened) I am so much at one with the common-
sense attitude both of Dr. Ainley (antea: 307) and of Mr. Jacobs in his
appended note, as to be moved to defend it—at the same time venturing
a few observations and personal reflections on points they have raised,
with a suggestion or two as to the generai line that might be adopted.
Dr. Ainley’s title is a wryly apt comment on the state of affairs. As
Mr. E. G. Bayford once remarked in a letter to me, it really is astonish-
ing how easily an author (perhaps over-eager to see his name in print)
can get a name-change adopted with littie or no question, criticism or
challenge. Tne fact seems to be that for a certain type of mind, nomen-
clature with all its ramifications and intricacies is lable to become an
obsession and an end in itself, which of course can be disastrous. These
enthusiasts rarely consider the hampering, distressing effect upon the
progress of biological science that their policy, put into practice on an
ever-growing scale, is bound to have; or when they do, they play it down
to an extent verging on irresponsibility. Only thus is it possible to rate
legalism above common sense in the naming of organisms. Now com-
mon sense demands a stable nomenclature, and that rules—useful and
indeed indispensable as they are — must be so framed as not only to
avoid interference with that stability but also to promote it actively; in
fact, that is the whole point of having them. That they are only partly
so framed (through a failure to grasp the essential requirements of a
code) results in a great deal of needless confusion and difficulty, which
in its turn tends to breed error; and the habit of upsetting and juggling
with names has become a fashionable game amongst enthusiasts and
often over-specialized professionals who have largely lost touch with the
outlook and needs of ordinary entomologists.
The priority rule, whose uncritical application is at the root of so
much of the trouble, is excellent as a general principle, provided however
that it is subject to certain severe restrictions. Instead of that it has
become, in many quarters, a sacred cow. It ought to have been foreseen
that, if not so restricted, we should run into serious trouble through not
having before us at one and the same time all the data necessary for
arriving at the earliest name of many anciently founded species. The
drafters of the International Code, however, seem to have been lawyers
rather than working entomologists or zoologists, and to have taken it for
granted (at least in the latest 1961 code) that it must be massive and
complex and go into great detail—if so, a cardinal mistake. The artificial
involutions of the law have little to do with the needs of a serviceable
nomenclature. A consensus of rank-and-file entomologists is what we
really want, not a ponderous bureaucratic set-up.
We who require above all that a name should be understood in one
definite sense, and therefore fixed by usage rather than by edict, are often
rebuked by the legalists as being selfish, lazy and reactionary, and as
74 ENLOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ 111/68
putting short-term expediency and personal bias before ultimate
scientific advancement; while they claim that their policy alone is con-
ducive to stability in the long run. But is this quite fair? Readers may
judge which position is the more realistic; and as for stability, facts
speak for themselves! We are for ever promised ‘jam to-morrow’, but
since the Commission was set up things have steadily become more
chaotic. Even back in the ’30s the controversy was raging in the Record
and elsewhere—with, as it seems to me, the practical men winning
easily on points. (For that matter, it has been with us for close on a
century.) The telling facts and arguments brought forward by the late
Professor Frank Balfour-Browne in numerous articles and notes are no
doubt widely known, and I will not repeat them here, except just for his
sensible proposal (rejected, of course, by ‘officialdom’) that “henceforth
no change of a well-known name of a genus or species will be accepted
if it is made solely by reason of the discovery of an earlier name”
(1943(2)). In practice tnis would require slight extension, since simple
priority is not the sole pretext on which names are needlessly altered,
though it is the most common. In one point however I differ from Prof.
Balfour-Browne and agree with the late Dr. G. W. Nicholson who wrote
in 1932: “If Latin, however cebased, is used at all in scientific language,
it should, I submit, be used in accordance with the elementary and very
simple rules of Latin grammar.” This is also the view taken by the
International Commission.
A suggestion I have seen made, that editors of journals should bring
all names into conformity with the rules, is—apart from being distaste-
fully authoritarian—quite impracticable because, even if they felt so
disposed, few would have the necessary knowledge or time for the
required checking. For the mere use of an up-to-date catalogue will not
ensure even technical correctness. Compilers are very apt to follow
blindly the latest authority; but different authorities (however eminent
or learned) very often hold conflicting opinions, and who is to say which
is right?
(Talking of conflicting opinions, our Editor tells us he has been taken
to task by ‘one of the authorities’ for publishing an article on the present
subject by Prof. Balfour-Browne. I am delighted that he is defiantly
unrepentant! I hope most of our readers wili agree that science is best
served by the free expression, not the suppression, of differing views,
and the discussion that flows therefrom. Unorthodox opinions may be
shocking to some, but I would say: let thcse who disapprove, however
exalted, demonstrate the superiority of their own if they can. It does
no harm—indeed quite the reverse—to submit our most cherished
assumptions to periodic examination in the light of reason.)
Many years ago the writer put forward a suggestion that a ‘principle
of longest use’ might replace that of priority wherever an established
name was threatened, so that the most-used or best-kKnown name would
be retained. The ‘experts’, naturally, poured scorn on the idea; but I
have been gratified to see it gain ground steadily on the Continent—at
least in the one Order, Coleoptera, where I can speak on this point. There
many of the leading specialists and other prominent workers strongly
support ‘Kontinuitatsprinzip’ (continuity principle), which amounts to
the same thing. It seems to me that the best hope of sanity lies in this
direction. In our country the movement has not been nearly so marked,
NOMENCLATURE AND COMMON SENSE (5)
doubtless pecause Kloet and Hincks in their Check List, and other
well-known authorities, have taken the opposite stand. This is doubly
unfortunate in that there is consequent disharmony between the British
and Continental catalogues as regards nomenclature. As Balfour-Browne
has pointed out, many of the changes in the former are due to a stupid
and arbitrary rule concerning homonyms, which our Continental col-
leagues for the most part wisely prefer to ignore; and it would be well if
we were to come into line with them on these matters.
Things have now reached such a pass, with the rule-book swelling
largely at each revision, that very many of us would favour cutting loose
and starting afresh with a simple, clear and practical code of rules, free
from lawyers’ jargon, that could be put on a single page. At all costs we
should avoid over-elaboration (making for cumbrousness) and not try to
legislate for all contingencies, which is quite unnecessary. With the
natural and inescapable complexity of his subject, and the output of
literature increasing all the time, what working entomologist has the
leisure to pore over 100 or more pages of tortuous legalistic phraseology,
often so obscure that—like our law—it needs almost as much print
again to make it intelligible to the average user? Meanwhile the non-
expert will be well advised to adopt a cautiously conservative approach
to name-changes and not to accept without question any that appear
needless.
Before passing on to the distinct (though cognate) subject of generic
splitting, I will just mention three further points. (1) A single change,
insignificant perhaps in itself, may in turn set off a train of others if
the rules are rigidly observed, thus generating a disproportionate up-
heaval. This fact should be quite sufficient justification for suppressing
the criginal change. (2) The most obnoxious of all changes are trans-
positions or reversals, involving the switching over from one to another
of two or more names of genera or species. Here it is not a matter of
getting accustomed to unfamiliar names, but of the use of already
familiar ones in reversed or new senses; with the strong probability of
real error and confusion resulting. (3) The legalists are quite prepared
to upset an established name if in the original publication it is preceded
by another, held to refer to the same species, on an earlier page or even
a few lines above. And that is not all. Suppose the prior of these relates
not to the normal form of the species, but to a distinct variety: then
this name, even though properly that of a variety, must yet be the valid
name of the species itself. So we could have, say, a black insect named
niger, and a yellow one flavus on the previous page which turns out to
be a rare form of it. But the pundits will have it that the familiar
name niger tor the species must give way to flavus, notwithstanding that
their ‘new’ flavus will then be a normally black insect! Such a reductio
ad absurdum, perpetrated on the most trifling and flimsy of grounds, is by
no means unknown ana shows to what length fanaticism (or the want
of a sense of proportion) will go. A very different matter from, say, 100
years priority in one of the names! Pettifogging of this sort has helped
to bring the Code into disrepute.
Both Dr. Ainley and Mr. Jacobs have made some good points about
the creation of new genera out of long-established ones, and the rest
of my remarks will mcstly be devoted to that topic. ‘New’ genera in
this sense, of course, resuit from the desire to give greater systematic
76 ENTOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ 111/68
weignt than hitherto to certain observed differences. No doubt some
changes of this class reflect genuine advances in knowledge, and when
it is seen that they are sound and necessary most of us learn to accept
them with a good grace. Many more, however, are _ ill-conceived,
thoughtlessly made, or quite unwanted; or at best highly questionable.
There is certainly a very widespread present craze for indiscriminately
multiplying genera by splitting up those long accepted in a given sense,
and also (in some groups at least) for shifting species about from one
genus (real or so-called) to another and sometimes back again. As
Prof. Balfour-Browne remarks, “there seems to be a tendency in many
oi tnose who concentrate on smaller groups to raise the rank .... the
number of genera with one species tending to make classification
ridiculous.” The Rev. E. J. Pearce writes: “I am sure that we have
te guard against what seems to be a common tendency—the considerable
multiplication of the number of genera, especially when they contain
but one species.” A vigorous and cogent plea for restraint in this
practice was made by Dr. T. T. Macan in 1955, and supported in a
sherter but important article by G. H. Hardy in 1956. The late Dr. K. G.
Blair, whose experience and breadth of outlook command attention, had
taken a similar line in a most interesting and thought-provoking paper
on the correct name for the Dark Green Fritillary, to which I shall
return. “Excessive subdivision of genera,’ he wrote, “is to be deplored
as leading, especially in a limited fauna, to almost every species being
placed in a genus of its own, and having therefore two names to be
remembered; and thus defeats the whole object of binomial nomenclature,
which is to assist us to retain a mental picture of the classification of the
group.”
Dr. Ainley and Mr. Jacobs may, I think, rest assured that they have
behind them here a growing body of distinguished professional entomolo-
gists (to say nothing of the mass of amateurs). As the above writers
stress, the innovations in question are very largely matters of opinion,
different specialists naving different ideas of what constitutes a generic
character. Some, for instance, automatically give a generic rank to
divisions and characters that others consider to be at most subgeneric.
Although (as Blair remarks) the amateur student of a limited fauna has
no basis for judgment nere, it is clear that such innovations cannot in
any way be regarded as absolute or final, and we should not feel bound
by them. Soundly-based changes ultimately win general acceptance—
the only external criterion of their soundness. Meanwhile, many too
hasty or ill-conceived ones will ‘fall by the wayside’ after varying times.
Specialists who study the world fauna in their particular group, whilst
alone in possession of the facts required for a decision in any instance,
may yet err for the very reason that their specialism tends to give them
an exaggerated view of the importance of the characters they seek to
evaluate; and the more so, the more narrowly they specialise and thus
very likely lose touch with broader issues and interests. It is surely
most necessary in these matters to keep a sense of balance and
perspective! over the whole field—or as much of it as possible. It is just
1It may be that the non-specialist alone can see when the balance gets badly
upset. To take a concrete example, it surely is absurd that the two
fritillaries cydippe and aglaia should be in separate ‘genera’ while at
NOMENCLATURE AND COMMON SENSE T7
here that discretion and caution are so often thrown to the winds in the
first flush of classificatory zeal. Increasingly, characters are now widely
used for founding genera, which 50 or 100 years ago would have been
rated no higher than the specific level. Such a process cannot continue
indefinitely if binomial nomenclature, with its great advantages, is not
to break down—or (as Dr. Ainley says with much reason) become
pointless.
So much for the existing situation; but what can be done about it?
One might be tempted tc begin by appealing to systematists everywhere
never to make two or more genera where one exists already (above all
if it has but few species) without having most earnestly asked them-
selves whether subgenera or species-groups would not do instead. The
subgenus might well be made more use of, especially in the Lepidoptera
where its availability seems to have been forgotten; but the same applies
with even more force to the species-group, which is more elastic, more
provisional, and very conveniently named from its most typical species.
This in our state of near-ignorance offers immense advantages.
I fear, however, that such appeals would fall upon deaf ears; the
hair-splitting habit has become too ingrained. As Mr. Hardy says, the
taxonomist must first reform his own manner of thinking. Since there
is no way of knowing whether a given innovation will stand the test of
time, there appears to be only one sensible course for the amateur:
instead of rushing to follow the nomenclature of the latest catalogue or
up-to-date authority regardless of the policy adopted, let us hold our
-horses and stick to the names that everyone knows, at least until the
neologisms have gained wide currency and there is no chance of their
puzzling anyone. We shall then offend no one but the pundits, and shall
merely be leaving the issues to more competent judges than ourselves.
This is the advice given in the three articles mentioned. Urging that
some compromise must be sought, Dr. Macan writes: “Few wish to copy
the antics cf a kitten chasing its tail, which they will do if they try to
keep right up to date by adopting every change the moment it comes
out’, and suggests ten years at least as a probationary period. He
instances a species of Corixa that has haa six different generic names
within 25 years! This can only mean that the changes were premature
and made more out of ignorance than knowledge, and the rest of us who
want reasonable stability cannot be blamed for looking askance at the
systematists’ less responsible efforts. As Mr. Jacobs remarks, it is surely
better to err on the side of too little splitting than too much, when there
are obviously so many relevant factors still unknown.
Blair and Hardy both put forward the idea, which I strongly support,
that during this protracted period of flux in nomenclature a ‘double
standard’ should be permissible. Teachers, economic, agricultural, or
medical entomologists, ecologists, general biologists, students of a limited
fauna, popularisers and the great numbers of ordinary interested laymen,
collectors, and naturalists—all alike have a vested interest in names
which do not alter every few years, whether or not th2y are technically
the same time our Papilio machaon is made congeneric with the great
‘bird-wings’ of the Eastern tropics, which used to be in a genus Ornithop-
tera (seeming very natural) but now once more appear to be back in
Papilio.
78 ENIOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/111/68
correct or officially sanctioned. These groups represent a _ broad
spectrum, or a very considerable fringe on the periphery of the science,
whose needs are by nc means to be ignored; and those who affect to
despise them lay themselves open to the charge of arrogance. The double
standard (as Blair points out) is already employed to some extent by
those who use subgenera. In a learned taxonomic paper, for instance,
it is c{ten more informative and convenient to use subgeneric names in
place of generic where all students of the group will know what genus
is under discussion, whereas in one of wider scope the generic names will
naturally be used. In a similar way it should be legitimate in general
contexts, and for all purposes that might be classed as exoteric rather
than esoteric—and without any imputation of error or ignorance arising
—to use certain generic names in a more extended and ‘popular’ sense
than the strict purist or specialist might approve. They would at least
then be intelligible to all concerned. Any doubts could be assuaged by
the insertion of ‘s.l.’ (for sensu lato, ‘in a wide, or the wider, sense’) in
brackets after the name of the genus, thus in effect invoking against pos-
sible objectors the whole weight of traditional usage.
Dr. Ainley’s reference to the Fritillaries affords a good example. By
all means let us continue to call those he lists by the familiar and still
much used generic name of Argynnis (except, perhaps, when we happen
to be concerned with the larger fauna of Europe — in which the sub-
divisions have more point—or venture into the more difficult and dis-
puted territory of the species’ relationships, meeting the specialists on
their own ground). For catalogue use and labelling the collection, I suggest
inserting the newer ‘generic’ names (Fabriciana, Clossiana’, etc.) as sub-
generic, by way of compromise; and similarly in parallel cases. Very
probably they rate no higher anyway, and in time even the systematists
may revert to a wider conception of Argynnis as before (and as in Kloet
& Hincks as late as 1945). The criteria for the separate ‘genera’ can
hardly be other than slight; for one author, Francis Hemming, who used
them all in 1942, was definitely of the opposite opinion in 1934.
I cannot, alas, tell Dr. Ainley what those criteria are. However, sus-
pecting that some of them may be sexual, I would take the opportunity
to urge caution in the erecting of genera on characters present in one
sex only, as I think is increasingly done. (Their possible confirmatory
use is, of course, another matter). There is surely something unsatis-
factory about a criterion present in only half the members of a popula-
tion. True, we cannot avoid it at the species level, and even there it is
bad enough when one sex (usually female) is not determinable by inspec-
tion or even dissection. In any case, the sexual characters—both primary
(‘external genitalia) and secondary—give in many groups an impression
of being too recently acquired to indicate relationships more fundamental
than those between species themselves, when we consider the remark-
2F wonder whether the substitution of this for the far more familiar Brenthis,
which held the field for a very long time, was really necessary. I notice
too that some recent lists have been using Mellicta instead of Melitaea for
athalia Rott.; but is it worth more than a subgenus?
[I leave this note as originally written, though in fact Mr. Warren in the
February Record clarifies the point as regards Clossiana, etc., besides certain
others I have touched on.—A.A.A., 1.iii.1968. ]
NOMENCLATURE AND COMMON SENSE 79
ably wide differences they can assume among. species otherwise
searcely distinguishable.
And now a piece of good news for Dr. Ainley and Mr. Jacobs. Their
bugbear, Mesoacidalia charlotta, can, I rejoice to say, be exorcized and
forgotten at least by the butterfly-lover unconcerned with taxonomic
niceties, and who is content with the excellent advice offered by Dr.
Blair (himself, be it noted, a professional systematist). Incidentally, I
should dearly like to know what possessed Herr Reuss in 1926 to light
upon the monstrosity Mesoacidalia for a genus of fritillaries (of all
things!). I trust that no enthusiast will come up with a name like
Protoargynnis for some of the ‘waves’, but if he did it would be no more
ridiculous. Blair questions whether this case of generic splitting will be
widely accepted, and clearly favours for it a lower status, but either
way I do not think we need worry. As for the specific name, he shows
conclusively that Hemming, who had earlier accepted the Linnaean
aglaia or aglaja (1758), misinterpreted the Rules in trying to establish in
its place Haworth’s charlotta (1803); and that in any case charlotta Haw.
is neither the first described form nor the ordinary British one, but a
well-known though scarce variety. (The rule that requires a species to
take the name of its first-described variety, if no earlier name is valid.
seems to have dubious consequences and should, I think, be scrapped).
I am not quite happy about Dr. Ainley’s suggestion of an editorial
strait-jacket for streamlining nomenclature in the Lepidoptera, even
though made in an excellent cause. Regimentation of any kind is incom-
patible with the scientific spirit, and I feel that individual writers must
still be free to choose, where so much remains a matter of opinion. As
regards the butterflies, one might do far worse than follow Kloet &
Hincks—a good list—as Dr. Ainley recommends; and I note that the new
edition of the Lepidoptera part, on which great hopes are pinned, is
due this year. (The moths, on whose systematics so much work has been
done since the first edition in 1945 — and especially, of course, the
‘Micros’-—pose more of a problem). There will naturally be certain
cases, when we are following the policy of the most-used name, where
it will be hard to decide which that is; but then it will not greatly
matter which is selected. Dr. Ainley mentions Lysandra bellargus and
Lycaena adonis, to which one could add a third variant: Agriades thetis.
The first now seems to have won the day, at least here.
Although the changes made by the priority-hunters and their kind
are in a different class from those of the splitters, their cumulative effect
is similar since they reinforce each other in undermining stability. As
they involve names of species as well as genera and do not even pretend
to any practical utility, or to reflect new knowledge, it follows that they
are still more objectionable in the mass. I suggest that our attitude to
them—or those of them which are not clearly and thoroughly justified—
should be the same: a healthy scepticism, reserving the right to follow
a more rational path. On one point even we non-experts may and
should insist: that full and sufficient grounds be given for any change
made or proposed, no matter how impressive the authority (cf. my foot-
note on Augiades versus Ochlodes, Ent. Rec. 79: 61). There must, I
think, be some such curb upon abuses of the freedom to alter names once
accepted. One consequence will be that changes made in catalogues or
80 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/TII/68
lists, unless justified in print elsewhere, shall not be binding at least
until their adoption is almost universal both here and abroad.
It is now evident that some of the alterations that have crept mto
our lists from time to time were needless from any point of view, being
based on an over-zealous, excessively narrow, or downright faulty inter-
pretation of the Code. It is only fair to add that the International Com-
mission has increasingly of late years conceded the principle that changes
liable to cause serious confusion should not be made. The pity is that this
recognition has come so late (I had almost said too late), after so much
harm has already been done through the spread of the habit of playing
fast and loose with our nomenclature. The hopes must be for a change
of heart—a larger vision, a less finicking and more generous attitude,
with the resolve to profit from past mistakes and rebuild on a more
realistic foundation. I see little chance, however, of that happening
without collective and effective pressure by all interested parties; mean-
while, perhaps, rising discontent will force a crisis, which may bring the
recovery of sanity nearer.
REFERENCES
(Of the great many relevant papers and articles, only the few mentioned above
can be listed here.)
Blair, K. G. 1943. Argynnis aglaja L. v. Mesoacidalia charlotta charloita Haw.
(Lep., Nymphalidae). Ent. mon. Mag., 79: 78-81.
Browne, F. Balfour. 1943 (1). What shall we call the Dark Green Fritillary :
Argynnis aglaja (L.) or Mesoacidalia charloita charlotta (Haw.) (Lep..,
Nymphalidae). Jbid.: 46.
1943 (2). Limitations on the use of the Rule of Priority. Ibid. : 108.
Hardy, G. H. 1956. On new generic names, their acceptance or otherwise. Jbid.,
92: 299-300.
Macan, T. T. 1955. A plea for restraint in the adoption of new generic names.
Tbid., 91 : 279-282.
GEOLOGY AS AN ECOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTION
OF INSECTS
By ALAN E. STUBBS
(concluded from pp. 59)
DISCUSSION ON DISTRIBUTION
Now that the available information on the ecology and _ possible
ecological requirements of S. immaculata have been considered some
general discussion on distribution may be useful.
We find that grassland, often with associated scrub, is the preferred
habitat—one of the most widespread vegetation types and occurring on a
wide range of soils. Within this vegetation type, one must apparently
narrow the most suitable terrain to those grassland localities occurring on
chalk or limestone. However, the outcrops of chalk and limestone in
southern and eastern Britain are widespread and extensive, even allowing
for the large areas of these outcrops covered by non-calcareous superficial
deposits. Yet, surprisingly, S. immaculata is a rare species, very local and
often scarce when found, though locally plentiful.
The species used to be regarded as very rare, in fact the majority of
dipterists would still consider it rare, yet there is a noticeably steady
inerease in records since the war, and especially for recent years. It is,
of course impossible to get over the problem of bias caused by consulting
GEOLOGY AS AN ECOLOGICAL FACTOR 81
mainly the collectors still active to-day. However, if one for the moment
allows that the species is genuinely less rare to-day than in the past, one
reaches an interesting conclusion accounting for this in a change in land
use history. The chalk and limestone downs used to be important sheep
grazing areas with short turf. Nowadays these downland areas are often
neglected. The rabbit took over as the chief grazing animal of these
grasslands, but in the early 1950’s myxomatosis almost wiped them out.
As a result, large areas of formerly short, nibbled turf have, with the local
reduction in grazing by loss of the sheep and finally almost total absence
of grazing by loss of the rabbit, become areas of coarse, long grasses often
with attendant invading scrub. As already observed, S. immaculata likes
long grasses, assuming this is not a collecting bias (from sweeping), rather
than short turf, so that large areas of formerly unsuitable terrain are
now ideal. This may only be a short term advantage, however, since the
rabbit is locally returning in numbers and scrubland areas are turning to
woodland. Again, land use history will take its toll, for many grassland
areas are now being put under the plough or restored as grazing areas.
The British range of the species has already been considered* and
various observations made on climatic conditions. The most difficult
problem is its apparent absence from the extensive chalk areas of Wilt-
shire and East Anglia. The only immediate climatic reason against
Wiltshire would appear to be its late spring frosts, though this will reflect
wider climatic considerations. Mr. Collin has suggested that its absence
from East Anglia is because it is too cold. The western parts of this
region are somewhat similar to Wiltshire with regard to temperature, but
East Suffolk and North Norfolk should be acceptable to the species. The
Chalk outcrop of East Anglia is extensively covered in non-calcareous
deposits and much of the available chalk soil is under intensive cultiva-
tion, so that good chalk grassland is relatively scarce. The floral com-
position of some of the chalk grassland of East Anglia shows differences
from other calcareous districts, but the influence of this aspect cannot be
discussed at present.
Most of the Cotswolds lie in the area of late frosts though there may
be pockets of suitable climatic conditions. The Peak District and most
of the calcareous districts in Northern England lie in areas of late frost
and often low potential water deficit. The Doncaster district lies within
a faveurable climatic belt.
Considering geology and climatic range (selected factors of late frosts
and potential water deficit) alone, there are surprisingly few areas
favourable to the species. Climate being such a locally variable factor
and with the source maps highly generalised, it is perhaps premature to
draw conclusions on distribution, but only two records show more than
a small deviation into climatically “unfavourable” areas (Sharpenhoe and
Oxwich Bay). Applying these criteria strictly, the following areas should
theoretically support the species, assuming the presence of rough grass-
land, with or without scrub (ocality numbers in brackets) :—
(a) The North Downs, East and West Kent, Surrey, Chalk (6-22).
(b) The South Downs, East and West Sussex, Chalk (5).
(ec) Littlehampton Inlier, West Sussex, Chalk.
(d) Portsdown Anticline, South Hants and West Sussex, Chalk.
(e) Narrow strip of Chalk from north of Havant to north of Romsey,
South (and small piece of North) Hants., Chalk.
82 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/111 /68
(f) Ridge from Culver Cliff to Needles and parts of the high ground and
landslips from north of Ventnor to near Chale, Isle of Wight, Chalk
(possibly also Tertiary limestones to north).
(g) Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, Chalk and Upper Jurassic limestones (1-3).
(h) Isle of Portland, Dorset, Portland Limestone.
(i) Small area near Cranborne, Dorset, Chalk.
(j) Small area round East Bexington, Dorset, Chalk and Jurassic cal-
careous rocks (4).
(k) Small area around Torquay, e.g., Hope’s Nose, South Devon, Devonian
limestone.
(1) Small area South and East of Marston Magna, South Somerset,
Jurassic calcareous rocks.
(m) Area centred on Steeple Ashton, Oxon., Jurassic calcareous rocks
(25-26).
(n) Chilterns between Goring and Hemel Hempstead, Oxon. and Bucks.,
Chalk (28).
(o) Area in triangle between Royston, Herts, Much Hadnam,, Herts., and
Great Yeldham, West Suffolk, Chalk. There is much chalk grassland
at Royston, but the Chalk in much of this area is covered by drift;
the fringe of Cambs, may be included.
(p) A strip of Chalk largely in West Suffolk extending from about
Framlingham to approximately Offten. Extensively covered by drift.
(q) A belt of Chalk in the northern half of Norfolk, East and West
Norfolk. Extensively drift covered. Barrett, Ringstead Down near
Hunstanton may be a favourable locality.
(r) The Jurassic limestone ridge from a little south of Sleaford to the
Humber, North and South Lincs. (28, 29).
(s) The Lincolnshire Wolds, North Lincs., Chalk, partly drift covered.
(t) The southern part of the Yorkshire Wolds, South East Yorks, Chalk,
partly drift covered.
(u) The narrow strip of Magnesian Limestone from approximately
Deneaster, South West Yorks., extending northwards possibly just
entering Mid-West Yorks. (30, 31).
The species may well be distributed more widely hen indicated from
the climatic viewpoint and the species can occur on non-calcareous soils.
If one considers possible localities connecting with the Oxwich Bay record
and other possible gaps the following areas may be worth searching :—
(vy) Mendips, North Somerset. Carboniferous Limestone and _ other
calcareous rocks.
(w) Forest of Dean, Monmouth and Glos. Carboniferous Limestone.
(x) The Jurassic Limestones and Chalk of South East Somerset and West
Dorset. The Chalk in the coastal strip of South East Devon (Seaton—
Lyme Regis).
(y) The coast in South East Glamorgan, Lower Jurassic Limestone rocks
and Carboniferous, seems unlikely but the Oxwich Bay record is a
misfit.
SOME CONCLUDING REMARKS
Now that the habits of S. immaculata are a little better known it is to
be hoped that more records will be forthcoming and its life cycle studied.
One factor stands out very clearly concerning recording. County distribu-
tion is of little value since it obscures a great deal of valuable ecological
information. Even the nearest town or village, as given on data labels, is
IN SEARCH OF AUTOGRAPHA GRACILLIS LEMPKE 83
not accurate eonugh. To make any worthwhile assessment of geological
districution a grid reference is perhaps the only satisfactory location data,
thougn not always suitable for publication in the case of a rarity. A few
simple observations on the habitat, such as gross features of vegetation
and aspect, make all the difference between a useful and meaningless
record. Geology, climate and aspect can be determined, with care, from
a map at home; vegetation and wetness of ground cannot.
I should be most grateful for any further records or information on
the two species of Symphoromyia and also for records of the Asilid
Isopogon brevirostris which may show a preference for calcareous dis-
tricts in certain parts of the country only.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I should like to express my sincere thanks to all those who have given
me records and information for this paper. Also Mr. F. W. Green for
helpful discussion on climate, Mr. P. J. Chandler for passing on records
and checking specimens in the course of compiling a Diptera of Kent, Mr.
D. M. Ackland for the Hope Department records, the British Museum for
allowing access to their Collection and to the South London Entomological
and Natural History Society who house the H. W. Andrews Collection. In
particular I must thank Mr. A. Brindle for much helpful information, Mr.
L. Parmenter for advice and encouragement in preparing this paper and
Dr. D. Frazer for reading the manuscript.
SUMMARY
Thirty-one locality records of this rare species have been assembled
from very dispersed sources. This information, admittedly scanty, leads
to some provisional conclusions on the ecology of the species. It appears
to show a preference for calcareous districts, usually outcrops of lime-
stone or Chalk, the exceptions being on neutral soils. The preferred
habitat is calcareous grassland, with long grasses, often with associated
scrub, and often on sloping ground of various aspect. The known distribution
is eastern and southern with a western limit at Oxwich Bay, an eastern
limit near Dover, and a northern limit near Doncaster. The highest
concentration of records is for the Chalk downs of West Kent. The known
distribution does not include all possible suitable areas, and its apparent
absence in Wiltshire, much of the Cotswolds and western East Anglia may
be due to climatic factors such at late frosts. Peak emergence period is
mid-June to mid-July. The early stages of the life cycle are unknown
but the larva is thought to live in the soil and to be carnivorous. The
adult may be predatory on small flies and could also be a blood sucker.
91 Clitherow Avenue, Hanwell, W.7.
In search of Autographa gracilis Lempke
By C. G. BRUCE
Having obtained a copy of the notes by B. J. Lempke on the genus
Autographa Hubner, sub genus Chrysaspidia Hubner of list April 1966
(Ent. Berichten 26: 70) and having found in my collection an apparent A.
gracilis taken in Norfolk, I thought it would be interesting to search for
this moth and try to breed from any females taken.
The search commenced on 25th June 1967 and in two Norfolk areas on
the fringes of marshes, both species A. gracilis and festucae in these areas
84 ENIOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/111/68
came to m.v. light the dates of their appearances are given below.
Autographa gracilis, 28th June to 17th July.
A. festucae, 3rd July to 29th August.
At two periods during the above dates Mr D. O’Keeffe joined me in the
search with a further portable m.v. light and between us many A. gracilis
were brought to the sheet, but all were males.
Treacling was tried on trees and on bunches of reeds and having read
somewhere that flowers of Silene are attractive to festucae, bunches of
some of the Silene species available were tied to reeds, some of these being
also smeared with rum and treacle, but none of these methods produced
a female of either species. A few years ago female festucae came to my
m.v. light and I had high hopes, but it is now a case of waiting until 1968
for another try.
The numbers taken enabled me to make a thorough examination of the
male genitalia of both species and there is a strong difference.
The examination by separating the valves (harpes) and even using a
10x hand lens readily provides a recognition, in festucae the ampulla aris-
ing from the centre of the valve is slender and of a pale amber colour and
the length averages 0-45 mm., in no specimen did I find it exceeded 0:5 mm.,
whereas in gracilis the ampulla is robust and reddish brown in colour and
the length average is 0°8 mm.
The investigation which entailed using about forty insects was made
with a 30x binocular microscope, after having first separated the two
species by their wing pattern, they were next checked for the genitalia
form and in no instance was there any discrepancy, in my view the
ampulla alone is a good check to verify a male of these two species.
I have mounted dried genitalia of the males of both of these species and
added them to my reference set.
During the period of this search several other interesting moths came
to m.v. light from the marshes including those detailed below :—
Acherontia atropos Linn., 1 male; Nycterosea obstipata Fab., 2 males;
Abraxas sylvata Scop., 1 male on 25th August (in view of the date, I won-
der if it was a migrant); Apatele alni Linn., Harpyia bicuspis Borkh,
Eustrotia uncula Clerck., Pelosia muscerda Hufn., Lophopteryx cucullina
Schiff, these appeared almost every night until 7th July, there being some
maple in the hedges in the lanes leading to the marshes.
16 Harland Road, London, S.H.12. 5-.x1ii.1967.-
Notes and Observations
LITHOCOLLETIS EMBERIZAEPENNELLA BOUCHE (LEP. TINEINA MINING THE
LEAVES OF SNOWBERRY (SYMPHORICARPOS RIVULARIS)—At Watermael (Bel-
gium) on November 3, 1967, Mr. E. Janmoulle drew my attention to some
leaves of Snowberry growing in the grounds of his residence which
contained the mines of L. emberizipenella, each mine occupying the
greater part of a leaf in the manner characteristic of this species. So far
as I am aware, emberizaepennella has only been found in Gt. Britain to
mine the leaves of Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) and occasionally those of the
closely allied cultivated shrub Leycesteria formosa. It would be interesting
therefore to know whether it has even been found here on Snowberry.—
J. M. CHatmerRS-Hunt. 10.11.1968.
CURRENT NOTES 85
ARGYRESTHIA LAEVIGATELLA H.-S.=ATMORIELLA BANKES (LEP. TINEINA?
IN Kent—Having casually disturbed a few imagines of A. laevigatella on
June 18, 1966, from the edge of an old larch plantation at West Wickham.
I revisited the spot on May 2, 1967, and after a brief search, located a
number of twigs mined by the larvae. Many of these mines had been
torn open, apparently by small birds, but several others were found to be
tenanted, including a few in which the exit hole was furnished with the
significant covering of silk formed: by the larva preparatory to pupating.
On May 8, the first imago emerged, to be followed by several others, the
last of which appeared on June 6. To my knowledge, this is the first
record of this species for Kent.—J. M. CEALMERS-Hunt. 10.ii.1968.
ABUNDANCE OF THE LARVAE OF BEDELLIA SOMNULENTELLA ZELL. (LEP. TIN-
EINA) IN 1967—For some obscure reason that is not I think associated with
migration, itis apparently normal for this curious little species to undergo
periods of remarkable scarcity, followed by an occasional year of com-
parative abundance. Indeed, I had long looked in vain for somnulentella.
until the autumn of 1967, when the “window-like” condition caused by the
larva in the leaves of Calystegia and Convolvulus was very noticeable at
several localities that I had occasion to visit. Thus, on some waste ground
adjoining the saltmarshes at Stanford-le-Hope (Essex), during the S.
London Field Meeting there on October 1, the larvae were numerous on
Calystegia sylvestris and Convolvulus arvensis, the mines being especially
conspicuous in the leaves of the former, and in one leaf of which I counted
5 larvae. Several of the odd-shaped pupae were also found suspended
from the leaves of these foodplants. The “windows” were furthermore
noticed on C. arvensis in roadside hedges, in the village of Fobbing
(Essex), and on September 23 in the Isle of Thanet, between Minnis Bay
and Birchington (Kent). Of the Stanford-le-Hope material, some 20
imagines emerged towards the end of October and no parasites—J. M.
CHALMERS-Hunt. 10.ii.1968.
FLIES OVER THE ATLANTIC—Professor D. F. Owen kindly sent me three
flies taken by Dr. W. Sladen on 12th July 1949. They were caught flying
round the “Johnny Briscoe” at 0900 hours G.M.T. when this Falkland
Islands survey ship was 104 miles north-west of Spain. They proved to
be two females of Scaeva pyrastri L. and a female of Syrphus corollae
Fabr. Both species have been proved to migrate, and these flies may well
have flown to the ship rather than have been stowaways.—L. PARMENTER.
MoMPHA CONTURBATELLA HUBN. (LEP. TINEINA) IN SUFFOLK—M. conturba-
tella does not appear to have been previously recorded from Suffolk. It
may therefore be of interest to state that I collected several spun shoots
of Chamaenerion angustifolium (Rose-bay Willow Herb) containing the
larvae, on Aldringham Common. on May 27, 1967.—J. M. Cuatmers-Hunt.
10.11.1968.
Current Notes
PROPOSED NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, CORS FOCHNO, CARDIGANSHIRE.—
The Natural Environment Research Council propose to establish a National
Nature Reserve at Cors Fochno (Borth Bog) because of the national
importance of its scientific interest.
36 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/II1/68
Cors Fochno on the southern side of the Dovey Estuary, is a rare
example of an extensive area of peat which is known technically as a
raised bog. It has a convex surface and has developed from a former
fen. The peat layers, deposited gradually over many thousands of years,
contain evidence of vegetational changes in the surrounding countryside,
thus forming an important source for prehistoric records.
Preserved remains show that, within the Dovey Estuary, salt marsh
zave way to fresh-water fen which was replaced by fen-forest dominated
successively by alder, birch and pine. This forest, the remains of which
are exposed on the Ynyslas beach to the west, was eventually covered
by the peat-bog that exists to-day.
Its surface supports a variety of mosses and other forms of wild life
which attract scientific workers from many parts of Britain, as well as
University and School Field parties.
A formal declaration of the Reserve will be made in due course.
Current Literature
Ants from close up, by L. Hugh Newman, xiv + 112 pp., Cassell, 35/-.
In this, as in his other books, Mr. Newman sets out to interest the
ordinary person with a liking for nature, and in this, one must say, he is
highly successful.
After a foreword by John Burton of the B.B.C. Bristol Natural History
Unit, the author’s introduction mentions the highlights of the study of
ants, from Solomon’s “Go to the ant, thou sluggard’”’, and then making a
great leap over the long period when no real study of ants was made to
the day of Ferchault de Reaumur in the middle of the eighteenth century,
Sir John Lubbock, and the more modern authors. He goes on to mention
the difficulties which attend the close-up study of ants in their natural
surroundings, and, one is pleased to see, he decries the anthropomorphism
with which the subject is so often treated.
The chapters deal successively with their social systems, nesting habits,
their diet and ‘logistics’, their means of communication and understand-
ing, their community life and nests. Further chapters deal with the slave
ants and their masters, warfare and foraging parties, army ants, relations
between neighbours, and finally, ants and man. Mr. Newman has gathered
his facts from many parts of the globe, and has obviously given con-
siderable thought to the sorting of these facts under the chapter headings
quoted above, to make entertaining reading.
Before the index is a bibliography of some fifteen items for those who
will wish to pursue the study further. The book is profusely illustrated
by photographs, mostly considerably enlarged, by Stephen Dalton, Edward
S. Ross, M. W. F. Tweedie, Graham Pizzey and Anthony Bannister. It is
printed on good paper and bound in boards with a coloured wrapper.
It should make a good item for the “not so scientific” side of a naturalist’s
library.—S.N.A.J.
Interesting separates which I have received include:
Poliana natalensis (Butl.) and P. o’heffernani sp. n., two hitherto
eonfused hawk moths from South Africa, by F. W. Gess, published in
part 54, Sept. 1967, of Novos Taxa Entomologicos, a supplement to Revista
de Entomologica de Mocambique. This paper is in English and describes
both species, giving photographic plates of the adult and larva of each
species, and line drawings of the uncus and gnathos of both. The matter
OBITUARY 87
arose from the capture of two females presumably of Poliana natalensis
(Butl.) by Mr. o’Heffernan at George C.P., both of which laid eggs in the
same cage, some 8) in all. A difference was noted in the colour of the
eggs, but the larvae were similar until the final instar, when they showed
marked differences in colour and form of the anal horn. They fell clearly
into two groups and were accordingly separated before pupation, and
produced moths of both sexes, differing from each other, but constant
within the groups. A second generation confirmed the previous observa-
tion.
Forandringar i Sveriges storfjarilfauna senaste ticarspericd (Lep.) by
Ingvar Svenssen., Opuscula Entomologica 32, 1967, Lund. This paper, in
the Swedish language with an English summary, lists 18 species which
have been reported in Sweden between 1957 and 1966. It also lists 39
species which the author considers should be deleted from the Swedish
list, and another 21 species which are more or iess doubtful. It is
interesting to note that Piusia gracilis Lempke is among the newcomers.
The 18 additions are the subject of a black and white piate.
There are also photographic illustrations of genitalia preparations of
some of these species. Particularly interesting are photographs of ¢ and
2 genitalia of the four Nycteola species; N. revayana Sc., N. degenerana
Hiibn., N. siculana Fuchs. and N. asiatica Krul., and ¢ and © genitalia of
P. festucae and P. gracilis.—S.N.A.J.
Nature Trails: Nature Conservancy, distributed by Frederick Warne
& Co., London and New York, 22 pp., 5/-. As its name implies, this
booklet sets out the principles for establishing nature trails and also
suggestions for their use by school-teachers during the periods set aside
for open-air instruction of their classes. It is illustrated by means of
photographs and line drawings. The booklet is divided into seven
sections suitably headed: The Value of Nature Trails, Types of Trails,
Design, Presentation, Management, Nature Trail Centres, and Nature
Trails and School Work. There is an appendix giving a short account of
the Alvecote Pools Nature Trail in Warwickshire, which is situated in
the unpromising area around a mine waste tip, but which is shown to
provide many interesting features of natural development. The interest
is not confined to school classes, and members of the public will find it an
interesting introduction to nature on a country rambie.—S.N.A.J.
Obituary
ORAZIO QUERCI, 1875-1967
Orazio Querci was born in Rome in 1875, and he graduated in
chemistry in the University of Rome, after which he worked in the
chemical fieid, doing research work on explosives for the Italian Govern-
ment.
Querci had been interested in butterflies ever since he was fourteen
years old, when he started collecting, and he continued collecting for the
remainder of his active life. He married Clorinda di Nino who, from
childhood, had also been attracted by butterflies, and sne soon became an
expert lepidopterist, exploring, with her husband, the mountains of
central Italy. Much detail of their life together is given in the fine obituary
notice written by Querci after her death (Ent. Rec., 71: 215).
88 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1I1I/68
About 1923-24 he gave up other work in order to dedicate himself to
the study and collecting of butterflies. By that time he was well known
and had an international reputation as an expert on the butterflies of the
Northern Hemisphere; his advice and collecting services were in demand
by the British Museum (Natural History) and the Baron Rothschild in
England, M. Oberthur in France, the museums of Madrid and Barcelona in
Spain, and also in Portugal, North Africa and Morocco.. He was also a
great friend of our sometime editor, Henry J. Turner, with whom he
corresponded regularly.
In 1927-28, The Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, U.S.A..,
charged him with the lepidopterological survey of the Island of Cuba, a
task which took him a full year, and it took more than another year,
back in Philadelphia, for him to classify and arrange the material which
he had collected.
On his return to Europe, he spent another year at the University of
Lisbon, and another three years in Madrid and Tangier. By that time.
his son-in-law had been appointed to the Italian School in Salonika, and
Querci and his wife joined their daughter in Greece, spending some
considerable time collecting near Salonika and on Mount Olympus.
Back in Italy once more, in 1939, the war and its attendant difficulties
put an end to his outdoor collecting, but he continued his studies on the
effect of climate factors on the development and reproduction of butter-
flies. It was just after the end of the war that I first had correspondence
with him, and at that time he was particularly interested in the effects
of solar radiation and moisture on Pieris rapae L., on which insect he did
considerable work. A strong point in his letters was his regret at the
invasion of so much of his terrain by the Argentine ant, which seemed
to multiply at a fantastic rate and which was fast destroying other insect
populations.
About 1960, I was able to visit Rome, where my wife and I called on
Querci and had dinner with him, his grand-daughter and her husband. It
was unfortunately a very short visit as my wife and I had to hurry
across Europe to be in time for our air passage back to England, but
short as our visit was it was most pleasurable, mainly because of the
spirit of family devotion which existed between our hosts. Unfortunately,
his daughter, Erilda Romei Querci. was away at the time, but it was
obvious that she, too, was an integral part of the family structure, and
after the death of his wife, he lived in Rome at her flat.
My impression of him was of a kindly old man who had lived a
very full life, and who was held in the highest esteem by all. He died in
Rome on 20th August 1967, and I am indebted to his grand-daughter, Dr.
Licena Romei Braconi for the foregoing details of his life, for, although
this was known to me generally, I had little detail. The advice of his
death only reached me early in February because, as Dr. Braconi ex-
plained, she and her grandfather were such close friends that she found
it difficult to realize that he was not still with his devoted family, to all
of whom we offer our sincerest sympathy in their loss.
Entomology has lost another famous name, but it is the richer for the
work of the very full lives of Crazio Querci and his wife.—S.N.A.J.
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT (377)
refer to an ab. of C. ocellaris Borkh. A re-examination of the
material referred to as palleago by Wood and South is therefore
very desirable, though as yet I have unfortunately been unable
positively to locate the present whereabouts of any of these speci-
mens (C.-H.).
C. ocellaris Borkh.
p. 306—
Orpington (div. 1), October 1, 1961 (1), at light (I. A. Watkinson):
September 8, 1964 (1), at light (P. E. and D. Webb).
P. bicolorana Fuessl.
p. 310—
line 8 up for ‘“Daivs’” read: Davis.
E. trabealis Scop.
p. 313—
First Record, 1782: “First week July 1782 ... Taken, The Margate
Beauty. Mr. Francillon” (Diary of the Society of the Entomologists
of London, 1780-82, MS., 66), replaces that given.
L. fasciana L.
p. 315—
Bromley (div. 1), 1966 (1) (D. R. M. Long).
Cfraxzini kr:
p. 318—
According to Scott (1964), the moth was taken annually in the
Ashford district [Ham Street] from 1957 to 1960 inclusive and was
seen there in 1963. If correct, this means the species was observed
there year after year for a total of 19 years until it was last seen
in 1964 (C.-H.).
C. sponsa L.
p. 319—
P. Cue (in litt.) states he has never taken sponsa in Hoads
Wood; thus, the record of this in Scott (1964) should be deleted. The
statement in (Scott (1964) that in the Ashford district, it was
“common in 1940 over a wide area”, is unsupported by the records,
and is I suspect erroneous (C.-H.).
M. lunaris Schiff.
p. 321—
There are strong indications that fallen oak leaves provide the
normal diurnal resting place for this moth, the wing pattern and
colouration of which is ideally suited for this purpose. R. P.
Demuth (in litt.) referring to his diary, writes that at Ham Street,
on June 15, 1948, he reckons he saw about 14 lunaris, some of which
he noted by day in the manner described: “During the day they
rest in dead oak leaves in ditches or on the ground and can be
walked up”. On May 29, 1949, “walked up 1 lunaris female during
the day from a ditch filled with dead oak leaves...”
C. coryli L.
p. 324—
Loose (div. 11), May 5, 1956 (1), at light (E. Philp).
P. festucae L.
p. 829—
Bromley (div. 1), August 26, 1967 (1) (D. R. M. Long). East Kent
[Reculver (div. 4)] (Battley, Trans. E. Kent nat. Hist. Soc., 1904: 35).
(378) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/III/68
S
Ashford district (div. 12)*, “emergence of a specimen reported in
October 1959” (Scott, 1964).
. triplasia L.
p. 336—
Sheppey (div. 2) (Walker, Naturalist’s Notebook, 1869: 141).
. tripartita Hufn.
p. 3386—
Sheppey (div. 2) (Walker, Naturalist’s Notebook, 1869: 141).
. pastinum Treits.
p. 340—
Orpington (div. 1), 1961 (1), 1962 (1), 1966 (1), all at light (P. E. and
D. Webb). Greatstone (div. 15), July 21, 1963 (1) (C.-H. and Wakely,
Ent. Rec., 76: 94).
. salicalis Schiff.
p. 342—
Orlestone Woods (div. 12), a few, 1967, by B. K. West and D. W H.
ffennell (C.-H.).
nemoralis F.
p. 349—
Greatstone (div. 15), one in m.v. trap, July 21, 1963 (C.-H.).
. flexula Schiff.
p. 352—
Greatstone (div. 15), one, July 21, 1963 (C.-H. and Wakely, Ent.
Rec., 76: 94).
FURTHER ADDITIONS TO VOL. 2
. celerio L.
p. 11—
1868: Sheppey (div. 2), ‘taken in a room last year and probably
attracted by the light” (Walker, Naturalist’s Notebook, 1869: 141).
1963: East Malling (div. 11), October 25, in m.v. trap (Massee,
Proc. S. Lond. nat. Hist. Soc., 1963: 46)
bifida Brahm.
p. 18—
Dover (div. 8), 6 in m.v. trap, June 28, 1958 (G. H. Youden).
. ruficornis Hufn.
p. 25—
Summers (Proc. S. London, ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1966: 31, plt. 2, fig.
3) exhibited “an unusual male” ab., taken Bromley, May 11, 1965.
It appears to conform to ab. vivida Zerny (C.-H.).
. gnoma F.
p. 26—
Barham (div. 8), 1953 (1); Dover, 1951 (1), 1953 (1), 1964 (2), 1965 (1)
(G. H. Youden). Greatstone (div. 15), July 16, 1963 (1) (C.-H.).
. capucina L.
p. 32—
Orlestone Woods (div. 12), larva on hornbeam (C.-H., Proc. S. Lond.
ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1967: 24).
. carmelita Esp.
p. 33—
Bromley (div. 1), April 28, 1964 (1) (D. R. M. Long).
loo
a
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT (379)
. curtula L.
p. 36—
Dover (div. 8), May 25, 1952 (1), in m.v. trap (G. H. Youden).
. ocularis L.
p. 42—
Dover (div. 8), 1962, 1964, 1965 (G. H. Youden). Dungeness (div. 15),
1966 (de Worms, Entomologist 100: 97).
. fluctuosa Hubn.
p. 46—
Dover (div. 8), ¢. July 27, 1967 (G. H. Youden). Ham Street (div.
12), 1966 (1) (de Worms, Entomologist, 100: 97).
antiqua 1:
p. 50—
Orlestone Woods (div. 12), larva on sallow (C.-H., Proc. §. Lond.
ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1967: 24).
. chrysorrhoea L.
p. 53—
Bromley (div. 1), July 15 (1), 19 (1), 1967 (D. R. M. Long).
neustria L.
p. 61—
Tenterden (div. 14), larva on hop (C. G. Orpin).
castrensis L.
p. 62—
First Record, 1782: “First week August 1782 ... Bred the Sea
Wormwood Lackey. 20 of the Caterpillars were taken by Dr.
Curtis at the Isle of Sheppey—they remained in chrysalis 30 days”
(Diary of the Society of the Entomologists of London, 1780-82, MS..,
67). This replaces that given.
. lanestris L.
p. 64—
The statement (in Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1863: 15)
that ianestris was seen at Ashford in 1963 does not refer to the
species in nature, but to non-Kentish examples being reared there
in captivity.
. curvatula Borkh.
p. 76—
This species should be enclosed within sauare brackets.
. albula Schiff
p. 79—
Dover (div. 8), July 14-22. 1967 (3) (G. H. Youden). Dungeness
(div. 15), July 21, 1967 (1) (D. O'Keeffe).
. rrorella L.
p. 88—
First Record, 1782: ‘Last week July, taken the Irorella or Dew
Moth, upon the Common opposite the 18 milestone, Erith’ (div. 1)
Diary of the Society of the Entomologists of London, 1780-82, MS.,
67). This replaces that given.
. quadra L.
p. 86—
1963: Dover (div. 8), July 16, 23; Brook, July 8; Dungeness (div. 15),
July 18 (French, Entomologist, 98: 76). 1966: Dover (div. 8), June
11 (¢) (Youden, Ent. Rec., 79: 60).
(380) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/II1/68
E. deplana Esp.
p. 86—
The record for Tenterden in Scott (1964) and attributed to me
should be deleted. I have never noted it there (C.-H.).
E. caniola Hubn.
p. 91—
I have investigated all records for this species in Scott (1964) and
find them to be erroneous (C.-H.).
A. rutricollis L.
pp. 93-94—
This species was misplaced. It should follow Nudaria mundana L.
Onup cl!
C. trituberculana Bose
pp. 94-95—
This species was misplaced. It should follow Celama confusalis
H.-S. on p. 80. Dungeness (div. 15), one at m.v.l., July 21, 1967
(D. O’Keeffe).
A. pyramidae L.
p. 253—
I have examples in my coll. from West Wickham (div. 1); Broad
Oak (div. 3); and Orlestone Woods (div. 12), that are referable to
pyramidea as distinct from A. berbera Rungs (C.-H.).
A. berbera Rungs. Svensson’s Copper Underwing.
Resident, perhaps native. Woods etc.
It is probable that a fair percentage of all so-called A. pyramidea
from Kent are in fact referable to A berbera. This was originally des-
cribed (in 1949, Soc. Sc. Nat. Maroc. 25-27: 330, plt. 7, figs 3, 5) as a
sub-species of pyramidea, but has since been recognised by I. Svensson as
specifically distinct; the details of which are expected in a forth-coming
paper.
The nymotypical race of berbera does not appear to occur in Britain,
and a description of the British sub-species is at present in the press.
The author, D. S. Fletcher, has been so good as to give me for publica-
tion here, the following characters by which our examples of berbera
may be recognised from those of pyramidea:—“Duller brown colour of
body and forewing; forewing orbicular spot usually larger and more
broadly ringed with buffy-brown or light buff; median band, between
vein Al and inner margin, is usually narrower than in pyramidea; discal
area between orbicular spot and postmedial fascia is less heavily shaded
than in pyramidea, the shading not extending as far as the postmedial
fascia.” The genitalia are very distinct.
As yet, few series have been examined, and the following are the
only records of identified Kentish berbera at present.
3. Broad Oak, one, July 19, 1946 (C.-H.).
7. Westwell (C. G. M. de Worms).
12. Oriestone Woods, three, July 29, 1946 (C.-H.). Ham Street (C. G.
M. de Worms). Ashford, one (P. Cue teste C. G. M. de Worms).
15. Dungeness (C. G. M. de Worms).
oe AND WANTS
Wanted.—Six maie specimens of M. ‘urtinad from Scilly Isles and six from
Hebrides, and also from W. Scotland of the form splendida B.-W. Con-
dition not important but good specimens preferred. Exchange for European
species can be arranged.—L. Higgins, Focklesbrook Farm, Chobham, Surrey.
Telephone No.: Chobham 8154.
for Sale.—Papilio acacus kaguya, Papilio magellanus, Papilio agamemnon,
Papilio kotoensis. Papilio maraho., Papilio aeacus kaguya, and more than
100 different species of Formosan butterflies including sexual mosaics and
abberations. Attacus atlas and Actias selene formosana available in large
quantities. Also living ova and cocoons of Attacus atlas and Saturnia
pyretorum in Season, and Formosan beetles and other insects— Taiwan
Novelty Co., P.O. Box 860, Taipei, Formosa, Free China.
Urgent Request.—Would anyone running a light trap in January, February and
March 1968, who would be willing to help in a survey of the dark forms of
the moth Phigalia pedaria please contact D. R. Lees or H. B. D. Kettlewell,
Dept. of Zoology, Oxford.
For Sale.—Rev. F. M. B. Carr’s cabinets and collection.—Caiy, 93 Albany, Bourne-
mouth. Tel. No. Bournemouth 27419.
For Sale.—Butterflies & Moths from many Countries, especially Africa and
Madagascar, many Papilios, Charaxes, Cymothoé, Sphingidae, etc. Some-
times livestock of Bunaea alcinoé, and other African and European species.
Lists on request. Wanted ova of Brahmaea japonica in exchange for
Endromis versicolor, Catocala fraxini or Nupta 1 for 2. Please add 1/-
stamp to cover postage will be refunded if you make an order.—Robert
Keiser, Frederik Van Eeden Plein 3, Antwerp {, Belgium.
Wanted.—Irish Lepidoptera. I am collecting material for a supplement to my
“Revised catalogue of Irish Macrolepidoptera, 1964’, and would be very
erateful for any new county records, or other items of interest.—EF. S. A.
Baynes, ‘Sandford’, Adelaide Road, Glenagerry, Co. Dublin, Irish Republic.
For Sale.—Stuart & Turner portable M.V. Generator, £15.—R. S. Chatelain, 65
East Drive, Orpington, Kent.
CHANGE OF ADDRESSES
R. E. M. Pilcher, now of “Little Dower House”, South Thoresby, near
Alford, Lincs.
W. G. Tremewan, now of 16 Orchard Avenue, Woodham, Weybridge,
Surrey.
M. Florent, now of 8 Allee, Fernan Leger, 95 Argenteuil, France.
R. S. Wilkinson, now of 1408 E. Grand River, PApts si bast Lansing,
Michigan 48823, U.S.A.
H. S. Robinson, now of P.O. Box 1166, Suva, Fiji.
L. J. D. Wakely, now of Long Meadow, Forest Road, East Horsley, near
Leatherhead, Surrey.
SPECIAL NOTICE
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ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
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has been a remarkable response from subscribers who wished to take
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sary to revise the details of what is still available, as follows:—
VOLUMES Now Available are:—
NOS? Lia 161920 N21 22 24 658) 59N/O4 NGOs OG) iG, C8) GONMm2) ma, 14.
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It is understood that all these volumes are unbound.
SPARE PARTS of many volumes are also in stock and the Editor will
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REVISED LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA
More than 50 years have elapsed since the publication of Porritt’s list of the
Lepidoptera of Yorkshire and the need for a revised list has long been felt.
Work on this has been undertaken by Mr. C. T. Rutherford of Alderley
Edge, Cheshire, and the new revised list is currently appearing in the
Naturalist.
Details and copies avaliable from the
_ Editor of the Naturalist, The University, Leeds, 2.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION)
(Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine:
Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. Wituiams, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K.
McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.;
Diptera: L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-FonseEca, F.R.E.S.
CONTENTS
ON THE NEARCTIC SPECIES OF THE BRYONIAE- AND OLERACEA-
‘GROUPS OF THE GENUS PIERIS. B. C. S. WARREN, F.R.E.S. as cet
QUEST FOR EXOTIC RARITIES. Dr. IAN Howat 9 0.
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN BEES AND WASPS. J. S. TAYLOR ... 69
NOMENCLATURE AND COMMON SENSE. A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc., ARCS. .. 73
GEOLOGY AS AN ECOLOGICAL FACTOR IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF
INSECTS. ALAN E. STUBBS ey ee at vi tis uys as 80
IN SEARCH OF AUTOGRAPHA GRACILIS LEMPKE. C.G. BRUCE .. ... 83
NOLES CAND! CORSERVATIONS 2) SO Wee i ek ae peter
GURRENT GLITRRATURE 00701 ened cs ages
SOEUR ye ea eh ICT Ls ag Ny A a aI Rr ee mA
SUPPLEMENT—THE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS IN KENT: A CRITICAL
ACCOUNT. PART II. J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT _.... ae au Be ABH
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Phasis macmasteri spec. nov.
Fig. 1—¢ Holotype (upverside). Fig. 3—9Q Allotype (upperside).
Fig. 2—¢ Holotype (underside). Fig. 4—®Q Allotype (underside).
Figures approximately 1-8 times natural size
Photo: H. N. Wykeham.
6Y
A Further New Species oi the Phasis wallengrenii
(Trimen) complex (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae)
By C. G. C. DiIcKsON
When discussing the Phasis wallengrenii complex recently (Entomolo-
pist’s Record, 79: 267-270, Nov., 1967) the present writer treated
aS a new Species, under the name of Phasis argyroplaga, the main Karroo
member of the group and mentioned the possibility of this complex also
containing other new taxa—a view which was shared by Mr G. E. Tite.
The butterfly which is now dealt with in this paper differs in wing-
shape from both Phasis waliengreni and Ph. argyroplaga and although
having the silvery markings of the hindwing underside thickened as in
the latter species, it can be distinguished readily by certain differences
in these markings. While there are one or two other taxa in this group
which will require further investigation when more material is avail-
able, it is felt that the present insect clearly constitutes another new
species and warrants description as such. This butterfly has a wide dis-
tribution, occurring as it does in the N.W. Cape as well as in the karroid
or semi-karroid regions of the Eastern Cape—individual specimens from
both regions sometimes matching one another closely. Furthermore,
there is positive overlapping with argyroplaga in some localities, with
each insect retaining its identity completely and thus appearing to con-
firm fully the specific difference between the two taxa.
Phasis macmasteri spec. nov.
Male. Forewing with the distal margin not or at the most only
slightly concave below vein 4; hindwing with the distal and hindmargins
forming a wider angle on an average than in argyroplaga and with the
ana-angular projection much shorter. (N.B.: in the figure of the male
holotype of argyroplaga the length of the projection is not apparent
owing to its partial loss in each hindwing of the specimen concerned).
Upperside.
Forewing. Relative proportion of the tawny-orange to black areas
greater than in argyroplaga, with the orange closer to costa and less
restricted towards the hind margin and the tornus. (Specimens do, how-
ever, occur in which the greater part of area Ia is suffused with dark
colouring).
Hindwing. Portion of wing between base and the large black apical
area more obscured by dark scaling than in argyroplaga, and the black
apical patch itself extending further basad (and in some paratypes only
slightly separated by some orange suffusion from the dark scaling at the
wing base). No dark streak from or near lower inner edge of apical patch
in holotype or other specimens from the type-locality which have been
examined, but in some of these specimens an intervening scattering of
dark scales represents, feebly, the streak which occurs in some examples
of argyroplaga.
Underside.
Forewing. Except to a slight extent near base and towards apex,
virtually no scattered dark scaling is present near or at eage ot costa.
The silvery-white spots in and at cell-end without black edging or less
distinctly edged with black than in argyroplaga; those in areas 2 and 3
reduced in size and that in 2 often absent (as in the holotype). About
10) ENITOMOLOGISY?’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
dista: two-thirds of costal area narrowly dull salmon-pink and dista:
marginal area, down to vein 1, more broadly and distinctly so.
Hindwing. Background of less uniform tone than in argyroplaga—
with dull salmon-pink streaks occurring above and below the cell and
the same colour present submarginally below vein 3, down to the
anal-angle and parallel with but separated from the inner margin; while
most of the wing is edged with this colour, which broadens towards the
upper angle of the wing as well as at the anal angle. In some paratypes
this colouring is deeper and duller than in the holotype and in others
more of a putty colour, this also applying to the correspondingly coloured
parts of the forewing.
The silvery-white markings shaped differently, in the case of some of
them, from the corresponding ones in argyroplaga and a few of them
coalescing or showing more tendency to coalesce—the general impression
being that of a rather less intricate pattern. The small more outwardly
placed marking in the cell is usually so enlarged as to coalesce with the
large irregularly shaped marking beyond the end of the cell, while the
marking a little beyond and above the latter which forms a streak in
area 5 in argyroplaga, more often occurs as a small thick marking in the
present species and either coalesces with, or is not widely separated
from a small marking below it—the combined effect being rather that of
a figure J (with the “tail” reversed in one of the wings).
Length of forewing: 14.5—16.5 mm. (16 mm., in holotype). (One
abnormally small male has a forewing length of under 12 mm.).
Female.
Hindwing with the anal-angular projection less produced than is
usual in the female of argyroplaga (and generally but very slightly pro-
duced, with the effect partly due to the wing-margin between veins Ib
and 2 being a little excavate).
Upperside.
Ground colour a little lighter and more ochreous than in the male,
as is usual in members of this group. ;
Forewing. Dark patch about three-fifths along costa from base with
its edges which adjoin orange area always more or less blurred (the
edges better defined as a rule in the two allied species); the patch only
consisting of a little diffuse dark scaling, in at least one of the paratypes.
Hindwing. No dark streak from the large apical patch (which,
inferiorly, reaches vein 4) to near anal-angle, although generally as in the
allotype, some intervening scattered dark scaling.
Underside.
Forewing. Essentially as in male, allowing for the differently shaped
(evenly curved) termen, but the silvery-white markings reduced in size
relative to the greater size of the female butterfly. Costal silvery-
white from base far less developed than in the male and less so than in
the female of argyroplaga.
Hindwing. As in the male generally but the silvery-white markings
as a whole relatively reduced somewhat in size; the discal series more
in the form of a sinuate chain, than in the male. The small more dis-
tally placed spot in the cell is normally not fused with the marking
beyond the end of the cell. In this sex also the silvery-white marking is
of less intricate formation than in the same sex of wallengrenii and
argyroplaga.
A NEW SPECIES OF THE PHASIS WALLENGRENI 9]
Length of forewing: 16.5—20 mm. (19.5 mm., in allotype).
Body and ancillary parts in both sexes marked and coloured very
similarly to the same parts in the ailied species.
6 Holotype, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE: Vlekpoort, near
Hofmeyr, 23.x.1967 (J. C. McMaster); British Museum Reg. No. Rh.
17023.
@ Allotype, data as holotype; British Museum Reg. No. 17024.
Paratypes presented to British Museum (Natural History), data as
holotype, 1d, 19.
Paratypes in the author’s collection, E. CAPE PROVINCE: between
Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage, 4.1.1950 (C.G.C.D.), 1g; data as holotype,
3h Gi, Qe
Paratypes in Coll. J. C. McMaster, E. CAPE PROVINCE: Eastpoort,
nr. '‘Cookhouse, 16.x.1966 (J. C. McM.), 1 ¢; data as holotype, 5d 6, 49 @.
Paratype in Coll. N. A. Brauer, E. CAPE PROVINCE: Haasfontein-
mond, Queenstown Dist., 24.xi.1965 (N.A.B.), 13.
Paratypes in Coll. Transvaal Museum, E. CAPE PROVINCE: Willow-
more, 15.xi.1912 (Dr. Brauns), 3 gd; Hassfonteinmond, Queenstown
District, 13-xi-1965 (CN. A. Brauer); 1 9; as holotype; 1 ¢,. 1 Q.
The comprehensive series of specimens from the type-locality is
remarkably uniform in general appearance and varies only in un-
important detail. The Eastpoort male shows some slight increase in the
dark areas of the upperside and this is apparent too in the Willowmore
examples, with the increase quite marked in one of them—and in all
three with the orange portions of the upperside more or less obscured in
places by dark scaling. In the male from between Port Elizabeth and
Uitenhage the orange area of the forewing is noticeably reduced and the
hindwing is darkened over more than half the surface from the costa
downwards, with the orange forming rays between the well darkened
veins below this portion—but the darkest Willowmore example is nearly
as darkly marked. Mr. Brauer’s Queenstown male (the unusually small
specimen which has been mentioned) has the dark portions of the upper-
side well developed, but part of the silvery-white marking of the under-
side incompletely developed. In all specimens the undersides are
basically the same, with the degree of variation of a secondary nature
only. In two of the female paratypes the pinkish colouring of the
hindwing underside is very extensive and prominent.
Attention was drawn to this insect and the features which distinguish
it so readily from Ph. argyroplaga, by Mr. McMaster after the capture
of the Eastpoort specimen in 1966, and he was anxious that it should be
described when he had obtained sufficient material for this purpose. Mr.
N. A. Brauer found it in the previous year in the Queenstown district,
and realised that it was quite distinct from other specimens of the group
which were known to him; and he subsequently sent an example of it
to the Transvaal Museum. The butterfly had been known to the late
Mr. Gowan C. Clark for very many years and he appreciated the fact of
there being two distinct insects of this group in the Eastern Cape. Mr.
K. M. Pennington came across the species in Little Namaqualand in 1946
and he was particularly impressed by the difference which was apparent
in the first female which he captured there. Specimens taken by Dr.
Bernard Kettlewell at the Orange Mouth in 1952, and now in the British
Museum (N.H.), appear to be the same as Mr. Pennington’s 1946 examples.
Y2 ENTOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
The butterfly was found by the writer between Port Elizabeth and
Uitenhage (on 4th January, 1950) on rough open ground adjoining the
well developed and comparatively tall type of karroid vegetation which
is so characteristic of that area”.
Mr. McMaster states in a letter that the butterfly seems to be fairly
plentiful where it occurs, appearing here and there in the Karroo scrub,
with a tendancy to keep to flat open country. It settles on the ground,
making short circular flights when disturbed, and can often be found on
flowers.
Sincere thanks are due to Mr. G. E. Tite for his kindness in checking
the manuscript before its publication; while Dr. L. Vari has been good
enough to make available for study the specimens from the Transvaal
Museum Collection.
*\ female specimen which was captured to the west of Calvinia (Western Cape
Province) on 1toth December 1951, has also been found to answer to this
species.
be)
“Blencathra,” Cambridge Avenue, St. Michael’s Estate, Cape Town.
New Forest Mercury Vapour Light Records
for 1967
By L. W. SiIGes
The numbers of specimens recorded in the Minstead M.V. trap were
as follows :—
Nights Total Average
March 30 1826 61
April 30 2084 69
May 30 915 30
June 28 3508 25
July 25) 5650 226
August Sil 5432 WS
September 30 2710 90
October 31 1396 45
November 30 704 23
Total 265 24,225 91
This is the lowest daily average over the year since records began in
1962.
The following additions to the Minstead list are recorded :—
Heterogenea asella Schiff.
Shrankia taenialis Hiibn.
Eupithecia indigata Hibn.
Operophtera fagata Scharf.
As a result of examination of genitalia, I can add—
Hydraecia paludis Tutt taken in 1963 and 1965
Oporinia christyi Prout taken in 1959.
The number of species of macrolepidoptera recorded in 1967 was 357, a
more than average figure.
Species which put in an appearance this year but are not regular
visitors were Tethea duplaris L., Lasiocampus quercus L., Hepialus
fusconebulosa Deg., Graphiphora augur Fab., Amathes agathina Dup. (it
INSECTS AT LIGHT: HILTON, NATAL 93
seems to have been a good year for this generally), Anaplectoides prasana
Schiff., Orthosia advena Schiff., Lewcania obsoleta Hiibn., Leucania vitel-
lina Hubn., Nonagria sparganii Esp., Caradrina ambigua Schiff., Nycteola
revayana Scop., Cosymbia pendularia Clerck, Plemyria rubiginata Schiff.,
Eupithecia succenturiata L., Apeira syringaria L., Ectropis consonaria
Hubn.
MIGRANTS. The number of species occurring was up to standard,
but the number of specimens in most species was well down. The details
are:—Lithosia quadra L. (9, including, for the first time in the trap, 2
females); Agrotis ipsilon Hufn. (322), Peridroma porphyrea Schiff. (67),
Leucania vitellina Hubn. (2), Laphygma exigua Hiibn. (1), Plusia gamma
L. (291), Rhodometra sacraria L. (2), Nycterosea obstipata Fab. (10),
Diasemia ramburialis Dup. (1), Palpita unionalis Hiibn. (1), Nomophila
noctuella Schiff. (86), Udea ferrugalis Hiibn. (19), Plutella maculipennis
Cuninc2):
A warm spell early in the year resulted in the unusually early appear-
ance of several species, among which were—Biston strataria Hufn., 30.i.;
Nomophila noctuella L., 30.1; Xylocampa areola Esp., 1.ii., Apocheima
hispidaria Fab., 3.ii.; Orthosia gothica L., 18.ii.; Agrotis ipsilon Hufn..
31.iii.; Xanthorhoé fluctuata L., 16.iv.; Eupithecia nanata Hubn., 17.iv.;
Spilosoma lubricipeda L., 19.iv.; Apatele rumicis L., 22.iv.; Thera firmata
Huibn., 22.iv. (this is the first time I have recorded this early brood,
although the later one is quite common).
Some late records are also of interest—Semiothisa alternaria Hiibn.,
10.ix.; Thyatira batis L., 11.ix.; Agrotis exclamationis L., 15.x.; Phlogophora
meticulosa L., 21.xii.
Phigalia pedaria Fab. was taken on 30.xi. and 21.xii.
POLYMORPHISM
Biston betularia L. Sterrha aversata L.
typical 115 (84%) remutata 80 (71%)
carbonaria 7 (5%) aversata 32 (29%)
insularia 15 (11%)
Alcis repandata L. Typical 89, conversaria 8.
Apamea crenata Hufn. Typical 17, alopecurus 2.
Ectropis biundularia Borkh. (and crepuscularia Hiibn.) Typical 16,
melanic 1.
Eilema deplana Esp. Typical 6, unicolor 1.
Kilema griseola Hiibn. Typical 4, flava 2.
REFERENCE
Siggs, L. W. New Forest Mercury Vapour Light Records for 1966. Ent. Rec.,
79: 144.
Sungate, Football Green, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hants.
Insects at light: Hilton, Natal
By J. S. TAYLOR
During the summer of 1965/6, and again in the following year,
observations on insects attracted by light were carried out at Hilton,
Natal, similar to those at Wilderness, C.P., in 1964/5 (Ent. Rec. & Jl. Var.,
78: 73-75, 1966). At Hilton, the light was an ordinary 100 watt bulb
94 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V /68
suspended in front of a sheet on the porch of our house. Hilton is situated
in the mist belt at an altitude of some 3,700 feet and is eight miles from
Pietermaritzburg. The climate is normally cool and damp on account of
the mists which generally prevail throughout the spring and summer
months. During this period the mist often comes over in the afternoon.
and may persist for several days, while it is not unusual for the sun to be
completely obscured for a number of days at a time. The country round
about is mainly grassveld, much of which is now under Black Wattle
(acacia mollissima). Very little of the indigenous bush has been left,
while Hilton itself is an expanding residential area, with numereous
houses and gardens.
During the summer of 1965/6 the light was operated from mid-
December until May, and in the following season from January 7—which
happened to be the first night in that summer on which conditions appeared
to be suitable—until April 15th, just two weeks before my departure from
Hilton. Conditions during the second summer (1966/7) were particularly
cool and damp, with many nights unfavourable to insect activity. During
this summer a collection of Microlepidoptera was made.
As at Wilderness, C.P., the insects at light at Hilton were both varied
and numerous, with most orders represented. Among the Orthoptera, a
large black species of Blattidae was often present, especially early in
the season. Both field and tree crickets were also seen, but mole crickets,
which were such a feature at Wilderness, were entirely absent. Several
species of Mantidae were noted, also grasshoppers, an occasional katydid,
and once a specimen of the Brown Locust (Locusta pardalina WIk.).
Although the pneumorid Bulla longirostris St., occurs in the area fairly
commonly, several specimens being taken by neighbours at light during
the same period, none was seen at my light. Neither were any Forficulidae,
which had been such a noteworthy feature at Wilderness. Once, a species
of Plecoptera was recorded at Hilton; Ephemoptera were noted at times,
and included a large species, measuring some 50 mm. in length.
The Neuropetra were represented mainly by smallish Myrmelionidae,
an ascalaphid and a few Chrysopidae. On one occasion—7.i.67—a very
large species of lacewing was taken, much the largest I have ever seen.
It was a particularly beautiful insect; the green body, measuring 15 mm.
in length, had a series of dark spots on either side forming a lateral
line. The wings, which had a bluish tinge, measured some 22 mm. in
length. Only one specimen was seen. Dr. Bo Tjeder, of the University
of Lund, Sweden, to whom it way subsequently submitted, reported it to
be Italochrysa gigantea (McL.), “a very uncommon species”
Coleoptera were well represented, and among them several small
species of Staphylinidae were particularly numerous. Small and
moderate-sized Scarabaeidae were often present, while a large species of
dynastid, last met with at Barberton, Transvaal, many years before, was
sometimes recorded. Cerambycidae were not so abundant as at Wilder-
ness, although several were noted, while one very small species was
almost always present. Small Carabiidae were frequently seen.
Among the Diptera, Tipulidae were often noted, including several
large species, one of which had a wing-span of at least 23 inches.
Various small flics and gnats were numerous at times, and a large male
tabanid, similar to the one noted at Wilderness, occurred fairly often.
Hemiptera were well represented, especially by various species of
INSECTS AT LIGHT: HILTON, NATAL 95
Reduviidae, as is usually the case at light in Africa Pentatomidae were
also often seen, likewise Coreidae and Capsidae. Of the Homcptera, a
small greenish yellow species of Jassidae was generally present; a large
cercepid was noted from time to time, and a large cicada occasionally.
Lepidoptera were generally abundant, particularly the micros.
It was particularly interesting to note that during the late summer
of 1965-66 when a widespread migration of Catopsilia florella (Fabr.)
(Pieridae) was in progress in Natal and cther parts of South Africa,
migratory species of moths were much in evidence at light and elsewhere.
Although some cf these, such as Helicthis armigera Hbn., and Nomophila
noctuella Schiff., are liable to appear almost anywhere and at any time
in Scuth Africa, they were more than normally in evidence during this
migretion, as were other migratory species including Rhodometra
sacraria L., and Utetheisa pulchella L. Both these species were also
observed in considerable numbers during daylight feeding at lucerne and
Senecio flowers at Potgietersrus, Transvaal, during the latter half of
April. R. sacraria was particularly abundant there, and never have !
seen such a concentration of this species. It was interesting, too, to meet
old ecquaintances such as Gynanisa maia Klug., and Heniocha appolonia
Cram., both of which came to light occasionally at Hilton. Another
saturniid noted at Hilton was Nudaurelia wahlbergi Boisd. The larvae
of these three species of Saturniidae have been recorded on wattle, but
I was unsuccessful in finding any locally, although remains of the adult
of H. appolonia were noted occasionally in the neighbouring plantations.
Another old acquaintance was Siccia caffra Walk... which was often
present at light. The larva of this species sometimes occurs in large
numbers and causes a nuisance by invading porches and verandahs,
crawling up the walls seeking pupation quarters. Hitherto all attempts
to find the host have been unsuccessful. Similarly at Hilton, where the
larva was also common. Another arctiid, of frequent occurrence at light
at Hilton, was Cyana pretoriae Distant. The larva, too, was often seen,
but the host-plant remains unknown. Among other species of Arctiidae
were Dionychopus amasis Cram., and D. similis Mschl., also Teracotona
submacula Walk. The male of Metarctia meteus Stoll. (Syntomidae)
was also seen at light from time to time. Some years ago the larva
was recorded on grass in the Eastern Cape. The female has vestigial
wings. Among the Noctuidae were such well-known species as Earias
biplaga Walk., Grammodes stolida Fabr., and Phytometra orichalcea Fabr.
Various species of Lymantriidae occurred commonly, including Euproctis
iridescens Janse, the larva of which was frequently found on a variety
of plants. Another lymantrid at light was Psalis pennatula (Fabr.),
which was also reared from the larva found on grasses at Hilton. Of the
Geometridae, one of the commonest species at light was Semiothisa
simplicita Warr., which throughout the period it was present at light was
often seen in the wattle plantations. The larva has been recorded on
wattle foliage. Sphingidae occurred occasionally, and included Macro-
glossum trochilus Hbn. Although several species of Lasiocampidae were
recorded from time to time, Braura truncata Walk., a well-known species
on wattle and common in the area, was not noted at light at Hilton.
Microlepidoptera were numerous, and Mr. S. N. A. Jacobs has kindly
provided a list of determinations of a collection sent to him. Crambids
were particularly abundant, and included a species previously only
96 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
associated with rice. Rice, however, is not grown at or near Hilton.
Pyralidae were likewise numerous, and included Uresphita gilvata Fab.,—
previously reared from cultivated Broom—N. noctuella and Mesgrapha
martialis Guen. Several species of Adelidae with very long antennae
occurred commonly. These included Ceromitia amphichroa Meyr., C.
flavicoma Meyr., and C. wahlbergi Zeller. The last-mentioned species
was also recorded at light at Wilderness, C. P. Tortricidae were likewise
much in evidence; especially Tortrix capensana Walk., a common and
widespread species, with numerous host-plants, including ivy growing on
the wall of our house at Hilton.
The syntomid Thyretes hippotes Cram., which was the commonest
species of moth at light at Wilderness, C.P., was not recorded at Hilton.
Hymenoptera were represented mainly by parasitic wasps and by
various ants, including the ferocious-looking but innecuous male of the
Driver Ant Dorylus helvolus L. Individuals of the Hive Bee Apus
mellifera were also present at light from time to time.
I am much indebted to Mr. S. N. A. Jacobs, and to Drs. Bo Tjeder,
E. C. G. Pinhey and L. Vari for their kind assistance in identifications.
3 Aird’s Court, Westgate, Crail, Fife. 29.xii.67.
New Subspecies in the Genus Zygaena Fabricius*
(Lep., Zygaenidae)
By Huaco Retss, Stuttgart
Zygaena (Mesembrynus) cynarae Esper ssp. slovakica n. subsp.
Zygaena cynarae Esper is one of the most interesting species. Its known
localities are generally widely separated, consequently the various
populations differ in their isolated biotopes. Such an example is shown in
45 ¢ and 7 9 that Mr. J. Smelhaus, Prague, sent my son. These
specimens are ex coll. Dr. R. Schwarz and are labelled as follows:
Slovakia occ. Laksarska—Nova Ves, from the Zahorska nizina (Zahorska
Plain) ca 45 km north of Bratislava. The specimens were collected or
were reared ex larva on the following dates: v.1947; v.1948; vi.1949;
9.vii.1950; v.1951; 27-30.vi.1951; 9.vii.1952; vi.1960; 26, 28.vi.1961. According
to Dr. Schwarz the foodplant is Peucedanum oreoselinum Moench.
According to material in my collection, the Slovakian race differs from
all known races of cynarae. The nominate race was described from
Lemberg (Lw6éw), Galicia (Esper, 1789). Holik (1932: 115) has written
on this subspecies «nd figured specimens from Janow, 20.vii.1931, leg.
Swiatkiewicz. Of the nominate subspecies I possess material, labelled:
Janéw, Lwow, 15.vii.1932, leg. Swiatkiewicz, ex coll. Niesiolowski, with
a wing span of 35 mm. in the ¢. Compared with the nominate race, the
subspecies from Slovakia is smaller, with a wingspan of 28-33 mm. in
the ¢ and 30-34 mm. in the 9. The red of the forewing spots and the
hindwings is lighter. The apex of the forewing is less rounded. Spots
3, 4 and 5 are larger, 3 and 4 are generally narrowly separated from
each other. In addition. the dark border cf the hindwing is narrower.
The red abdominal ring is distinct, in the ¢ only sometimes dusted with
*The placing of the species into their respective subgenera Mesembrunus Hitibner,
Aqrumenia Wiihner and Zyqaena Fabricius follows Reiss (1958).
IPL WAL VOL. 80.
1—Zygaena cynarae slovakica n. subsp. Holotype ¢, wingspan, 30 mm.
5 A,
. s—Z.
AI,
SZ
6—Z
7—Z.
8—Z.
cynarae slovakica n. supsp. Allotype ¢, wingpsan, 32.5 mm.
kavrigini amankutana n. subsp. Holotype,¢, wingspan, 24.5 mm.
. kavrigini amankutana n. subsp. Holotype. ¢ , wingspan, 24.5 mm.
. loti isigensis n. subsp. Holotype. ¢, wingspan, 29 mm.
. loti isikensis n. subsp. Allotype, ©, wingspan, 31 mm.
ephialtes ines n. subsp. Holotype ¢, wingspan, 33 mm.
ephialtes ines n. subsp. Allotype ©, wingspan. 35 mm
~
Ss
ve
‘r
NEW SUBSPECIES IN THE GENUS ZYGAENA 97
dark scaling. Only three ¢ of the Slovakian specimens have spots 1 and
38 and 2 and 4 confluent.
Compared with cynarae austriaca Schwingenschuss (1952: 136) of
which I possess much material from the neighbourhood of Theyern near
Herzogenburg, 350-400 m., Lower Austria, the Slovakian race is generally
somewhat iarger. Schwingenschuss gives 25-33 mm. wingspan for
austriaca.
The red of the forewing spots and hindwings is somewhat lighter.
Forewing spots 3, 4 and 5 are larger. The red abdominal ring does not
appear to be essentially variable in either the ¢ or the @.
I name this Slovakian race: slevakica n. subsp. Holotype d, labelled:
Slovakia occ., Laksarska Nova Ves, e.l. vi.1951; Allotype ©@, labelled:
Zahorska nizina, e.]. v.1951, likewise 44 ¢,6 2 Paratypes in coll. H. and
G. Reiss. Further paratypes in coll. Dr. R. Schwarz and J. Smelhaus,
Prague.
The types are illustrated on the accompanying plate (figs 1, 2). Wing-
span, ¢, 30 mm., 9° 32.5 mm. The figures show the length and form of the
antennae, the wing shape and size and position of the forewing spots.
Zygaena (Argumenia) kavrigini Grum-Grschimailo ssp. amankutana n.
subsp.
Grum-Grschimailo found the nominate kavrigini in the Dzhilian-Tau
(Zeravshan) and near Baldzhuan (Karategin), Buchara, 800-1200 m.
Holik and Sheljuzhko (1956: 170-174) wrote at length on this species and
quoted the original description of kavrigini Grum-Grschimailo (1887;
1890) and also the description of rhodogastra Staudinger (1889), which is
placed as a synonym. From the Tring Museum I received 1 ¢ from coll.
Grum-Grschimailo with the date of capture, 22.v.1885, handwritten in
old style. Forewing length 12 mm., wingspan 25.5 mm. From the coll.
Seiler, Montpellier, without details of the collector, I have 6 dg, 2°
labelled: mont. Zeravshan, Aman Kutan, 22.vi.1966, Uzbek S.S.R., that
do not agree with the original description and the above mentioned
specimen. On the whole, the specimens from Aman Kutan are quite
uniform. They differ from the nominate subspecies, which in size has
a wing length of 12-13 mm. in both sexes, while Staudinger, in describing
rhodogastra, gave 25-30 mm. as wingspan. The wingspan of the specimens
from Aman Kutan is 22-25 mm. in the @, 24.5 and 26.5 mm. in the two
females. In shape the forewings are narrower and more pointed. The
confluent, brick-red basal spots 1 and 2 of the forewings do not reach
the inner margin, from which they are separated by the broad, yellow
edging of these spots. This yellow edging more or less extends along the
inner margin, especially in the 2. The base of the wing is lightly dusted
with dark scaling. Spots 3 and 4 are broadly surrounded with light
yellow, spot 4 is larger with the point orientated towards the tornus.
Spot 5 is likewise broadly surrounded with light yellow, spot 6 appears
longer and is just connected to spot 5 anteriorly. In 1 ¢ spot 6 is
separate, while in 1 2 the connection of spot 6 is broader. Spot 6 is
distinctly edged with yellow around the posterior half, on the anterior
half the edging is narrower. In 1 © the lower part of spot 6 is almost
yellow. The characteristic features of kavrigini, such as brick-red frons,
patagia and tegulae, and the red abdomen (of both sexes, but stronger
in the 9) are all present in these specimens. Specimens with quite
98 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
narrow or absent yellow edging of the forewing spots, that often occur
in typical kavrigini (=rhodogastra), are ahsent. On the underside, the
yellow edging is clearly evident.
Hotik and Sheljuzhko (1956: 173) state that the locality Dorf Aman
Kutan is in tne foothills of the Zeravshan Mountains.
I name this race amankutana n. subsp. Holotype, 3, mont. Zeravshan,
Aman Kutan, 22.vi.1966, Uzbek S.S.R.; Allotype 2 with the same data.
Paratypes, 5 ¢, 1 9 with the same data in coll. H. & G. Reiss.
The types are illustrated on the accompanying plate (figs 3, 4).
Wingspan, ¢, 24.5 mm. 9, 245 mm. The figures show the length and
form of the antennae, the wingshape, the size of the forewing spots and
the breadth of the hindwing border.
Zygaena (Agrumenia) loti Denis and Schiffermtller (achilleae auct.) ssp.
isikensis n. subsp.
Mr. von Demelt sent my sor 11 ¢, 169 labelled: Asia minor, Isik
Dagh, 1000-1200 m., 100 km. north of Ankara near Giivem, vi.1966, that
differ from loti anatolica Burgeff (1926: 37) from Es-Schehir, southern
Anatclia. These specimens also differ from specimens in my collection
from Ak-Chehir, Anatolia, 1909, leg. Korb; Ak-Chehir, 21-30.vi.1928, leg.
von Bartha; Aksehir, Sultan Dagh, 1000-1500 m., 20-30.vi. and vii.1934, leg.
Pfeiffer, Miinchen; Aksehir, Sultan Dagh 15.vi.-13.vii.1963 leg. Leinfest
and Bulghar Dagh, Namrun, 1460-1600 m., 16.vi.1965, leg. von Demelt.
The specimens from Isik-Dagh are on average larger, somewhat
densely scaled and with large forewing spots. Wingspan, ¢ 27-31 mm.,
QO 28-31 mm. The red is somewhat warmer. The yellow scaling in the
spot area is less in the ¢~, but in the ©, however, is well represented.
The tendency to confluence of the forewing spots is less when compared
with ssp. anatolica. Holik and Sheljuzhko (1955: 146) wrote at length on
ssp. anatolica Burgeff. The series from Isik-Dagh differs from the ssp.
pontica Holik and Sheljuzhko (1955: 143) from Amasia by its size, the
much broader wings and the dense scaling.
I name this race: isikensis n. subsp. Holotype, ¢, Asia minor, Isik
Dagh, 1000-1200 m., 100 km. north of Ankara near Gtivem, vi.1966; Allo-
type, © with the same data; Paratypes, 10 ¢. 15 2 with the same data, in
coll. H. and G. Reiss.
The types are figured on the accompanying plate (figs 5, 6). These
figures show the length and shape of the antennae, the wingshape, the
size and position of the forewing spots and the breadth of the hindwing
border.
Zygaena (Zygaena) ephialtes Linné ssp. ines n. subsp.
Mr. J. R. Caron and his wife, of Hilversum, found Z. ephialtes Linné
near Jaca (Huesca), 800 m., North Spain on 9-17,vii.1966 and sent me 7,
7 ©. Mr Caron wrote that he has retained 10 ¢, and 8 9 in his collection
from Jaca and sent me a description of these specimens. Also Lt.-Col.
W. B. L. Manley and his wife collected 11 4, 14 9 of this race near
Jaca, 14-26vii.1964 (Tremewan and Manley, 1965: 8, 9). This race differs
from all known races of ephialtes. Wingspan, @, 31-33 mm., 9, 35-36
mm., differing in size from ssp. roussilloni Koch (wingspan, ¢, 34 mm.,
©, 34-40.5 mm.), described from Vernet-les-Bains, Pyrénées-Orientales
(French Pyrenees). I have in my collection specimens from the type
NEW SUBSPECIES IN THE GENUS ZYGAENA 99
locality, 24.vii.1928, leg. Fischer, and from Gesse Uzzon (Aude), 7.vii.1931,
leg. Aichele; Amboilas, 6.vili.1952, 15.vii.1955, leg. Lucas; Col de Joux,
10 and 12.vii.1952, leg. Lucas, all the localities being in the French
Pyrerees. Specimens from Jaca are very uniform and without exception
five spotted, red ephialtoid. While in ssp. roussilloni Koch the basal
spots (1, 2) of the forewings have strong red scaling without the usual
admixture uf white scales, these spots are in the specimens from Jaca
strongly reduced and in each example, spot 1 is so strongly dusted with
dark scaling that in some specimens, especially tha males, it is only just
visible Definite traces of white edging to spot 2 is present in the Jaca
specimens, in spite of the dark scaling. On the underside, spots 1 and 2
are so reduced that they are only just discernible, The white spot 4 is
in all specimens from Jaca, smaller than that in roussilloni, whilst the
size of the forewing spots 3 and 5 are also smaller when compared wita
those of roussilloni, The admixture of red scaling in the white of the
forewing spots is much less than in those in rouwssillont.
Further localities for this subspecies. from specimens in coll. Caron:
Ordesa, ca 1100-1200 m., 11 ¢, 13 ©, 28-31.vii.1962, commen but worn, and
Panticosa, ca 1200 m., 3 3, 1 9, 14-27.vii.1962. According to Mr. Caron,
these specimens from Ordesa and Panticosa agree exactly with those
from Jaca. The biotope is according to Mr. Caron the same in all places,
namely, not too dry, bushy places.
I name this race: ines n. subsp. Holotype, 4, Hispania sept. (Huesca),
Jaza 800 m., 9-17.vii.1966; Allotype, 2, with the same data; Paratypes,
arb
6 3,6 9 with the same data in coll. H. and G. Reiss; 10 ¢, 8 9 with the
same data, in coll. J. R. Caron and 11 ¢@, 14 © from Jaca (Huesca), 2700
ft., 14-26.vii.1964, in coll. W. B. L. Manley.
The tynes are figured on the accompanying plate (figs. 7, 8). Wing-
span, 4, 33 mm., ©, 35 mm. These figures show the iength and form of
the antennae, the wingshape and the position and form of the spots.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To my son, Dr. Giinther Reiss, I am indebted for taking the original
photographs reproduced on the plate.
REFERENCES
Rureeff, H. 1926 Kommentas zum palaearktischen Teil der Gattung Zyg@aena
Fab. des von E. Strand herausgegebenen Lepidopterorum Catalogus. Mitt.
miinch. ent. Ges., 1G: 37.
Esper, E. 1789. Die Schmetterlinge, Supplement. 2: 2. pl. 37, figs. 2-4.
Grum-Grschimailo, G. 1887. Bericht tiber eine Reise in das 6stliche Buchara.
Romanoff, Mémoires sur les Lépidopteéeres, 3: 402.
——~—. 1890. Le Pamir et sa Faune lépidoptérologique. Tbidem, 4: 522, pl. 18,
fig. 9. ss
Holik, O. 1932. Polnische and ukrainische Zygaenen. Jris, 46: 115, pl. 1. figs.
23-26.
Holik, O. & Sheljuzhko, L., 1955. Uber die Zygaenenfauna Osteuronas, Kleina-
siens. Irans, Zentralasiens und Sibiriens. Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 44/45:
143-146.
1956. Ibidem, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., AG: 170-174.
Reiss, H. 1958. Versuch der Darstellung von Entwicklungsreihen bei der
Gattung Zygaena F. (Lep.). Z. wien. ent. Ges., 43: 157-161, with 3 sketches.
Schwingenschuss, L. 1952. Eine ftir Osterrich neue Zygaena in Niederosterreich.
Zygaena cynarae Esp. und ihre Formen. Z. wien. ent. Ges., 36: 135-136.
Staudinger, O. 1889. Einige neue Arten and Varietéten. Stfettin. ent. Ztq., 50:
24, 25.
100 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
Tremewan, W. G. & Manley, W. B. L. 1965. Notes on Species of the Genus
Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae) from South-west France and Spain,
with descriptions of New Subspecies. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 77: 8, 9.
Inverness-shire in 1967
By Commander G. W. Harper, R.N. Retd., F.R.E.S.
The fond hope for a recovery in entomclogical health in 1967, which
I expressed as usual last year has been duly and dramatically destroyed!
In order to be quite sure there was no obscure fault in the trap, I ran
a second trap out of sight of the first for about three months of the six,
and the results with it were broadly comparable as regards numbers and
variations from night to night. The score for the same six months, April
to September 1967, from the one main trap was only 2,500, no less than
1,000 fewer than the previous lowest record in 1966.
The sorry story begins with the onset of another early winter in
November 1966, a stormy December with a perfect White Christmas in
bright sunshine, followed by a heavy snowfali at Hogmanay. This was
however the last real snow and the main winter was very open with very
persistent but only moderate frost. A mild spell in the second half of
January caused the first Phigalia pedaria Fab. to emerge and sit on one
of my birches on 15th, equal to the earliest previous date I have recorded
here; this was followed by a fair number later in the month and in early
February, which month ended in a series of fierce blizzards of wet snow
which never lasted long.
March came in like the proverbial lion with mild storm force gales
(Beaufort Scale force 10) together with the worst floods for many years
in the Spey valley, continuing most of the month. Plovers, thrushes
and oyster-catchers arrived in the first week. During the brief intervals
between gales I worked my m.v. trap in my birch spinney, the first Achlya
flavicernis L. and Orthosia incerta Hufn. appearing in it on 21st. A visitor,
Mr E. A. Sadler, reported Brachyonica nubeculosa Esp. and Poecilopsis
lapponaria Bdv. on 25th, but I did not see the former at all and the latter
not until the next month, a few elderly females which had laid all their
eggs!
April was mostly very cold and stormy with Easterly blizzards of snow
and hail. A few sunny days in the middle of the month tempted a single
Aglais urticae L. out of hibernation and the sallows into blossom the next
week; these were well patronised by the common Orthosias and hiber-
nators, but Lampropteryx suffumata Schf. was unusually abundant
at the catkins.
May was ushered in by the traditional “lambing” snowstorm and
frosts for the first week. A few sunny days followed, but apart from one
or two Isturgia carbonaria Cl. none of the usual sun-lovers was seen.
However, the minute trap catches were graced by two male Odontosia
carmelita Esp., the first appearing on the same day, 12th, as last year.
The month ended with a litle more sunshine and the emergence of a few
Pieris napi L. and Anthocaris cardamines L. But Callophrys rubi L. was
again very scarce this year.
June began with the continuation of very cold nights, so that light
trap catches varied between nil and seven until 13th, when double figures
were at last reached! However, gloriously sunny days began on 10th,
INVERNESS-SHIRE IN 1967 10)
by which time Argynnis euphrosyne L. was well out and soon flew freely
among the violets growing among the scree boulders of my local hillside.
On 14th I had one of the most remarkable Hymenopterous experiences of
my life. I had noticed during the previous three days, the beginning of
the warm spell, that there were a good number of Queen wasps, Vespa
vulgaris, busily at work paper-making on fence posts for their nests, and
tried to reduce their numbers. In the early evening of 14th, whilst having
a drink with a friend on his verandah, I noticed the queens swarming to
the fresh buds of a Cotoneaster bush under the window, and I succeeded
in netting no less than twenty-four in half an hour; I saw very few
worker wasps later in the year. The sunny spell ended after only eight
days on 18th, and our summer was virtually over. On this last hot day
I visited the solitary and most northerly British colony of our rarest local
Butterfly, Cupido minimus Fuess. to find it in very good heart, flying
in very good numbers, in both sexes. Later in July, larvae were plentiful
also and easy to find. This lovely little species was certainly one of the
few bright spots in this depressingly poor season. A single immigrant
Vanessa atalanta L. was also seen in an Aviemore garden on 18th June.
July was a very stormy, cold, wet month, so that the usual summer
common butterflies appeared slowly and in small numbers. I did not see
the first Aricia artaxerxes Fab. until 6th, and this species remained scarce
again this year, nor was Argynnis aglaia L. at all abundant, appearing
first as late as 22nd. One fairly mild night was that of 15th, when I
sampled the high moorlands of Dalwhinnie with sugar and m.v. Moths
were fairly numerous, both at sugar and light, no less than four Apamea
exulis spp. assimilis, all damaged by the blustery weather, came to the
latter. Light trap catches continued miserably small, with the year’s
record large total to date of 42 moths on the last night, 31st.
August produced a mixed bag of weather, with a fair amount of sun,
especially in the third week. By 6th, Erebia aethiops Esp. was well out
and particularly plentiful at Aviemore, where on this day in a grassy dell
with many Ragwort plants I have never tefore seen such a beautiful
concentration of this lovely butterfly, between ten and twenty individuals
feeding avidly on each flower clump, the vivid females emerging all
around, and many pairs in cop. The usual summer moths were about,
but trap catches remained poor, though a maximum of fifty a night was
reached occasionally! Finding myself in Elgin on 22nd I took my portable
20 watt m.v. tube to the cliff tops near Hopeman in fond hope of taking
Euschesis orbona Hb. but was only rewarded by some fresh E. comes Hb.,
Amathes agathina Dup., and the local melanic form of Caradrina blanda
Schf. Returning home, the month ended with a little more sunshine and
one or two Aglais urticae in my garden but no migrants, not even one
Plusia gamma L.!
September also produced some pleasant sunny days with rather less of
the frustrating high winds which have been a pronounced feature of our
weather recently. The normally common autumn species were seen in
well below normal numbers, the Oporinias in particular were actually
rare, especially O. autumnata Bork., and larvae too were very scarce and
the few I found heavily parasitized.
October saw the virtual end of the season; it was the coldest, wettest
and windiest for years. The hills were snow covered on 4th, and snow
reached the low ground on 18th, which was followed by a mild, wet week
102 ENYOMOLOGISL’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
in which both Operophtera brumata L. and O. fagata Scharf. emerged
with a fair number of Erannis aurantiaria Hb. So ended another dis-
appointing year.
Neadaich, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. 15.i.68.
Robert Dick Centenary Exhibition, Thurso,
Saturday, 16th July 1966
By, ake ves esror
Robert Dick, 1810-1866, was an entomologist, and also my greatgrand-
uncle. Some details are given below, but a very full biography was
written by Samuel Smiles. This fact speaks in itself for the calibre of
the subject, though unfortunately the book is now better known to the
Scots than to the English.
Dick’s collection of all orders of insects, taken exclusively in Caith-
ness (the whole of which county he regularly covered on foot), is known
to have included 240 species of Macrolepidoptera. Samuel Smiles saw
his entomological collection, in a neglected state, about 1875; but it has
since disappeared. It is chiefly as a pioneer geologist and botanist that
Robert Dick is famous, but his influence on the study of entomology was
undoubtedly very great; and I commend this aspect of his work to possible
further research. Unfortunately his own name was not always credited
with the prodigious amount of work that he did in all fields: and Samuel
Smiles alludes to an instance of an extensive assembly of geological speci-
mens being connected with the name of another geologist without any
mention of the fact that every one of them had been collected by Robert
Dick. He was almost quixotically generous with both specimens and
information. |
Robert Dick’s house at Thurso is reverently preserved. His birth-
place at Tullibody (January 1810), despite previous promises of preser-
vation, has recently been pulled down.
Dick died on 24th December 1866, being accorded a public funeral and
a splendid monument; and his centenary year was commemorated by
means of an extensive exhibition during Thurso’s gala week in the sum-
mer. This exhibition was the product of the devoted and protracted
labours of a group of local geologists and botanists; and as a result there-
of some additional information on and relics of Robert Dick came to
light. One of these latter was an actual photograph of him, the only
likeness previously known having been the pen and ink portrait which
forms the frontispiece of Samuel Smiles’s work. The exhibition attracted
a good deal of attention; and visitors came to it from all parts of the
world, even from England. Many exhibits, comprising some of Dick’s
original specimens, were lent from various sources including the Royal
Scottish Museum. The exhibition was honoured by a visit from the
Queen Mother.
As Robert Dick’s great grand-nephew, I had the honour of being
invited to perform the opening ceremony at Thurso on Saturday, 16th
July 1966, for which purpose I made a rail journey of 800 miles from my
school in Hampshire. On the afternoon of that day, accompanied by the
local geologists, I visited the site on Holburn Head where Dick had
obtained both geological and entomological specimens. Here, also, on the
bleak and rugged headland overlooking the wild sea, I had the pleasure
ROBERT DICK CENTENARY EXHIBITION, 1966 103
of collecting two specimens of the large heath butterfly as a souvenir of
the occasion. ;
The proceedings, including the visit to Holburn Head, were covered
by the B.B.C. I reproduce hereunder the text of my inaugural speech,
which has not previously appeared in print.
Speech by Mr lan Robert Penicuick Heslop
My Lady Provost, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are met here to commemorate, and to inaugurate a permanent
tribute to the memory of, a great man, Ropert Dick—pioneer Geologist
and Naturalist—who was born at Tullibody in 1810 and who lived and
worked here in Thurso for thirty-six years, dying here in 1866: one
hundred years ago.
So many of the features, which we take for granted now, were a
century ago matters of amazement and incredulity. Robert Dick lived
in an age in which the doctrine of evolution, to which his studies and
his specimens contributed so much, came as an alterative as much as
nuclear fission does to ours. It was then still widely believed that the
fossils which he so carefully and piously garnered were the work of
demons; or even—by the anti-evolution school of religion—that they had
been put there, by their own equivocal deity, just to confuse mankind: in
other words, to their own supine belief, that Creation embodied one
colossal lie.
Robert Dick furnished much of the material, literally did a great part
ot the spade-work, which others—more advantageously placed—used to
make themselves famous and comfortable. And yet, though he had been
besought by Peers and Princes and Philosophers, he himself died in
want. But his work and his influence live on.
I do not know where any of the books he so treasured now are; and
his collection of entomological specimens (which, according to family
tradition, included a Satyrid butterfly new to Britain but unrecorded)
has long since perished from neglect. In the field of botany he added
several species of plants to the British list; and his herbarium, at that
time unrivalled outside museums, has survived the neglect of former
years. His geological specimens have been dispersed all over the world;
but some, from Scottish locations, are re-assembled here again to-day.
I speak with feeling, since not only am I a naturalist (an entomologist
in particular); but I am also the son of a geologist.
It is appropriate here to speak from a family viewpoint about one
consideration. I observe that externally there has been some controversy
as to whether Robert Dick was born in 1810 or in 1811. This is not the
case within the family. My maternal grandfather (also a Robert Dick),
who was his nephew, told me that it was definitely in 1810 that the
Robert Dick was born.
I feel also a considerable additional bond with my great grand-uncle
in that, as I note, he learned Latin exceptionally quickly; and that I my-
self, since my retirement from the Nigerian Administrative Service, have
earned my living by teaching Classics.
Robert Dick was a poet and a visionary as well as a scientist. He
was a profoundly religious man, though his views were not always
acceptable to that brand of orthodoxy which precluded thought. Not the
least of his achievements was the reconciliation, even identification, to
104 ENYOMOLOGISI'S RECORD, VOL, 80 15/1V/68
his own highly critical and original mind of the scientific and religious
points of view. As a University Professor said of him: “In this man
were combined singular powers of thought, the greatest devotion to
natural science, and a truly devout and earnest spirit.”
And now, since this is the only speech I shall be making; and more
especially since presently I shall in silence be laying a wreath on the
ereve of my forbear, I conclude by quoting from Robert Dick’s own
profession of faith :—
“The whole universe is set to music! It is harmonious. There is,
in truth, no jarring, no discord. And when man thinks that he
discovers a want of harmony, the fault is in himself. It is he
that is out of tune, and not Nature — not the Creator of the
Universe.”
I have the greatest pleasure and satisfaction in formally declaring
open the Robert Dick Centenary Exhibition, an honour of which I am
deeply sensitive.
Lepidoptera from the Stirling Area
By D. L. COATES
(Continued from p. 12)
Thera obeliscata Htibn. May/Oct. very common, appears to be con-
tinuously brooded.
T. firmata Hubn. Uncommon.
Hydriomena furcata Thunb. Common.
H. coerulata Fab. Uncommon.
Chesias legatella Schiff. Common.
Odezia atrata L. Cambusbarron, local but common where found.
Andaitis plagiata L. Uncommon.
Epirrhoe alternata Mull. Common, double-brooded.
E. tristata L. Easterton, widespread, fairly common, single-brooded.
Eupithecia tenuiata Hubn. Uncommon.
. linariata Schiff. Fairly common.
. pulchellata Steph. Common.
. exiguata Hiibn. Fairly common.
. centaurata Schiff. Occasional.
satyrata Hubn. Cambusbarron, uncommon.
tripunctaria H.-S. Fairly common.
absinthiata Clerck. Uncommon.
. assimilata Doubld. Fairly common.
. vulgata Haw. Very common.
. castigata Hiibn. Common, some melanic forms.
. icterata de Vill. Uncommon.
. indigata Hubn. Fairly common.
nanata s.sp. angusta Prout, widespread, fairly common.
. innotata s.sp. fraxinata Crewe. Uncommon.
_ abbreviata Steph. Fairly common, some melanic forms.
. sobrinata Hiibn. Uncommon.
. lariceata Freyer. Common.
. tantillaria Boisd. Fairly common.
es] Iesl tes}. lesl Isat tes) les| Isat Jesh lel Isl test Isai teal es| Iss] Isl ies
LEPIDOPTERA FROM THE STIRLING AREA 105
Chloroclystis rectangulata L. Fairly common, both green and black
forms.
Trichopteryx carpinata Borkh. Bridge of Allan, fairly common.
Oporinia autumnata Borkh. Common.
O. filigrammaria H.-S. Uncommon.
O. christyi Prout. Bridge of Allan, uncommon.
O. dilutata Schiff. Very common.
Operophtera fagata Scharf. Uncommon.
O. brumata L. Very common.
Abraxas grossulariata L. Uncommon.
Lomaspilis marginata L. Widespread, common.
Deilinea pusaria L. Common.
D. exanthemata Scop. Cambusbarron, uncommon.
Ellopia fasciaria L. Uncommon.
Campaea margaritata L. Widespread, common.
Ennomos quercinaria Hufn. One at light in x.1962.
Deuteronomos alniaria L. Fairly common.
Selenia bilunaria Esp. Common.
S. lunaria Schiff. Fairly common.
Gonodontis bidentata Clerck. Common, including one ab. nigra Prout
Colotois pennaria L. Common, very variable.
Crocallis elinguaria L. Common.
Ouropteryx sambucaria L. Fairly common.
Opisthograptis luteolata L. Very common, however, not out until end
of May.
Pseudopanthera macularia L. Cambusbarrom, common in one area.
Semiothisa liturata Clerck. Widespread, fairly common.
Theria rupicaparia Schiff. Uncommon.
Erannis leucophaeria Schiff. Fairly common.
E. aurantiaria Hubn. Fairly common.
E. marginaria Fab. Fairly common.
E. defoliaria Clerck. Common.
Phigalia pilosaria Schiff. Very common.
Biston strataria Hufn. Bridge of Allan, uncommon.
B. betularia L. Common, approximately 3 typical to 1 ab. carbonaria,
no ab. insularia.
Cleora rhomboidaria Schiff. Fairly common.
Alcis repandata L. Fairly common.
Ematurga atomaria L. Widespread, very common.
Bupalus piniaria L. Widespread, common.
Itame wauaria L. Uncommon.
Lithina chlorosata Scop. Widespread, very common.
Chiasmia clathrata L. Uncommon.
HEPIALIDAE
Hepialus humuli L. Common.
H. sylvina L. One only.
H. fusconebulosa Deg. Common.
H. lupulina L. Fairly common.
PYRALIDAE
Aphomia sociella L. C. pratellus L. Cambusbarron.
Crambus pascuellus L. Bal- C. culmellus L.
maha. C. hortuellus Htibn.
ENTOMOLOGISY S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
Crambus pinellus L.
C. tristellus Fab.
Eurrhypara hortulata L.
Phlyctaenia lutealis Hubn.
P. ferrugalis Hubn. One at
light on 29.x.1963.
P. prunalis Schiff.
P. fuscalis Schiff.
Pyrausta purpuralis L. Cam-
busbarron.
P. cespitalis Schiff. Cambus-
barron.
Scoparia murana Curt.
S. frequentella Staint.
S. cembrae Haw.
S. ambigualis Treits.
Mesographe forficalis L.
PTEROPHORIDAE
Platyptillia gonodactyla Schiff.
P. pallidactyla Haw.
Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla
Haw.
PHALONIIDAE
Phalonia badiana Hubn.
Euxanthis straminea Haw.
E. hamana L. Cambusbarron.
TORTRICIDAE
Pandemis heparana Schiff.
P. ribeana Hubn.
Tortrix loeflingiana L.
. viridana L.
. paleana Hubn.
. forsterana Fab.
. costana Fab.
. unifasciana Dup.
. musculana Hubn. Cambus-
barron.
Eulia ministrana L. Balmaha.
E. politana Haw. Sheriffmuir.
Expate congelatella Clerck.
Males only at light.
Cnephasia virgaureana Treit.
C. incertana Treit.
Argyrotoxa bergmanniana L.
A. conwayana Fab.
Peronea caudana Fab.
P. contaminana Hubn.
P. latifasciana Haw.
P. variegana Schiff.
P. sparsana Schiff.
le ee eed
P. hyemana Haw.
Preiiterang le: One at light
22.x.1963.
Gypsonoma dealbana Frol.
Notocelia rosaecolana Doubl.
Eucosma diniana Guen.
E. ratzeburgiana Sax. One at
light 26.viii.1965.
corticana Hubn.
. scopoliana Haw.
pflugiana Haw.
. cirsiana Zell.
. tripunctana Fab.
. ramella L.
. nisella Clerck.
. tetraquetrana Haw. Easter-
ton.
E. tedella Clerck. Cambus-
barron.
E. semifuscana Steph.
Bactra lanceolana Hubn.
Endothenia antiquana Hubn.
Argyroploce betuletana Haw.
Laspeyresia ulicetana Haw.
Easterton.
L. perlepidana Haw. Kippen.
Bm em sme
COSMOPTERYGIDAE
Mompha conturbatella Hubn.
OECOPHORIDAE
Endrosis lactella Schiff.
Borkhausenia pseudospretella
Staint.
Chimbache fagella Fab.
Depressaria heracliana L.
. costella Haw.
. umbellana Steph.
. assimilella Treit.
. arenella Schiff.
. applana Fab.
. ocellana Fab.
So Hee eo
ORNEODIDAE
Orneodes hexadactyla L.
GLYPHIPTERYGIDAE
Glyphipterix thrasonella Scop.
Balmaha.
HYPONOMEUTIDAE
Argyresthia laevigatella H.-S.
A. goedartella L.
Hyponomeuta evonymella L.
LEPIDOPTERA FROM
COLEOPHORIDAE
Coleophora albicosta Haw.
C. caespititiella Zell.
GRACILLARIIDAE
Lithocolletis quercifoliella
Zell. Sheriffmuir.
Gracillaria syringella Fab.
PLUTELLIDAE
Cerostoma xylostella L.
Plutella maculipennis Curt.
THE STIRLING AREA
TINEIDAE
Monopis rusticella Hubn.
Tinea semifulvella Haw.
ADELIDAE
Adela viridella Scop. Easter-
ton.
Nemophora swammerdamella
L. Easterton.
E,RIOCRANIIDAE
Mnemonica
Haw.
subpurpurella
The following lists are not comprehensive and include only those
species not mentioned above.
PERTHSHIRE
LASIOCAMPIDAE
Trichiura crataegi L. Aberfoyle.
Macrothylacia rubi L. Callander, larvae only, but bred through.
ARCTIIDAE
Celama confusalis H.-S. Brig O’ Turk, fairly common.
Cybosia mesomella L. Brig O’ Turk, uncommon.
Diacrisia sannio L. Brig O’ Turk, one only.
Parasemia plantaginis L. Findo
NOTODONTIDAE
Drymonia dodonea Schiff. Brig
DREPANIDAE
Gask, fairly common.
O’ Turk, fairly common.
Drepana lacertinaria L. Brig O’ Turk, one only.
NOCTUIDAE
Polia hepatica Clerck. Brig O’ Turk, uncommon.
P. nebulosa Hufn.
Brig O’ Turk, fairly common.
Hadena rivularis Fab. Brig O’ Turk, uncommon.
Orthosia gracilis Schiff. Brig O’
Turk, fairly common.
Xylena exsoleta L. Aberfoyle, one only.
Apamea exulis s.sp. assimilis Doubl.
31.vii.1964.
Hydraecia crinanensis Burrows.
Brig O’ Turk, one at light on
Glendevon, fairly common.
Rivula sericealis Scop. Brig O’ Turk, fairly common.
GEOMETRIDAE
Scopula lactata Haw. Brig O’ Turk, fairly common.
Ortholitha plumbaria Fab. Findo Gask, fairly common.
Thera juniperata L. Callander, fairly common in one area.
Deuteronomos erosaria Schiff. Aberfoyle, common.
Plagodis dolabraria L. Brig O’ Turk, fairly common.
108 ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD, VOL. 8 15/1V/68
Ectropis biundulata de Vill. Brig O’ Turk, common.
Alcis jubata Thunb. Brig O’ Turk, uncommon.
PYRALIDAE
Nomophila noctuella Schiff. Aberfoyle, one at light on 3.x.1965.
Scoparia truncicolella Staint. Aberfoyle.
TORTRICIDAE
Peronea abietana Hubn. Aberfoyle, one at light on 11.x.1965.
Lathronympha hypericana Hubn. Glen Farg,
Hemimene aeratana Pierce. Glen Farg, one on 2.vii.1965.
GELECHIIDAE
Chelaria conscriptella Hibn. Aberfoyle.
OECOPHORIDAE
Chimabacche phyrganella Hubn. Aberfoyle.
Depressaria scopariella H.-S. Aberfoyle, fairly common.
D. ciliella Staint. Brig O’ Turk.
HyYPONOMEUTIDAE
Argyresthia retinella Zell. Aberfoyle.
GRACILLARIIDAE
Lithocelletis cramerella Fab. Aberfoyle.
PLUTELLIDAE
Cerostoma costella Fab. Aberfoyle.
C. radiatella Don. Aberfoyle.
FIFESHIRE
GEOMETRIDAE
Rheumaptera undulata L. Kincardine, one on 21.vi.1965.
Perconia strigillaria Hubn. Kincardine, uncommon, in one area.
PTEROPHORIDAE
Platyptilia acanthodoctyla Hubn. Kincardine.
PHALONIIDAE
Euxanthis angustana Hubn. Kincardine.
TORTRICIDAE
Argyroploce palustrana Zell. Kincardine.
A. urticana Hubn. Kincardine.
GELECHIIDAE
Gelechia ericetella Hiubn. Kincardine.
OECOPHORIDAE
Pleurota bicostella Clerck. Kincardine.
LANARKSHIRE
NOCTUIDAE
Apamea furva s.sp. scotica Cockayne. Airdrie, one only.
Pyrrhia umbra Hufn. Airdrie, one at light on 28.vii.1963.
ANY NUMBER CAN JOIN—BUT! 109
GEOMETRIDAE
Xanthorhoe munitata Hubn. Airdrie, uncommon.
Perizoma albulata Schiff. Airdrie, one only.
TORTRICIDAE
Evetria posticana Zett. Bishopbriggs.
Argyroploce sororculana Zett. Bishopbriggs.
“Daldrishaig’’, Aberfoyle, Perthshire, 1967.
Any Number can Join; — BUT!
By C. F. Cowan
Whether or not nomenclature can be called a game, of course any
number can varticipate—but for Linnaeus’ sake learn the rules, and play
the game!
The first, unfortunate, highly misleading and inaccurate contribution
to the debate, is best forgotten. But Dr. Ainley raised some constructive
queries, most of which were ably answered by Mr. Warren, in the
December and February numbers of the Record. To the plea for an
article on “Nomenclature without Tears” there is only one reply: “read
(and understand) the rules’, elementary homework obviously not yet
attempted by some. The 87 Articles of the Code are printed in French and
English on opposite pages (pp. 4-91), so really occupy only 44, not ‘91
pages of an octavo volume” (i.e. the same size as this page). And the
last 12 Articles deal not with nomenclature but with the constitution and
working of the referees committee for the game, the International Com-
mission, whose very existence has been queried by some.
The present writer’s very limited experience results mainly from
having had to check a number of names of oriental species in the last
few years, during which a few historical aspects have been noted.
Perhaps the following resumé, tracing the evolution of nomenclature
towards the establishment of stability, may help sufferers to read the
rules with fuller sympathy and less frustration.
Linnaeus crystallised from chaos the early attempts at classification,
and really founded binominal nomenclature. His Systema Naturae, 1758
edition, was the first work so to classify effectively the whole animal
kingdom. it was completely revised and amplified in his final, 1767,
edition. His work was acclaimed universally, as he had friends and
correspondents in all active countries. On his death, the basis for all
svstematists naturally became his final work. The “year dot” was taken
as 1767.
During the next half-century great auantities of fresh material were
gathered by explorers world-wide, and written up in various countries.
In this period, without Linnaeus’ controlling hand, different procedures
evolved. And then, as now, there were non-conformists who went their own
individual ways. So were bequeathed untold worries for their successors.
One such, for instance, was “Dr. B” (no connection with our “Dr.
A’). Active over 40 years, he became well known for several early
works, some of which were unfinished. Then he began to distribute
specimens with label names of his own, often inconsistently spelt, to
Cifferent countries. These would frequently be described by other authors
110 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/I1V/68
in various publications. Finally, disregarding the works of others, he
wrote several more books and papers publishing many of his old names,
in one or other spelling, as new. He also had the habit of ignoring, or
just disliking the sound of, established names, and publishing his own, io
him more euphonious, substitutes. The literature became increasingly
confusing, and the application of the “priority rule’, indeed its very
framing, posed formidable difficulties.
Another typical source of confusion at this time was the fact that the
year 1775 had seen the publication in different countries of no less than
four important works on butterflies. No relative priority was known, and
later authors followed their own inclinations regarding the many names
involved. This state of affairs lasted until 1958, when the International
Commission, after careful research, ruled as to the relative precedence
to be observed.
Then, towards the end of the 19th century, a long debate began
regarding the “year dot’. Eventually it was universally agreed that it
should be 1758, not 1767. This was perfectly reasonable, as Linnaeus’
work of that year, and several immediately following authors, had
fully complied with the rules But the result entailed considerable
revision.
At last, in 1901, after a gestation of 11 years, the first comprehensive
International Rules were drawn up, being published in 1905. So, world-
wide control was provided for the first time since Linnaeus.
Finally, from experience of the operation of those Rules, they were
revised and became the current International Code of 1958 (published
1961).
So much for the evolution of the Code, which includes provision for
and is administered by the “referees board”, the International Com-
mission This is a devoted and expert body, democratically constituted,
and it is pointless to sneak of “They.” We are they. If we want to
complain about “them” we should formulate our complaint and submit
it to them. That is what “they” are for. As often as not, the very act
of formulating it will show us the answer. Luckily for me, when I
“had a go” and made a mistake it did not appear in print, as the Assistant
Secretary of “them”, Dr. W. E. China, C.B.E., gently pointed out my error.
One point must be emphasised here. The Commission does not step in
and interfere on its own; “they” are the experts, arbiters, and referees
in nomenclature, but not experts in every class of the animal
kingdom. Thus, sensibly, it is up to the experts in every small
branch—“us”—to initiate any desirable action to conserve stability in it
by putting the necessary case to the Commission. And to be aware of
what is going on lest a case go by default; the Commission might, through
inadequate guidance or through misguidance, be led to give an un-
desirable ruling.
Editors of journals in branches of zoology would greatly help in this
respect if they publicised for us briefly the titles of any cases before the
Commission. Full details appear about every other month in the Bulletin
of zoological Nomenclature, which surely should be accessible to at least
one member of the editorial staff.
To quote, carefully, from Dr. Ainley’s concluding remark about speci-
fic names; “ it matters not one jot whether we choose to call it
magnus, major, or maximus, provided everyone agrees to call it by the
ANY NUMBER CAN JOIN—BUT! Lil
same name. If the last condition is not fulfilled, the function of the name
as a means of communication breaks down, as so frequently happens
under our present system thanks to those who’—disregard the rules! (my
italics).
The four significant dates in the history of nomenclature may be
given as;
1758 “The Year Dot.” Linnaeus’ Systema Naturae edition ‘10.”
1767 “False Year Dot.’ Linnaeus’ Syst. Nat. ed. “12.”
1901 Adoption of the International Rules.
1961 Publication of the current 1958 International Code.
The adventures of the specific name Papilio aglaja may now be worth
reviewing. J: was Linnaeus himself who made the mistake of giving this
name to two different species in his 1758 work; to the oriental Pierid
which we now call Delias aglaja on his page 465, and to the Nymphalid
species on his page 481. Even under his own rules or canons, this was
invalid, and in 1767 he changed the former name, leaving the Nymphalid
as P. aglaja. So, to the early users of the “false year dot’, Argynnis
aglaja (Linn., 1767) became familiar.
Then came 1901, with the International Rules, the adoption of 1758 as
year dot, and the “page precedence” rule. This resulted in Delias aglaja
(Linn., 1758: 465) being validated, with priority over the Argynnid. Hence
chariotta Haw., the next prior name, became the valid one for the latter
as from 1901. Of course it took some time for this to be realised — 34
years in fact. Then, of course, lots of people would not conform. Of
course there were varied views, but no one put up a case for conserva-
tion and it went by default.
Meanwhile, the Pierid aglaja had undergone the reverse upheaval.
Linnaeus had corrected this name in 1767 to pasithoe, and users of the
“false year dot” were quite familiar with Delias pasithoe (Linn., 1767).
Then, in 1901, its valid name became Delias aglaja (Linn., 1758). This
change, in due course, was dutifully effected, and this famous migrant
species thus smoothly underwent its unnatural transformation.
Finally, for various necessary reasons, the Rules were revised and the
current Code adopted. One change was the insertion of the “First
Reviser” rule in preference for that of “Page Precedence.”
It was six years (i.e. only last year) before it was realised that Lin-
naeus, 1767 might be called the first reviser of Linnaeus, 1758 in this
case, and that if so, aglaja could be revalidated for the Argynnid and in-
validated for the Pierid. To save Delias aglaja from yet another meta-
morphosis, an application was submitted forthwith to the Commission for
its stabilisation. A very sound case could also be made for stabilising
charlotta. Anyway, in about another two years this 200-year-old pro-
blem should finally be settled.
All this may sound laborious and, as so often, it is easy to poke fun.
But I firmly believe that we are gradually attaining stability in specific
names, and that those who ridicule this view are misguided. It is essen-
tial, of course, first to stabilise the Code, and here one sad fact must be
faced. One of its most enlightened and useful Articles (Art. 23b), which
prevents the resurrection of long-forgotten names, is so couched that the
Commission cannot interpret it and has put it in temporary abeyance.
There is thus at present an unanswerable riposte to my “read and under-
112 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
stand (!) the rules.” But it is hoped that this contretemps will be
resolved this year.
As for generic names, they surely must always be a matter of
degree and opinion. ‘God made the species, man the genus” (verb. sap.,
frequently heard at Tring and perhaps there coined; I have even heard
it as “The Lord... ”). Genera are split to reflect our concepts of classi-
fication, affinities and evolution, when considering the world-wide popu-
lation. If we take only a limited view, covering a small area or few
species, they are lumped. If one sees all the Argynninae of the world
together, one can at once see that charlotta (or aglaja) and its allies lack
something which is possessed by the true Argynnis, typified by paphia.
Hence, to the splitter, Mesoacidalia is good; to the lumper, Argynnis may
be adequate. The few species collected in the nearby woods could as
well all be lumped as Papilio.
To conclude, let us paraphrase our Ministry of Transport slogan :—
“STUDY AND FOLLOW THE INTERNATIONAL CODE.”
Lepidoptera in North-East Derbyshire in 1967
By J. H. Jounson, F.R.E.S.
When I read in several magazines and journals last year that moths
were becoming less abundant, and even in danger of disappearing
altogether in some places, due to excessive use of pesticides and mercury
vapour light traps, I felt that a journey into the hunting grounds to
invesigate was necessary. Accordingly on February 1st 1967 I set out at
8 p.m., carrying a large electric torch and headed for an ancient track
called Old Lad’s Lane by the local people and Egstow Lane by the
Ordnance Survey cartographers. The Old Lad is, of course, the Devil
himself,, and anyone who has walked down that lane in midwinter
especially at night without a light of any kind will appreciate the
inference. I walked slowly down the lane searching the hedgerows for
signs of life. Within a very few yards I could have boxed as many Early
Moths (Erannis rupicapraria L.) as I wanted. Scores of them could be
seen resting on the hawthorn twigs, a few were in flight. Many street
lamps were shining within easy flying distance of that spot and yet as
far as I could tell not one moth made the effort to reach them. No moth
was seen that night anywhere near a street light. I know that I was not
there all night nor did I visit every light, but I visited enough to show
me that light is not such a great attraction to at least one species of
moth, and that the light trap has not made all other collecting methods
obsolete. Certain species are safe from the blandishments of mercury
vapour whatever they may be and will remain “locally abundant” so
long as they can find the conditions which suit them, in the case of the
Early Moth an undisturbed hedgerow of hawthorn, hazels, brambles, elms,
maples, dog roses, blackthorn, wood sage and dog’s mercury. I don’t
know if all these are necessary, but any hedgerow that has them is also
likely to have the Early Moth.
On 23rd January an Angle Shades Moth (Phlogophora meticulosa lL.)
emerged from pupa2e reared ab ovo last year, by 10th February over thirty
had appeared and been released in the garden. I kept a few of the
LEPIDOPTERA IN NORTH-EAST DERBYSHIRE IN 1967 113
larger specimens to provide some viable eggs, but I was disappointed.
Hundreds of eggs appeared in the boxes all infertile.
The first Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae L.) was seen at
Tibshelf on 23rd March, the last one on lst September. Throughout the
summer this species was plentiful, not quite so abundant as in 1966
when all the nettle beds were smothered in the larvae.
On March 13th at 8.30 p.m. I searched the grassy banks of the Incline
for grass feeding larvae. The Incline is a section of what was once part
of a railway line from Alma Colliery to the Shunts (an old synonym for
marshalling yard for coal wagons), but has not been used for at least
fifty years, so it is overgrown with all kinds of weeds, and favoured by
numercus insects. After half an hour’s search I had found 32 larvae, the
majority Cloud Bordered brindle (Apamea crenata Hufn.) (rurea F.), the
rest Dusky Brocade (Apamea remissa Hubn. (obscura Haw.)) and one
unidentified Geometer. This method of collecting is very useful for
estimating the population of species with winter feeding larvae. In some
years I have picked up scores of larvae in ten minutes on a mild evening
in March, sometimes in April, although as the new grass grows the
caterpillars are more difficult to find. If the number of larvae found in
each hour, or whatever unit of time is most convenient, is recorded
in a permanent form, there is a useful statistic for comparison with other
places and years with which to build up some picture of population
density. On March 20th there was a bright moon shining down at 8.30
p.m. and one hour’s search resulted in no larvae anywhere. However,
one very small toad was discovered squatting among the tussocks of
grass, most likely also searching for insects. The ground temperature
was 48° F. and I expected to see plenty of caterpillars on the grass.
Perhaps the toads had felt the conditions were just right and had cleaned
uv before I arrived.
On March 23rd I searched the broom bushes on Clay Cross Gorse
Hills for insects. Not one was seen feeding externally, but after I had
noticed that some twigs were fastened together with silk webs below
suspicious brown scars I looked more close!y and found that tiny brown
larvae were inside the webs. These were later identified as Agonopterix
assimilella Treits. (Dusted Flat Body).
On March 24th I walked to Hardwick Woods in the afternoon. Colts-
foot, lesser celandine and wood anemone were in full flower. From the
oak and birch saplings Tortricodes tortricella Hubn. (hyemana Hubn.)
(Clouded White Shade) was disturbed in large numbers. After a while
I found that these moths were easy to find at rest cn the twigs of the
lower branches, and the best marked specimens could be selected at will.
Male and female sallow bushes were in full bloom and so were the
cherry laurels, but no insects were seen feeding at either.
Wragg’s Quarry on Darley Moors was visited in the evening. One
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia L.) cocoon was found on the heather,
but contained a batch of parasites. Cotton grass seed-heads were next
looked for, but only a few bedraggled scraps of white tufts loosely stuck
together and attached to dead stalks were found. These were carefully
gathered and guarded until on May 7th five good specimens of
Glyphipteryx haworthana Steph. (Haworth’s Fanner) emerged. The
drawing of this species in Stainton’s Manual is an excellent likeness.
On the evening of April 4th Diurnea fagella F. (fagi Haw.) (March
114 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
Day) appeared at the lighted kitchen window for the first time this year.
The first Humble Bee was seen on April 14th, and the first swallow was
seen on April 22nd flying over the waterlogged fields at Ankerbold.
A visit to Jack Flats, Baslow Edge, on May 21st was not very pro-
ductive. About a score of male Common Heath Moths (Ematurga
atomaria L.) were flying around a female at rest on a heather plant.
One very dark specimen was taken. A few small moths were disturbed
and good specimens of Adela viridella Scop. (Green Long-horn) and
Nemophora swammerdammella L. (Swammerdam’s Long-horn) were
taken. Birch shrubs were searched for Coleophora. In two hours only
eight cases were found, so they were not really abundant. The cases
were brown and cylindrical, and proved to be Coleophora fuscidinella
Zell. (Raven Feather Case). The English name was felt to be quite
appropriate when the tiny imagines appeared on June 17th. While
wandering among the birch shrubs I came across a few clumps of
Luzula pilosa, and a large patch of L. campestris. No coleophora cases
found on them. From a large sample of birch leaves showing signs of
insect activity gathered from birch shrubs on the same day, several
brown Epinotia solandriana L. (Solander’s Bell) emerged on July 4th.
Some very striking varieties of this species have been found among the
bushes at this spot.
On May 25th the first pair of Caloptila syringella F. (Confluent-barred)
were seen in the garden resting on privet leaves. Very few of the
imagines were noticed during the summer, and yet almost every leaf on
both privet and lilac bushes was disfigured by the blotches made by the
larvae. This species has been extremely abundant in this area for the
last ten years.
On May 27th a batch of Scalloped Hazel eggs (Gonodontis bidentata
Clerck) was found on the seed heads of some Juncus communis growing
in an old sink in the garden. I have found the eggs of this species in
some very unsuitable places, but this seemed about the worst of the
lot. Unless the larvae were content with a diet of Juncus they would
have to swim to survive. I kept these ova but failed to rear them,
the larvae died of disease when half grown. This species seems to be
less frequently met with now.
A trip to Bumper Castle on Darley Moors produced a female E.
atomaria which laid about 200 eggs. These were kept in a large plastic
box and reared through to the pupal stage without the slightest trouble.
They were fed on heather at first, but I soon found that they would eat
sallow, and gradually they all turned exclusively to the latter, even the
dried leaves and thin twigs were consumed, a very unusual diet for most
caterpillars. Flying about among the heather at the same place on May
30th were many tiny brown moths. I succeeded in catching two
eventually. They were Neofaculta betulea Haw. (ericitella Hubn.)
Heather Groundling, very easy to disturb the first time but when they
settled they slipped down among the heather debris and became
invisible. The terminal leaves of many bilberry twigs showed signs of
larval activity, but no larvae could be found.
(To be continued)
DIPTERA FROM MONKS WOOD NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE 115
Diptera from Monks Wood National Nature
Reserve
Bye JEaWaLs, Bioch te heras:
Monks Wood is the largest remaining fragment of a great forest of Oak
and Ash which at one time bordered the Huntingdonshire fenlands. It
was acquired by the Nature Conservancy as a National Nature Reserve in
1953. Among lepidopterists it is famous as the original British locality for
the Black Hairstreak Butterfly and the wood still supports a large number
of interesting species including all the Hairstreaks, the White Admiral and
the Comma Butterfly. The Lepidoptera and some other orders have been
well worked in recent years but, except for the the Syrphidae recorded by
Dr. B. N. K. Davis, (Ent. Gazette, 16: 89-93, and 17: 100). little has been
done on the Diptera of the area.
During the summer of 1966 I was temporarily employed by the Nature
Conservancy at Monks Wood Experimental Station and for a period of
nine weeks, from 10th July to 9th September, I spent my spare time col-
lecting Diptera within the reserve. Despite the poor weather conditions,
and the fact that most of my collecting was done in the evenings, I was
able to record a total of 248 species.
In order to give some indication of the distribution of species within
the reserve I have summarised my observations by recording the presence
or absence of each species in the following habitats. The names of rides
and compartments of the reserve are as given in the Monks Wood Manage-
ment Plan, 1964.
1. Boundary rides—Rides passing around the perimeter of the wood
and bordered on one side by the wood itself, and on the other by a hedge,
and then fields. (Southedge Ride, Top Ride, Eastedge Ride.)
2. Central rides—Those passing through the wood and bordered on
each side by woodland. (Main Ride, Hotel Ride, Barrow Ride, Owl Ride,
Halls Ride.)
3. Fields and glades within the wood—My collecting from these habitats
was largely restricted to the two large fields (Compartments 5a and 6b),
and two smaller glades (Compartments 4d and 17d).
4. Ewingeswode Stream (Compartment 27b)—This stream has been
dammed in three places to make small permanent ponds. Sweeping the
vegetation around these ponds resulted in the capture of a number of
species not taken elsewhere.
5. Windows of the Experimental Station buildings—On warm days
when the outside doors of the laboratories were left open, large numbers
of flies entered the buildings and became trapped on the windows. A total
of 48 species were found in this situation and of these 16 were not found
elsewhere.
In the following systematic list the name of each species is followed
firstly by its occurrence in any of the habitats outlined above, secondly
by the first and last dates on which I recorded its presence, and finally by
any other remarks on the distribution, abundance, or behaviour.
I would like to thank a number of experts who have identified speci-
mens for me. I am greatly indebted to Mr. E. M. C. d’Assis-Fonseca for
naming all the Calypterae, and to Mr. L. Parmenter for naming the
Dolichopodidae. My thanks also go to Dr. P. Freeman for allowing me to
compare specimens with those in the British Museum (Natural History)
116 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V /68
and to B. H. Cogan and A. C. Pont for naming the Ephydridae and Sepsidae
respectively. Dr. T. R. E. Southwood kindly identified the Heteroptera
taken as prey by Empis (Kritempis) livida L. and finally Iam very grateful
to Dr. B. N. K. Davis for providing me with information regarding previous
Diptera records and to the Nature Conservancy for allowing me the use
of laboratory facilities during my stay at Monks Wood.
The nomenclature follows that of Kloet and Hinks, 1945, A Check List
of British Insects, except where this has been superseded by publications
in the Royal Entomological Society’s “Handbooks” series, and by family
monographs by J. E. Collin, E. M. C. d’Assis-Fonseca, and L. V. Knutson.
Abbreviations: B=Boundary rides, C=Central rides, F=Fields and
glades, S=Ewingeswode Stream, W=Windows of the Experimental
Station buildings.
*—=previously recorded from Monks Wood by B. N. K. Davis.
+=recorded from other areas in Huntingdonshire but not Monks Wood by
B. N. K. Davis or by A. J. Cole (Huntingdonshire Fauna and Flora
Society Annual Report 1966).
All dates refer to the year 1966 so only the day and month have been
given in the list.
NEMATOCERA
TIPULIDAE
+Nephrotoma cornicina L. W. 19th Aug. Attracted to lighted windows.
+N. flavescens L. B. 6th Aug.
*Tipula oleracea L. B. 11th Jul.
T. paludosa Meig. B. F. W. 19th Aug. to 8th Sept. Very common in
glades.
+T. fulvipennis Meig. B. W. 15th to 19th Aug. Several individuals
attracted to lighted windows.
+T. fascipennis Meig. C. 20th July.
+T. lateralis Meig. B. S. W. 6th to 28th Aug. Frequently attracted to
lighted windows.
+Cylindrotoma distinctissima Meig. C. 8th Aug.
Metalimnobia bifasciata Schr. C. 14th July.
+Limonia nubeculosa Meig. S. 28th Aug. Common on tree bark.
Dicranomyia chorea Meig. C. 8th to 138th Aug. In swarms under trees.
ANISOPODIDAE
Anisopus punctatus F. C. W. 23rd Aug.
PTYCHOPTERIDAE
Ptychoptera contaminata L. S. W. 14th to 18th Aug.
P. albimana F. B.S. 15th Aug. to 3rd Sept.
CULICIDAE
Aedes annulipes Meig. C. F. 11th July to 14th Aug.
A. cantans Meig. C. 11th July to 14th Aug.
Theobaldia annulata Schr. W. 26th Aug.
BRACHYCERA
STRATIOMYIIDAE
Chorisops tibialis Meig. B. 17th to 21st July. In swarms under trees.
RHAGIONIDAE
Rhagio tringaria L. C. 11th to 17th July.
Chrysopilus cristatus F. C. 11th July.
DIPTERA FROM MONKS WOOD NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE 117
TABANIDAE
Chrysops caecutiens L. B.C. F. 11th July to 6th Aug.
C. relictus Meig. C. 12th July.
Haematopota pluvialis L. C. F. 11th July.
Tabanus bromius L. W. 12th July. Common on windows.
ASILIDAE
Machimus atricapillus Fall. B. F. 15th Aug. to 8th Sept.
EMPIDIDAE
Crossopalpus nigritella Zett. B. 23rd Aug. On Oak bark.
{Sicodus arrogans lL. €. 16th Aug. On bark of tree:
+Tachydromia fasciata Meig. B. 17th July.
+Hybos culiciformis F. B.C. F. 16th July to 8th Sept.
+H. femoratus Mull. B.C. 11th July to 26th Aug.
Bicellaria vana Collin B.C. F.S. 16th July to 14th Aug.
tOcydromia glabricula Fall. B.C. 22nd July to 15th Aug.
+Empis (Xanthempis) lutea Meig. B.C. 17th July to 13th Aug.
+E. (Kritempis livida L. B.C. F. S. 11th July to 6th Aug. Very common
throughout the wood. Specimens were taken with the following
prey: Heteroptera—Lophus decolor Fall., Phytocoris longipennis
Flor., Diptera—Syrphus auricollis Meig., Melanostoma scalare F.,
Lonchaea flavidipennis Zett., Hydrotea cinerea Deg., Drosophila
subobscura Collin., Leptohylemya coarctata Fall. Also unidentified
Homoptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera, and Ephemeroptera.
+E. (Pachymeria) tessellata F. B.C. 15th July. to 9th Sept. The latter
date is unusually late for this species. (See Wills, 1967, Ent. Rec.,
79: 179).
Empis aestiva Loew. S. 17th July.
Hilara lurida Fall. S. 22nd July.
H. thoracica Macq. F. 11th July.
DOLICHOPODIDAE
Dolichopus whalbergi Zett. C. W. 14th July to 17th Aug.
D. festivus Hal. €. W. 11th July to 23rd July.
D. ungulatus L. S. 17th to 22nd July.
Hypophyllus obscurellus Fall. C. 14th July to 23rd Aug.
Poecilobothrus nobilitatus L. F. S. 16th July to 14th Aug.
Medeterus truncorum Meig. B.S. 28rd Aug. to 3rd Sept.
M. dendrobaenus Kowarz. C. 16th Aug.
Xiphandrium appendiculatum Zett. C. S. 14th July to 3rd Sept.
Syntormon pallipes F. F.S. 14th Aug. to srd Sept.
Eutarsus aulicus Meig. S. 14th to 28th Aug.
Bathycranium bicolorellum Zett. B.C. S. 14th July to 15th Aug.
Diaphorus oculatus Fall. C. 18th July.
Chrysotus cilipes Meig. S. 17th July.
C. blepharosceles Kowarz B. 8th July.
C. gramineus Fall. C. 14th July to 6th Aug.
Argyra diaphana F. S. 17th July to 14th Aug.
A. argentella Zett. S. 22nd July.
A. leucocephala Meig. B.C. S. 12th to 22nd July.
A. confinis Zett. S. 17th July.
Campsicnemus curvipes Fall. B.S. 17th July to 3rd September.
Sciopus platypterus F. C. 12th July.
118 ENLOMOLOGIS?’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
CYCLORRHAPHA — ASCHIZA
LONCHOPTERIDAE
Lonchoptera luten Panz. B.S. Sth Aug. to 15th Aug.
PLATYPEZIDAE
Callomyia speciosa Meig. B.C. 17th July to 8th Aug.
SYRPHIDAE
Baccha elongata F. B. 17th July.
*B. obscuripennis Meig. B.C. 21st Aug. to 9th Sept.
Pyrophaena rosarum F. B.C. 4th to 14th Aug.
*Platychirus manicatus Meig. F. 4th Sept.
*P. peltatus Meig. B.C. F.S. W. 14th Aug. to 8th Sept. Common through-
out the reserve.
+P. scutatus Meig. B.C. F. 2nd Aug. to 4th Sept. Common.
*P. albimanus F. B.C. F. W. 12th July to 4th Sept. Common.
P.immarginatus Zett. F. 27th Aug.
Xanthandrus comtus Harris B. F. 14th Aug. to Ist Sept.
*Melanostoma scalare F. B.C. F. 17th July to 21st Aug. Large numbers
of this species were found dead and attached to grasses, apparently
victims of a parasitic fungus.
iVewmetlinum»: hy. sabin€: EaWeel i thivoulystom2ordy) Aue a Common on
laboratory windows.
*Sphaerophoria scripta L. F. 2nd Aug. to 8th Sept.
SeuIveMmuecOstiims. MEA VSu Witt 2ancduaWlly tO oth Sept
*Leucozona lucorum L. C. 20th July.
*Scaeva pyrastri L. B. F. 22nd to 29th July.
Syrphus torvus Osten-Sacken C. 24th July to 27th Aug.
Sy pilose), Iba) (Cy 1h, Wal dibilhy wo) Padial Ve\iblioe). (Cronaavanoyor
*S. vitripennis Meig. B.C. F. 17th July to 27th Aug. Common.
*S. albostriatus F. B.C. F. 2nd Aug. to 3rd Sept. Frequent.
*S. grossulariae Meig. C. 16th July.
*S. tricinctus Fall. F. 6th Aug.
*S. corollae F. C. F. 20th July to lst Sept. Frequent.
*S. latifasciatus Macq. B.C. 14th July to 9th Sept.
*S. luniger Meig. B. F. 24th July to 8th Sept.
*S. balteatus Deg. B.C. F. S. W. 11th July to 8th Sept. Very common
throughout the wood.
+S. auricollis Meig. B.C. W. 11th July to 4th Sept. Very common.
*S. cinctellus Zett. B.C. 21st Aug. to 27th Aug.
S. cinetus Hall, C€. 2nd Aue.
*S. umbellatarum F. B. 21st Aug.
Chrysotoxum bicinctum L. B. F. 31st July to 6th Aug.
*Rhingia campestris Meig. B.C. F.S. W. 6th Aug. to 8th Sept. Common.
Ferdinandia cuprea Scop. B. 11th July to 27th Aug.
*Neoascia podagrica F. C. S. W. 17th July to 8th Sept. Common around
Ewingeswode Stream.
+Pipiza bimaculata Meig. B. 23rd Aug.
Heringia heringii Zett. B. 31st July.
*Cheilosia intonsa Loew F. 21st Aug.
*C. paganus Meig. B.C. 31st July to 3rd Sept.
C. scutellata Fall. C. 6th to 21st Aug.
*C. bergenstammi Becker C.F. 21st Aug. to 8th Sept.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 119
*C. proxima Zett. B. 3l1st July.
*Volucella bombylans L. F. 24th July.
*V. pellucens L. B.C. F.S. 11th July to 2nd Sept. Frequent.
*Kristalis sepulchralis L. F. 4th to 8th Sept.
“Fy Perunts scoops, by Cihis) 12th July. to snd (sept. «Common:
*K. intricarius L. B. F. 23rd Aug. to 9th Sept.
*H. tenax L. B. F. W. 31st Aug. to 8th Sept.
*H. arbustorum L. F. W. 21st July to 3rd Sept. Common in fields and
glades.
TE. nemorem. B. 22nd July.
*Myiatropa florea L. B. F. 21st July to 6th Aug.
*Helophilus pendulus L. C. F. S. 21st July to 8th Sept. Very common in
fields within the wood.
*H. hybridus Loew. F. 14th Aug.
*Xylota sylvarum L. B.C. F.W. 28rd July to 21st Aug. Frequent.
*K. segnis L. B.C. F. S. W. 23rd July to 8th Sept. Common and wide-
spread.
“Sumtta@ pipiens 1) 1B. Chess) Wa. inth July. to 8th. Sept, Common and
widespread.
*Humerus strigatus Fall. B. F. 8th to 21st Aug.
E. ornatus Meig. B. 31st July.
CYCLORRHAPHA—SCHIZOPHORA
ACALYPTERAE
CONOPIDAE
Conops quadrifasciata Deg. B.C. F.S. 5th to 28rd Aug. Very common
during the middle of August.
Physocephala rufipes F. F. 2nd to 21st Aug.
PIOPHILIDAE
Piophila vulgaris Fall. C. 8th Sept.
DRYOMYZIDAE
Neuroctena anilis Fall. C.F. W. 28rd July to Ist Sept. Several pairs “in
cop” on and around a dead rabbit.
LONCHAEIDAE
Lonchaea vaginalis Fall. S. W. 17th to 23rd July.
L. flavidipennis Zett. B.C. F. W. 11th July to 8th Sept. Very common
and widespread.
(To be continued)
Notes and Observations
RHAMPHOMYIA (AMYDROMEURA) HIRSUTIPES COLLIN (Dip. EMPIDIDAE) IN
SHROPSHIRE—! took a single male of this interesting little Empid in Candy
Woods, Oswestry, on 24th August 1967. Unfortunately I did not recognise
it until I got home, and although I returned to the spot twice within the
next few days in the hope of taking further specimens. I was unsuccessful.
The species was described by Mr. J. E. Collin in 1926 (Ent. mon. Mag.
62: 218) and is remarkable by reason of its clothing of extraordinarily
120 ENTOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/1V/68
long hairs on the front tibiae and tarsi, almost reminding one of the
shaggy long-haired fetlocks of a shire horse.
Apart from this it much resembles R. erythrophthalma Mg., and there
is a strong suspicion (Collin (1961) British Flies Vol. VI Empididae: 439)
that in the male sex these are dimorphic forms of the same species. The
evidence for this is largely circumstantial. The female appears to be
indistinguishable, though it nas been stated that no female has yet been
taken in copula with male hirsutipes. In addition, hirsutipes has
apparently only been recorded from localities where erythrophthalma
also occurs, and as corroboration of this I took a male of the latter
species at the same time as the male of hirsutipes and within a few yards
of the same spot.
Both species (or forms) occur in late summer and autumn in wooded
localities, and are uncommon, or perhaps overlocked.—C. H. WatLace
Pucu, Derwent Dene, Oswesiry. 10.11.1968.
RHAMPHOMYIA (AMYDROMEURA) HIRSUTIPES COLLIN IN SUSSEX—Besides
the Iecalities mentioned by Mr. Collin in British Flies VI Empididae I
can add Tilgate Forest, for I captured a male on 4th September 1949
when I also gathered the commoner and more widspread R. (A.)
erythrophthalma Mg. there.—L. PARMENTER.
LEPIDOPTERA AT HEVERSHAM—Addenda et Corrigenda. Regrettably it is
necessary to vublish a few additions and changes to ‘Lepidoptera at
Heversham” (Ent. Record, 79. 271-278 and 302-306). The corrections are
as follows:
One. 271 Mine 2 ailosv.1965 “tomneads gonxelg657:
Under Thyatiridae (p. 272) add “Tethea duplaris L., 1 specimen
16.vi.1967.”
On pv. 272 delete entries: “H. trifolii Hufn.” etc, “H. bombycina
Hufn.” etc.
For “P. blandiata Schiff.” (p. 274) read ‘‘P. albulata Schiff.”
For total number of species trapped (pp. 275, 302 and 303) read
a2.
These alterations have no appreciable effect on the statistical
analysis of the total catch.
Below entry for S. subsericeata Haw. (p. 275) add “Scopula lactata
Haw.—several at Meathop on 10.v:.1967”’.
Delete entry (vi) on p. 277 referring to H. bombycina.
Add to the list of microlepidoptera (p. 275-277):
1219 Cochylichroa atricapitana Steph.
1475 Epinotia trimaculana Don.
1518 Bactra lanceolana Hubn.
1571 Metzneria metzneriella Staint.
1636 Bryotropha domestica Haw.
1921 Argyresthia brockeella Hubn. (Meathop).
1923 A. pygmaeella Hubn.
1928 A. retinella Zell.
2263 Nemapogon cloacella Haw.
2312 Micropterix aruncella Scop.
—GapEN S. Rosinson, S. John’s College, Durham.
PEE
BOPP ER EEPES
AND MOTHS
OT KE Net
BY
J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S.
VOLUME II
HETEROCERA
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ARBROATH
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PREFACE
HE present volume contains the Sphingidae, Notodontidae, Thyatiridae,
Lymantriidae, Lasiocampidae, Bombycidae, Saturniidae, Drepanidae,
Arctiidae, Noctuidae, Hylophilidae and Plusiidae. The total number of
species in these Families pertaining to Kent is 438, of which 406 are
accepted without reserve. Of these 406, 295 are natives or suspected
natives, 52 are residents or residents reinforced by immigration, 52 are
immigrants or suspected immigrants, and 6 are species that have become
extinct. Of the remaining 31 species, 21 are placed within the reserva-
tion of square brackets as of somewhat doubtful status, and 11 are treated
as inadmissible.
In the next volume there will be a departure from the system of
nomenciature and classification hitherto adopted. Thus, Volume 3 will
contain the Geometridae, for the classification of which, Mr. D. S. Fletcher
(British Museum, Natural History), well-known as a leading specialist in
this group, has kindly permitted me the use of his manuscript list of this
portion of the new edition of Kloet and Hincks “Check List of British
Insects”.
Finally, I wish to express my deep appreciation and thanks to all those
who have so liberally helped me in one way and another in this and the
preceding volume. Owing to the nature of the work, however, and the
fact that the number of its contributors is likely to increase, I propose
awaiting its conclusion to give full acknowledgment of all help received,
as I shall then know everyone whom I have to thank.
J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT.
West Wickham,
10th February 1968.
ie ia hasta boa, oe a a
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REVISED LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA
More than 50 years have elapsed since the publication of Porritt’s list of
The Lepidoptera of Yorkshire, and the need for a revised list has long been
felt. Work on this has been undertaken by The Lepidoptera Committee
of The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, and the new revised list is currently
appearing in “The Naturalist”. Details and copies available from The
Editor of “The Naturalist’, The University, Leeds 2.
CO ee
EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA FOR SALE — PARTICULARLY FAMILY
SPHINGIDAE
Write for full list to:-—A. SHUTT, 30 Glover Road, Heeley,
Sheffield S8. OZW
EXCHANGES AND WANTS
Wanted.—Six male specimens of MV. jurtina from Scilly Isles and six from
Hebrides, and also from W. Scotland of the form splendida B.-W. Con-
dition not important but good specimens preferred. Exchange for European
species can be arranged.—L. Higgins, Focklesbrook Farm, Chobham, Surrey.
Telephone No.: Chobham 8154.
ror Sale.—Papilio acacus kaguya, Papilio magellanus, Papilio agamemnon,
Papilio kotoensis, Papilio maraho, Papilio aeacus kaguya, and more than
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abberations. Attacus atlas and Actias selene formosana available in large
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pyretorum in Season, and Formosan beetles and other insects. Taiwan
Novelty Co., P.O. Box 860, Taipei, Formosa, Free China.
Urgent Request —Would anyone running a light trap in January, February and
March 1968. who would be willing to help in a survey of the dark forms of
the moth Phigalia pedaria please contact D. R. Lees or H. B. D. Kettlewell,
Dept. of Zoology, Oxford.
For Sale.—Rev. F. M. B. Carr’s cabinets and collection.—Carr, 93 Albany, Bourne-
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For Sale—Butterflies and Moths—Worldwide selection, especially Africa and
Madagascar, many Papilios Charaxes, Cymothoe, Salamis, Sphingidae,
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stamps.—Robert Keiser, Frederik Van Eeden, Plein 3, Antwerp 1, Belgium.
Wanted.—Irish Lepidoptera. I am collecting material for a supplement to my
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121
Entomological Notes for 1967
By S. WAKELY
The following notes have been written in the hope that they will
encourage others to collect the smaller moths as well as the better-known
larger species. It will be noted that most of the more interesting species
were bred and many species can be reared successfully by using plastic
“luncheon” boxes and “Kleenex” tissues. The foodplant can be wrapped
in tissue and examined about a week later when it will be found that
many species have become full fed and have spun up in the paper. These
can then be placed in smaller plastic boxes to await emergence. Ex-
perience will enabie one to cater for species which require growing food-
plant. Care must be taken with tissue to see that tiny species are not
thrown away when the material is renewed. Very small species have a
habit of pupating between the thin paper and are not seen unless the
paper is held up to the light.
Cambridgeshire.—On the 19th September, Col. A. M. Emmet invited
me to accompany him to Wicken Fen to look for larvae of the rare
Cosmopteryx druryella Zell. He said he had found some in the leaves of
a reed-like plant and, knowing it was a species which I had never taken,
thought I would like to see where they occurred. I was naturally
delighted to have the opportunity to look for such a rarity and we arrived
at Wicken soon after mid-day. Col. Emmet soon found a larva and
showed it to me. The larvae were very difficult to find but we eventually
found a few each. The particular foodplant at Wicken was a very reed-
like grass growing round sallow trees and is probably Festuca arundinacea,
which is mentioned by a Continental writer. During our searches we
noticed several spinnings on another local foodplant—Lathyrus palustris
(Marsh Pea). There were larvae present in some cases and from one
of the pea seedpods I had a larva which spun up on the side of the
container. It will be interesting to discover the identity of these larvae.
While walking along one of the fen tracks my friend found a very fine
larva resting on a reed stem. It was hairy and reminded me of a Drinker
larva, but was grey in colour, and we came to the conclusion it could only
be the larva of Simyra venosa Borks. Some larvae of Acrocercops
imperialella Mann were pointed out to me and I was pleased to collect
some mines in the leaves of Symphytum officinalis (Comfrey). Col.
Emmet writes: “The larvae were more plentiful than in 1965 or 1966, and
were to be found outside the very limited area which they appeared to
be confined in the previous years”.
Derset (Portland).—On the 7th May I went to Portland with Col.
Emmet, where we planned to meet Messrs E. Sadler and P. Rogers, who
lived in the Alton district of Hampshire. The object of the trip was to
look for Spring larvae of some of the special local moths occurring at
Portland. Thirty years previously I had taken a similar trip with the
late L. T. Ford, and I was anxious to see if many of the species found
then were still to be taken. We arrived at Ope Cove about 1 p.m., and
as we intended to stay the night we looked round for a place to stay.
Luckily, we quickly found accommodation nearby and were joined about
2 o'clock by Sadler and Rogers. They had already stopped at Chesil Beach
on the approach to Portland and done some collecting as they were
going to return home later that night.
122 ENTOMOLOGIS1T’S RECORD, VOL, 80 15/V/68
One of the first species taken was some larvae spun up in the flower-
heads of Euphorbia amygdaloides (Wood Spurge). They turned out to be
Cacoecimorpha vronubana Hubn., much to our surprise as Spurge is not
one of the many foodplants usually associated with this polyphagous
species. They were very common, but local, and I took over a score. At
the time we did not know their identity and were hoping for something
that might prove to be a rarity. However, both my Alton friends were
glad to get pronubana.
We then tried the cliff edges where we found larvae of Epischnia
bankesiella Rich. spun up among the leaves of Inula crithmoides. These
were not very common but they were present in some of the clumps of
foodplant examined. Our next find was the larvae (and pupae) of
Agdistis staticis Mill. on the small-leaved cliff-loving Limonium binervo-
sum, The plants were far from common but, when found, iarvae (and an
occasional pupa) were nearly always present. Odd moths netted were
Phalonia williana Brahm (zephyrana Treits.) and Acroclita subsequana
H.-S. In the evening we visited the large quarries by the roadside on the
hill leading up to Ope Cove and on the plants of Artemisia absinthium
found larvae of Euzophera cinerosella Zell. feeding in the stems. One or
two Eucosma pupillana Curt. were also bred out later from the stems
collected.
As soon as it began to get dark Sadler and Rogers switched on the
m.v. light, having brought a generator with them, but the weather was
chilly and results were very poor. We retired about 11 p.m. and they
left for home in the early hours.
The next day we tried the quarries again, and found plenty of larvae
of Aspilapteryx tringipennella Zell. in blisters on leaves of Plantago
lanceolata. Pupae of Adaina microdactylus Hubn. were plentiful in the
dead flowering stems of Eupatorium cannabinum. Also growing in these
quarries were a great many plants of Rubia peregrina (Madder). By
pulling up some of the trailing branches we were able to find several
larvae of Mecyna asinalis Hubn., which were spun up tightly in dead
leaves at base of stems. Another local species was Teichobia verhuellella
Staint., the larvae and cocoons of which were in plenty on the leaves of
Phyllitis scolopendrium (Hartstongue Fern), a very common plant among
the rocks at Portland.
Our next port of call was Chesil Beach, which was on our way home.
We collected some very local species which are common here on some
of the plants growing on the shingle. They included larvae of Scrobi-
palpa suaedella Rich. on Suaeda fruticosa (Shrubbery Seablite) and S.
ocellatella Boyd on Beta maritima (Sea Beet). Also taken were a few
larvae of Caryocolum inflatellum Chretein on Silene maritima (Sea
Campion) and Aproaerema anthyllidella Hiibn. on Anthyllis vulneraria
(Kidney Vetch).
Feeding some of the larvae was going to be a problem, so we had to
take a few roots of some of the plants. When digging up a root of Inula
crithmoides a large Noctuid larva was found, and from this a fine Agrotis
truzx Hiibn. was bred on the 28th July. Other species found at Ope Cove
were larvae of Scrobipalpa plantiginella Staint. (on Plantago coronopus)
and Nudaria mundana L. The latter were quite common under the larger
slabs of limestone, but the species we were hoping to find was Meesia
richardsoni Wals., the larval cases of which were fairly common thirty
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FOR 1967 123
years ago. On this occasion a single old case was all our combined efforts
produced.
Essex.—On the 17th June I went to Benfleet accompanied by Mr. N.
Heal. The larval cases of Coleophora conspiculella Zell. were particularly
common on the leaves of Centaurea nigra and so were the larvae of C.
trochiella Dup. on Achillea millefolium (Yarrow). A few larvae of the
rare Eucnemidophorus rhododactyla Schiff. were also found on wild rose.
On Ist October the South London Entomological and Natural History
Society held a field meeting at Stanford-le-Hope. A number of larval
cases of various saltern Coleophoridae were collected, including some
undetermined species from Beta maritima, Atriplex littoralis, A.
portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Juncus maritimus and various species of
Salicornia (Glasswort). Larvae of Bedellia somnulentella Zell. were
literally swarming on Calystegia sylvestris.
HWampshire.—Browndown, Gosport, was visited on 11th June, on the
occasion of a field meeting there of the “South London’. On the shingle
a number of imagines of Coleophora gryphipennella Bouch. were smoked
out of a bush of Rosa pimpinellifolia (Burnet Rose), and a specimen of
Heliophobus albicolon Hubn. was found at rest under a railway sleeper. In
a reed-bed a specimen of Nascia cilialis Hubn. was netted, a fenland
species only recently found to be breeding in the area. I was anxious to
try and find larvae of Acleris lorquiniana Dup., a few worn specimens of
which I had taken on previous visits. The foodplant, Lythrum salicaria
(Purple Loosestrife), was not common and difficult to detect among the
tall reeds, but about a dozen moths were bred a few weeks later from
larvae found. All the specimens bred had a bold jet black spot in the
centre of the forewings and two had a brownish streak running from the
central base of the fore wings diagonally to the apex. None of those taken
in the autumn had the black central spot. Luckily I had a plant established
in my garden and so was able to supply the larvae with fresh food. For
fuller report of this meeting see Proc. S. Lond. ent. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1967:
92.
Isle of Wight—On 2nd August I was staying with friends in the
Island and managed to have a trip to Luccombe Chine, near Shanklin.
Descending the many scores of steps to the shore, I walked along the sands
about a hundred yards to where the broken ground enabled me to climb
a little way above high tide-mark to some clumps of Lathyrus sylvestris
where I was hoping to find larvae of one of the most local micros in
Britain, namely Grapholita gemmiferana Treits. Owing to the frequent
cliff falls hereabouts this species is in danger of extermination. However,
it was soon seen by the spun-together terminal leaves of the Lathyrus that
larvae had been, and in many instances still were, present. On the same
plant the larvae of Leucoptera lathyrifoliella Staint. were more common,
and every plant showed leaves with the characteristic larval mines of this
tiny moth. Owing to the treacherous nature of the ground, with its “blue
slipper” mud, collecting here is most unpleasant. However, it is gratifying
to know both these species are still to be found in their old habitat.
Kent.—The first trips of the season were with Mr. Heal who had
recently come to live at Detling. We met on the 25th February, 4th, 11th,
124 ENTOMOLOGIS?’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
and 18th March, and also on the 1st April, and on each occasion went to
Trottiscliffe where we looked for various specimens of the Elachistidae
feeding on grasses. The larvae were not easy to rear, and I think Mr.
Heal was more fortunate than I. In July 1965, Col. Emmet had taken
Coleophora niveicostella Zell. there and we spent a long time searching
tor the larval cases on Thymus drucei (Wild Thyme). We had to admit
they were most difficult to find, and the only one found by me was taken
by combing the thyme on the side of an anthill with a piece of cloth
stretched under it to catch what fell off. However, I was given another
by a friend and eventually succeeded in breeding one moth.
On the 6th April I accompanied Messrs E. Sadler and P. Rogers on a
long excursion to various localities, starting off with Blean where it was
hoped to find larvae of one of the local fritillaries that occurs there. We
were unsuccessful in our search and had to be content with a few larvae
of Aegeria vespiformis L. which we dug out from the bark of some large
sawn-off oak trees. The weather was not at all kind for this trip, rain
showers being frequent all day. Leaving Blean, we made another stop at
Hothfield Bog, near Ashford. Here we wanted to find the larvae of
Aegeria formicaeformis Esp., aS some years previously I had found a
damaged pupa in a large burrow in the trunk of a sallow tree. In pouring
rain we searched for likely sallow trees and eventually found a full-fed
larva of Sphecia bembeciformis Hubn. but nothing else. I persuaded my
friends to go on to St. Margaret at Cliffe to try for the larvae of
Grapholita caecana Schlag. which I had read could be obtained by
collecting the stems of Onobrychis sativa (Sainfoin) in March. Knowing
the place where I had seen a few moths, I was very hopeful of breeding a
nice series. However, although we all three collected a good bag of stems,
nothing eventually emerged and I am still wondering if the informaticn
was correct. We expected to see signs of larval workings but could see
none. Returning from there, we next stopped at Folkestone Warren where
we hoped to catch some imagines of Trichopteryx polycommata at dusk.
We descended into the Warren by the cliff path at Capel le Ferne and
waited until it was dark. The chalk paths were very slippery with the wet
and I shall not forget for a long time our return to the top in the dark. We
had lights, of course, or I don’t think we should have found the way. To
add to our difficulties the path had been obliterated near the bottom by
recent cliff falls. When we were near the top there was some excitement
as we saw a geometer on the wing, but when netted it proved to be only
Colostygia multistrigaria Haw., another of which was taken a little later.
Certainly this was one of our bad days.
Further visits to Trottiscliffe were made on the 19th, with Col. Emmet
and Mr. Raymond Uffen, and again on the 29th April with more members
of the “South London” and Kent Field Club. The grand total of
Coleophora niveicostella Zell. larvae taken on all these occasions by those
present was 14. (See Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1967: 87-88.) Other
species taken at Trottiscliffe were larvae of Oidamematophorus
carphodactylus Hubn. and Coleophora conyzae Zell. on Inula conyza and
Agonopterix nanatella Staint. on Carlina vulgaris (Carline Thistle)
Imagines taken on the wing included Elachista biatomella Staint., E.
subnigrella Doug]. and a single Acrolepia granitella Treits. Mr. Bradford
dug up a plant of Inula conyza to feed the larvae he had taken, and from
this bred a specimen of the rare and local Acrolepia perlepidella Staint., a
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FOR 1967 125
species none of the rest of us had ever taken. The larva of this species
lives in a mine in tha lower leaves of I. conyzae, and the specimen was
probably spun up on the plant taken by Mr. Bradford.
On ist July the “South London” met at Faversham. I joined the party
which first of all started collecting on the waste ground by the harbour.
Imagines of Laspeyresia nigricana F. were flying freely at one spot. Ina
previous report I mentioned that larvae were found in the seeds of the
local Peucedanum officinale (Hog’s Fennel) which grows so commonly
here. This year, in July, I managed to breed several of these, which
proved to be Laspeyresia gallicana Guen., and I was pleased to be able to
establish their identity. Moving down the creek we were soon collecting
on the salterns. Flying freely among Juncus gerardi was a small moth
which was identified later as Coleophora alticolella Zell. A pair of
Scopula emutaria Htibn. were netted on the salterns and from ova
obtained a few moths were reared in the autumn.
On the 10th July I was taken to Dartford Marshes by Mr. Heal, where
we collected some seeds of Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow). When
examined later I found two larvae of Platyedra vilella Zell. present, a
species I was expecting to find. From here we went on to Great Culand
Pit, near Maidstone, where we found a few larvae of Salebria obductella
Zell. on Origanum vulgare (Marjoram). On the Whitethorn bushes larvae
were found of Eurhodope suavella Zinck., but most of the larval spinnings
were empty. To finish the day we visited the path by the River Medway
at Alresford to have a look at some of the large beds of Tanacetum vulgare
(Tansy) growing there. We were hoping to find larvae of the Plume
attached to this plant but all we found were imagines of Dichrorampha
sequana Hubn. and D. saturnana Guen.
Folkestone Warren was visited on the 6th August with Col. Emmet.
For many years I had hoped to take some nice specimens of that fine large
tortrix Stenodes alternana Steph. and on this occasion my wish was
gratified. We found them comparatively common along the Crete Road
at the top of the Warren. The larva feeds in the flower-head of Centaurea
scabiosa and seeing several heads where the empty pupae cases were
extruded, I collected a plastic bag full of the seed-heads which produced
half-a-dozen fine moths during the following week. On the same ground a
pretty micro was netted showing bright metallic markingswhich I recognised
as Stephensia brunnichiella L. Its foodplent, Clinopodium vulgare, was
common so we started looking for the larvae which we knew fed in mines
in the leaves. Lots of the leaves of the Wild Basil showed a brown spot at
the apex which was caused by the larval mine, and on pulling up a plant
for a closer look we noticed that the extreme edges of some leaves were
turned downwards and the white of a cocoon could be seen. By collecting
some of the cocoons, which are easiest to detect when the leaf is turned
with underside upwards, we were able to breed fresh specimens at home
later. We then decided to go into the Warren and descended the steps by
the Royal Oak Inn. Here we collected some larvae of Lobesia euphorbiana
Freyer in the rosette tops of Euphorbia amygdaloides (Wood Spurge), one
of the many good micros to be found at Folkestone. We actually saw this
moth on the wing and found pupae and larvae all on the same day. Other
species taken on the wing were Cochylis hybridella Hitibn., C. roseana
Haw., Cnephasia genitalana Pierce and, in addition, several larvae of
Agonopterix umbellana Steph. were found in webs on Ulex (Gorse). A
126 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
few years previously Col. Emmet took a specimen of Caloptilia cuculipen-
nella Hiibn. in the Warren so we looked on the privet bushes for the
characteristic leaf cones of this species. These spinnings were quite
common, so much so that we had doubt as to whether they were not those
of the common C. syringella F. Then it was noticed that some privet leaves
had the extreme edge turned upwards, forming a thin tube which appeared
to be the early feeding place of the larva of cuculipennella and distinct
from the mined leaf of a young syringella larva. It was also noticed that
the larva of cuculipennella made an emergence “window” in the side of
the cone by the end of its cocoon which is always spun inside the cone.
The full-fed larva of syringella pupates under a semi-transparent web
away from the feeding place. It will be interesting to see if cuculipennella
is always common hereabout or if in some years only they are so common.
This excursion was so productive that I visited the same area twice
more, on the 8th with Mr. R. Fairclough and on the 20th August with Mr.
Heal. The same species were present on each occasion and on the 20th I
found a large clump of Lathyrus sylvestris present. I was particularly
interested in this as only a few weeks previously I had taken larvae of
Grapholita gemmiferana Treits. on this local plant in the Isle of Wight,
but there was no sign of the larval spinnings in the Warren (see under
sub-heading “Isle of Wight’’.)
On the 2nd September I visited Lydd with Mr. Chipperfield on our
return from Playden (see under sub-heading ‘“Sussex’’). We noticed a
good growth of Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) by the roadside just
before reaching Lydd Town and a quick glance showed there were plenty
of larvae present of Heliothis peltigera Schiff. We both collected a few
of the larger larvae and one of mine emerged on the 22nd of October. We
also collected a number of seed heads of Yarrow hoping to find larvae of
Eupithecia millefoliata Ross]. present later. Our next stop was at Lydd
Town Station where we found several unidentified species of Eupithecia
present. A number of plants of Echium vulgare (Viper’s Bugloss) were
examined here and we were rewarded by finding several larvae of Ethmia
bipunctella F. On our way home we made a short stop at Ham Street
where seed-heads of Solidago virgaurea were collected.
On the 17th September Col. Emmet and I went to Higham where we
found a few larvae of Coleophora squamosella Staint. (erigella Ford) in
seedheads of Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane). We then moved on to Stoke
salterns where a number of larvae of Cochylis hybridella Hiibn. were
found in the seedheads of Picris echiodes (Bristly Ox-tongue). We first
found a few of the pinkish larvae by splitting the seedheads but could not
see which heads contained a larva by examination. By collecting a
number of the fatter seedheads and placing them in a container with tissue
paper it was found that the larvae could be seen after a few days in the
tissue paper when they had spun up. I had never succeeded in breeding
any moths of this species so far and it is reputed to be difficult. On the
banks of the sea wall numerous Coleophorid larvae were collected from
the Atriplex littoralis and we shall have to breed the moths to find out
which species they are. I also found one iarva of Eucosma heringiana
Jackh in a spinning on Aster tripolium. Larval cases of Coleophora
artemisiella Scott were plentiful on Artemisia maritima.
On the 6th October I jcined Col. Emmet and Messrs Chalmers-Hunt
and R. Uffen for a morning trip to Dartford Heath. The main purpose of
A NEW ABERRATION OF PIERIS BRASSICAE (L.) LEPIDOPTERA 127
the trip was to find larvae of Coleophora milvipennis Zell. Col. Emmet
had taken some here on birch the previous year. We all succeeded in
finding specimens but they were not common. Other larvae found were
Coleophora artemisicolella Braund on Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) and
C. potentillae Staint. on Potentilla erecta, the latter being a new food-
plant record to all of us.
On the 29th October I went to East Blean with Col. Emmet. The main
purpose of the trip was to look for larvae of Coleophora wockeella Zell.
but we could not even find its foodplant, namely the Wood Betony. Larval
eases of C. olivaceella Staint. were found on Stellaria holostea. Some
seedheads of Solidago virgaurea which we collected produced larvae of
Eupithecia expallidata Doubl., Oidaematophorus bowesi Whalley, as well
as some unidentified Phalonid larvae. On the hazel bushes we found
larvae of Coleophora fuscocuprella H.-S., but they were very local on a
few bushes only. We were particularly interested in small larvae found
living in silk tubes covered in frass on the hazel leaves. These were fairly
common and some were found on leaves of Castanea sativa (Spanish
Chestnut). The silk frass-covered tubes were on the undersides of the
leaves and perhaps some reader can tell me what species is responsible.
(To be continued)
A New Aberration of Pieris brassicae (Linn.)
Lepidoptera, Pieridae
By L. McLrop
(Chesterford Park Research Station)
INTRODUCTION
In May 1967 two males of a new aberration appeared in a laboratory
culture of Pieris brassicae Linn. maintained at Chesterford Park Research
Station, Saffron Walden, Essex, Attempts at breeding from the two
individuals were unsuccessful.
The culture mained at Chesterford Park was derived from that of the
A.R.C. Unit of Insect Physiology, Department of Zoology, Cambridge, in
1953, the original stock having been collected in the Cambridge area in
1950. It has since been maintained continuously under laboratory condi-
tions, being supplemented from time to time with further quantities from
the Unit of Insect Physiology.
DESCRIPTIVE
Pieris brassicae Linn. ab. marginavenata (ab. nov.)
Characterised by the veins on the underside of the hindwing being
stressed by borders of black and grey scales. The area where the veins
converge at the wing base is densely suffused with black scales. The
borders taper towards the wing margin. When examined under magnifica-
tion, the veins are seen to be clad with yellow scales which stand out
from dark borders, as in Pieris napi Linn.
The discal spots on the underside of the forewing are pale brown
instead of the black of type specimens, and the lower spot is greatly
reduced,
128 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
The upperside is normal except for a slight increase in black scaling at
the basal areas of all four wings, i.e., a tendency towards ab. basinigrescens
(Graham Smith and Graham Smith).
Wing span 54 mm. Normal wingspan for the laboratory colony males
is 58-5 mm.
Holotype ¢. Bred from a continuous brooded culture kept under
laboratory conditions for 17 years since 1950. The specimen is figured on
the accompanying plate and is in the author’s collection.
Paratype. One other specimen from the same brood. This specimen
was damaged during attempts at breeding and is also in the author’s col-
lection.
Type Locality. The original stock from which this aberration arose
was collected in the Cambridge area in 1950.
COMPARATIVE
1. ab anthrax. Graham Smith and Graham Smith (1930) described and
figured a male ab. anthrax: “In a male of this series the undersides of the
hindwings are so densely suffused with black scales that they have a very
dark appearance’’.
2. ab. venata. Verity (1908) described and illustrated ab. venata. He
stated “Les nervures du revers chez le male et des deux surfaces chez !a
female sont vaguement teintée d’un gris-violet” i.e. the veins themselves
are tinted with grey-violet scales.
The author has compared the present aberration with specimens of ab.
anthrax (Graham Smith and Graham Smith) and ab. venata (Verity) in the
British Museum collection at Tring, and it does not resemble either of
them.
3. ab. plasschaerti Dufrane (1912).
“Les ailes postérieurs, en dessous, sont fortement saupoudrées d’atOmes
noirs, surtout les nervures qui paraissent presque noirs’’. i.e. the underside
of the hindwings are strongly powdered with black atoms especially along
the veins which appear almost black.
Graham Smith and Graham Smith (1930) wrongly quoted ab. plass-
chaerti as a synonym for ab. venata Verity. Dufrane (1930) quickly re-
asserted again that ab. plasschaerti is a separate aberration. He accom-
panied further description with a photograph but unfortunately it depicted
the upperside only and failed to show the main character.
Dufrane’s further description translates as follows: ‘In plasschaerti, on
the contrary, the forewings are very curious; they are excessively pointed
at the apex which is largely black. The apical patch extends strongly
along the outside edge almost reaching vein 2 while that of the type
scarcely reaches vein 3. The edge is bordered with black along it length
from base to apex, while underneath the apex is lightly tinted with a
very pale yellow. There is also the size of the two black (discal) spots
underneath, in which the upper is almost as big as in a type, while the
lower is small”.
Dufrane continues: “The form venata Verity and the form plass-
chaerti are of the spring generation. My aberration should therefore
have the characteristics of chariclea Stephens: apical patch light grey
with slight indentations, underneath the hindwings powdered with
blackish, fringes yellowish. In plasschaerti, the character of the under-
side of the hindwings is very marked, as I said in my description (1912),
PLATE VII. VOL. 80.
Pieris brassicae L. ab. marginavenata ab. nov.
- i.
- ri 7 me a
- mM ui or
LUPERINA NICKERLII IN THE DINGLE PENINSULA 129
but I do not find the other characteristics of chariclea to be present. The
apical patch is very black carrying simply a few grey atoms, and the
fringes are white”.
The British Museum does not posess a specimen of ab. plasschaerti
and I have been unable to compare the present aberration with any
other specimens of ab. plasschaerti. However, having considered
Dufrane’s descriptions, I consider the present aberration to differ in that
the black and grey scales on the underside of the hindwings are definitely
in the form of a border to the veins which are themselves clad almost
entirely with yellow scales.
NOTE
Variation in Pieris brassicae L. is uncommon and it is interesting to
note that as well as the present aberration, three others appeared after
ten or more years of inbreeding in the Cambridge stock.
ab. albinensis Gardiner (1962)
ab. coerulea Gardiner (1963)
ab. fuscosignata Lempke (1953)
REFERENCES
Dufrane, A. 1912. Rev. Mens. Soc. Ent. Namur, No. 2, p. 23.
1930. Lambillionea, p. 40.
Gardiner, B. C. C. 1962. An albino form of Pieris brassicae Linnaeus (Lep.
Pieridae). Hnt. Gaz., 13, p. 97-100.
~———. 1963. Genetic and environmental variation in Pieris brassicae.
SOULS RES OLED NOle: 25 INOn) 2) pe dieial1 ob:
Graham Smith, G. S., and Graham Smith, W. 1930. Pieris brassicae L. with
special reference to aberrations from Aberdeenshire. Ent. Rec. and Journ.
Vidi 2p dloas
EMM Oe, Say IOI, We IBMEsy 10. aX08y
Luperina nickerlii 1n the Dingle Peninsula,
August 1967
By R. FAIRCLOUGH
When Mr. Stuart Coxey and I decided to join forces on a holiday in
Kerry to try to catch Luperina nickerlii Freyer ssp. knilli Boursin we
took Mr. Wightman’s advice, booking our accommodation at the Anchor
Guest House in Anascaul. This we found entirely satisfactory, while
Anascaul was a good centre for the area.
On the 18th I travelled from Lancaster to Bolton in pouring rain to
collect S. C. with his gear. This we managed to fit in with mine in the
Morris Traveller which we had decided to use for the trip. On then we
went to Liverpoo! where, having delivered the car for loading, we filled
in the gap by dining, wondering if Ireland would be as wet as reputed,
or as Lancashire was that day.
Saturday morning in Dublin was fair but the sky looked very
threatening as we made our way out of the city. At one point, being
uncertain of our position after following a series of one-way streets, we
asked a policeman how to find the Limerick road. After some descrip-
tion of the ensueing streets he broke off and said, “Well now, you just
keep to the mainest road and you'll be all right.”
130 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
After that delightful start to the day we drove west into the good
weather we were lucky enough to experience during our stay. We made
a few stops, seeing aft one point Argynnis paphia L. flying round the
brambles in the corner of a field, woodland apparently not being neces-
sary for this butterfly in Ireland.
At Castlemayne we turned down the Dingle Peninsula, enjoying mag-
nificent views of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks across the bay, particularly when
seen behind the Inch sandhills with long waves breaking on the beach in
the foreground.
By 9.45 p.m. we had an m.v. light going on the shore at the mouth of
the River Caul, and before ten the first nickerlii had arrived followed by
five others at intervals up to 11.30 p.m. The small numbers of other
species, none interesting, reflected the clear sky, northerly breeze, and
full moon over the mountains, but we retired delighted with having caught
our moth on the first night.
We had been visited in the course of the evening by Herr Brandt who
owns a holiday bungalow on the opposite cliff, and who kindly allowed
us to plug in a trap thereafter.
On the Sunday morning we visited the Inch sandhills but were not im-
pressed enough to return at any time, a decision that we felt afterwards
to have been a mistake. Despite having brought with us everything we
thought we might need, we had failed to add to the list Baynes’ “Revised
List of Irish Macrolepidoptera.” Therefore when we saw on the sandhills
one worn small skipper which we noted mentally as a Thymelicus sylves-
tris Poda, we disregarded the insect as something common. Back in
England we found that had we caught it and confirmed its identity we
could have added another species to the Irish list.
That afternoon was spent round Ventry Bay in one of our unsuccessful
attempts to find the food plant of Hadena caesia Schiff., sea campion,
which appears to be fairly uncommon in Dingle.
At dusk we put out both engines in adjacent cliff top quarries on the
Inch road. A fault in my choke put my light out of action, and with a
nasty wind at that height, we retired to the river mouth, using the one
light till 1 a.m. when the sky cleared and the moths ceased to fly. We
recorded thirty species, the best number of the holiday, but apart from
five nickerlii, the last at 12.15 p.m., there were no other coastal species.
Indeed the usual catch consisted of moths common anywhere in Britain,
apart from the Luperina. Its relative L. testacea Schiff., was either not
present, or in small numbers, while Eilema complana L. was a regular
attendant as was Aphomia sociella L.
On the 21st we went straight to Tralee where the choke was repaired
by a radio mechanic. On our way back we stopped on the flat part of
the north coast of the peninsula between Tralee and Camp. In the hot
sunshine the only butterflies on the wing were Nymphalis io L., Aglais
urtica L. and Pieris napi L., a few of the whites being rather dusky, but
none extreme. While I searched the bog myrtle for microlepidoptera
larvae without success, S. C. was carefully testing the repaired choke in
readiness for the night.
At the river later that night it was warm (61 deg. F. at midnight), but
few moths came to the sheet. We had our quota of nickerlii, and one
Actebia praecox L. S.-C. tried out his small actinic light trap which we
were to find surprisingly successful.
LUPERINA NICKERLII IN THE DINGLE PENINSULA 131
On the next day which was dry and warm we went sight-seeing to
Killarney, going as far as Sneem and Kenmare. The scenery lived up to
its reputation, but such rock sitting moths as Dysstroma citrata L. were
scarce, and there were no larvae on the Myrica and Salix, a great differ-
ence from Scotland in August. We were pleased to see the very local
Irish plant Blue-eyed Grass which S. C. found by the roadside. In our
usual place at night the weather was warm and windy. With the nickerlii
came one Agrotis trux Hubn.
Leaving behind the sunshine on the 23rd we drove into a muggy mist
at Slea Head. Large numbers of Ammogrotis lucernea L. were careering
up and down the cliff face. This species does not come well to m.v.
light. Some Cochylis pallidana Zell. larvae were found in Sheepsbit
seedheads while a few Schrobipalpa plantaginella Staint. and one Agon-
opterix subpropingnella Staint were netted. Mr. R. Haynes was dis-
covered digging up the few campion plants in a vain search for caesia
larvae. He reported having found a few in Co. Claire earlier.
We decided to try a large reed bed east of Dingle as a change from
the coast that night. The small Irish Celaena leucostigma Hubn. turned
out to be the most interesting vistor there, more of them going to the
little tube set in the reeds than to the m.v. light at the edge of the bed.
A fresh Spilosoma lubricipeda L. was a surprise at this date, but the rest
of the moths did not reflect the marshy area.
After a wet morning on the 24th we explored some of the small lanes
leading to the coast between Anascaul and Dingle. A return to the coast
at night produced a success for the actinic trap with twice as many
nickerlii to its credit as the m.v., plus a fresh lucernea, a trux, and some
Gnophos obscurata Schiff, which ventured little from the rocks. At the
big light we recorded the only prominents seen, Notodontia ziczac L. and
N. dromedaris L.
We went to the north coast at Brandon Point on the next day, finding
no campion there but seeing a swarm of Colostygia didymata L. flying
over the heather on the cliff top. This was the only time we saw this
common moth. We went on over a cloudy Connor Pass complete with a
pairs of Ravens.
By now we wondered how far nickerlii was spread beyond the small
Inch—Anascaul piece of coast, so we went to Trabeg Bay about two miles
east of Dingle. As the wind was high we used only the actinic trap at
the base of the cliff, being pleased to find two of the moth had arrived in
an hour. We did not know at that time that it had been taken in Dingle
town by Mr. H. C. Huggins.
Brandon Creek, on the western side of the great block of cliffs at
Brandon Head below the 2,500 ft. Masatiompan, was a delightful spot on
the warm afternoon of the 26th. We saw a curragh carried down and
launched for the lobster fishing, while we had good views of a pair of
Choughs, and noticed large patches another Irish speciality, the Saxifrage,
St. Patrick’s Cabbage. We collected some Clostera pigra Hufn. larvae,
with a few parasitised Acleris hastiana L., the only ones found on the
holiday and some Caloptilia stigmatella F. Eupithecia jasioneata Crewe
larvae which were common in the Sheepsbit heads pupated well without
producing a lot of parasites as pug larvae so often do. In contrast to the
day before we were able to see Mount Brandon clear of cloud, not too
frequent an occurence one would think.
132 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
We tried Acres Bay that night, a beautiful spot with large boulders
for a beach, and the remains of a castle. This turned out to be a rare
cold night with the temperature falling below 50 deg. F., so that few
moths stirred. However, nickerlii was there, and Stilbia anomola Haw.
showed itself to be the hardiest species, coming when all others had
ceased to fly.
A long journey to Glengarriff on the morrow produced nothing
except a very late Bomolocha fontis Thumb. which was knocked out
whilst I was trying an area for Acleris cristana Schiff. The night in
Acres Bay again was very poor.
On the 28th we did more exploration of the coast, finding Mynard
Bay unsuitable for our purpose, so we returned for the third time to
Acres Bay where we had an audience for a while, but few moths despite
a temperature of 60 deg. F. again. A reminder of the Burren was the
only example seen of the large forms of Pempelia dilutella Hubn.
For the next day we planned to explore the Lake Caragh area, dine
in Killarney and use our lights somewhere in the woods. This we did,
going by Glenbeigh where we looked at the sandy spit which juts out
roughly opposite the Inch sandhills, almost cutting off Castlemayne Har-
bour, the upper end of Dingle Bay. Near Blackstone Bridge we found
some old blackthorns growing among hollies on mossy rocks, and though
cristana could not be found, there would almost certainly have been
Perizoma taeniata Steph. at the right date.
After dinner at the Muckross Hotel where we talked much of that
legendary moth Leucodonta bicoloria Schiff., wondering if any flew at
all on June nights in the remaining birch woods, we pitched our sheets in
Tore Woods where a cold clear night did not give us much idea of the
local Lepidoptera. We had seventeen species the only two of interest
being one Atethmia xerampelina Esp. and a number of a large yellow
Eilema deplana Esp.
The 30th was our last “working” day. In the morning we went to the
Strand Hotel to see whose was the trap we had noticed on our return
from Killarney. There we found Mr. Huggins from whom we learned
much. He showed us his insects, and kindly invited us to collect any
Hydraecia crinanensis Burr from his trap on the morrow as we had seen
only two, whereas at Inch they were fairly common (see his article
79/283). We should have had a night on the sandhills, but we had con-
centrated on the rocky coasts as we were so interested in nickerlii.
Many last nights are washed or blown away but on this occasion we
had a fine finish at Slea Head. Despite heavy cloud and threats of rain,
all went well. We were able to go part way down into a bay with the
car, using an m.v. light there, while S.C. took his actinic trap near the
beach at the bottom. Between 9.20 and 12.15, twenty-six nickerlii
arrived, far more than we had seen on any other night. The other species
were complana, Amethes xanthographa Schiff., Euschesis comes Hubn.,
Noctua pronuba L., lucernea (actinic light), Hadena capsophila Dup.,
praecox, Ochropleura plecta L., Caradrina alsines Brahm, Apamea mono-
glypha Hufn., Procus literosa Haw, Thalpophila matura Hufn., Tholera
popularis F., Plusia chrysitis L., Cerapteryx graminis L., Xanthrohoe fer-
rugata Clerck, X fluctuata L., Epirrhoe alternata Mull., E. galiata Schiff,
Eupithecia centaureata Schiff. These were in general the species we had
seen every night. Between 12.30 and 1.00 the insects ceased to arrive,
THE BUTTERFLY SALE OF THE CENTURY 133
and with the wind rising off the Atlantic we retired, feeling sure that
our experiences pointed to nickerlii being found all round the rocky
parts of the coast of Dingle, and the probability of its being found on
suitable stretches of the opposite coast as far as Valencia Island; possibly
beyond. It is a moth, which, as Mr. Huggins pointed out in the article
mentioned above, needs to be worked for at the cliff bases. Thanks to
Mr. Wightman’s advice we had concentrated on the beaches where we
had found it the third commonest species, being exceeded in numbers
only by monogiypha and xanthographa. It is interesting to note that
the trap, located only a hundred yards above the cliff, produced less
than two nickerlii per night.
The 3lst was rather wet but we were busy setting insects and pre-
paring for an early start to Dublin on the morrow. Late in the after-
noon, the sky, having cleared, we went to Acres Bay for a last look at
that delightful coast with its narrow lanes like Devon but where never
once did we meet another vehicle. Some Fulmars soaring round a cliff
were seen, and we put up two worn Euphybia bilineata L., not of the
brown form. A very pale Cnephasia conspersana Dougl. was our last
Dingle moth.
We had rain ali the way back to Dublin which was as crowded as the
Irish countryside was empty. S.C., never giving up, managed to spot
specimens of fluctuata and Orgyia antiqua L. on the walls of the capital
before our boat sailed.
There had been a few puzzling features about the collecting. No
dusk flight of geometers occured on any of the nights, most of which
were warm. Nightly numbers of species and totals were always low, the
average species per night being only twenty-two. It is true that we did
not stay out very late, retiring when the flight ceased, but the trap pro-
duced the same sort of numbers as confirmation. In the first week we
noted an exiraordinary high number of crippled moths coming to the
sheet, many species being affected. Although we had good conditions we
recorded only just over one hundred species of macrolepidoptera, in-
cluding larvae found. However we felt that we had made a thorough
acquaintance with nickerlii with its flashing hind wings as it came to the
sheet, and at the same time we had enjoyed the peace and beauty of the
area with its fuschia hedges and great drifts of montbretia by the
streams.
Biencathra, Deanoak Lane, Leigh, Surrey. ii.1968.
The Butterfly Sale of the Century
By Brian O. C. GARDINER
The largest accummulation of butterflies ever to come under the
hammer was sold at the Hotel Drouct in Paris on the 5th, 6th and 7th
February 1968, the sale lasting each day from two o’clock in the afternoon
until almost midnight, with a short break for an evening meal.
This was the stock of the late Eugene Le Moult, and comprised some
half a million insects—the majority butterflies, but with some moths. It
was not only a collection of Lepidoptera; it was also a dealer’s stock and
had been gathered together throughout most of the eighty-two years of
Mons. Le Moult’s life. It all began when Mons. Le Moult, as a boy, was
able to collect in Cayenne—the French “Devil’s Island” penal settlement—
134 ENYOMOLOGISY’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
where his father was one of the officials. Le Moult it was who organised
some of the trusty prisoners to earn pocket-money by going out and
collecting the rare and beautiful butterflies which were to be found in the
vicinity, a practice that continued until the final disbandment of the
penal settlement. Subsequently, he established contact with collectors all
over the world and butterflies in their tens of thousands flowed in for
redistribution, a trade latterly carried on in the Rue Dumeril in Paris.
Over 1200 lots were sold, ranging from individual specimens to twenty
or so boxes containing thousands of unset and often frightfully damaged
butterflies packed in tightly.
The specimens were on display the Saturday prior to the sale and
occupied three large rooms in the Hotel Drouot. Thousands of people
came to view although only some 250-300 attended the actual auction.
The quantity on view, combined with the crush of people, made it quite
impossible to view in detail any but a selected quota of the lots. It may
well be that some of the high prices realised subsequently were due to the
lot in question containing some choice rarity, not apparent to any but the
two or three specialists bidding for it. Although some individual prices
were not so high as that of the Rousseau Decelle sale, only fifteen months
ago (see Ent. Rec., 79, pp. 88-91), the general trend of high prices was
continued. About ten per cent of the specimens to the value of about
one quarter of the total realised, were bought by one buyer from the
United States. Perhaps one of the most striking things about this auction
was the consistently good prices paid throughout for a very large quantity
of material indeed, much of it often not in first-class condition.
The sale commenced with 123 lots of exotic Papilio. Nearly 8,000
specimens realised an average of 8/- each. The outstanding prices were
£90 for a male of P. phidias; two pairs of P. hahneli went for £150, and
three specimens for £125. A pair of P. homerus fetched £120—some £35
more than a similar lot 15 months ago.
There were only 23 lots of Ornithoptera. The 465 specimens sold, all
of the more common species, made an average of £2 2/- each. Perhaps
the most puzzling thing was the £36 paid for 19 specimens of mixed
O. brookiana and urvilleana in very poor condition. Good quality speci-
mens of these species are readily evailable at less than the price this poor
material went for.
From boyhood, Mons. Le Moult was especially interested in the
Morphidae and only a few years ago published in collaboration with Mons.
Real the results of his lifelong study, “Les Morpho d’Amerique du Sud’.
The Morphos sold comprised hundreds of types, mainly of forms and sub-
species. While these were mainly in fine condition, many of the thousands
of common Morphos sold were only in fair, or even poor condition.
Over £5,000 was realised for the Morphos, an average of over £32 per
lot. Each lot comprised from 4-80 specimens and while most of the
commoner species were only fetching a few shillings each, as soon as any
types came up, or the rare species, there was a sharp rise in price. For
instance one lot containing one pair each of M. achillaena and violacea
together with the very common didius and eugenia fetched £60. A lot
containing the blue female form cyanites of M. cypris rose to £105 and it
was noticeable that there was strong bidding whenever M. diana
augustinae appeared in a lot.
Another of Mons. Le Moult’s specialities was the Erycinidae, in par-
ticular the genus Helicopis of which he had amassed over 1,300 types of
THE BUTTERFLY SALE OF THE CENTURY 13D
one sort or another. These were in beautiful condition and fetched an
average price of about £1 each, which was really very reasonable for
these rare and difficult-to-obtain in good condition species. The remain-
ing Erycinidae, also in very good condition, and numbering over 2,000
specimens, fetched about a third of the price of the Helicopis.
The next lots to be sold comprised the Heliconidae. There were many
forms and species of these and they were in very good condition. The
price averaged around 3/- each, which, while it is certainly two or three
times the price at which they can be bought on the open market, prob-
ably included a number of unusual and hard to obtain species in each
lot.
The Tuesday session of the sale opened with the large number of
Prepona. These comprised not only common species in considerable
numbers which fetched around 4/- — 5/- each, but also a considerabie
number of types of exceedingly rare species and it was some of these
which fetched the highest prices of the sale, as they were, on the whole,
in absolutely superb condition. The highest price for an individual
species reached in this sale was £150 paid for P. garleppiana. Other
specimens which fetched over £100 were P. praeneste f ©° fournierae
L.M., the holotype from Rio Bamba which is, as is well known named
after Madame Fournier, who herself had a remarkable collection of South
American butterflies. £120 was paid for P. werneri ¢ from Colombia, and
£110 for P. deiphile also in superb condition, while a very tatty specimen
of the same species went for £35. The total realised by the 53 lots of
Prepona averaged £51 per lot. After the Prepona came a few Agrias
and these were really quite reasonably priced at only £1—£2 each,
although it was really rather remarkable that no less than £52 was paid
for 100 assorted specimens in such poor condition that this author wou!d
have consigned them to his dust bin.
Next were sold the exotic Nymphalidae and the South American
species in particular realised very good prices indeed. £100 was paid for
26 specimens male and female of Catagramma albofasciata and other
Catagramma together with Callithea and Anaea were fetching £30 to £90
for lots of a few dozen.
The Charaxes also produced a few high prices for the rarer species,
these being £110 for nine males of C. acraeoides, £100 for 21 specimens
otf C. monteiri, £100 for 13 specimens of C. thomasius and £130 was paid
for 100 assorted species containing a few C. laodice and bohemanni.
The exotic Lycaenidae and Pieridae fetched exceedingly good prices.
For instance, £55 was paid for 58 specimens from Trinidad and Brazil,
which included the magnificent Thecla coronata, while £25-£50 was paid
for lots of common Indo-Australian Pieridae which can be bought direct
from the dealers at far less than this price.
A number of the Delias types of Joicey, Noakes and Talbot fetched
£130.
There were about 200 lots of Palearctic butterflies and while the
average price per lot remained around the £20-£40 mark, the number of
specimens in each lot, often several hundred, was considerably more
than in many of the Exotic lots of material so that the resultant price
often worked out at only a shilling or two per specimen. Particularly
noticeable with these Palearctic specimens was the very sharp price
increase on any lots containing material from Tibet, China or U.S.S.R.,
136 ENLOMOLOGIS? S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
areas from which it is to-day almost impossible to collect or obtain any
specimens. As an example, 140 specimens of Parnassius apollo from
French localities fetched £8 whilst 1383 specimens in a similar lot but
containing 26 examples from U.S.S.R. localities fetched £45. The sum of
£85 was paid for a pair of Thais rumina honnoratii, and several of the
rarer species of Parnassius and Colias ran up to £60 for a couple of dozen
examples. The highest price paid for any one lot in this auction was the
£210 fetched by four gynandrous examples of Gonopteryx cleopatra
which were in quite mint condition.
The Palearctic butterflies were followed by the 200 lots of various
moths, starting with 20 lots of the larger and more colourful Exotics
mostly in excellent condition. Nine examples of Leto venus fetched £120,
and seven specimens of Charagia mirabilis £80. Cheap when compared
to the £62 paid at the Rousseau Decelle sale for one of each. The £32
paid for 47 specimens of Alcidis was also very reasonable. Eleven Thysania
agrippina, sold as one lot, went for just under £3 each, but a few minutes
later a single specimen was sold for £8. Some 200 examples of Castnia,
comprising examples of 24 species, were very reasonable at £195 in view
of the difficulty in obtaining good examples of these powerful fliers.
The Saturniidae were not on the whole in good condition and prices
varied from 2/- each for Samia cynthia to the £3 each for the lovely
Spanish Graellsia isabellae. In spite of their condition the 2,390 specimens
fetched an average price of 11/6 each.
The Sphingidae, Arctiidae, and Zygaenidae did not contain anything
spectacular, rare, or unusual. Sold in lots often of several hundred
specimens they fetched an average price of over £17 per lot.
These were followed by several large lots which, per specimen, un-
doubtedly represented the cheapest buy of the sale, the price paid being
in some cases worth it for the storeboxes alone. These lots were part of
the collection of the late Mons. Berthet, which were acquired after his
death by Le Moult and had been kept since more or less intact. A collec-
tion of French moths in 25 boxes fetched £40; the Hesperidae in 16 boxes
were quite expensive at £90; the Microlepidoptera in 50 boxes at £25 were
absurdly cheap and reflects the little interest and attention that is given
to this half of the Lepidoptera world; the 53 boxes of Noctuidae fetched
£40, a similar number of Geometridae £65; while 55 boxes of pinned but
unset material from Jaulhac went for £42.
Following these large accumulations were Palearctic moths sold in
lots of four boxes at an average price of £5-£9 per lot, although the lots
containing Catocala rose to £20 and £30. These prices were distinctly
high as this sort of material has often been sold in London for as many
shillings as it here fetched pounds, even allowing for the price of the
containing boxes. The bidders were keen to the last and the sale ended
with a sudden upsurge in prices, £28 being paid for an odd lot of colourful
Geometridae and £40 for some rather doubtful ‘types’ of Cossidae.
Interspersed between the lots of set specimens there were sold upwards
of 2,500 boxes containing a small proportion of properly papered
material, but mainly perhaps a quarter-of-a-million butterflies loose, or
packed in so tight in some cases it would be a job to get them back again
once the lid was removed. The quality of this material was variable and
in most cases not possible to assess accurately. There were undoubtedly
some bargains had here, but also some unlucky buyers will have found a
DIPTERA FROM MONKS WOOD NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE sii
load of rubbish on their hands. While some material in these boxes—
which had glass lids—could be seen to be good, at any rate on the top
layers, others could be seen to be mouldy, or to consist entirely of bodies,
or loose wings, or specimens torn, tatty and crushed to a degree making
them useless for any collection. It is quite possible that some of the high
prices paid was due to the possibility that the wings could be used for
some decorative purpose, or that they were required for the chemical
extraction of some pigment: a purpose for which there is a rising demand.
Perhaps more likely, however, was the hope of some buyers that amongst
such a quantity there must be something worth having—a bargain to be
had. Perhaps, too, some expert had managed to spot some valuable
specimens in good condition. To give some examples, five boxes contain-
ing not very many damaged Ornithoptera fetched from £55 to £100 the
lot. A lot of eight boxes of Morpho rhetenor, diana augustinae and other
Morphos perhaps to the number of 2,000 and in fair condition fetched
£130. Another lot of Morpho, however, which the author had been able
to examine carefully and which contained mainly fragmented wings and
a great deal of loose powder, etc., seemed a very expensive buy at £100.
In view of the prices realised for set Charaxes, the lots of 10 boxes at £25-
£40 per lot were probably a bargain. Not such a bargain were the assorted
Lepidoptera frankly catalogued as “poor condition’ which fetched £45-
£65 for lots of a dozen to eighteen boxes. The Saturniid material looked
very damaged, but even so realised an average of £7 per box, the real
bargain here being the Rothschildia zacateca.
Perhaps the best bargains in this material were the thousand odd
boxes, not catalogued nor viewed, which were sold in the late afternoon
of Wednesday in batches of from one to two dozen. It was only possible
in the crush to get a fleeting glimpse of part of the material and an im-
mediate assessment had to be made. The prices at £20-£70 per lot may
or may not have been worth it; attending this sale certainly was.
Diptera from Monks Wood National Nature
Reserve
By He Je, WLLLS Be Ser pheno:
(Concluded from p. 119)
LAUXANIIDAE
Lyciella rorida Fall. B.C. S. 11th to 22nd July. Common.
L. pallidiventris Fall. B.C. 16th Aug. to 8th Sept.
Tricholauxania praeusta Fall. C.S. 11th to 18th July.
Calliopum aneum Fall. B. F. 17th to 21st July.
PSILIDAE
Loxocera albiseta Schrank C.F. 16th July to 8th Sept.
SEPSIDAE
Nemopoda nitidula Fall. B.C. F. W. 17th July to 8th Sept.
Sepsis fulgens Meig. B.C. 22nd July to 28th Aug. A large swarm of this
species on the vegetation bordering Southedge Ride remained in the
same position for the whole of August.
S. punctum F. B. 3rd Sept.
S. violacea Meig. B.C. 26th July to 8th Sept.
S. flavimana Meig. C. 27th Aug.
138 ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ V/68
S. orthocnemis Frey, R. C. 6th Sept.
S. cynipsea L. B. 26th July.
SCIOMYZIDAE
Pherbellia albocostata Fall. S. 22nd July.
P. dubia Fall. S. 17th July.
Euthycera fumigata Scop. B.C. 138th Aug. to &th Sept.
Knutsonia albiseta Scop. C. 9th Sept.
Tetanocera elata F. B.C. F. S. 14th July to 21st Aug. Common and
widespread.
T. hyalipennis von Roser. B.C. F. S. 11th July to 8th Sept. Common
and widespread.
Trypetoptera punctulata Scop. B.C. 11th July to 3rd Sept. Frequent.
CHAMAEMYIIDAE
Chamaemyia elegans Panz. C.F. 8th to 23rd Aug.
HELOMYZIDAE
Helomyza variegata Loew B.S. 17th July to 15th Aug.
H. affinis Meig. B. 15th Aug.
Neoleria inscripta Meig. C.F. 10th Aug. to 8th Sept. On carrion.
ANTHOMYZIDAE
Anthomyza sordidella Zett. C. 23rd Aug.
Paranthomyza nitida Meig. C. 18th July.
OPOMYZIDAE
Opomyza germinationis L. B.C. F. S. 14th July to 8th Sept.
O. florum F. B.C. 8th to 28th Aug.
Geomyza combinata L. B. F. 26th July to 8th Sept.
EPHYDRIDAE
Setacera micans Hal. W. 18th Aug.
Hydrellia griseola Fall. C. 16th Aug.
H. modesta Loew B.C. S. 18th July to 8th Sept. Common.
Scatella stagnalis Fall. W. 22nd July.
S. (Stictoscatella) quadrata Fall. B. 15th Aug.
Parydra coarctata Fall. S. 17th July to 28th Aug. Very common on
emergent pondside vegetation.
BORBORIDAE
Copromyza suillorum Hal. C. 27th Aug.
DROSOPHILIDAE
Parascaptomyza pallida Zett. C. 23rd Aug.
Drosophila funebris F. W. 10th July.
D. subobscura Collin C. 20th July. Prey of Empis (Kritempis) livida L.
DIASTATIDAE
Campichaeta basalis Meig. S. 28th Aug.
CHLOROPIDAE
Elachiptera brevipennis Meig. C. 6th Aug.
CALYPTERAE
TACHINIDAE
Trixa oestroidea R.-D. F. 6th Aug.
Phyllomyia volvulus F. B. 14th July.
DIPTERA FROM MONKS WOOD NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE 139
Wagneria lentis Meig. W. 18th Aug.
Eriothrix rufomaculata Wain. B. F. 21st July to 8th Sept.
Linnaemyia vulpina Fall. F. 3rd Sept.
Echinomyia fera L. B.C. F. 21st Aug. to lst Sept. Common.
Siphona geniculata Deg. B. F. 23rd Aug. to 4th Sept.
Voria ruralis Fall. C. F. W. 14th to 27th Aug.
Paraphorocera stabulans Meig. C. F. 11th July to 23rd August. Com-
mon.
CALLIPHORIDAE
Morinia nana Meig. C.F. S. 17th July to 8th Sept.
Nyctia halterata Panz. B.S. 17th July to 14th Aug.
Sarcophaga haemorhoa Meig. B. 21st Aug.
S. dissimilis Meig. B. 17th July.
S. subvicina Rohdendorf C.S. W. 17th July to 18th Aug.
Pollenia varia Meig. W. 18th Aug.
Porudis 1.4, 5..Cy FS. o)2th July to 3rndtSept.
Lucilia sericata Meig. B. 29th July.
L. silvarum Meig. F. 16th July.
L. caesar L. W. 18th Aug.
L. illustris Meig. B. W. 10th to 18th Aug.
Calliphora erythrocephala Meig. B.C. W. 138th July to 8th Sept.
C. vomitoria Meig. C.F. S. 21st July to 28th Aug.
Cynomyia mortuorum L. W. 23rd July.
MUSCIDAE
Muscina assimilis Fall. F. 24th July.
Graphomyia maculata Scop. B.C. F. S. 14th Aug. to 27th Aug. Com-
mon and widespread.
Orthellia caesarion Meig. F. 3rd Sept.
Musca domestica L. W. 17th to 24th Aug.
M. autumnalis Deg. B.C. F. S. 31st July to 28th Aug. Common and
widespread.
Dasyphora cyanella Meig. W. 23rd July.
Morellia hortorum Fall. B. 21st Aug.
M. simplex Loew B.C. 11th July to 6th Aug.
Polietes lardaria F. B. 22nd July.
Lasiops semicinereus Wied. B.C. W. 11th July to 11th Aug.
Pogonomyia (Trichopticoides) decolor Fall. C. 8th Sept.
Hydrotaea irritans Fall. B.C. F. W. 11th July to 18th Aug. Widespread
and very common.
H,. similis Meade C. 6th to 27th Aug.
H. dentipes F. B. 21st July.
H. cinerea R.-D. C. 20th July. Prey of Empis (Kritempis) livida L.
Phaonia variegata Meig. W. 23rd July.
pallida sk. sb: Cy Ul theo slit ualy:
. trimaculata Bouche. F. 24th July.
. rufipalpis Macq. B. 22nd July.
. perdita Meig. F. 8th Aug.
. basalis Zett. C. F. 14th Aug. to 3rd Sept.
. signata Meig. B. 28th Aug.
Lophosceles cinereiventris Zett. C. 27th Aug.
Fannia difficilis Stein B. 2nd Aug.
re} Te) Mo} ae) re} 8)
140 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
F. umbrosa Stein C. 11th July.
F. armata Meig. W. 23rd July.
F. polychaeta Stein B. 17th to 21st July.
F. serena Fall. B. S. 17th July to 15th Aug.
F. similis Stein C. 12th July.
F. subsimilis Ringdahl S. 14th Aug.
F. coracina Loew. C. 12th July.
F. gotlandica Ringdhal C. 11th July.
Hebecema umbractica Meig. C. 11th July to 8th Sept.
H. affinis Malloch B.S. 14th to 28th Aug.
Helina laetifica Desvoidy (=lucorum Fall.) C. 11th July.
H. lasiophthalma Macq. W. 18th Aug.
H. concolor Czerny C. 2nd Aug.
H. depuncta Fall. C. 18th July.
Coenosia mollicula Fall. W. 18th Aug.
C. infantula Rondani C.S. 14th Aug. to 8th Sept.
C. lineatipes Zett. B.C. S. 12th Aug. to 8th Sept. Frequent in damp
places.
C. alleni Fonseca C. 27th Aug.
ANTHOMYIIDAE
Anthomyia procellaris Rondani B. 21st Aug. to 8th Sept.
Hydrophoria conica Wied. C. 11th July.
Pegoplata virginea Meig. C. 14th July.
Hylemyia strigosa F. C. 14th July.
Pegomyia winthemi Meig. B. 30th July.
P. rufina Fall. F. 8th Aug.
P. fulgens Meig. C. 28rd Aug.
Leptohylemyia coarctata Fall. F. 16th to 21st July.
Paregle aestiva Meig. F. 8th Sept.
Nupedia infirma Meig. (=dissecta Meig.) C. 16th Aug.
Erioischia brassicae Bouche F. 27th Aug.
Lasiomma eriophthalma Zett. C. 138th Aug.
L. meadei Kowarz B. 18th July.
Delia cilicrura Rondani F. 21st July.
D. trichodactyla Rondani C.F. 11th July to 8th Sept.
CORDYLURIDAE
Parallelomma albipes Fall. B. 13th Aug.
Norellisoma spinimanum Fall. C. S. W. 2nd Aug. to 8th Sept.
Scatophaga lutaria F. C. 24th July.
S. stercoraria L. B.C. F. S. W. 14th July to 3rd Sept. Common and
widespread.
S. squalida Meig. C. 18th July to 2nd Aug.
“Greylands’’, Furse Hill Road, Ilfracombe, Devon.
ee ee ee
SPECIAL INDEX
The continuance of the Special Index is now under consideration and
the views of readers would be appreciated. It is thought that while it is
of use to research workers, little use is made of it by ordinary subscribers.
The resultant saving would enable us to print an equivalent amount of
-additional material during the year.—ED.
LEPIDOPTERA IN NORTH-EAST DERBYSHIRE IN 1967 141
Lepidoptera in North-East Derbyshire in 1967
By J. H. JOHNSON, F.R.E.S.
(Concluded from p. 114)
A short walk along the Incline on June 2nd after tea gave me the
chance to take a few Ancylis badiana Schiff. (lundana F.) Lund’s Roller.
A very tiny moth was noticed flying in large numbers in and around and
settling on hawthorn bushes. They were finally identified as Argyresthia
nitidella F. (purpurascentella Staint.) (Cream Coloured Argent), and they
certainly fitted Stainton’s description. When examined closely they are a
very pretty lilac shade.
On June 4th the flowers of germander speedwell, Veronica chamaedrys
L. were attracting scores of tiny black moths which were not identified.
A larger species present on the same flowers was captured and proved
to be Adela fibulella Schiff. (Frisch’s Gold Long-horn). This was in
Ashover near Butts Pastures.
A newly emerged Poplar Hawk female (Laothoe populi L.) was seen
on a poplar trunk in the garden at 9 a.m. and left undisturbed. It
remained there all through the day unseen by the sparrows and did not
move until about 10.30 p.m.
All through May, magpie mcth (Abraxas grossulariata L.) larvae were
brought to me from all parts of the district. It was obvious that this
was a Magpie moth year, but I did not expect to see quite so much havoc
caused to a hedgerow as I saw at Locko Lane, Pilsley, where, near a
pair of old cottages, the well-known black and white caterpillars had
attacked every species of plant in the hedge. They were eating hazel,
bramble, hawtnorn as well as the blackthorn and gooseberry. I collected
75 larvae in a few minutes to rear through to the perfect insect. I always
hope to find a new variety emerging in the breeding cage, but, as usual,
I was disappointed.
After a careful search of a few plants of knapweed (Centaurea nigra
I.) growing near No. 4 Tip I found three cases of Coleophora alcyoni-
pennella Koll. (Knapweed Green Case). There were several other small
larvae feeding inside the stems but I failed to rear any of them.
Platyptilia gonodactyla Schiff. (Triangle-marked Plume) was common
among the sorrel plants, and a tortrix, Cephasia interjectana Haw.
(Lesser Grey. Shade) was caught in abundance among birch scrub.
Butterflies were quite plentiful during June and July at Tibshelf. On
June 14th, down Locust Lane, I saw seven Wall Browns Pararge
aegeria L., sixteen Small Heaths (Coenonympha pamphilus L.), four
Large Skippers (Ochlodes venata Br. and Grey (sylvanus Esp.)) and
scores of Cabbage Whites.
The Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata Schiff.) has been
seen in every part of of the district, nearly as frequently as the Garden
Carpet (X. fluctuata L.). The latter seems to be becoming darker while
the former is becoming lighter, or, at least more conspicuous. Even the
youngest collector among us now scorns the ubiquitous montanata!
An expedition to Lathkil Dale on Sunday morning, June 18th, was
upset by scores or hikers tramping up and down. The Grizzled Skipper
(Pyrgus malvae L.) was common and not too difficult to capture in spite
of the very steep and rugged slope that it always kept to. Male Orange
Tips (Anthocaris cardamines L.) were seen near the border of the wooded
part of the dale. One Mother Shipton (Euclidimera mi Clerck) and
142 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
several Cinnabars (Callimorpha jacobaeae L.) were netted on the same
steep slopes, which are a real sun trap and become extremely hot on a
fine day. A few Speckled Yellows (Pseudopanthera macularia L.) were
disturbed. They were pale and worn, and pest their best. One Flame
Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta L.) was taken feeding at bedstraw flowers.
On the way back from Lathkil, a short search of the heather on Beeley
Moor revealed several Ancylis myrtillana Treits. (Lyell’s Roller), and one
Beautiful Yellow Underwing (Anarta myrtilli L.). Two male Emperor
Moths were seen in flight, but unfortunately they did not lead to a
female.
Agapeta hamana L. (Hook-marked Conch) was disturbed in odd ones
from its resting place near thistles on th2 waste land near the Incline at
8 p.m. on June 27th. At the same time Olethreutes lacunana Schiff.
(herbana Guen.) (Indefinite Marble) was flying about everywhere. This
moth was also reared from larvae found feeding on both knapweed and
birch this year.
A female Puss Moth (Cerura vinula L.) was found in the light trap
on July 2nd, so badly damaged that I thought a cat had been playing
with it. For three days it lay in a cardboard box motionless, then
suddenly began ovipositing. Over a hundred eggs appeared, mostly stuck
together in clumps of five or six, but they were fertile and produced a
good percentage of pupae in the proper season.
The Meadow Brown Butterfly (Maniola jurtina L. (janira L.)) was
seen for the first time this season at Tibshelf on July 5th, when, in
several fields, the Chimney Sweep Moth (Odezia atrata L. (chaerophyl-
lata L.)) was incredibly abundant.
During a visit to Slagmill Plantation, Beeley Moors, on July 23rd a
few specimens of Apotomis saucinana Frol. (Dark Long-cloaked Marble)
were captured. This, a common species wherever bilberry grows, has
been recorded in most parts of Derbyshire.
Several members of the Derbyshire Entomological Society decided to
make an evening trip to Ashover Butts on July 27th, and since it was
the first Field Meeting of the Society since 1961 we agreed in advance not
to be put off by anything, least of all the weather. And so, in spite of
a steady drizzle, which covered everything with a film of moisture,
we left the car and proceeded through soaking wet grass and dripping
bushes. We beat shrubs and trees, making drops of water fly if not
moths. At first no insects were seen, and then as darkness closed in
several small pale geometers came out of hiding, and we were rewarded
for our pains by the capture of four Blue-bordered Carpet Moths
(Plemyria rubiginata Schiff. (bicolorata Hufn.)) and three Dwarf Cream
Waves (Sterrha interjectana Boisd. (fuscovenosa auct.)). The former
species has been recorded in most areas of Derbyshire, but this is the
first county record for the latter. The weather improved next day so we
made another trip to the same locality in the evening about 8.30. We
took a few more interjectana, several Treble Lines (Anaitis plagiata L.)
and Local Chalk Carpets (Ortholitha bipunctaria Schiff.). Just as we
were beginning to warm to our task of searching the ragwort flowers our
only torch failed, and we were unable to continue. However, we were
happy to have discovered an addition to the county list. A few Brim-
stone Moths, now called the Sulphur Thorn (Opisthograptis luteolata
L. crataegata L.), and Barred Yellow Moths (Cidaria fulvata Forst.) flew
LEPIDOPTERA IN NORTH-EAST DERBYSHIRE IN 1967 143
out of rose bushes as soon as the beating stick was used. The tiny
yellow Acleris rhombana Schiff. (contaminana Hubn.) flew out of almost
every hawthorn bush before the beating stick was applied.
I tried an evening’s “sugaring” at Bath Lane, Ashover, on August Ist.
The total catch of nine moths was hardly worth the trouble, and I was
not encouraged to repeat the performance on any other occasion.
On August Ist I saw hundreds of Udea lutealis Hubn. (Pale Straw
Pearl) everywhere I walked through grass. This species must now be
the commonest of all the moths in this area. On every patch of waste
ground it seems to be building up a large population. Fortunately it
seems to feed only on weeds, otherwise it might develop into a serious
pest.
At 5 p.m. on August 11th I was examining a small clump of tansy
plants growing on the “Shunts” near Clay Cross Station, when I saw a
perfect example of Dichrorampha petiverella L. (Petiver’s Drill) at rest
on one of the leaves. As I watched, another one flew around the plant
for a second or two and then joined the first, and almost before I had
realised it was there, they were in cop. This is the first record of this
species in area 6.
On August 12th I saw two Wall Brown Butterflies (Pararge megera L.)
settled on Clay Cross Pit Tip, and after searching the ragwort for an
hour I was able to find 56 Cinnabar (jacabaeae) larvae of all sizes from
almost newly hatched ones to fully grown ones. More than half were
parasitised and failed to pupate. A perfect Grey Chi (Antitype chi L.)
was seen at rest on a wooden fence rail. This species is very common
on the heather moors where it usually rests all day on the stone walls,
and may be taken in large numbers in most years in August.
I paid another visit to Ashover Butts on the afternoon of August 15th
and saw hundreds of Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies (Aglais urticae L.)
feeding on the scabious flowers, and a couple of Small Copper Butterflies
(Lycaena phlaeas L.) in the same position. Three pale specimens of
Crambus perlellus Scop. (Yellow Satin Grass Veneer) were caught on a
tussock of cock’s-foot grass, together with two Ochsenheimeria medio-
pectinella Haw. (Middle Feather Field). The antennae of the latter species
are unusually thick, and are noticed immediately, even before a magnify-
ing glass is used. The locality where these insects were found was very
rough pasture on limestone sheltered by a strong hedge of a very tall
rosebay willowherb.
The first Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta L.) was seen feeding on the
buddleia blooms in the garden on September list. Others were seen later
at Pilsley and Tibshelf, but in no great quantity, in fact they were un-
common this year.
One Dark Dagger larva (Apatele tridens Schiff.) was found feeding on
blackthorn in the hedgerow near Tibshelf School at 9.0 a.m. on September
6th. It was nearly fully grown and pupated a few days later. This species
has been found in the same place in other years, but, although I have
searched carefully, I have found it in no other locality. Two Grey Dagger
(A, psi L.) larvae were found feeding on birch in the garden on September
9th.
I searched the rosebay willowherb plants growing on the banks of the
Incline and Alma Pit Tip for larvae for two whole hours on September
9th. Between 4.0 p.m. and 6.0 p.m., I found only two Elephant Hawk
144 ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
(Deilephila elpenor L.), both brown and both fully grown and feeding in
full view. On a sallow bush near the railway line I found one Coxcomb
Prominent larva (Lophopteryx capucina L., camelina L.) also feeding in
full view.
An evening visit to Slagmill Plantation, Beeley Moors, produced wet
feet and a few specimens of Epinotia stroemiana F. (bimaculana Don.)
(Stroem’s Bell), which was flying about freely in spite of heavy drizzle.
This medium sized tortrix is very easy to differentiate from other species.
It has two dorsal white marks and flies in September, and yet the authors
have caused confusion by giving it several quite different names. Heslop
(1964) and Bradley (1959) agree on the name given above, Meyrick (1897)
named it Epiblema similana Hb. (bimaculana Don.), Ford (1949) called it
Eucosma similana Hbn., Morris (1872) Ephippiphora bimaculana, and
Stainton (1857) Halonota bimaculana.
A keen amateur entomologist had reported the discovery of a few
larvae of the Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi L.) near Slagmill but none
was seen on this occasion. The following evening was much milder and
the sun was shining, so another journey was made to the same spot. A
very short walk among the heather was enough to prove the presence
of rubi, and a ciose search of the vegetation of just thirty minutes pro-
duced 53 healthy larvae, and by 7.0 p.m. when it was too dark to see
any more I had 72 in my boxes and jars. They were feeding indiscrimin-
ately on grass, heather, bilberry, bramble and birch, but usually they
were found in a sheltered spot facing the sun or where the sun’s rays
fell on them.
On September 15th I made another trip to Slagmill Plantation and
searched another part of the moor. In ten minutes I had 13 rubi larvae.
I moved to several places within a radius of half a mile and everywhere
I found rubi larvae in the same abundance, searching for half an hour
was enough to find 50. Near Wragg’s Quarry, about a mile from Slag-
mill I picked up 50 larvae in seven minutes on September 20th. This
abundance continued until October 10th, but on this date I noticed that a
few of the caterpillars failed to roll up tightly when touched, and even
felt limp, while an occasional one was carrying small fly maggots on the
long hairs. When handled, some larvae exuded an offensive yellow fluid
which stained the fingers. The last time that I saw rubi larvae as numer-
ous as this was in 1952, since which time they have been quite uncommon.
Next year they will, no doubt, be uncommon again. Whatever happens to
these little population explosions?
Eddlestowe Wood is an interesting strip of woodland which encloses
the first few miles of the River Amber above the hamlet of Kelstedge.
The dipper finds suitable nesting sites in the overhanging river banks,
and a tawny owl nests in the same hollow tree every year. There is a
small clearing where heather, bilberry and field scabious grow undis-
turbed. On September 16th I put up several small brown plume moths as
I moved about among the grass. They were found to be Stenoptilia
bipunctidactyla Scop. (arida Zell.) (Grey Wood Plume), which is the only
plume moth so far recorded from Area 5. Feeding on the scabious leaves
were several inch long yellow and green sawfly larvae which have not
been named yet.
Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa L.) larvae were found feeding on
ragwort plants when I searched the flowers for moths, others were found
LEPIDOPTERA IN NORTH-EAST DERBYSHIRE IN 1967 145
on rosebay willowherb when I was looking for elpenor larvae, and yet
others were found on wormwood when I was searching for Wormwood
Shark (Cucullia absinthii L.) larvae. Wormwood leaves seem acceptable
as food to a large number of larvae. Besides absinthii and fuliginosa I
obtained two small Garden Tiger (Arctia caja L.), five Broom (Ceramica
pisi L.) and six Wormwood Pug (Eupithecia absinthiata Clerck). On
other occasions I have found both Peppered (Biston betularia L.) and
Scalloped Hazel (Gonodontis bidentata (Clerck)) apparently thriving on a
diet of wormwood. One fully grown betularia larvae was observed feed-
ing on broom in the garden on September 28th. It pupated a few days
later.
On November 10th an Angie Shades Moth (Phlogophora meticulosa L.)
in Tibshelf School yard. The last record of the season, which has not
been such an empty one after all, was a male Winter Moth (Operophtera
brumata L.) which appeared at a lighted window on the evening of
November 28th. There are still plenty of moths to be found—in the
right place at the right time!
The mercury vapour light trap which was operated in my garden every
night between April and October inclusive captured 182 species of macro-
lepidoptera and a total of 15,996 specimens, which is well above the aver-
age catch for the last thirteen years. I have operated the same light
trap in the same place since 1953, with the exception of 1956 and 1964,
every night between April and October inclusive, and have recorded
every moth found in the box. The mean annual catch is 11,663, so the
present year 1967 can be classed as a good year. A few species have
declined in numbers, at least in my trap, the most notable one being the
Hedge Rustic (Tholera cespitis Schiff.), which is now missing from the
list completely, although quite common in 1953. Perhaps this explains
the absence of this species from the list of macrolepidoptera of the county
produced by H. C. Hayward (1926); it has been only a temporary resident.
One species new to the county was taken in the trap this year. On
September 18th a perfect specimen of the Black Rustic (Aporophyla
lunula Stroem. nigra Haw.) appeared among a few common species. New
records in the Noctuidae are very uncommon now. I sometimes wonder
where these lone travellers have come from, and why they have not
called before. New records among the Pyralidae are commoner but still
gratifying to make. On the night of July 12th a large specimen of Chilo
phragmitellus Hubn. (Wainscot Grass-veneer) was captured, the only one
recorded in Derbyshire, although I am confident that if the reed beds in
the South of the county were searched closely at the right time a few
more examples would be found. A single Oak Hook-tip (Drepana binaria
Hufn.) was taken on August 8th: the fourth county record, the first in
Area 6. It laid a few eggs, but all the larvae died in the second or third
instar. When I saw a pretty little Yellow Waved Carpet (Hydrelia
flammeolaria Hufn., luteata Schiff.), I thought I had another new record,
but when I looked it up I found that it has been seen in Areas 123, Oran
6. The larvae feed on field maple which is common enough in some parts
of the county, so it is surprising that it has not turned up sooner. Thus in
1967 four comparative rarities were met with in the trap; not a bad
score for any year now. Of the common species 17 were more abundant
in this season than in any other since 1953, judging by the results of the
trapping. The following table gives the total number of the species named
in 1967 and the second figure gives the average annual catch.
146 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
Gortyna micacea Esp. (Rosy Rustic) 412 262-7
Amathes baja Schiff. (Dotted Clay) 391 168-0
Graphiphora augur F. (Double Dart) 125 59-0
Xanthorhoe montanata Schiff. (Silver Ground Carpet) 151 Syile5)
Apatele psi L. (Grey Dagger) 167 43-5
Euplexia lucipara L. (Small Angle Shades) 137 39-9
Alcis repandata L. (Mottled Beauty) 70 32:9
Eupithecia succenturiata L. (Bordered Pug) 67 27-0
Abraxas grossulariata L. (Magpie) 87 19-9
Unca triplasia L. (Spectacle) 53 15-9
Sterrha dimidiata Hufn. (Single Dotted Wave) 37 11-9
Lophopteryx capucina L. (Coxcomb Prominent) PALE 11-6
Ourapteryx sambucaria L. (Swallowtail) 38 10-2
Nola cucullatella L. (Short Cloaked) 38 9-5
Sterrha seriata Schrank (Small Dusty Wave) 10 3°8
Chiasma clathrata L. (Latticed Heath) ie 2°8
Habrosyne pyritoides Hufn. (Buff Arches) 13 wer
To try to explain these increases in the population of any or all of
these species is to attempt the impossible. There is no obvious pattern,
no common factor, which can easily be picked out. The sudden great in-
crease in the population of the Grey Dagger may have been caused by
the destruction of the trees in Tupton Park to make way for a new
school. The lack of suitable trees might have forced the females to
travel further in search of places to oviposit. This is only a wild guess.
For the most part, these increases merely illustrate the instability of the
so-called “Balance of Nature”. Normally the populations of most wild
creatures rise and fall periodically, and while one species is having a
recession, another is having a boom. As certain habitats are modified the
creatures favoured by the changes may increase in numbers, while
others, less fortunate, may disappear altogether, an observation which
has been made many times previously.
REFERENCES
Bradley, J. D., and Martin, E. L. (1959). An Illustrated List of the British
Tortricidae, Part Il. Ent. Gaz., 10.
Hayward, H. C. (1926). Lepidoptera of Derbyshire.
Heslop, I. R. P. (1964). Revised Indexed List of the British Lepidoptera.
Meyrick, E. (1895). A Handbook of British Lepidoptera.
Stainton, H. T. (1857). A Manual of British Butterflies and Moths.
POST-GRADUATE STUDENTSHIPS IN NATURAL RESOURCES OFFERED BY THE
MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT.—In order to increase the numbers
of qualified men and women available for work overseas the Ministry of
Overseas Development are making a novel offer of post-graduate student-
ships in agriculture, agricultural engineering, forestry, geology, mining,
veterinary science, botany, plant pathology, and allied subjects in the
natural resources spectrum, to graduates willing to work in the developing
countries after completing their courses. Students may be offered courses
at home or overseas depending upon the nature of their qualifications and
their subsequent posts overseas.
Applications are invited from those who have or are about to obtain
their first degrees or other qualifications in these subjects.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 147
The Ministry is to-day issuing a booklet about the scheme, which is
available through University Appointments Boards, as are application
forms. People interested in the scheme may also obtain copies of this
booklet and application forms direct from the Ministry, Eland House,
Stag Flace, London, S.W.1. Room E.301.
Notes and Observations
I was interested to see the note of Amphipyra berbera Rungs in the
supplement to “The Butterflies and Moths of Kent” (antea (380)). I am
particularly interested in the dates of capture. I have examined my
series, and the dates of capture of six A. berbera range from July 23rd
to August 15th. The dates of capture of eight A. pyramidea range from
August 22nd to September 13th. This suggests that the emergence of
A. berbera is rather earlier than that of A. pyramidea. The two dates
quoted on p. 380 seem to fit in, as they are July 19th and 29th.
Of course, this is a very small sample, but perhaps others would
examine the dates of capture of their pyramidea and berbera, and see
whether this is generally borne out.—Air Marshal Sir Rospert SAuNpDBy,
K.C.B., Oxleas, Burghclere, near Newbury, Berkshire. 26.iii.1968.
HERSE CONVOLVULI L.—Mr. Bunn’s article, Number cf Instars of the
Larva of Herse convolvuli L., (1968, Entomologist’s Record, 30: 13) has
prompted me to look up some details of my own breeding experience of
this species in India and East Africa.
All my larvae have had five instars, actual dates recorded sre as
under :—
Calcutta Kampala
Ovum laid 4th October 5th April
Ovum hatched 7th October &th April
Ist moult 10th October 10th April
2nd moult 12th October 13th April
3rd moult 15th October 16th April
4th moult 17th October 20th April
Larva buried 23rd October 30th April
Imago emerged 3rd November 19th May
The green form of larva is fairly constant with the head green with a
darker green inverted Y and black marginal stripe. Body green with the
usual lateral stripes white edged above with darker green. The spiracles
black rimmed with orange and set in sma!l black spots. Horn curved,
orange tipped with black. Legs black. Prolegs, clasper and venter green.
Occasionally a green larva lacks all the above black markings.
The brown form is very variable, the ground colour ranging from
almost black to an ochreous buff. The horn is always black. The
spiracles vary from black in the darker forms te a dark red brown with a
black central slit in the paler, always set in biack spots.
The horn in the first instar has the extreme tip bifid.
The first and second instars do not appear to vary, it is only in the
third that the various forms begin to manifest themselves.
Bell and Scott, Fauna of British India, Moths. V (Sphingidae), give a
very complete description of the various forms and figure a number of
148 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V/68
them. Hampson, Fauna of British India, Moths, I, states that the European
form of larva has a black spot above each lateral stripe, which is the
only distinction between it and the Indian (and presumably African)
form orientalis Btlr—D. G. SEVASTOPULO, F.R.E.S., Mombasa. 2.iv.68.
Current Literature
Flies of the British Isles. By C. N. Golyer in collaboration with C. Q.
Hammond. London & New York. Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. Price 55s.
This is the second edition but in a larger format 82 inches xX 6 inches
with 24 plates in colour, 28 half-tone plates and 50 text figures and
diagrams depicting 286 species carefully chosen respresentatives of the
5600 or so species known in Britain.
The appearance of the book in 1951 filled a void and was enthusiasti-
cally welcomed in this country and abroad. The coloured illustrations
were considered to be the best in the Wayside and Woodland series and
of books on diptera. For the first time non-entomologists could recognise
a fly from good pictures and Colyer’s account of the varied habits made
many pay attention to flies. Coinciding with the interest aroused by the
1949 Check List of Kloet and Hincks and the start of the Royal
Entomological Society’s Identification Handbooks covering the Diptera,
the book commenced a further burst of study of flies.
Many species have been discovered: for the first time in Britain since
1951, many new to science. These additions, with the changes in
classification, have caused some alterations in the text and this edition
has benefited by the help of Mr. K. G. V. Smith of the British Museum
(Natural History) and his colleagues. The amendments have been
cleverly made so that despite an increase from 268 to 445 items of
literature cited and an addition of 26 items in the index, the pages have
been increased by only one from the 1951 edition to a total of 384.
The beautiful colovred and half-tone illustrations by C. O. Hammond
that are large enough to enable each species to be correctly identified
now appear side by side on the larger pages of this edition making
comparison easier.
Although reference is made to the value of consulting museum
collections perhaps in the next edition it would be useful to inform readers
of the benefit to be obtained by joining local natural history societies
(details obtainable from County and Municipal libraries) for guidance in
the field and of the national societies who have the specialised libraries
needed by amateur dipterists as they progress.
The publishers and authors are to be congratulated in producing this
impreved edition within a few months of the first edition disappearing
from the bookstalls. The work remains the world’s best introduction to
the diptera with an excellent reference list for further reading to enable
a beginner to extend his studies
It is hoped that this work will encourage the study of flies of whose
life histories so much is still to be discovered and to inspire many to
gain sufficient experience to enable them to assist local Nature Trusts to
ascertain the fly inhabitants of reserves and their ecology.—L. P.
INDEX
The Index inciudes Family names, Generic names, and Specific names,
with synonyms of Specific names in italic.
abjecta, 225
absinthii, 271, 375
aceris, 260
Acherontia, 3
Acontia, 338
Actebia, 128
Actinotia, 114
acutan ooo
adusta, 290, 376
advena O., 185, 370
advena P., 159, 368
aenea, 343
affinis, 246, 574
agathina, 134, 366
Agrochola, 297
Agrotis, 118
albicolon, 176, 370
albimacula, 170, 369
albipuncta, 195, 371
albistrigalis, 347
albovenosa, 268
albula, 78, 360, 379
albulalis, 78, 360, 379
alchymista, 338
algae, 203
Allophyes, 288
sila. FATE BIS)
alpium, 258
alsines, 211
Amathes, 134
ambigua, 212, 372
Ammogrotis, 129
Amphipyra, 252
anachoreta, 37, 356
Anaplectoides, 141
Anarta, 156
anceps, 30
Anchoscelis, 298
anomala, 198
antiqua, 50, 358, 379
Antitype, 293
Apamea, 218
Apatele, 258
Aporophyla, 285
aprilina, 288
arbuti, 252
Arctia, 107
ARCTIIDAE, 77
Arctornis, 56
arcuosa, 238
Arenostola, 200
areola, 281
argentula, 316
armigera, 155
arundinis, 205
Asphalia, 47
asteris, 268, 375
Atethmia, 301
atropos, 3, 353
augur, 1380, 365
aurago, 303
auricoma, 264
aurifera, 328
AUStraliSy 28ieonG
Axylea, 141
baja, 136, 366
bankiana, 316
barbalis, 350
basilinea, 223
batis, 41
bella, 133, 366
Bena, 309
berbera, 380
bicolorana, 310, 377
bicolorata, 169, 369
bicoloria, 235
bicruris, 173
bicuspis, 17, 354
bifida, 17, 354, 378
binaria, 74, 360
landa e201
blanda, 214
Bombycia, 283
BOMBYCIDAE, 71
bombyliformis, 16, 354
Bombyx, 72
Bomolocha, 345
Brachionycha, 282
brassicae, 157, 368
brassicae, 333
brunnea, 131, 365
bucephala, 35, 356
caerulieocephala, 325
caja, 107, 364
Callimorpha, 97
Calophasia, 281
camelina, 32, 356
caniola, 91, 362, 380
cannae, 203
capsincola, 173
capsophila, 175
captiuncula, 235
capucina, 32, 356, 378
Caradrinal 211
carmelita, 33, 356, 378
carpini, 73
carpophaga, 174, 369
cassinea, 282
castanea, 136, 366
castrensis, 61, 379
Catephia, 338
Catocalay sii
Celaena, 240
Celama, 79, 94
Celerio, 7
celerio, 11, 354, 378
centonalis, 94, 362, 330
Ceramica, 162
Cerapteryx, 179
Cerastis, 143
Cerura: 20
cespitis, 178, 370
chalcites, 330
chamomillae, 269, 375
Chacnia, 23
chaonia, 23, 355
Charadra, 324
chenopodii, 164, 369
ehi, 294
Chilodes, 209
chrysitis, 327
chryson, 328
chrysorrhoea, 53, 379
chrysozona, 168
Cie ii
cinerea, 122, 364
circellaris, 298
Cirrhia, 304
citrago, 302, 376
Citria, 304
clavipalpis, 214
clavis, 121, 364
eloranay 311
Clostera, 36
c-nigrum, 137
Coenobia, 209
Colobochyla, 341
Colocasia, 323
Comacla, 81
comes, 145, 367
comma, 192, 371
commoides, 198
complana, 88, 361
compta, 172, 369
concolor, 201
conformis, 277
confusa, 333
confusalis, 70, 360
conigera, 198
Conistra, 308
connexa, 224
conspersa, 171, 369
conspicillaris, 180
contigua, 167, 369
convolvuli, 4, 353
corticea, 121, 364
CORY) (323200 Gil
Coscinia, 95
Cosmia, 245
Cosmophila, 344
costaestrigalis, 348
eraccae, 341
il
Craniophora, 267
crassa, 120
crassalis, 345
crassicornis, 199, 371
crataegi, 62, 359
crenata, 222, 373
cribralis, 349
eribraria, 95
cribrum, 95
cribrumalis, 349
croceago, 295
cruda, 182
Cryphia, 255
cucubali, 173
cuUculla, vals) 306
cucullatella, 77, 360
Cucullia, 268
cucculina, 31, 356
cultraria, 95, 360
cursoria, 114
curtula, 36, 356, 379
curvatula, 76, 379
Cybosia, 83
Cycnia, 101
cytherea, 238
dahlii, 132
Daphnis, 12
Dasychira, 51
deceptoria, 316
degenerana, 312
Deilephila, 13
delphinii, 150
denticulatus, 122, 364
dentina, 163, 369
deplana, 86, 361, 380
depressa, 86, 361, 380
cerasa, 41, 357
deridens, 324
derivalis, 349
despecta, 209, 372
Diacrisia, 103
Diarsia, 131
Diataraxia, 162
dictaeoides, 25, 355
Dicycla, 244
didyma, 227
diffinis, 247
diluta, 47, 357
dipsacea, 151
dispar, 58
dissimilis, 165, 369
dissoluta, 207, 372
ditrapezium, 138, 366
dodonaea, 22, 355
dominula, 111, 364
Drepana, 74
DREPANIDAE, 74
dromedarius, 28, 355
Drymonia, 22
Dryobotodes, 292
dumerilii, 236
duplaris, 44, 357
Dypterygia, 216
dysodea, 168
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT
Earias, 311
Eetypa, 323
Eilema, 86
elpenor, 13, 354
Emmelia, 313
empyrea, 289
Enargia, 249
Endromis, 71
Episema, 325
epomidion, 220
eremita, 292
Eremobia, 230
Eriogaster, 64
Eriopus, 238
eriosema, 330
erythrocephala, 307
Eublemma, 314
Euclidimera, 322
Eumichtis, 290
euphorbiae, 7, 353
Euplagia, 111
Euplexia, 236
Euproctis, 53
Eupsilia, 295
Eurois, 142
Euschesis, 145
Eustrotia, 316
Euxoa, 114
exclamationis, 124, 364
exigua, 214, 372
expolita, 235
exsiccata, 339
exsoleta, 279, 375
extrema, 201
fagana, 309
facie 2a.
faleataria, 75
fascelina, 51, 358
fasclanan oloman s
fasciuncula, 233, 374
favicolor, 189, 370
ferruginea, 298
festiva, 132, 365
festucae, 329, 377
jimbria, 149, 367
fimbriata, 149, 367
fissipuncta, 229
flammea M., 188
flammea P., 187, 370
flammea T., 289
flavago, 243, 374
flavago, 304
flavicincta, 293, 376
flavicornis, 48, 357
flexula, 351, 378
florida, 133
fluctuosa, 46, 357, 379
fluxa, 201, 371
fontis, 345
fraxini, 317, 377
fuciformis, 15, 354
fuliginaria, 343
fuliginosa, 104, 363
fulwas 200) som
fulvago, C., 304
fulvago, K., 249
furcifera, 277
furcula, 19, 355
furuncula, 235
furva, 226, 373
galii, 7, 354
gamma, 333
Gastropacha, 69
geminipuncta, 206, 372
genistae, 164, 369
gilvago, 305, 376
glareosa, 185, 366
glaucata, 77, 360
glyphica, 323
gnaphalii, 270, 375
gnoma, 25, 355, 378
gonostigma, 50
Gortyna, 242
gothica, 181
gracilis, 186
graminis, 179, 370
grammica, 95
Graphiphora, 130
Griposia, 288
grisealis, 349
griseola, 86, 361
gutta, 333
Gypsitia 143
Habrosyne, 41
Hada, 163
Hadena, 164
Hamaris, 15
Hapalotis, 240
Harpyia, 17
haworthii, 240
Heliothis, 151
hellmanni, 201, 371
helvola, 298, 376
Hemaris, 15
hepatica, A., 220
hepatica P., 158, 368
hera, 111
herbida, 141, 366
hermelina, 17, 354
Herminia, 350
Herse, 4
Hippotion, 11
hucherardi, 244
Hydraecia, 241
Hydrillula, 240
Hyloicus, 6
HYLOPHILIDAE, 309
Hypena, 345
icteritia, 304
impudens, 191, 370
impura, 189
incerta, 185
infesta, 226
instabilis, 185
interjecta, 146, 367
interrogationis, 334
iota, 350
ipsilon, 125
irrorella, 83, 361, 379
jacobaeae, 97, 362
janthina, 146, 367
Jodia, 295
juventina, 238
lacertinaria, 76, 360
l-album, 193
Lainicdaye avis aoko
Lampra, 149
lanestris, 64, 359, 379
Laothoe, 2
Laphygmia, 214
Lasiocampa, 65
LASIOCAMPIDAE, 60
Laspeyria, 351
latruncula, 231, 232
lepida, 174, 369
leporina, 258
Leucania, 188
leucographa, 143
Leucoma, 57
leucophaea, 161, 368
leucostigma, 240, 374
libatrix, 344
lichenea, 290, 376
ligula, 308
hisustrim Gs 267
liSUStri osteo DS
linariae, 281
lineata, 9
literosa, 233
Lithacodia, 315
lithargyria, 197
Lithomoia, 275
lithorhiza, 281
Lithosia, 85
lithoxylea, 218
litonalis) 1925 srl
lnttonalliisne2Zinncote
litura, 299
tina 2 sole
livornica, 9
l-nigrum, 56
Lophopteryx, 31
lotazy 29% eu
lubricipeda, 98, 363
lubricipeda, 100, 363
lucernea, 129, 365
lucida, 314
lucipara, 236
luctuosa, 338
lunaris. 32007304
lunigera, 124
lunosa, 296
lunula A., 286
lunulayCa261 376
Luperina, 235
lurideola, 87, 361
lutarella, 89, 362
- lutea C., 304
lutea S., 100, 363
lutosa, 199, 371
INDEX
lutulenta, 285
Lychnidis, 298
Lychnitis, 274
Lycophotia, 127
Lygephila, 340
Lymantria, 58
LYMANTRIIDAE, 50
macilenta, 297
Macrogiossum, 14
Macrothylacia, 68
Malacosoma, 60
Mamestra, 157
marginata, 150, 367
maritima C., 209, 372
maritima He cio2 7366
matura, 238
maura, 254
megacephala, 261
Melanchra, 158
Meliana, 188
mendica C., 101, 363
Mmendica Os loz woos
menthastri, 98
menyanthidis, 264
Meristis, 210
mesomella, 83, 361
meticulosa, 237
Mieo22
micacea, 242
Miltochrista, 82
Mimas, l
miniata, 82, 361
minima, 238, 374
miniosa, 181
Minucia, 320
Moma, 258
monacha, 58, 358
moneta, 326
monoglypha, 220
MORI
Mormo, 254
morpheus, 211
morrisii, 201, 371
munda, 185
mundana, 81, 350
muralis, 256, 374
muscerda, 92, 362
musculosa, 203
myrtilli, 156
Mythimna, 198
Naenia, 144
nana, 163, 369
nana, 171, 369
nebulosa, 160, 368
neglecta, 136, 366
nemoralis, 349, 378
Neri ke
neustria, 60, 358, 379
Miwoo2
nictitans, 241
nigra, 286
nigricans, 114, 364
nitens, 159, 368
Noctua, 148
ili
NOCTUIDAE, 114
Nola, 77
Nonagria, 203
Notodonta, 26
NOTODONTIDAE, 17
Nudaria, 81
nupta, 318
Nycteola, 311
obelisca, 118, 364
oblonga, 225, 373
obscura A., 226
obscura S., 130, 365
obsoleta, 191, 370
occulta, 142, 367
ocellaris, 306, 377
ocellata, 2, 353
ochracea, 243
ochroleuca, 230, 373
ochropleura, 134
octogesima, 41, 357
ocularis, 41, 357, 379
oculea, 241
Odontosia, 33
oleracea, 162
olivana, 316
Omphaloscelis, 296
oo, 244
ophiogramma, 228, 373
opima, 185, 370
Or, 43,557
orbona, 146
orbona, 145, 367
Orgyia, 50
Oria, 203
orichalcea, 328
orichalcea, 328
orion, 258
ornitopus, 278, 375
Orthosia, 1%!
ostrina, 314
oxyacanthae
pabulatricu ‘a,
Pachetra, 161
paleacea, 249, 374
palleago, 306, 376
pallens, 1838
palpina, 35, 356
paludis, 241
palustris, 240
IRanenxiaeselel
Panemeria,
Panolis, 187
par, 256
Paracolax, 349
Parascotia, 343
Parasemia, 106
Parastichtis, 292
parva, 314
pastinum, 340, 378
pavonia, 7, 360
Pelosia, 92
peltigera, 153, 368
Peridroma, 128
202
lv
perla, 255
Periphanes, 150
persicariae, 158, 368
perspicillaris, 114
petasitis, 243, 374
Petilampa, 238
petrificata, 276
phaeorrhoea, 53
Phalera, 35
phegea, 114
Pheosia, 25
Philudoria, 68
Phlogophora, 237
phoebe, 29
Phothedes, 235
Phragmatobia, 104
phragmitidis, 202, 371
Phytometra, 343
pigra, 39
pinastri, 6, 353
pinastri, 216, 372
piniperda, 187, 370
pisi, 162, 368
pistacina, 298
pityocampa, 40
plantaginis, 106, 364
Plathypena, 347
plecta, 134
plumigera, 34, 356
Phasiatwocn
PLUSIIDAE, 313
Poecilocampa, 63
Polia, 158
Polychrisia, 326
polyodon, 114, 364
polyodon, 220
Polyploca, 52
popularis, 178
populeti, 184, 370
poOpuUlit W233
joOowlly 12,4) (6s), Soy)
porcellus, 13, 354
porphyrea, 128, 365
porphyrea, 290
potatoria, 68, 360
praecox, 128
prasina, 141, 366
prasinana, 309
proboscidalis, 345
processionea, 40
Procis. Zou
Prodenia, 217
promissa, 320
pronuba, 148, 367
protea, 292
Pseudoips, 310
psi, 263
Pterostoma, 35
Ptilophora, 34
pudibunda, 52, 358
pudorina, 191, 370
pulchella, 95, 370
pulchrina, 332
pulverulenta, 182
puta, 123
putris, 141
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT
pygmaeola, 89, 362
pygmina, 200, 371
pyralina, 245, 374
pyramidea, 253
pyritoides, 141, 357
pyrophila, 130
Pyrrhia, 150
Guiadia, Sb olwalS
quadripunctaria, 111
quadripunctata, 214
quercana, 310
quercifolia, 69
quercus, 65, 359
radius, 123
ravida, 130; 365
recens, 50
reclusa, 39
remissa, 226
reticulata, 177, 370
retusa, 250
revayana, 311
Rhizedra, 199
rhizolitha, 278
rhomboidea, 139, 366
Rhyacia, 130
ridens, 49, 358
Eipae, 126; 365
Rivula, 342
rivularis, 173
rostralis, 346
rubi D., 133, 366
rubi M., 68, 359
rubricollis, 93, 362, 380
rubricosa, 1438, 367
Euan 2OI ans
GUT COLMISH Zan SOD TalG
rufina, 298
rumicis, 265, 375
rurea, 222
Rusina, 254
russula, 103, 363
sabulifera, 344
sagittigera, 161, 368
salicalis, 341, 378
salicis, 57, 358
sannio, 103, 363
saponariae, 177, 370
satellitia, 295
satura, 290
Saturnia, 73
SATURNIIDAE, 73
saucia, 128, 365
seabra, 347
seabriuscula, 216, 372
Schrankia, 347
Scoliopteryx, 344
scolopacina, 227, 373
Scotogramma, 164
scrophulariae, 273
secalis, 227
segetum, 118, 364
semibrunnea, 275, 375
senex, 81, 360
septentrionalis, 152
serena, 169, 369
sericealis, 342
Setina, 83
sexstrigata, 140, 366
similis, 55
simulans, 130
Simyra, 268
Smerinthus, 2
socia, 276
solaris, 314
solidaginis, 275
sordens, 223
sordida, 226
sororcula, 91, 362
spadicea, 308
Spaelotis, 130
sparganii, 203, 371
SPHINGIDAE, 1
Sphinx, 5
sphinx, 282
Spilosoma, 98
sponsa, 319, 377
stabilis, 183
Stauropus, 21
stellatarum, 14, 354
stigmatica, 139, 366
Stilbia, 198
straminea, 190
striata, 95
Stripers Zale 252
strigula, 78, 365
strigula, 127
suasa, 165, 369
sublustris, 218, 373
subsequa, 146
subtusa, 251, 374
suffusa, 125
sulphuralis, 313
superstes, 214
suspecta, 292, 376
Syntomis, 114
taenialis, 347
Tarache, 314
taraxaci, 211
tarsipennalis, 348
Tathorhynchus, 339
tenebrata, 252
tenebrosa, 254
testacea, 235
Tethea, 41
thalassina, 167, 369
Thalpophila, 238
Thaumetopoea, 40
Tholera, 178
Thyatira, 41
THYATIRIDAE, 41
Tiliacea, 302
tiliae, 1
tincta, 158, 368
tityus, 16, 354
trabealis, 313, 377
tragopoginis, 253, 374
transversa, 295
trapezina, 248
tremula, 25
trepida, 30, 355
triangulum, 139, 366
Trichiura, 62
tridens, 262
trifolii L., 66, 359
trifolii S., 164, 369
trigemina, 335
Trigonophora, 282
trigrammica, 210
trilinea, 210
trimacula, 22, 355
tripartita, 336, 378
triplasia, 335, 378
tritici, 116
tritophus, 29
trituberculana, 94, 362,
INDEX
ulvae, 209, 372
umbra, 150, 367
umbratica, 268
umbratica, 254
umbrosa, 140, 366
unanimis, 224, 373
WncaryssD
uncana, 316
uncula, 316
undulana, 311
unipuncta, 192, 371
urticae, 99
urticae, 336
Utetheisa, 95
vaccinli, 308
Wiaiclan L209
380venosa, 268, 375
trux, 124
turca, 198
typhae, 205
typica, 144, 367
venustula, 240
verbasci, 272, 375
versicolor, 231, 233
versicolora, 71, 360
vestigialis, 120, 366
vetusta, 280, 376
villica, 109
viminalis, 283
vinula, 20, 355
viridaria, 343
viriplaca, 151
vitellina, 193
v-nigrum, 56
w-latinum, 164, 369
xanthographa, 140, 366
xerampelina, 301, 376
Xylena, 279
Xylocampa, 281
Xylomyges, 180
ypsillon, 229, 373
zanclognatha, 348
Zenobia, 250
ziczac, 26
zollikoferi, 219, 373
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PLATE VIIL VOL. 80
149
Notes on Some South African Lepidoptera
By J. S. TAYLOR
For a number of years the writer has recorded observations on South
African Lepidoptera with particular reference to the Eastern Cape Pro-
vince (Taylor, 1949, 1951, 1954, 1957, 1965). While in some cases the fol-
lowing notes are supplementary to those published earlier, they are
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Eastern Cape in 1965.
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SYNTOMIDAE
Metarctia metus Stoll.
Adult males were noted at light at Hilton, Natal, during January; the
female is incapable cf flight, having vestigal wings. In the Eastern Cape
this species was found commonly, and the gregarious larva was a grass-
feeder (Taylor, 1949); Platt (1921) recorded the larva on Trema bracteo-
lata Blume. At Hilton, larvae were found singly and fed on Senecio
pterophorus D.C. Larvae found in May did not pupate until the follow-
ing January.
The full-grown larva measures some 70 mm. in iength. It has a greasy
appesrance and is covered with long black and highly irritant hairs
which emanate from black verrucae on a reddish-brown integument.
Low down laterally the reddish-brown colour is more intensified, while
ventrally the integument has a greenish tinge. The larva is very
active.
The cocoon, which is constructed under debris, etc., or in holes in the
ground, is flimsy and consists of larval hairs woven together with
brown silk. It is oval in shape.
ARCTIIDAE
Siccia caffra Walk.
Taylor (1965) gave an account of this species in the Eastern Cape
where the larva sometimes causes a nuisance, swarms over the walls of
porches and verandahs seeking pupation quarters. No host plant was
then known. This arctiid was of common occurence at Hilton, and
although the larva was often seen on walls no host-plant was found.
The adult was frequently noted at light during the summer.
Dionychopus similis Mschl.
The larva of this species was found feeding on the leaves of cultivated
dahlias and also on Senecio pterophorus at Hilton. The full-grown
larva measures some 45 mm. in length. It is black with transverse rows
of light-coloured verrucae. These have black spots or specks from which
emanate outward-spreading chestnut hairs. The head is dark brown and
the legs, prolegs and stigmata are red. The winter is spent in the pupal
stage, and the adult was seen at light during the summer. In 1953,
150 ENTOMCLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ V1/68
observations were made ona pair of D. similis at Fort Beaufort in the
Eastern Cape Province. Both male and female emerged on September
18, and were found in copula early on September 19, but separated
immediately on being touched. On September 20, a batch of 360 eggs
was found. The pair was in copula again on the morning of the Sept.
21 and remained thus for most of the day. By the morning of Sept. 22
the pair had separated, and four batches of eggs, totalling in all 462,
were found. Egg-laying continued until Sept. 25, the total number
deposited being 932. The male died on Sept. 26, the female on Sept. 29,
the duration of the adult period being 8 and 11 days respectively. The
egg is round, creamy white, with a finely reticulated surface, and
measures slightly less than 1 mm. in diameter. It is deposited in rows
in clusters of varying number, up to 200 or more The incubation period
occupied 10 days in September-October. These notes cn the egg and
adult were not published at the time, further attempts at rearing being
unsuccessful.
Spilosoma lutescens Walk.
This species was of common occurrence at Hilton. The adult was
often present at light during the summer, while the larva, which would
seem to be a general feeder, was found on a variety of plants including
Vigna sp. It readily accepted and thrived on the foliage of wattle
Acacia molissima Wilid., and Hepburn (1967) records it as an occasional
pest of this tree. Platt (op. cit.) recorded it on Solanum seaforthianum
Andr. and Cassia tomentosa L.
The larva is hairy, the hairs being mainly black, but with longer
grey hairs intermingled. The hairs emanate from black verrucae
arranged in transverse rows or ridges. The white integument is
blotched or streaked with a faint bluish tinge laterally, while dorsally
these markings show as streaks between the segments. The length of the
larva is some 45 mm. Pupal periods of 25 to 27 days were obtained in
January-February.
Cyana pretoriae Dist.
The larva of this species was found in clusters on the roof of a road
tunnel under the railway at Hilton during the period December-Feb-
ruary and also walking about in gardens. Despite constant search in the
vicinity of the tunnel and elsewhere, the host-plant was never found.
Although many of the larvae clustering in the tunnel were full-grown
and ready for pupation, numerous individuals of younger instars occur-
red among them, and all attempts at rearing these younger larvae failed,
in spite of a great variety of plants offered to them.
Pupation took piace on the walls of the tunnel, the clusters of
cocoons resembling those of the larvae. The larva is some 26 mm. in
length, and is greyish to blackish-brown. It is densely covered with
long grey hairs which curve over the body. The ventral surface is hair-
less and is tinged with olive. The fragile silken cocoon is coated with
larval hairs, these projecting forwards and upwards, thus causing the
cocoon to resemble the larva. The pupa is light brown and shiny. The
duration of the pupal period is 20 to 21 days in mid-summer and emer-
gence continued until March. An earlier generation emerges in the
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN LEPIDOPTERA Syl
spring. The adult was often noted at light during the summer. Both
male and female are figured on Plate VIII, Fig. 11.
THYATIRIDAE
Aethiopsesestis austrina nebulosa Watson.
This recently described species was reared from the larva found
feeding on the foliage of Royena pubescens Willd. and Euclea undulata
Thb., at Higlands, near Grahamstoon, C.P., in June 1947 (Taylor, 1965, 2).
NOCTUIDAE
Heliothis scutigera Guen.
The larva of this species was recorded at Hilton feeding on the buds
and ficwers oi Helichrysum cooperi Harv.
Polia speyeri Feld.
The larva was found during December and January feeding on the
flowering-heads of Hypochoeris radicata L., a very common plant, at
Hilton. Platt (op. cit.) records it on Rhoicissus cirrniflora G. & B.,
Vigna sp., and Gerbera jamesoni Bolus.
The larva is yellowish-green, and is liberally sprinkled with white
and black spots. A median dorsal line consists of small white spots,
while there is a subdorsal line of larger and enamel-like black and white
spots. The stigmata are enamel white and are surrounded by red
which in its turn is surrounded or margined by white. These red patches
occur also on the thorax, but are darker there, almost black in fact. The
integument is smooth, but there is much subdued speckling, mainly white
but with some black as well. The ventral surafce is also faintly spec-
kled with white. The head and legs are pale green. The length is some
48 mm. Pupation takes place in a fragile earthen cocoon in the soil.
The pupa is of the typical noctuid form. The pupal period has varied
from 34 to 65 days (December-March).
LYMANTRIIDAE
Psalis pennatula (Fabr.).
The larva, which is hairy and black and yellow in appearance, is of
common occurrence at Hilton, and feeds on veld grasses. It has a
broad and black median dorsal line with lateral and downward exten-
sions as fine lines between the segments to a darker, streaked and broad
lateral area. There is a pair of long and forward-projecting tufts of
dark hairs on the first thoracic segment and a fused pair of backward-
projecting tufts on the last abdominal segment. There are also dense
but nct long tufts on the third thoracic and first abdominal segments.
The osmeteria are yellow, and the length of the larva is 35 mm.
The elongate silken cocoon is also often found on grass stems and the
adult has been recorded at light.
Lymantria modesta Walk.
Host-plant: Rhus pyroides Burch. Hilton Platt (op. cit.) records it on
Rhus villosa L.f. and on Sclerocarya caffra Sond.
The larva was beaten from the host bushes during the winter. It has
a greyish-brown appearance and is lightly clad with hairs. The pinkish
152 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ V1/68
surface is finely streaked or stippled with fine black lines. There are
paired whiteish tubercles on the first four abdominal segments and
whiteish markings laterally but above the lateral line area which is
darker than the remainder of the body. There is a prominent and for-
ward-projecting tuft of black hairs on the first thoracic segment im-
mediately behind the head which is large, pink, and with thick black
fascia on either side. The legs and prolegs are pink, the latter being
particularly prominent and with large black patches between them. The
osmeteria are whiteish, and the ventral surface is hairless. The length
is 35 mm.
The pupa, which is formed in a loose cocoon among leaves of the
host-plant, is light greyish-brown, with darker speckling, and has tufts
of hairs on the anterior of the thorax and on the abdomen. There is a
long cremaster, and the total length of the pupa is some 18 mm. The
pupal period varied from 23 to 65 days (June to September).
Euproctis iridescens Janse.
Host-plants: Acacia molissima (Wattle) Plantanus sp. (Plane), a
general feeder being found on almost any plant. Hilton.
A very common species; the larva is densely covered with black hairs
which completely hide the integument, and there are also tufts of grey
to white hairs. The first two thoracic segments bear tufts of dense
whitehairs situated dorsally, and the third segment has a dense tuft of
black hairs. The abdominal segments have tufts of grey hairs but on the
last the hairs are black. There are also lateral tufts, white on the thorax,
grey on the adbomen. The forward-projecting tufts on the first thoracic
segment are mainly black. The thoracic legs, antennae and mouth-parts
are yellow, the prolegs deep pink. The length is some 26 mm. Pupation
takes place in a loose cocoon under debris, etc., and the pupal period
occupies some 32 days (December-January).
Cymaroa leptopepla Hmpsn. (Plate VIII, Figs. 1-10).
Host-plant: mesembryanthemum (Ficoidae); Cape Town.
The larva is greyish-black in appearance. There are dorsal transverse
rows of verrucae bearing tufts of black and grey hairs, and a dorsal line
of shorter grey hairs. The tufts on the thorax are less dense and more
black, and a whiteish dorsal line shows on the abdomen, while the
osmeteria are pale yellow. There is a broad, wavy and irregular lateral
line, pale orange in colour. The head is black. The ventral surface 1s
hairless and has a greenish tinge. The length is some 25 mm.
The adult female is apterous and the eggs are deposited in the flimsy
silken cocoon constructed on or near the host-plant. Emergence takes
place in two to three weeks. Mr. C. G. C. Dickson has kindly contributed
the fcllowing notes on the species which are quoted in full. ‘Larvae
of this moth were first noticed on mesembrianthemum plants in my garden
in Cape Town in the summer of 1965-66. They had never been seen here
before and, considering that the female moths are wingless and do not
leave their cocoon, one cannot account for the sudden appearance of the
species in this way, in a spot which is nowhere near any breeding ground
of this moth.
“The larvae matured fairly rapidly and cocoons were constructed on
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN LEPIDOPTERA 153
or near the plants, in some cases in the angles formed by bricks which
projected slightly from the wall of the house and close to which the
plants were growing. Male moths were observed flying in the garden
from about April onwards. They were on the wing during the daytime,
but no more than two or three specimiens were ever seen on the one
occasion. They were active when the sun was shining, and were only
found at rest if really dull weather prevailed. Specimens were seen in
the same way during the following summer but they were not noticed in
greater numbers than when they were seen on sunny days during the
winter or spring. The flight was erratic but sustained and individual
specimens remained as a rule in the same part of the garden for a con-
siderable time. The moths were rather ccnspicuous for their size when
on the wing, with the vellowish colouring accentuated by the sunshine.
“Tt was found subsequently that the larvae increased and decreased in
numbers spasmodically. They had become extremely numerous rather
more than a vear after they were first observed in the garden but by the
spring of 1967 (about August to October) their numbers had diminished
greatly, probably due to parasitic attack—especially, it is believed, during
the first half of the summer of 1967-1968 and at the time of writing
(January 1963), the mesembrianthemum plants seem to be entirely free
of them. When the infestation was at its height some of the plants, even
the large ones, were virtually destrcyed through defoliation by these
larvae.
“This moth has been noticed at times in flight on the mountain slopes
of the Cape Peninsula. One specimen in my collection was taken on
Table Mountain on 27 Januarv 1933. Even in its usual habitat it has
never been observed in numbers, in the adult state.”
From larval material received from Cape Town, a species of Tachinidae
was obtained. The larva appeared to be very susceptible to some form
of wilt.
SPHINGIDAE
Macroglossum trochilus Hbn. (Humming Bird Hawkmoth)
Host-plant: Rubia cordifolia L. Hilton Platt (op. cit.) likewise records
it on this plant, aiso Pinhey (1962) and on Galium.
The larva is light yellowish-green, the surface being finely speckled
with yellow. There is a double median dorsal line, and a narrow lateral
line, both yellow in colour. The long and slender anal horn has a blackish
tinge, due to dark and pimple-like incrustations. The larva measures 52
mm. in length The pupal period occupies some three weeks in summer.
The adult is to be seen at flowers during the day, and at light at night.
GEOMETRIDAE
Rhodometra sacraria L. (The Vestal)
Although this well-known immigrant species in Britain is of common
occurrence in South Africa, at flowers during the day as well as at light,
especially during seasons of activity by other migratory species of
Lepidoptera, nothing appears to have been recorded of its larval habits
or host-plants there. South (1908) mentions knotgrass and dock as hosts
in Eurepe. At Wildnerness, C.P., in the autumn of 1965, the writer con-
fined some adults in a jar with the leaves of Rumex sp. Larvae were
154 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VI/68
subsequently obtained and readily accepted the leaves of the species of
dock provided. They appeared to thrive, but unfortunately all died before
reaching the pupal stage. They were then 25 mm. in length. The larva is
light-grey and twig-like (younger specimens are brown), the surface is
lined and streaked, also ridged; there is a prominent lateral ridge.
Ventrally it is lighter in colour, and the body tapers towards the head
which is tinged with pink. If disturbed, the larva drops readily and lies
in a curled or twisted position, resembling a twisted stalk or twig. It does
not appear to have been recorded in the field in South Africa.
Boarmia comoplacita Prout.
Host-plant: cultivated Gardenia: Hilton.
Semiothisa simplicita Warr.
Host-plant: Acacia molissima: Hilton.
The adult was often seen in wattle plantations, and also at light. The
species has been recorded as a minor pest of wattle. (Hepburn, 1967).
SATURNIIDAE
Nudaurelia walhbergi Boisd.
Host-plants: Styraciflua or “Liquid Amber”: Hilton. Platt (op cit.)
records it on Trema bracteolata Blume., Ricinus communis L., Psidium sp.
(guava) and Magnifera indica L., (Mango). Hepburn (op. cit.) records it
on Acacia molissima (wattle).
The full-grown larva is some 85 mm. in length. It is black with
transverse rows of scarlet scoli bearing short white hairs. There are
yellow markings suituated subdorsally on the abdominal segments. The
white stigmata are prominent, and the head and legs are black. When
young the larvae live gregariously in clusters. Pupation takes place in a
fragile earthen cell in the soil and within the larva! skin.
The adult has been recorded at light at Hilton in January.
Urota sinope Westwood
Host-plant: Erythrina lysistemon Hutch. Charter’s Creek, Zululand;
Umhlanga Rocks, Natal.
On 20 August 1966, 18 larvae were found on or near a small tree 10 to
12 feet in height. The tree had been completely defoliated, and the larvae
were searching for food, some being on the ground, or on low-growing
plants, grasses, ete. The tree concerned was one of a row of the same
species, planted some 20 to 30 feet apart alongside a road. None of the
other trees was affected. The larvae were collected and supplied with
leaves of Erythrina. They commenced to seek pupation on August 23 and
all had entered the soil by August 28. Emergence commenced on October
27 and was completed by November 3. The pupal period varied from 64
to 70 days. When the soil was later examined, little sign of a cocoon was
found; if a cocoon exists, it must be a very flimsy earthen cell. Larvae
were lster obtained from Uhmlanga Rocks, Natal North Coast, by Mrs. N.
Gardiner. These entered the soil on 12 November.
The larva is greenish-yellow; the segments are humped or ridged, the
second and third thoracic segments more so than the others. All these
ridges have yellow tubercles bearing short white hairs. The inter-
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN LEPIDOPTERA 155;
segmental divisions are prominently marked with double lines of jet black.
The ventral surface is greener with black markings or patches situated
laterally on the third thoracic and first abdominal segments. The head
and thoracic legs are black. The length of the larva is 55 mm.
Some infertile eggs were obtained from a female moth. They were
rectangular, rounded at the ends, some 2 mm. in length, white with brown
blotching, resulting in a pinkish tinge.
LASIOCAMPIDAE
Philotherma resa Druce.
The larvae of this species was found at Hilton during late summer and
autumn, and adults emerged in spring and early summer. The larva isa
general feeder (Taylor, 1951, 1957), and it readily accepts the foliage of
wattie. Hepburn (1967) records it as an occasional pest of wattle. At
Hilton it was parasitized by a species of Tachinidae, as many as 36
puparia being obtained from one hosi larva.
Bombycopsis indecora (Walk.)
Host-plants: Maesa lanceolata Forsk., Acacia molissima, citrus: Hilton.
The larva is of the typical “lappet’ type. It is brown to grey and
bark-like, with the integument finely streaked. There are transverse
ridges of dense brown hairs on the thorax, as well as the usual forward-
projecting and lateral tufts. The full-grown larva measures some 50 mm.
in length.
Some recently hatched larvae found on citrus in early February were
reared on wattle foliage which they preferred. Cocoon formation com-
menced on March 24 and the subsequent adults emerged between Apri!
16 and 22. Another larva, found in May, formed its cocoon on June 9,
and the adult emerged on August 6.
The thin brown and silken cocoon is found among debris, etc., on the
ground. The pupa is light greyish-brown and has a finely speckled
surface, with rows of hairs dorsally and laterally. The stigmata are
prominent.
The egg is light grey, oval, and is heavily marked and speckled with
dark brown. It measures 1.5 X 1 mm.
ZYGAENIDAE
Neurosymploca lateralis Jordan.
Host-plant: Maytenus heterophylla (E. and Z.) Hilton.
The larva is green and slug-like; the surface is faintly lined longitudi-
nally and is also speckled. There is a faint median dorsal line which is
more darkly defined towards the anterior end of the body, which is
blunted. Situated on the median dorsal line is a raised white marking
or proturbance with red on its lateral margins. Other similar markings
or proturbances, also on the median dorsal line, are situated towards the
posterior end of the larva. These proturbances are pear-shaped, the
narrow end pointing posteriorly. The white of these proturbances appears
to be ridged and to be superimposed on dark red, which shows only at
the margins. The length of the larva is 15 mm.
Larvae were plentiful on the host-plant in May. Cocoons were formed
on the muslin covering the containing jar from early July to early
August, and emergence took place in September.
156 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V1/68
PYRALIDAE
Botyodes phyllophila Butler.
The gregarious and web-forming larvae was found in the terminal
shoots of Rapanea melanophleos (L.) Mez., at Hilton. The adult emerged
in June.
Sylepta attenualis Hmpsn.
The larva of this species—a typical leaf-roller—was found commonly
on the leaves of stinging nettle at Hilton. Adults emerged in March-
April from larvae obtained in January-February.
TORTRICIDAE
Tortrix capensana Walk.
The larva (Taylor, 1957 and 1965) was particularly common on culti-
vated ivy at Hilton, rolling and feeding on the leaves. The adult was
almost invariably present at light throughout the summer.
REFERENCES
Hepburn, G. A. 1967. A Revised List of Wattle Insects and Spiders of Southern
Africa. Watile Res. Inst. Ann. Rept. 1965-66. Pietermaritzburg, 67-83.
Pinhey, Elliot. 1962. Hawkmoths of Central and Southern Africa. Cape Town.
Platt, E. E. 1921. Food-plants of some South African Lepidopterous Larvae.
S.A. J. Nat. Hist., 3, 1, 99-138.
South, R. 1907, revised 1961. Moths of the British Isles. London.
Taylor, J. S. 1949. Notes on the Lepidoptera of the Eastern Cape Province, Pt. I.
J. ent. Soc. Sth. Afr., 12, 78-95.
1951. Idem., Pt. II. Jbid., 14, 94-126.
1953. Idem., Pt. III. Jbid., 16, 143-167.
1957. Idem., Pt. IV. JIbid., 20, 315-332.
1965. Idem, Pt. V. JIbid., 28, 137-154.
1965. Notes on the life-history of Aethiopsestis austrina nebulosa Watson
(Thyatiridae). Ent. Rec. and Jl. Var., 77, 281-282.
3 Aird’s Court, Crail, Fife. 1.11.68.
HI]
EXPLANATION OF PLATE. Figs. 1-10, Cymaroa leptopepla Hmpsn. Fig. 1,
Cocoon opened to show female and eggs, x15; 2, Egg, dorsal view, X18; 3, Egg,
lateral view, x18; 4, Larva feeding on seed-capsule of mesembrianthemum, X1°5;
5, Larva, final instar, feeding, x2; 6, Cocoon on host-plant, x1:5; 7, Pupa, dorsal
view, x2: 8, Pupa, lateral view, X2; 9, Adult male, X1:5; 10, Adult male, x3; 11,
Cyana pretoria Distant. Adult male and female. Natural size.
Photo: H. N. Wykeham.
GRANTS TO ENTOMOLOGISTS FROM THE ENTOMOLOGICAL FuND — The
Entomological Club is prepared to make a limited number of grants
from the income of the Entomological Fund to assist amateur or
retired professional entomologists in approved research projects. Such
grants will be associated with the name of the late Mr. G. H. Verrall
and would normally not exceed £25 each in any one year because the
available sources are still small. Recommendations will be made by
the British Trust for Entomology. Applications should be submitted to
the Secretary of the Trust, G. R. Gradwell, Hope Department, Univer-
sity Museum, Oxford.—B. M. Hossy, Secretary, The Entomological Club,
7 Thorncliffe Road, Oxford.
PYRALID AND PLUME MOTHS OF DERBYSHIRE 157
A New Aberration of Eupithecia venosata Fabr.
(Fabr.)
By H. C Huaeins, F.R.E.S.
In 1961 Mr. E. S. A. Baynes and myself visited Inishvickilaun in the
Blaskets, and from seed vessels of Silene maritima bred in 1962, three
specimens between us of the dark leaden form of Eupithecia venosata
Fabr. which I described as s.sp. plumbea (Ent. Record 74: 171). In 1962
I again visited the island with an especial intent to take venosata larvae,
and was successful in breeding in 1963 half a dozen more plumbea.
In 1963, Mr. Baynes joined me for the second time at Dingle, and we
determined io make a search for venosata on the mainland. S. maritima
is by no means common in the district, as it is usually hard grazed by
sheep and cows, but we managed to find a patch near Slea Head from
which, in 1964, we each bred a number of s.sp. plumbea. In addition,
however, Mr. Baynes bred a most remarkable insect, which he has kindly
given to me. It appears to be quite undescribed, so I am now doing so,
and naming it:
Eupithecia venosata Fabr. ab. sepiata (ab. nov.)
Markings as in the type, but the whole insect is of a very dark sepia
colour; the netted markings are brownish black, not black as in s.sp.
plumbea.
Type od, Dingle, bred 24.v.1964 by Mr. E. S. A. Baynes, in coll. H. C.
Huggins.
It may be of interest to record that all the venosata Mr. Baynes and I
have bred from Dingle and the Blaskets are s.sp. plumbea excepting the
above insect. As we have now bred about forty between us, it appears to
be a rare aberration.
E. venosata is not found everywhere on the peninsula where S.
maritima grows, I found nothing but Hadenza lepida s.sp. capsophila Dup.
at either Sybil Head or Brandon Creek. S. maritima is highly localised
now, not common as in Donovan’s time, as it is much more heavily grazed
down than in the past.
Pyralid and Plume Moths of Derbyshire
By D. C. HULME
Since leaving Derby in October 1963 to start a minicoach service in
the Highlands of Scotland, the compiler has had even less spare time
than hitherto for work on the new Derbyshire Lepidoptera. He, there-
fore, proposes to deal with at least one major group each winter. This
instalment covers the Pyralid and Plume Moths and its purpose is three-
fold: to gather together all H. C. Hayward’s important observations; to
give actual dates and the periods these insects are on the wing in this
truly Midland county and expand the inadequate summaries quoted in
The Victoria County History of Derby (1905) and Lepidoptera of Derby-
shire (1926.)
158 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ V1/68
Sources of the majority of the records and information on many of
the contributors are given in the writer’s survey of “The History and
Bibliography of Lepidopterous Entomology in Derbyshire” (in press.).
The National Grid 10 km. square, parish and area number of all the
place-names mentioned may be determined by consulting The Index of
Derbyshire Localities (published privately — copies available in the
Derbyshire County Reference Library).
The writer is aware that the nomenclature is undergoing considerable
change in these families but until the new Check List of British Lepi-
doptera is available, Heslop’s Revised Indexed Check-list (1964) order is
retained.
B. P. Beirne’s map, figure 3, in his British Pyralid and Plume Moths
(1954) gives a figure of 73 species for the county. The total now stands
at 83 species. The twelve recent additions to Lepidoptera of Derbyshire
(1926), which listed 71 representatives of these groups, are numbers 976,
1045, 1066, 1086, 1088, 1137, 1142, 1166, 1178, 1180, 1186 and 1189.
970 Schoenobius gigantellus Schiff. Found near Repton by Dr. Philip
B. Mason (not Dr. William Garneys as given in the 1926 list), prior
to 1881. The VCH of Derby Burton, Staffordshire, record should
be deleted.
971 Donacaula forficellus Thunb. Recorded at Willington by Edwin
Brown, prior to 1863, and at the same place, in railway cuttings
before 1866, by the Rev. F. M. Spilsbury. The VCH Burton record
should be deleted.
973 Acentropus niveus Ol. E. Brown took many 66 over the River
Trent, below the weir, at Drakelow, in the summers of 1855 and
1856. In August 1857 he found several pupae in the axils of
Potamogeton pectinatus L. and P. perfoliatus L. from which a ¢
was bred. The following July he found larvae and pupae and bred
an apterous @. F. M. Spilsbury found it a little further east at
Willington a few years later.
976 Eudorea angustea Steph. Harold C. Hayward took the first in
Repton viliage on 28th August, 1526, and a further specimen in
September 1927 or 1928. H. N. Michaelis has taken the species
occasionally, from walls at Fernilee, in the Dale of Goyt, since
1948.
978 E. murana Curt. John Hill reported the species as rare, prior to
1905, at Little Eaton. H. N. Michaelis found it common on walls
in Millers Dale in July 1938, emerging at 08.00 The same
observer recorded it at Combs in July 1951. The VCH Burton
record should be deleted.
979 E. mercurea Haw. E. Brown’s early Burton record may not refer
to Derbyshire but F. M. Spilsbury recorded it at Repton, prior to
1866, and Thomas Gibbs at Bretby, prior to 1889. J. Hill recorded
it as commen at Little Eaton, prior to 1905. H. C. Hayward found
it abundantly on old walls and trunks of fruit trees in Repton
gardens between 1916 and 1926 and dated specimens are given as
22nd June 1920 and 3rd August 1924. In more recent years, H. N.
Michaelis has found it common at Millers Dale, Great Hucklow and
Whaley Bridge. Three were taken at J. Harold Johnson’s Ault
Hucknall m.v.l. trap between 26th July and 18th August 1966.
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Dipleurina crataegella Hubn. One taken by Hayward at Willing-
ton (not Repton as given in his 1932 list) on 11th August 1916.
Harold William Daltry also took a single specimen in Dovedale on
12th July 1931. N. H. Michaelis records it as occasional in Millers
Dale since 1948.
Witlesia pallida Steph. Recorded in railway cuttings at Willing-
ton, before 1866, by F. M. Spilsbury (not Repton by W. Garneys as
given in the 1926 list).
Scoparia cembrea Haw. The VCH record “once near Burton”
refers to George Baker’s pre-1885 record on the Ashby Road in
Staffordshire. It was common at Bretby, prior to 1885, according
to John T. Harris and Thomas Gibbs but H. C. Hayward took only
one specimen, and this was in his own garden, in the neighbouring
parish of Repton in July, 1916. L. Wyre (or Wyer) recorded it at
Stavely in 1900. H.N. Michaelis writes that it is occasional in
Millers Dale. The writer found a specimen in a batch of micros
taken in J. H. Johnson’s Hepthorne Lane m.v.l. trap on 9th August
1958 and four were taken at Ault Hucknall between 9th July and
18th August 1966.
S. dubitalis Hubn. The majority of records refer to the limestone
dales. The Rev. Thomas W. Daltry found it common in Dovedale,
prior to 1905, and R. G. Warren confirmed this on 20th June, 1939.
The writer found two specimens here on 15th June 1961, one on
Thorpe Cloud and the other in the dale. L. Wyre (or Wyer)
observed the species at Stony Middleton on 10th June 1915. Via
Gellia is another good locality with records on 9th June 1917
(H. C. Hayward); 10th June 1922 (G. Hanson Sale); 6th June 1926, a
few, and 7th and 14th June 1931, common on the latter date (Hay-
ward). In Millers Dale, R. G. Warren noted it as common on 28th
May 1933 and H. N. Michaelis as abundant since 1948, having bred
imagines from dead roots of Senecio jacobaea L. gathered in April.
Away from the dales, the only records from the southern areas
are at Repton, prior to 1866 (Spilsbury); Bretby Park, prior to
1889 (T. Gibbs); Derby, one on 25th July 1962 (A. B. Wassell, D. C.
Hulme).
S. ambigualis Treits. An abundant and widespread insect. It has
been recorded at Repton since the mid-19th century (E. Brown and
F. M. Spilsbury). H. C. Hayward found it abundant here and in
Repton Shrubs between 1916 and 1926; with dated specimens 31st
May 1918 and 18th July 1926. Prior to 1905, the Rev. Francis C.
R. Jourdain recorded it at Ashbourne and J. Hill at Little Eaton.
Since 1948 H. N. Michaelis has recorded it as common at Millers
Dale, Buxton, Dale of Goyt, Whaley Bridge and Hayfield and
noted a fuscous form almost devoid of markings and smaller than
those found on lower ground (see Ent. Gaz., 14, plate 5). Arthur H.
Turner recorded this species at Edale on 9th August 1956 (latest
date for the county). The writer has found or confirmed speci-
mens at Littleover on 24th June 1958, 29th June of 1959 and 1961;
Hepthorne Lane between 15th and 30th July 1958 (three at Mr.
Johnson’s m.v.1l.); Alderwasley on 14th June 1959 and Stanton Moor
on 13th July 1959.
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S. ulmella Knaggs. Many fresh specimens were taken by John Sang
in early August 1883, at a locality given as “near Burton” and “a
wood near Uttoxter” but probably in Derbyshire (see Entomolo-
gist’s mon. Mag., 20: 167). G. Baker found this species in Repton
Shrubs prior to 1885 and in 1886 and ca. 1890 (see Ent. Gaz., 14: 91
& 97). H.C. Hayward found one in Repton village in 1916 or 1917
(identification confirmed by W. G. Sheldon) and 1919. The follow-
ing year he took over 50 within a space of fifty yards on the trunks
of three wych elms and some adjacent oaks in a remote part of
Repton Shrubs. Edward Meyrick had treated ulmella as a form
of ambigualis in his Handbok of British Lepidoptera of 1895 (as
had Staudinger in his catalogue). Hayward sent fourteen speci-
mens to Meyrick who, in 1921, wrote “... it appears in July after
ambigualis is over. This excellent material has enabled me to
ascertain that ulmella is without doubt a good species.” For
characters of these insects see Entomologist, 54: 52. On 9th July
1921 Hayward found it on its three “pet” tree trunks but it was
rare in 1925 and only a few were taken on 18th July 1926. Away
from the South of the Trent area, J. Hill recorded it twice, prior
to 1905, at Little Eaton.
S. trunciolella Staint. G. Baker’s pre-1885 VCH record from Bur-
ton should be deleted. Hayward tcok the first definite Derbyshire
specimen on 10th August 1916, in Repton Shrubs, and recorded it
as fairly common there in the years 1917 to 1926, usually beating
specimens from firs.
Cataclysta lemnata L. Spilsbury noted this china-mark at Repton, -
prior to 1866, but it was not recorded here again until A. H. Turner
took one at light on 28th August 1920. J. Hill or G. Pullen found
it at Little Eaton prior to 1905. On 10th August 1916 Hayward
took several very richly marked jo at a Willington pond (the
brown pencilling was almost as pronounced as in the typical Q)
and took one at the same place on 9th July 1917. Since 1948, H.
N. Michaelis found it common sometimes along the canal from
Whaley Bridge to New Mills.
Nymphula stagnata Don. The VCH states that it is “very common”
but gives no localities. Dr. W. St. John recorded it at Little Eaton
in July 1913. Hayward found it common by the River Trent at
Repton between July 1914 and 1919 and remarked that the pale
form was fairly common among swarms of the type. As no other
actual dates are known, it is worth noting his Repton specimen
taken on 6th August 1916. One of his last Derbyshire records was
for this species at Willington in June 1933. J. H. Johnson found it
abundant in the Hepthorne Lane, Clay Cross and Hardwick Wood
district in 1958. The writer also found one in a tin of dead micros
from the Hepthorne Lane m.v.l. tran in July 1959.
N. nympheata L. Spilsbury listed this species at Repton prior to
1866 and Hayward gave two dates only for this locality: 31st July
and 11th August 1916. At neighbouring Willington he recorded it
as abundant about ponds between 1916 and 1919 and gives an
additional date of 12th July 1922. James Douglas noted it at Mil-
ford on 27th July 1912 and W. St. John, at Little Eaton in the fol-
lowing July. There are no records for the limestone and central
992
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PYRALID AND PLUME MOTHS OF DERBYSHIRE 161
grit areas. In 1935 Alfred W. Richards found it to be fairly common
at Eckington and in Hardwick Park. Since 1948 H. N. Michaelis has
found it common sometimes along the canal from Whaley Bridge
to New Mills. W. Bilbie netted one in Hardwick Wood (in a
different region of Derbyshire to Hardwick Park) on 19th August
1956 and the writer found six specimens in a box of micros from
J. H. Johnson’s Hepthorne Lane m.v.l. trap in July 1959.
Parapoynx stratiotata L. We have no recent records and when the
VCH records from Burton are deleted, we are left with three
records only: Repton, prior to 1886, at the Waters-meet meadows
(F. M. Spilsbury); Derby, prior to 1885 (G. Baker); Little Eaton,
prior to 1805, common (J. Hill or C:. Pullen).
Eurrhypara hortulata L. This familiar moth was abundant in
Edwin Brown’s day at Drakelow and its status is unchanged to this
day. We have records from all areas except the central grit though
one only from the neglected Permian area (2nd July 1966 at John-
son’s Ault Hucknall m.v.l.) and few from the Peak Grit where H.
N. Michaelis records it as rare. Hayward found it fairly common,
especially in Repton gardens. Between 2nd June and 21st July
1956 W. K. Henson took 148 at the Repton School m.v.l., with a
maximum of 52 on the 14th July. From the many dated records
we can ascertain its main flight as between Ist June and 21st July,
with the earliest recorded appearance on 4th May at Youlgrave in
1957 (G. W. Wheeldon, D. C. Hulme) and an exceptionally late date
of 22nd September at Clay Cross m.v.l. in 1960 (W. Bilbie).
Nomophila noctuella Schiff. Spilsbury found this migrant in Rep-
ton pastures late in pre-1866 summers and this observation was
confirmed, prior to 1885, by J. T. Harris in Newton Solney clover
fields and T. Gibbs in Bretby Park. J. Hill deposited two pre-1905
specimens from Little Eaton in the Derby Museum collection. Hay-
ward noted two specimens at Renton, on 1st September 1911 and
2nd June 1923, the latter a particularly early date. H. N. Michaelis
found it common on Goyt’s Moss in the myriad year of 1949. The
writer came across specimens in J. H. Johnson’s Hepthorne Lane
m.v.l. captures (one on 9th August 1958 and three in July 1959) and
two were taken at the Ault Hucknall trap on 17th October 1966.
Pyrausta cingulata L. Confined to the Peak District with four
named localities and J. Hill’s vague pre-1905 record “rare in the
Peak District.” It was found in Dovedale by E. Brown before
1863 and E. W. H. Blagg in 1889. The Rev. C. F. Thornewill
recorded it as common in Lathkil Dale, prior to 1905, and J. Doug-
las found a specimen there on 15th June 1918. Via Gellia proved
to be a good locality by Hayward on 9th June 1917; his colleague,
G. H. Sale found it common on 10th June 1922 and Hayward took
further specimens on 6th June 1926, 7th and 14th June 1931. H. N.
Michaelis noted the species occasionally between June 1938 and
1940 and on 13th June 1958 in Millers Dale.
P. nigrata Scop. The reliable John Hill was said to have taken a
single specimen in the Peak District before 1905. H. N. Michaelis
(in litt.) doubts if this species occurs in Derbyshire.
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ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V1/68
P. purpuralis L. The Rev. R. H. Fuller took a specimen in Lathkil
Dale on 5th June 1897. E. W. H. Blagg found it in Dovedale and
J. Hill noted both the type and ab. ostrinalis Hiiobn. common, prior
to 1905. H. N. Michaelis observed it occasionally in Millers Dale
in the period 1948 to 1956. A single specimen of the second
generation was attracted to J. H. Johnson’s Hepthorne Lane m.v.l.
on 13th August 1953.
P. aurata Scop. Confined to the limestone dales apart from Hill’s
Little Eaton record of it as a rare insect. In Dovedale, G. Baker
recorded it before 1885, R. G. Warren found it common on 18th
July 1948 and A. H. Turner noted ‘t on 24th July 1953. R. H. Fuller
found it in Lathkil Dale on 5th June 1897. L. Wyre (or Wyer)
recorded it at Stony Middleton on 10th June 1915. Via Gellia has
four records: 9th June 1917, abundant (Hayward); 10th June 1922
(G. H. Sale); 7th and 14th June i931, common on the latter date
(Hayward). In Millers Dale, R. G. Warren found it commonly on
28th May 1933 and H. N. Michaelis records it as locally common
Since 1948.
P. cespitalis Schiff. To add to the VCH records—namely Repton
Park, prior to 1866 (Spilsbury); Dovedale (E. W. H. Blagg); Hassop,
once (C. F. Thornewill); Peak District, common (J. Hill)—we have
Hayward’s observation that it was fairly common at Repton
between May 1915 and 1926 and he took a specimen at Willington
on 26th July 1919.
Opsibotys fuscalis Schiff. The VCH records can be filled out a
little as follows: Drakelow, prior to 1863 (E. Brown); rare among -
mowing grass in damp places at Repton, prior to 1866 (F. M. Spils-
bury); common at Derby, prior to 1885 (G. Baker); rare at Little
Eaton, prior to 1905 (J. Hill). H.C. Hayward took a single speci-
men at Repton on 19th June 1920.
Udea lutealis Hubn. Abundant on lower ground throughout the
county and commonly attracted to all forms of artificial light.
Listed without comment by Spilsbury but E. Brown and J. Hill
ncted it as common at Drakelow and Little Eaton respectively. The
numerous dated observations give a flight period of 2nd July (1913
and 1959) to 10th September (at Littleover in 1956) with the main
emergence in mid-August. J. H. Johnson caught a total of 146
between 23rd July and 31st August 1966 at his Ault Hucknall m.v.1.
trap.
U. ferrugalis Hubn. F. M. Spilsbury recorded a specimen near an
osier bed at Willington in October 1865. There were no further
records until W. Bilbie took three night-flying specimens in the
Coal Measures. The first was netted in Britton Wood on 5th August
1951; the second was taken at Ramcroft Colliery electric light on
3rd August 1955 and the third netted at rocket flowers, Clay Cross
on 10th August 1958. These specimens are in his collection and
were shown to the writer.
U. nivealis F. E. Brown noted it as common at Drakelow and
Spilsbury included it in his 1866 Repton list. J. Hill or G. Pullen
found it abundant at Little Eaton before 1905. Hayward also
recorded it as an abundant insect at Repton between 17th July
1019
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PYRALID AND PLUME MOTHS OF DERBYSHIRE 163
1916 and 1st July 1926. Mr Michaelis found the species at Millers
Dale in 1937, 1938 and between 1951 and 1955. He also noted it on
27th July 1953 at Whaley Bridge. The writer took one at electric
light on 6th July 1961 at Littleover and J. H. Johnson took three
at the Ault Hucknall m.v.l. between 17th July and 14th August
1966.
U. olivalis Schiff. The first two sentences under nivealis apply,
word for word, for this species. Hayward noted it as common
amongst elder in hedgegrows at Repton between July 1913 and
29th June 1926. W. K. Henson supplied a later Repton record
dated June 1954. R. G. Warren noted single specimens in Wye
Dale, below Topley Pike, on 31st July 1932 and in Dovedale on
5th July 1953. Mr. Michaelis has recorded it occasionally on the
roadside between Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith since
1948 and found the larvae fairly common on Mercurialis perennis
L. in Millers Dale in 1956. J. H. Johnson took eight specimens at his
Ault Hucknall m.v.l. between 9th July and 20th August 1966.
Haritala ruralis Scop. Recorded, surprisingly, as rare by Spils-
bury at Willington in the mid-19th century, though he remarked
that it was abundant just over the county boundary at Burton. J.
Hill also said that this species was rare at Little Eaton, prior to
1905. A. H. Turner recorded it as abundant at Repton in the
period 1910-1919 and Hayward observed that it was common in
nettle beds between 3rd August 1916 and 1919. A. W. Richards
found it common at Tibshelf between 1921 and 1923. A. H. Turner
noted it on holiday at Findern in 150 and in Dovedale on 24th July
1953. H. N. Michaelis writes that it has always been common in
Millers Dale, at Whaley Bridge ard in the Longdendale Valley,
Both J. H. Johnson and W. Bilbie have taken it, some at m.v.l.,
since 1953, more commonly in the Hepthorne Lane, Clay Cross and
Heath districts; their dates ranging from 13th July to 7th Septem-
ber. The writer recorded only seven specimens at Littleover in the
years 1956-1961, between 8th July and 29th August. W. K. Henson
took four at the Repton School m.v.l. between 13th and 20th July
1957.
Perinephela coronata Hufn. F. C. R. Jourdain gave its status as
fairly common in the southern half of the county though the only
19th-century list it appears on is Spilbury’s. Hayward remarked
that it was fairly common in hedgerows and gardens at Repton
between July 1913 and 1926 and his county type specimen is dated
26th June 1917. His only other record is for Willington in July
1918. There were no further records until the writer caught a
specimen at Littleover on 20th July 1951 at electric light. Another
appeared there on 11th July 1958. The species is decidedly com-
moner in the Coal Measures around Hepthorne Lane, Clay Cross
and Heath. J. H. Johnson and W. Bilbie have taken many at m.v.l1.
since 1953: e.g., the former collected 36 between 15th and 30th
July 1958 and 59 in July 1959, with an early date of 26th May in
1953, and the latter observer took 27 between 25th July and 22nd
August, and a late specimen on 22nd September, in 1960.
(to be continued)
164 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V1I/68
Entomological Notes for 1967
By S. WAKELY
(Concluded from P. 127)
London (Camberwell).—Before mentioning the moths taken in 1967 I
would like to mention that a specimen of Rhizedra lutosa Htibn. was
taken by a neighbour in his garden on the 10th September 1966. In spite
of it being given to me in a match-box it was in good condition and still
alive. It struck me as being a very unusual visitor to a London garden.
As already recorded (Ent. Record, 79 (1967): 230), on the night of 12th-
13th July, a specimen of Diasemia ramburialis Dup. was found in my m.v.
trap. The trap was used from mid-June to end of July nightly and the
more unusual species taken, considering the locality, were as follows:
Tethea ocularis L., Leucoma salicis L. (two males at end of July), Zeuzera
pyrina L. (three at rest on cement outside trap), Caradrina ambigua
Schiff., Pseudoips bicolorana Fuessl., Polychrisia moneta Fabr. (several),
Plusia pulchrina Haw., Scopula promutata Guen., Nycterosea obstipata
F. (one on same night as the D. ramburialis Dup.), Euphyia unangulata
Haw., Homoeosoma binaevella Hiibn., Euzophera pinguis Haw., Lozo-
taeniodes formosana Frol., Croesia forskaleana L., Epiblema foenella L..,
Aristotelia lucidella Steph., Oegoconia deauratella H.-S., Mompha
raschkiella Zell., Blastobasis decolorella Wollaston, Batia lunaris Haw..,
and Borkhausenia tinctella Htibn. Several imagines of Chrysoclista
linneella Clerck were taken from the trunk of a lime tree in Ruskin Park
at the end of June.
Norfolk and Suffolk.—As both these counties were usually visited on
the same day it will be easier for the writer to combine the two.
The “South London” met at Tetford, Norfolk, on the 16th April. At
East Wretham a number of shoots of Larix decidua (European Larch)
were collected and from these some Blastotere laevigatella H.-S. were
bred. At Elveden in Suffolk more laevigatella were taken and some old
galls of what we thought was the work of the larvae of Laspeyresia
zebeana Ratz. were noted on the Larch. By sweeping the heather, larval
cases of Coleophora juncicolella Staint. were obtained. Imagines taken
on the wing included Argyrotaenia pulchellana Haw., Acleris hyemana
Haw., and Epinotia pygmaeana Htibn. Barton Mills was next visited and
some time was spent here collecting poplar catkins from the roadside
under large Populus nigra trees. This locality is noted for the numbers
of Cirrhia ocellaris Borkh. larvae which can be procured by this method.
From about two handfuls of catkins I extracted seven minute larvae on
examination at home during the next few days. The material was
checked each evening as the larvae hide during the daytime and are
active at night and more easily detected when moving. My seven larvae
all fed up quickly on fresh catkins and young poplar shoots and produced
moths during September. Two small micro larvae which I found and
which were nursed carefully by feeding them on the catkins eventually
emerged and proved to be a common but unexpected species, namely
Batodes angustiorana Haw.
From 19th May until 2nd June my wife and I had a holiday at Thorpe-
ness, Suffolk. Although I had been to the same place several times in
previous years, it was the earliest date we had tried, and the number of
species taken at light was not as great as on our holidays at later dates.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FOR 1967 165
However, we took some species not seen on previous visits, particularly
among larvae. Mr. H. E. Chipperfield visited us soon after our arrival,
and Col. A. M. Emmet arrived in the evening with the moth-trap.
The fen was just a few yards from our bungalow and we soon paid it
a visit. One of our first observations was the large number of spinnings
in the tips of the sallow shoots. We collected some to sample them and
others were collected on several other occasions during our stay. Species
eventually bred from the sallow spinnings were Acleris hastiana L.,
Epinotia caprana F., Gelechia sororculella Hiuibn., Agonopteryx conter-
minella Zell., and Argyresthia pygmaeella Hiibn. The larger trees of
Sallow on the fen had trunks four to six inches in diameter, and it was
seen that nearly all of these larger trees had holes exuding frass, and we
were able to get a few larvae of Sphecia bembeciformis Hiibn. towards
the end of our stay after hard work with chisels, etc.
In a ditch mid-way between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh we found some
plants of Alisma plantago (Water Plantain) and took some larvae of
Phalonidia alismana Rag. in the old dead flowering stems. We collected
the stems and saw little signs of larvae being present, but about a dozen
moths were eventually bred between us. Other larvae taken nearby were
Euzophera cinerosella Zell. (on Artemisia absinthium) and Eurhodope
marmorea Haw. and Coleophora anatipennella Hiibn. (on blackthorn).
Very small larvae of Agonopterizx cinicella Treits. were found spun up in
the centre shoots of Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly). There were
numerous old larval mines of Stigmella suberivora Staint. in the leaves of
some large Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex) growing in the village at Thorpe-
ness. The moth is on the wing in May and larvae should be looked for
in March. This species is a new county record for Suffolk.
On the beach at Thorpeness we spotted numerous spinnings on a species
of Chickweed which puzzled us. I came to the conclusion it was
Cerastium diffusum Pers. The few moths we bred were determined by
Mr. J. Bradley as Caryocolum alsinellum Zell. (semidecandrella Threlf.).
Mr. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt joined us for the second week of our stay,
and we all had numerous trips together, and were often joined by Mr.
Chipperfield, who lives a few miles to the north, at Walberswick. The
date was just right for the larvae of Leioptilus lienigianus Zell., and we
made several excursions to Orford where we found the larvae fairly
common in lanes and round the edges of fields. They were feeding on
Artemisia vulgaris and the feeding places could be found by careful
searching. The leaf is folded downwards and the larvae eat the inside
layer of the leaf, forming windows which are semi-transparent if fresh
and brownish if old.
Several trips were made to Walberswick where we visited the salterns
by the Bailey Bridge over the River Blythe. Larvae of Agdistis bennetii
Curt. were our chief objective on these occasions, and a few were taken
on the leaves of Statice limonium on most visits, but they were quite
difficult to find. Crossing the bridge to the Southwold side we found
Phalonidia griseana Haw. flying freely among its foodplant—Triglochin
maritima.
Another locality we visited frequently was Aldringham Heath which
is situated about a mile or more from Thorpeness. During our second
week we were lucky to find Grapholita internana Guen. flying among the
166 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VI/68
gorse. This is a single-brooded species that occurs, usually in numbers,
during the last week in May. If one misses the few days it is on the wing
twelve months will elapse before it can be seen again. Seeing some black
fungi (Daldinia concentrica) growing on scorched and dead birch trees,
we removed some and found several larvae and pupae of Apomyelois
neophanes Durr. in webs, a most interesting find confirming a previous
record for the district. On the plants of Epilobium angustifolium many
spinnings were seen and larvae of Mompha conturbatella Hubn. were
found in some. The moths subsequently bred proved to be a new addition
to the Suffolk List.
On the 23rd Mr. Chipperfiela took my wife and me to Redgrave Fen.
Part of this is in Norfolk and part in Suffolk. The part we explored was in
Norfolk, I understood. The few hours we were there was too short a
time to do much entomologically, but we did examine the Genista anglica
and found larval cases of Coleophora genistae Staint. I was pleased to see
the very pretty violet-like flowers of the Common Butterwort (Pinguicula
vulgaris) for the first time.
On the 25th a visit was paid to the salterns at Aldeburgh where we
managed to find one larva of Agdistis bennetii, but later went on to
Walberswick to find a few more.
On Saturday (27th) Capt. J. Ellerton visited us and was able to stay
the night. We were pleased to be able to introduce him to many of our
most prolific hunting grounds at Aldringham Heath, Walberswick, and the
local Thorpeness Fen. The only specimen of Epischnia boisduvaliella
Guen. seen during this holiday appeared in the trap the night he was with
us and he was pleased to have it. A fortnight later it would have been
more common.
On Monday (29th) we visited Dunwich Cliffs and walked along the
shore path by the Minsmere Bird Sanctuary. On the way we passed a lot
of square concrete blocks, a relic of the shore defences, and a number of
larvae of Cryphio perla Schiff. were found under patches of lichen. It was
a lovely bright day and several bird-watching “hides” were full of
enthusiastic bird-watchers who were only too pleased to point out to us
some of the more interesting birds to be seen.
Of particular interest to us were the Avocets which none of us had
ever seen in the wild previously. On a visit to Dunwich in 1966 we found
larvae of Paltodora cytisella Curt. in stems of bracken. This year (1967)
we were about a fortnight earlier so the larvae were smaller but once
more quite common. Knowing the difficulty that arose when trying to rear
small larvae owing to the rapid putrefying of the stems, I did not take any,
but Col. Emmet solved the problem by cutting the stems into four-inch
lengths and putting them into a nylon stocking with a ball of old nylon
above the stems. The resulting “sausage” was hung outside in the shade
and sprayed occasionally. The larvae pupated in the ball of nylon and he
had 109 per cent. success by his ingenious method.
On Tuesday (30th) we had made plans to go to the King’s Lynn district,
firstly to search the Bog Myrtle for a rare Tortrix larva and then to try to
find the long-lost Nothris verbascella Hiibn. We failed in our first quest
and the larvae found in spun shoots of Myrica gale proved to be Spilonota
ocellana Schiff. and Epinotia caprana F., both common moths. A species
we were all pleased to take was Eucosmomorpha albersana Hubn, which
we disturbed in numbers from the honeysuckle.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FOR 1967 167
How successful we were with the second quest can be gathered from the
fine article by Mr. Chalmers-Hunt published last year (Ent. Rec. 79, 1967:
216-219). C.-H. had done a lot of ‘‘spade-work”’ finding out where the food-
plant—Verbascum pulverulentum Vill.—could be found, but even when the
plant was found there was no certainty that the moth would be there as
well. It was pouring with rain during a thunderstorm when we eventually
reached a place answering the description given. We had come about 100
miles so it was decided to brave the elements and proceed up a muddy path.
Actually I stayed in the car until C.-H. came back after a few minutes
and showed me a piece of the foodplant upon which was a fat larva, with
the result that of course I quickly had my raincoat on and joined the
others. I brought back one small plant which is still growing in the
garden at home. I bred nine specimens myself and gave away two pupae
to friends. A never-to-be-forgotten expedition and if it had not been for
the enthusiasm of C.-H. it would not have been successful.
Lepidoptera coming to the light increased from three species only on
the first night to over twenty on our last night. Callimorpha jacobaeae L.
and Aspitates ochrearia Rossi were the most frequent visitors. The best
species taken in the trap were Pheosia gnoma F., Meliana flammea Curt.,
Simyra venosa Borkh., Scopula emutaria Hubn., Phtheochroa rugosana
Hubn. and Aristotelia palustrella Dougl.
On the 20th September, after a trip to Wicken Fen the previous day, I
was taken to Icklingham, Suffolk, by Col. Emmet. The object of our
journey was to try and find larvae of Coleophora laripennella Zett.
Some years ago (1963) I was with Mr. R. Fairclough in this locality and
saw several small moths when walking round the edge of a cultivated
field. I netted two which were determined later as Coleophora laripennella
Zett. The larva of this local species feeds on the seeds of Atriplex and
Chenopodium. Meyrick states that the species is common, but according
to our experience it is not often taken, and old records cannot be depended
on for accuracy in determination as there have been so many new
discoveries among the Atriplex Coleophorids in recent years. My speci-
mens were taken on the 6th July, which is about a month earlier than most
of its allies occur. We found fields where the foodplant grew in abundance
and spent some hours searching for the larval cases. We eventually found
one case each, and we hoped to breed the moths to find out if they are
really laripennella. While in the district we visited a clump of elm trees
where we looked for the larvae of Ancylis wpupana Treits. We had taken
imagines at the spot a year or two previously, and were pleased on this
occasion to find several larvae each. Birch is the more usual foodplant of
this species and when on elm the feeding place is rather similar to that
of Acleris boscana F.
Surrey.—On the 7th April I went to Riddlesdown with Col. Emmet,
where we found mined leaves of Juniper containing larvae of Argyresthia
aurulentella Staint. Col. Emmet was successful in breeding half-a-dozen
moths. We both visited Betchworth Down on the 7th May where we
worked the Junipers again. Apart from larvae of Dichomeris marginellus
F. nothing else of note was found.
On the 22nd April the “South London” had a field meeting at the Sheep
Leas, Horsley, which I attended. Larval cases of Coleophora viminetella
Zett. on sallow and C. gryphipennella Bouch. on rose were collected, also
168 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VI1/68
C. hemerobiella Scop. in an orchard of young apple trees. Seeing a number
of small spinnings on these apple trees we collected a plastic bag of spun
shoots and Mr Heal, who had come all the way from Detling in Kent to see
me, was fortunate enough to breed half-a-dozen specimens of Argyresthia
quadriella Haw. (andereggiella Dup.) later from this material. Most of
my spinnings produced larvae of Operophtera brumata L. Leaving the
party early, Mr. Heal and I went to Ockham Common where we managed
to collect a few larvae of Laspeyresia coniferana Sax. in the bark of an
old Scots Pine which I had visited before. From here we went on to
Horsell Common and collected a bag of fir cones which later produced a
few Laspeyresia conicolana Heylaerts.
On Saturday, 5th August, I went to Boxhill with Col. Emmet. We
collected some seed-heads of Lactuca muralis in the hope of getting larvae
of Brevisociaria gilvicomana Zell., but none were seen in the material
taken by me and we were probably late for this rarity. Some time was spent
later looking for the larvae of Caloptilia semifascia on maple. Although
numerous cones were collected, once again we seemed to be late, but Col.
Emmet did manage to breed one moth. The cone made by the larva of
this species is a most interesting object and the way the leaf is spun into a
cone with the terminal end of the leaf neatly closing the end is very skilful.
On 26th August the ‘“‘South London” had a meeting to Ashtead Common.
Larval cases of Coleophora hornigi Toll. (albicornuella Bradley) were
common on sloe and bramble. Another species we found commonly was
the larvae of Leucoptera lotella Staint. in the leaves of Lotus corniculatus.
A few larvae of Epermenia testaceella Hiutbn. were found on leaves of
Peucedanum sativum.
On the 8th and 21st October I went to Featherbed Lane, Addington,
and found the portable larval cases of Thiotricha subocellea Steph. fairly
common on the flower-heads of Origanum vulgare. The case is made of
the florets, several being used in the process. This can be found by looking
for portions of the case standing a little higher than the rest of the flower-
head. The most interesting find was the larval cases of Coleophora
deauratella Zell. on the seed-heads of clover. The cases are partly buried
in the seed-head but the extremity is extruded and the extreme edges at
end of the trifid lobes are white-tipped, which betrays the presence of
the case.
On the 3rd November I went to Mickleham Down with Col. Emmet.
After a fruitless search for the mines of a species of Nepticula which are
to be found on Spiraea filipendula, we switched our search to the mines
of an allied species which was first discovered in this locality namely
Fedalmia headleyella Staint. The foodplant is Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal).
We found a few seed-heads of the plant and eventually a mine was found
which was probably made by that species, but no larva emerged. An
earlier search another year was indicated.
Sussex.—On June 16th I visited Ditchling Common with Col. Emmet.
Our objective was to look for larvae on Genista tinctoria (Dyer’s Green-
weed). We hoped to get larval cases of Coleophora vibicella Hubn., but
none were found on this occasion. We did collect several small bags of
spinnings and from these were bred nice series of Agonopterix atomella
Schiff. a few weeks later. A few Iwaruna vinella Bankes were also bred.
Larvae found in spinnings on Genista anglica (Petty Whin) proved to be
A SECOND BRITISH RECORD OF AGATHOMYIA FALLENI (ZETT.) 169
Stomopteryx albipalpelia H.-S. Col. Emmet tells me he also bred a
specimen of Grapholita lathyrana Hubn. in February 1968, from some of
the Genista tintoria by forcing in a warm room. Some of the spinnings on
G. tinctoria produced larvae of Orthosia gracilis Schiff. Six larval cases of
Coleophora saturatella Staint. from the latter plant produced parasites.
Another trip to Ditchling was paid on the 17th July with Mr. Heal. A
few larvae of Agonopterix atomella were still to be found on the Genista.
In spite of a long search only one larval case of Coleophora vibicella was
found, but it produced a fine moth a few weeks later. Some larval cases of
Coleophora genistae Staint. found on Petty Whin produced only parasites
and we were obviously too late to find healthy larvae.
On the 1st September Mr. Chipperfield came along from Suffolk and
we planned to try for Gortyna hucherardi Mab. Mr. M. W. F. Tweedie
offered to give us any help he could and we arrived at his house near Rye
late in the evening. Not content with offering his help he and Mrs.
Tweedie hospitably asked us to join them in a sumptuous meal before
showing us where to try for this very local moth. The weather was fine and
mild and we were taken toa place where there were great beds of Althaea
officinalis (Marsh Mallow). Mr Chipperfieid had brought along his gen-
erator and the m.v. light was soon working. In spite of what appeared to
be a perfect night very few moths were attracted to the light, one of the
commonest species being Tholera popularis F. which were in very fresh
condition. There was quite a breeze blowing which might have accounted
for the dearth of insects. We both wandered among the plants of Marsh
Mallow in the hope of finding hucherardi settled on them and at last Mr.
Chipperfield tried beating the plant over a net and was rewarded by a fine
Specimen —the only one we saw. In the early hours we returned
to Mr. Tweedie’s house and had a nap in the car until breakfast
time. Before moving off in the morning Mr. Tweedie showed us the
contents of his trap and we helped ourselves to some of the captures.
26 Finsen Road, London, S.E.5. 16.iii.1968.
A Second British Record of Agathomyia falleni
(Zett.), with some Biological Notes on the
Platypezidae (Dipt.)
By P. J. CHANDLER
On 9th October 1966, I visited Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent. The park
contains large quantities of old, dying and dead beech trees, and fallen
trunks and stumps are frequent. It is therefore extremely suitable for
the growth of lignicolous fungi, i.e., growing on wood, and as a habitat for
the insects which feed on them. This locality has, however, been rarely
visited by dipterists and hardly, if at all, before 1963.
While sweeping around a stump thickly covered with fungi, three
Platypezids appeared in the net; one was recognised as a female of a
small Agathomyia species which I had previously taken elsewhere in
Kent, while the others were obviously of a related species but distinctly
larger and more brightly coloured. The stump was more closely
170 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VI1/68
examined and others were seen at rest beneath projecting brackets of the
fungus Coriolus (Polystictus) versicolor (L. ex Fr.) Quél. and on the sur-
face of the stump which was covered with a growth of Phlebia merismoides
(Fr.) Fr., and possibly some other resupinate, i.e., fruiting body prostrate
on wood, fungi, bearing numerous brownish droplets of moisture. After
I had remained motionless by the stump for a few minutes, others were
seen arriving, which I had, no doubt, disturbed previously. They hovered
two-three feet above the stump for a few seconds before landing, and
while in flight their beautiful colours made them quite conspicuous in
the shafts of sunlight coming through the foliage high above. The red
eyes sharply contrasted with the grey thorax and orange abdomen—the
colours are somewhat dulled after death. Later in the day these flies
were seen around many other stumps and trunks bearing fungal growth in
various parts of the park, and seven individuals were taken. All these
seen were females, the date presumably being too late for the male. On
subsequent examination these were found to be A. falleni, and this was
kindly confirmed by Mr. K. G. V. Smith of the British Museum (Nat.
Hist.).
Agathomyia falleni was first recorded as a British species by Mr. L.
Parmenter (1953) on the capture of a single male, resting ‘‘on the upper
surface of a hazel leaf’, in the oakwoods at the top of Box-Hill, Surrey,
on 21st September 1952. Nothing further has been published concerning
this species in Britain, but examination of Mr. Parmenter’s collection of
the family has disclosed a further capture of a single female, which he
made at Mickleham, Surrey, not far from Box Hill on 7th October 1956.
A week later, on 16th October, the Kent Field Club held their Fungus
Foray in Knole Park and the opportunity to search for further specimens
was taken. The previous date was, however, obviously near the end of
the flight-period of the species as indicated by the absence of males, and
only one more female was found, this being on the original stump referred
to above. Of the eight specimens taken three have been presented to
the British Museum, which had no previous representation of the species,
either British or Foreign; one has been given to Mr. L. Parmenter, one
to Mr. A. E. Stubbs, and the remaining three (including that taken on
the second date) are in my own collection.
A. falleni is very distinct from the other species of Agathomyia
occurring in Britain, both by its colour and its larger size (my specimens
range from 4 to 6 mm. in body length, reduced on drying, while the wing
is approximately 5 mm. long). The sexual dimorphism characteristic of
the Platypezidae is found here but is much less marked than in most
species, where the male is normally predominantly black, while here the
male is also brightly coloured and is, in fact, more striking than the
female. Mr. Parmenter gave a description of the male in his paper and I
have emphasised the sexual differences in the following description of
the female from my own specimens :—
Head grey; frons broad, narrowing anteriorly, as eyes are widely separated
(touching in the male); eyes and the three ocelli, borne in a triangle on the
raised ocellar protuberance, are bright red, while antennae, palpi, and proboscis
are yellow with darkened tip to pointed third antennal joint and black terminal
arista, as in male. A pair of long outwardly-curving fronto-orbital bristles
anterior to front ocellus and below these a second pair of much shorter (about
two-fifths length) frontal bristles, the distance between latter bristles being equal
A SECOND BRITISH RECORD OF AGATHOMYIA FALLENI (ZETT.) 171
to their distance from the eye-margins. Also a much longer pair of outwardly
curving bristles midway between posterior ocelli and upper eye-margin and a
complete row of short occipital bristles placed some distance behind eyes.
Antennae lack long bristle present above second joint in male, although distinct
bristles are present on this joint.
Thorax and scutellum all grey dorsally in contrast to extensively brown
thorax of male, but humeri, some parts of pleura and wing-roots are dull
yellowish. Dorsocentrals, acrostichals, and scutellars as in male. Praescutellars,
which are the strongest of the dorsocentral row, are as widely separated from
the main row of dorsocentrals as from scutellum and more laterally placed.
Only three dorsocentrals beyond the last of the single median acrostichal row.
Elongate cylindrical abdomen, coloured much as in male, with orange yellow
ground colour obscured by brownish rectangular bands interrupted by a narrow
dorsal mid-line and not reaching either anterior or posterior margins of seg-
ments. Dark abdominal hairs mainly short, but markedly longer near base; a
eroup of short but strong black bristles ventrally on 6th segment and a similar
tuft of thinner paler hairs on following sternite.
Legs entirely pale yellow like male; but hind legs, especially metatarsi, much
less dilated than in male. Strong leg-bristles of male absent except for dorsal
bristle and apical spur of middle tibiae; knob at ventral tip of mid femora is,
however, present. Hind femora similarly fringed but ventral fringe sparse and
incomplete. Hind tibiae have a short black anterodorsal fringe on the apical
half to two-thirds. Halteres yellow with partly darkened knob, wings tinged
yellowish, but less so than in male.
Mr. Parmenter stated, following Lundbeck, that the development of
the genus Agathomyia is unknown; however, Hennig (1952) described and
illustrated the anal segment of the larva of an undetermined species of
Agathomyia (how genus and not species was known not stated) found in
an unnamed fungus, without mention of locality or situation (though
presumably somewhere in Europe). In the short description, he said that
the larva resembled that of Platypeza (Clythia in text) but the anal
segment did not bear the characteristic pair of hooks of Platypeza, instead
possessing four pairs of feathery appendages at the base, resembling those
of Callomyia. The respiratory appendages are distinctly longer than in
Platypeza and the parts of the cephalo-pharyngeal skeleton are less closely
associated—they are united in Platypeza and Callomyia. More recently
Kessel (1957), in a paper on the distribution and variation of the nearctic
species A. notata (Loew) records the rearing of this fly by Mr. A. Ross.
He obtained two hundred flies from a single specimen of the fleshy
bracket-fungus Polyporus albellus Peck, growing on a standing dead
alder in California, on 28rd December 1956, adults emerging from
2.1.-10.1.1957.
No description of the larva was given. A very full account (Weidner
& Schremmer, 1962) has now been given, however, of the development of
a fly of this genus—the large orange-yellow Central European species
A. wankowiczi (Schnabl.), which was previously very little known. The
formation of small peg-shaped galls, in numbers together, on the under-
surface of the tough Polypore Ganoderma applanatum (Pers. ex Wallr.)
Pat., is apparently caused by this fly; the gall had been known for some
time from Germany to Yugoslavia, but these authors were the first to
establish the causative insect. The formation of galls, rare in fungi, is
otherwise unknown in the Platypezidae. The larva and the gall were
fully described and illustrated in this paper; the appendages character-
istic of the Platypezidae are reduced but spiny warts are present on the
tergites, which assist in holding on to the inside wall of the gall, from
172 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VI/68
which food-material is rasped by the strong mouth-parts. These also
serve to open an aperture at the tip of the gall, through which the larva
leaves to seek a pupation site. The gail (although not the fly) has now
been recorded by Anderson (1967) on the same fungus from two localities
in Sweden, and the photograph illustrating this paper shows galls appar-
ently the same as the German ones. The fungus which forms colonies of
large brackets on beech trunks is not uncommon in Southern England
but the gall has never been recorded from Britain. I have personally
examined numerous specimens of this fungus, on the underside of which
small groups of Drosophila confusa Staeg. (vibrissina Duda) are usually
to be seen, and althcugh I was, of course, unaware of the existence of the
gall I do not recall having ever seen any evidence of it. What little is
known of the development of the related genus Callomyia suggests that
these genera are confined to fungi of the order Aphyllophorales. The
fungi present on the original stump on which A fallent was numerous,
included in addition to those mentioned above quantities of the partly
resupinate brackets of Bjerkandera adusta (Willd. ex Fr.) Karst., several
large brackets of Pseudotrametes gibbosa Fr. and when visited in 1967 it
also bore a rather small example of Polyporus varius Fr.; C. versicolor,
B. adusta and P. gibbosa are frequent in Knole Park and all could be
suitable foodplants for Agathomyia larvae. It is hoped that these flies
will soon be reared now that there is some indication of their foodplants.
The only published observation of a species of Agathomyia visiting a
fungus in Britain, of which I am aware, is that by J. Edwards (1952). He
made observations on Dipterous visitors to Coriolus (as Polystictus) versi-
color in Autumn 1951 at Dimmingsdale, N. Staffs. A colony of the fungus
on an oak stump was visited by Platypezids only in contrast to one on a
beech stump, whose visitors included thirteen species of Mycetophilidae,
two Sciarids and one Chironomid but no Platypezidae. Edwards offered
the explanation for the discrepancy between these results that the Platy-
pezids preferred the drier and warmer conditions provided by the position
of the oak stump. Between 19.ix. and 19.x. one male of Callomyia amoena
Mg., and seventeen females of five species were seen, including three
females of Agathomyia antennata (Zett.).
GENERAL FEATURES OF PLAYTPEZIDAE
My finding of Agathomyia falleni was responsible for awakening my
interest in this remarkable family of flies, which stand apart from other
Diptera in many respects. Owing to their development in fungi they
are typically woodland insects, which are usually found running about
rapidly on broad leaves in a characteristic erratic manner. They are on
the whole infrequent, occurring chiefly as odd individuals, but occasionally
are found in larger numbers, usually when having recently emerged, while
males congregate in swarms prior to copulation and females may gather
in numbers for oviposition.
The comparative rarity of Platypezids among Diptera is recognized to
be so in both Europe and North America; they are poorly known from
other continents. This probably accounts for the neglect which their
study has hitherto generally received from Dipterists. Their foodplants
are often ephemeral and of irregular occurrence, although this hardly
applies to the Polypores and Agathomyia species are particularly rare,
but other factors must also be involved as Platypezid populations are
NOMENCLATURE AND TAXONOMY 173
small compared with those of other fungivorous Diptera, e.g., Myceto-
philidae and Helomyzidae, the latter being a good comparison as the
number of fungivorous species is about the same in Britain. As with
many insects their apparent rarity is reduced when they are sought in
the most suitable places at the right time, but this does not appear to be
the full explanation. No parasitism of Platypezidae has ever been
recorded.
Some species occur throughout the summer, but the majority are found
only in the autumn, when the greatest number of fungi are available for
oviposition. Some authors, e.g., Verrall (1901) and Lundbeck (1927) have
considered that all species have two broods, with the second autumnal one
more numerous but Kessel has shown that there is only one brood in
several American species and this is probably so in many European species
also; some are, however, clearly double-brooded, e.g., Platypeza infumata
Hal., which occurs equally in the spring. Emergence of a single brood
may occur over a period of several months and in general males emerge
first; females, emerging later are found alone for the latter part of the
flight-period for a given species (as suggested above). Sexual dimorphism
is very marked in many species—the males usually predominantly black
while the females usually have a paler ground-colour, often with grey,
silver, yellow or red markings, a contrast to the condition usually prevail-
ing in the Diptera when sexual dimorphism occurs. Both sexes have
the expanded and flattened hind tarsi, which give the family its name, but
these may be differently developed in the male and female in some species.
(to be continued)
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
By Dr. R. G. AINLEY
Presumably the more we discuss the problems of nomenclature, the
more likely it is that someone will produce a bright idea to solve them. I,
for one, have learnt much from the correspondence following the late
Professor Balfour-Browne’s article.
Though I admire Mr. Haggett’s individuality, his approach would not
appear to solve any problems for anyone other than himself—though, on
reflection, I suppose he is only doing what most taxonomists are doing all
the time. I imagine that if any two authorities on a particular group
were to reach conflicting conclusions about its classification they would
pursue precisely the course outlined by Mr. Haggett.
A “world view” is, of course, essential, and I regret apparently having
given the impression of thinking that the World’s Lepidoptera could be
classified on the basis of the British species alone. (In fact, I deplore
the illogicality of collectors who have “British” species in one cabinet
and “foreign” species—if any—in another).
Monospecific genera are probably inevitable in some cases. It is
reassuring that some professionals dislike them, as shown by the Editor’s
quotation from Dr. Klots. (Incidentally, if the latter’s taxonomic studies
are as superb as his photographs of insects we should treat his views
with great respect!).
174 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V1/68
While I agree with nearly all of Mr. Allen’s article, I wonder whether
the use of the “subgenus” is really of any value? A good case can be
made for trinomial nomenclature (genus, species, subspecies, e.g. Aga-
petes galatea procida, which is useful), but need we add the subgenus,
which would probably provide even more scope for disagreement than
does the genus itself? Similarly, his notion of a ‘two-tier’ system of
nomenclature seems unwise, since it would perpetuate the usage of
multiple names for the same genus, providing two sets of names to
disagree about, whereas our aim should surely be to reach a single,
internationally-agreed nomenclature acceptable to professional and
amateur alike, even if not everyone agrees about every part of it. Mr.
Cowan has paraphrased a Ministry of Transport slogan for us (antea p.
112). I will paraphrase Parkinson’s First Law:—‘“‘Names multiply to
fill the number of categories available for their occpuation.”’
Mr. Cowan’s excellent historical résumé threw much light on the
subject for me. I readily plead guilty to his suggestion that some of us
have not done our homework, i.e. have not read and understood the
Rules. I have read them, but do not understand them all—a failing
apparently shared by the Commission. Though most amateurs could, in
theory, keep delving into the literature to be up to date with the latest
views on nomenclature, in practice life is too short to allow this as well
as field work. In short, we need a certain amount of spoon-feeding in
these matters, and I suggest that The Record and similar journals
could fulfil a very useful function in this respect, serving as a means of
communication between the professional and the amateur. Of course,
they do this already, but perhaps news and views about nomenclature
could be vut on a more systematic basis. (e.g. an annual ‘News on
Nomenclature,” if someone could be persuaded to undertake the tedious
task).
I conclude with another suggestion, I hope a constructive one. I agree
with Mr Cowan that in an ideal world everyone would have the time and
energy to “study and follow the international code.” But most amateurs,
and professional zoologists who have no direct interest in taxonomy (the
latter often being those who make the most fundamental contributions
to Science), take their nomenclature from publications — text-books,
periodicals and check-lists. ‘Therefore there is a heavy responsibility
on all editors and publishers for the names in circulation. Hence,
stability would be promoted if all editors or publishers of any work,
from schoolboy manuals to research journals, which involved the use of
scientific nomenclature were to obtain guidance from an approved list.
An international body could perhaps be devised to compile and publish
such a list, which could be revised at intervals, say every five years, as
taxonomic ideas changed in the light of new facts. Editorial agreement
to publish only names on the list might be reached by means of an inter-
national Convention; such a move would at least facilitate international
communication at all levels, and writers would soon toe the line, what-
ever their private objections might be to some parts of the list.
As many readers of this journal will know, an exactly analogous sys-
tem is already in use, and works well, in respect of the abbreviations of
titles of journals used in the lists of references quoted in scientific papers.
Any authority submitting an original paper or thesis for publication in
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 175
most scientific journals, is required by the editor to put his list of quoted
references in the abbreviated form prescribed by the World List of
Scientific Periodicals (the 1960 edition of which contains nearly 60,000
entries!). This system at least ensures that any reader in the world will
know that, for example, Ann. Surg. means Annals of Surgery, and not
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Mr. Allen would perhaps object to this system as constituting an
“editorial straightjacket”, where free expression would be preferable. I
have some sympathy with this view, but after all we are not dealing
here with publication of facts, only of names. Names are only for con-
venience, and are not of any fundamental biological importance except
in so far as they help communication, for which purpose they must be
reasonably stable. The system outlined would still allow the experts, in
the light of their researches, to influence the names in use, by present-
ing arguments to the Commission; but it would ensure that the arguments
were good ones before a name could be changed and became accepted.
Editors would not have a great burden thrust upon them provided they
had ready access to the agreed list.
In practice, I believe Mr. Cowan may be justified in his belief that we
are attaining stability in specific names, and apart from the much-quoted
charlotta-aglaia, and Dira petropolitana Fab. (which I had always
thought of as Pararge hiera Hbn.) I personally have not been unduly con-
fused by name changes of species. But generic names are a different
matter entirely, perhaps reflecting the fact that biological material will
not easily fit into tidy pigeon-holes which can be objectively determined
by observation and measurement.
Notes and Observations
DIPTERA COLLECTING IN SCOTLAND—In a recent letter from Mr. E. C.
Pelham Clinton of the Dept. of Natural History, Royal Scottish Museum,
Edinburgh, he gave a comment on the regions of Scotland most worth
working which other readers would like to see. He says:—
The east—central highlands, particularly Strathspey (Aviemore and
Nethy Bridge, chiefly) have had more attention than anywhere else, but
are also worth more attention. There are more boreal species of insects
in this area than elsewhere in Scotland. Messrs. E. C. M. d’A. Fonseca
and D. M. Ackland have done a lot of collecting there recently, the for-
mer concentrating on Muscidae, the latter on Anthomiidae and Myceto-
philidae, and though they have not discovered much not formerly col-
lected by Mr. J. E. Collin they have found many species in numbers that
were hardly known before. So anyone specialising particularly in
Acalyptrates or Nematocera, could still do a lot of good work in Strath-
spey. The other areas with a somewhat similar climate and good vege-
tation, Braemar, Rannoch, Glen Affric and Loch Maree are wetter and
less sunny and would now be the most profitable areas for dipterists in
Scotland. Other parts of Scotland need working rather more for work-
ing out distributions than for the possibility of discoveries, but of course
this work is badly needed.
lbp
176 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VI/68
DIPTERA: TIPULIDAE. SOME FURTHER NOTES ON PRESERVATION. Referring
to my previous article (antea p. 55) I think the great pleasure to a new-
comer to the collecting of Diptera is the interest created by seeing these
handsome creatures on the wing now that the Lepidoptera have become
so scarce, except in their specialised haunts. Previous to last year I
had not been nearly so aware of the presence of the Diptera, and it
really is a fine sight to see, for example, the Syrphid fly Volucella pellu-
cens L. hovering in the sunshine in a woodiand glade, probably several
auite close together.
I would very much like to see more entomologists, particularly the
young take up the study of the Diptera in the British Isles. Collecting
the Lepidoptera abroad is no doubt very pleasant, but one does not really
learn anything about them until one has resided in a foreign land for
several years. Hence my interest in the Diptera in these Islands, as there
is so much field work to be done, and many areas have received no
attention from collectors of this order. Remember too that there are over
5000 Diptera to study, which are resident in the British Isles.
A propos to my recent hints on setting Tipulidae, do not be dis-
couraged if, at first, when taking a specimen off the board a leg or two
breaks. The specimen can be well repaired by sticking the leg on where
it broke off, provided great care is taken, but naturally, practice is
essential for this delicate operation.
In conclusion I would like to say that previous experience with set-
ting lepidoptera is of great benefit. With the Tipulidae, always deal
with one insect at a time. By this I mean that it is wise to put each
“Tip.” in the cabinet or storebox as soon as it is safely off the board, or
has been repaired, as it is so easy to damage a nice specimen when left
lying about.—P. N. Crow, 154 Thorpe Road, Peterborough. 28.iv.1968.
NEPTICULA SUBERIVORA STAINTON (LEP. TINEINA) IN KENT—On April 29,
1968, I examined some old Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex) growing in a gar-
den at Kingsdown near Deal, and by the roadside at Worth near Sand-
wich, and at both localities found the mines of N. suberivora in some
numbers in the leaves. So far as I am aware, there is no previous
record of suberviora for Kent.—J. M. CHALMERS-HunT. 30.iv.1968.
FIRST APPEARANCES, 1968—The following dates of first appearances of
butterflies in Sussex may be of interest. March 9, V. io; March 28, G.
rhamani; March 29, V. urticae; April 6, P. rapae; May 4, C. croceus; E.
cardamines; P. brassicae. With regard to C. croceus on May 4, this was
a single specimen which I observed in St. Leonards-on-Sea.—WILLIAM E.
BUSBRIDGE, 9 Warrior Square, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex.
NOMENCLATURE.—I would like to express complete agreement with the
remarks of Messrs Ainley and Haggett in your issue of February of this
year. When I started to collect Lepidoptera on the Isle of Barra in 1936,
I was given a copy of Meyrick’s Revised Handbook by a professional
naturalist, a member of the staff of a well-known museum. Here, said he,
is the final and definite list of British Lepidoptera; if you arrange and
name your collection according to it, you cannot be wrong. How many
of the names in the Revised Handbook now stand? (I notice Meyrick
called the Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaia).
CURRENT LITERATURE ae
The situation is absurd when the only stable names of our common
butterflies are the vernacular ones. Confusion has now reached a point
where future editors of South’s British Butterflies and British Moths will
have to follow the practice employed by Ralph W. Macy and Harold H.
Shepard in their Butterflies: A Handbook of the Butterflies of the United
States complete for the Region North of the Potomac and Ohio Rivers
and East of the Dakotas (University of Minnesota Press, 1941), of giving
all the Latin names that all the species they describe have ever been
known by.
Future editors of such works as South’s might also tell us what these
nam=2s mean; whoever thinks some of them up must possess astonishing
classical education, a thing which is becoming increasingly rare nowadays.
But best of all, for goodness sake let us have a moratorium on all this
chopping and changing, and put an end to the word game of hunting for
earlier but hitherto unrecognised descriptions in obscure eighteenth and
nineteenth century publications which seem to have become such an
obsession with some our our naturalists——J. L. CAMPBELL, Isle of Canna,
Scotland.
Current Literature
Scepula aequicerata Traff not a separate species (Lep.), also by Ingvar
Svensson (Ibid) is in the English language, and points out that it is now
realized that the unequal lengths of the carata results from differences
in mounting the slides. Two illustrations give first nine examples of the
male genitalia and secondly, photographs of the nine relative moths.—
S.N.A.J.
From Dr. L. A. Gozmany of Budapest. I have received a parcel of
interesting separates setting out much of the work recently undertaken by
this very energetic micro-lepidopterist.
The Tineid Moths of the Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren
Belgium covers his work at that museum during a recent visit, in pursuance
of his research work on the Tineidae, and of 31 genera and 91 species
mentioned, 4 genera and 48 species are described as new. Much is added
to the knowledge of the family, but the size of his task can hardly be
imagined, and in his conclusions, he mentions that a small consignment
received from the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) for identification revealed
23 species of which 17 were new, and only 3 of which he had found also in
the Tervuren Museum.
The Family Holopogonidae Fam. nov. (Lep.) and its constituent Taxa,
Acta Zoologica Academiae scientarium Hungaricae XIII, 3-4: 271-278,
describes a new genus and three new species of Gelechiidae.
Some Tineid Moths (Lep.) from the National Museum (Rhodesia),
Arnoldia (Rhodesia) 3, No. 25, gives the result of his identification of some
Tineid moths from ise Bulawayo Museum, giving two new species with ¢
and © genitalia of Episcardia rhodesica sp. nov. illustrated by line draw-
ings.
Some Tineid Moths of the Ethiopian Region in the Collection
of the British Museum (Natural History). Acta Zoologica Academiae
Scientiarum, XIV, 1-2: 117-138. This paper deals with the determination
178 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VI/68
of several hundred unidentified Tineid specimens in the B.M. general,
and Walsingham collections; 1 Ceratophaga, 7 Perissomastix, 1 Hyperbola
and 13 Episcardia species new to science are described with several figures
of genitalia dissections.
Perissomastix varii sp. nov. (Lep. Tineidae). Novos Taxa Entomologicos
(Mocambique), 53, Aug. 1967, gives a description of this new species with a
photographic plate of the ¢ paratype X 34 and text figure of the ¢
genitalia.
New Symmoca Moths (Lep.) In the Collection of the British Museum.
Annales Historico-Naturales Musei Nationalis Hungarici, 59: 353-357.
Four new species and one new genus are described, with text figures of
wing neuration and ¢ and Q genitalia—S.N.A.J.
From the United States I have a separate of A Remarkable Aberrant ©
of Speyeria nokomis nokomis (Edwards) by T. W. Davies and P. H.
Arnaud Jnr. from The Pan Pacific Entomologist, 43: 177-181. This paper
describes a melanic female of this species from Vernal, Utah, with a fine
coloured plate figuring the upper and underside of this specimen and of a
normal specimen for comparison. Variation in this species is uncommon,
and the present specimen is said to be only the third variety noted.
The Complete British Butterflies in Colour, by L. Hugh Newman, illus-
strated by E. Mansell, Ebury Press and Michael Joseph; 15 pp. and 62
coloured plates, 35/-. This book is produced for the interested public rather
than the specialist, and as such I think that it should be generally success-
ful.
After a foreword giving a general picture of butterfly ecology in non-
technical language, the book follows the customary design of this series;
the text consists of plates on the right-hand side with a descriptive text on
the left set out in a uniform way with headings Haunts and Habits, On the
Wing, Localities, Foodplants, Aberrations and Variations, and Continental
Distribution. The author has supplied these details in language well suited
to his chosen circle of readers. A page giving the classfication of British
Butterflies and another giving an index to the scientific names finish the
book.
Generally speaking, Mr. Mansell has done well with his figures,
especially with the foodplants, but there seem to have been times when
he has tired of the task and some of the smaller species tend to be a
little crude. Larvae are usually shown well up on their toes, and some
would have profited by other treatment, for instance, the small tortoise-
shell or peacock would have benefited by the inclusion of a colony of
larvae, and the brimstone larva could better have been shown in its
customary pose of lying on the upper surface of the leaf along the midrib,
as mentioned in the text. Then again, in the case of the small blue,
although the text states that the larva only feeds on kidney vetch, it is
illustrated, complete with larva, on a red clover. Here, one must say that
the larva’s habit of feeding concealed in the flower head sets a problem
for the artist, but the correct foodplant might have been shown.
This book could well stimulate the wish for a closer knowledge of the
subject and should provide new members for the existing entomological
societies.—S. N. A. J.
CURRENT LITERATURE 179
Common Insects of India by N. P. Kaiyanam, Asia Publishing House,
25/- (Feb. 1967) 136 + xv pp. 8vo. The author, who is head of the
depariment of Zoology, Pachaiyappa’s College, Madras, was trained in
the University of Tennessee, and has produced this book to fill the gap
left by the fact that so much of the Indian entomological literature is
now out of print. It is designed to give a basic idea of insect orders so
that determination to that leve! should present no great difficulty to the
student, and order by order, insects likely to come under notice are
illustrated with short descriptions both as to form and habits so that they
may be named fairly accurately after a little practice. The author has
explained in his foreword, that ignorance of animal life is surprising,
and he had heard a cockroach described as a little red bird.
There is a bibliography of works of genera! interest and a short list
of those suggested for general study, followed by an index of the species
menticned.
Although paper covered, the paper and printing are good, and the
illustrations show a very great imorcovement over those in the last book
of this series which we reviewed; nearly all are good representations, and
sufficient, in most cases, for specific determination. One or two are a
little crude, but still ccnvey their meaning. The proof-reading seems to
have also improved, and although not thoroughly examined by me, only
one error was noted.
Interest in this book should go far beyond the college student, and
should be of considerable use to the school teacher and to the general
public, inspiring a wish to know more of the insects with which they
are in almost daily cortact, and so many of which are of real economic
importance.—s. N. A. J.
Prevention of Rh-Haemolytic Disease, by C. A. Clarke, M.D., Sc.D.,
F.R.C.P. Brit. Med. Journal, 4: 7-12. This paper is really only of medical
interest, but it is interesting to note that the main idea came to the author
as a result of observations made in pursuance of his hobby of breeding
hybrids of certain swallowtail butterflies. There is a good coloured plate
illustrating these hybrids.—S. N. A. J.
Warne’s Picture Reference Books, 46 pp. with 28 coloured illustrations,
3 in. X 63 in., Frederick Warne, 5/-. The four booklets now before me
represent the first four subjects of a new series produced by these popular
natura! history publishers. The series is edited by John Clegg and the
coloured photographs by George E. Hyde. The make-up is similar,
consisting of a frontispiece, Contents, More Books to Read, an Introduction
of 3 pp. followed by spreads of four coloured subjects treated on the
following spread. There are usually 28 such pictures, after which two
pages deal with other related species, not illustrated, a glossary, index, a
page for notes; the back cover paper is illustrated with instructive
sketches in black and white.
No. 1 is Butterflies and Moths and their Caterpillars, No. 2 Berries and
Fruits, No. 3 Insects (other orders) and No 4 Wild Flowers of the Spring.
Further subjects in preparation are No. 5 Wild Flowers of the Summer,
No. 6 Wild Flowers of the Autumn, No. 7 Pond Life and No. 8 Trees, I.
180 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/V1/68
The series should be popular with young enthusiasts and with parents
and relatives wishing to inspire young people to become enthusiasts.
The cclour work is good and the notes on species concise. We wish the
series well.—S. N. A. J.
Proceedings and Transactions of The South London Entomological and
Natural History Society, Part 3, August 1967. Published by the Society,
10/-.
This part contains the Council’s, Curator’s, Librarian’s and Treasurer’s
reports, and an account of the 1966 Annual Exhibition with one coloured
and two half tone plates. This is followed by an account of the Lepidoptera
Distribution Scheme by J. Heath. The Proceedings section gives accounts
of indoor meetings from 9th February until 22nd June 1967. Field meetings
of 1967 are covered up to 11th June 1967. An obituary notice for Robin
Mere concludes the issue.
Part 4, December 1967, 9/-. Carries an account of the Future of Field-
Meeting Localities in Surrey, by Alan E. Stubbs. Comments on the
Limacodidae of East and West Africa, in respect of Dr. MacNulty’s paper
on the subject (ibid Pt. 1, 12) by D. G. Sevastopulo. P. Calderara contri-
butes an article on Butterflies at Collobieres, Var. Alpes Maures, and
Provence in July and August 1967. The Proceedings cover indoor meetings
from 13th July until 9th November 1967. There is also an account of the
1967 Annual Exhibition with four half-tone plates. Field Meetings range
from 14th May to Ist October 1967. C. Carter contributes an account of the
change in the Lepidoptera of Hampstead after four decades. The part
closes with an obituary notice for Arthur Morel Massee, O.B.E., D.Sc.,
F.R.E.S.—S.N.A.J.
Field and Meadow Life in Colour by Leif Lyneborg, translated from the
Danish by Kirsten Campbell Fergusson and edited in the English edition
by Arnold Darlington. Blandford Press. 164 pp. 80 coloured plates. 21/-.
This excellent little book represents a further extension of the praise-
worthy practice of making the maximum use of existing coloured plates.
It must be understood that the plates represent some species not yet on the
British list, but then, insects are not subject to passport regulations, and
it is as well that interested people should have some idea of the species to
be found on the other side of the North Sea. The Editor has done a very
good job in this respect, and the only striking mistake is the labelling of
Lycaena virgaureae as our L. phlaeas.
The books covers all invertibrate orders to be found in meadowland
and the eighty plates occupy pages 5-84. The figures are numbered con-
secutively throughout and these numbers refer to pages 85-159, where short
accounts of the species may be found under that number.
The quality of the plates is very good indeed and the range of subjects,
from Nematodes and earthworms, woodlice, centipedes and millipedes,
through the insects from Collembola to Diptera and then on to spiders,
mites and ticks, and on to Mollusca. The last 12 plates are devoted to good
illustrations of many forms of plant galls and insect mines. In all 543
animal and 78 vegetable subjects are illustrated. The book is bound in a
small octavo size suitable for the pocket, and would be an excellent com-
panion in the field and also an excellent addition to the bookshelf.—S.N.A.J.
FOR THE ENTOMCLOCGIST
Apparatus, Books, Cabinets, and Set Specimens
Price lists of the above are issued from time to time, so if you
would like to receive regular issues please send me a postcard
stating your interests
L. CHRISTIE
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REVISED LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA
More than 50 years have elapsed since the publication of Porritt’s list of
The Lepidoptera of Yorkshire, and the need for a revised list has long been
felt. Work on this has been undertaken by The Lepidoptera Committee
of The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, and the new revised list is currently
appearing in “The Naturalist”. Details and copies available from The
Editor of “The Naturalist’, The University, Leeds 2.
SPECIAL NOTICE
BACK ISSUES OF THE
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
THE RESPONSE to previous announcements regarding above has been
so exceptional that the stock of most numbers has been reduced to the
required level and the offer of “sale prices” has now been withdrawn.
However some issues are still in good supply, and the Editor will be
pleased to quote prices in reply to enquiries.
LEPIDOPTERA OF KENT, VOL. il
This comprehensive work will be completed with the instalment in our
May issue and a limited number of separates, unbound, with stiff paper
cover, is available for sale at 45/- per copy from The Editor, 54 Hayes
eats, EUCHRE BR2 2EE: Kent: VEOSIESS extra)
A BUTTERFLY COURSE ai a held at Pendley Residential Gunes of
adult Education Ltd., Pendley Manor, Tring, Hertfordshire, on 26th-28th
July, under the auspices of well-Known experts. For full details please
write to The Warden.
EXCHANGES AND WANTS
For Sale.—Formosan butterflies, moths, beetles, cicadas, dragon flies, wasps, and
other dried Formosan insect specimens. Also living cocoons and ova of
Attacus atlas, Saturnia pyretorum in winter seasons.—Taiwan Novelty Co.,
P.O. Box 860, Taipei, Taiwan (Formosa), Free China.
For Sale.—Rev. F. M. B. Carr’s cabinets and collection.—Carr, 93 Albany, Bourne-
mouth. Tel. No, Bournemouth 27419.
For Sale.—Butterflies and Motns—Worldwide selection, especially Africa and
Madagascar, many Papilio’s Charai.es, Cymothoe, Salamis, Sphingidae,
Saturnidae, etc. Sometimes livestock. Lists on request by sending 1/-
stamps.—Robert Keiser, Frederik Van Eeden Plein 3, Antwerp i, Belgium.
Wanted.—Irish Lepidoptera. I am collecting material for a supplement to my
“Revised catalogue of Irish Macrolepidoptera, 1964’, and would be very
grateful for any new county records, or other items of interest.—Ez. S. A.
Baynes, ‘“‘Sandford’’, Adelaide Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin, Irish Republic.
Wanted.—Entomological Literature of all sorts. Books, Periodcals, Monographs,
Museum Reports, Proceedings of learned Societies, collections of papers.—
Apply Julian J. Nadolny, Scientific Books and Periodicals, 35 Varmor Drive,
New Britain, Connecticut 06053, U.S.A.
For Sale.—Portable Generator (adapted War Office Charging Set) lightweight,
owing to owner’s indifferent health, last used 2 years ago, then in perfect
working order, may require small servicing, £15.—Dudley Marsh, ‘White
Gate’, Wingham Road, Littlebourne, near Canterbury.
Wanted.—Volume 4 of “The Entomologist’? to enable me to complete set. Can
anybody help?.—D. O'Keeffe, 29 Arcadian Avenue, Bexley, Kent.
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine :
Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. Witu1aMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K.
McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.;
Diptera: L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-Fonseca, F.R.ES.
CONTENTS
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN LEPIDOPTERA. J.S. TAYLOR... ... 149
A NEW ABERRATION OF EUPITHECIA VENOSATA FABR. (FABR.). H. C.
HUGGINS, F.R.E.S. me aes oe ay Ws bile be, mat ee ee as GN oft
PYRALID AND PLUME MOTHS OF DERBYSHIRE. D.C. HULME... ... 157
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FOR 1967. So WAKELY 92) 5) 1 aes
A SECOND BRITISH RECORD OF AGATHOMYIA FALLENI (ZETT.), WITH ~
SOME BIOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE PLATYPEZIDAE (DIPT.) P. J.
CHANDLER ... S55 “= - : sat bor Abe aa cen ia BO
NOMENCLATURE AND TAXONOMY. Dr. R. G. AINLEY _... ee at ered
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ... Re es oe ae a0 ae as Bae al
CURRENT LITERATURE ... 5.5 aap see fe sa ee aa tis rout)
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~ ENTOMOLOGIST’S
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80 Nos. 7 and 8 : JULY/AUGUST 1968
| FRESHWATER LIFE OF
i THE BRITISH ISLES
An invaluable guide to the plant and invertebrate animals of
ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. It deals with every aspect of
freshwater life in a systematic manner: the physical and chemical
conditions in water; plant and invertebrate life and the verte-
brates are all fully described. Profusely illustrated.
| 37s net by JOHN CLEGG
| WAYSIDE and WOODLAND
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For the first time in a popular book on the subject the scientific
names are given in accordance with those on the Check List of
the British Mycological Society. Their meanings are in most cases
given in English. Valuable chapters on the use, collection and
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There are 41 colour plates, 10 black and white plates and 8 line |
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Plate IX
From the original watercolour drawing by A. D. A. Russwurm.
New aberrations of Callimorpha jacobee Linn. 1967.
1. ab. flavarosea Watson <¢ 3, Gliliti® ©
De ditto 2 4. ditto d(extreme form)
“24
Pieyie YX
From the original watercolour drawing by A. D. A. Russwurm.
New aberrations of Callimorpha jacobee Linn. 1967.
ab. rubrasuffusa Watson 6 3. ab. nigrociliata Watson &°&
2. ab. nigrociliata Watson 6 4. ab. pallida Watson 3
—
,
ied
181
New Aberrations of Callimorpha jacobaeae Linn.
(Lep. Arctidae)
By R. W. Watson, F.B.A.A., F.A., F.C.C.S., F.Comm.A., F.R.E.S.
Description:
Callimorpha jachbaeae ab. flavarosea ab. nov.
Forewings buff yellow suffused with pale vermilion with the usual
costal streak and spots of vermilion.
Hindwings buff yellow suffused with a rosy tint which follows the
veins in many specimens.
Fringes buff yellow with variable amount of black scaling. Thorax
and abdomen vermilion suffused with black. This is a very beautiful
form, some of them resembling rose petals.
Type, Male bred 10th June 1967, Watson Collection.
Callimorpha jacobaeae ab. nigrociliata ab. nov.
Fore and hindwings crimson with the usual costal streak and spots of
a darker shade. Fringes mainly black. Thorax and abdomen crimson,
heavily suffused with black.
Type, Female bred 16th June 1967, Watson Collection.
Callimorpha jacobaeae ab. pallida ab. nov.
Forewings very pale vermilion with the costal streak and spots only
just visible. Hindwings pale rose pink. Fringes buff with a little grey
scaling. Thorax and abdomen pale vermilion suffused with greyish buff.
Type, Male bred 18th June 1967, Watson Collection.
Callimorpha jacobaeae ab. rubrasuffusa ab. nov.
Fore and hindwings as typical forms suffused with rusty vermilion so
that although all typical markings remain, this form has the appearance
of being overlaid with additional scaling.
Fringes greyish black. Thorax and abdomen dull vermilion suffused
with greyish black.
Type, Female, June 7th, 1967, Watson Collection.
BREEDING RESULTS
The pupae from 1966 were divided as follows
Brood Numbers
Brood 1 Brood 2 Brood 3 Brood 4 Brood 5 Brood 6 _ Yotal
Watson 75 — 240 83 79 62
Coney — = —_— —_ 52 46
Kettlewell 6 5) 6 = 6 6
Totals
from pupae 81 5 246 83 137 114 666
1966
15/ VIII/68
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80
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NEW ABERRATIONS OF CALLIMORPHA JACOBAEAE LINN. (LEP. ARCTIDAE) 183
GENETICS:
I considered the original female coneyi taken in 1965 must be a
dominant as if it had been a recessive the chances of a pairing in the wild
to produce the results shown below in the first brood were too remote.
Red Type Total Percentage of red to total
14 16 30 46:7%
On the assumption that the red form was a dominant the expected and
actual results are shown in the following table:
Percentage of ‘red’ jacobaeae to total emergences
Brood No. Expected Actual
1 intermedia S X coneyi 9° 75% 67:2%
2 Typical ¢ X typical Q nil nil
3 Wild typical ¢ x intermedia ° 50% 50:7%
4 Typical ¢ X typical Q nil nil
5 coneyi ¢ X typical ° 50% 47-6%
6 intermedia ¢ X wild typical 9° 50% 26%
This proves that “red” jacobaeae is a dominant, the variation in ground
colour, fringes, etc., being doubtless the effect of modifying genes.
On June 30, 1967, a male ab. intermedia was taken within 400 yards of
the place of capture in 1965 of the original ab. coneyi female. This male
was paired by A. W. Coney with an ab. coneyi female.
In the case of ab. rubrasuffusa, however, further results are necessary
as these forms only occurred in brood 5. This is probably a recessive
which may only be able to express itself in the presence of the “red” gene.
At the time of writing, some 1200 pupae are due to emerge shortly.
It is hoped eventually to obtain pairings with the yellow recessive form.
Acknowledgments
Once again the author expresses his appreciation to the following:
A. D. A. Russwurm who has again excelled himself on this difficult subject.
A. W. Coney for continuing the breeding in an exemplary manner.
Bernard Kettlewell for his assistance in breeding from a limited number
of pupae so that a sufficient stock is available, thereby spreading the
risk.
All the helpers with the mundane tasks of collecting ragwort, cleaning
out cages, etc., under the supervision of Mrs. M. B. Watson, F.R.E.S.
“Porcorum”, Sandy Down, Boldre, nr. Lymington, Hants,
May 1968.
Notes on Breeding Callimorpha jacobaeae Linn.
(Lep. Arctidae)
By oka) WeuWATSON, E-BAVAL) HAC or C:C.s,, 2.Comm- Aw PR E.S:
This species is one which although easy to breed has not in the past
been given to much variation except for occasional broods of the yellow
recessive form. I have bred small numbers in the past without difficulty,
the larvae being healthy and not in my experience much affected by virus
diseases.
184 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VIII/68
With the advent of “red” jacobaeae it was obvious that some large-
scale arrangements were necessary.
As I believe in breeding in as near natural conditions as possible, tins
and plastic containers were avoided.
In June 1966 when A. W. Coney and myself obtained the first pairings
it was found by A. W. Coney that females would only lay on growing
plants of groundsel or ragwort.
The moths emerge between 6.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. B.S.T. On one occa-
sion when the laboratory lights had been left on for some hours a few
emerged at midnight.
The selected pairings are placed in cardboard shoe boxes from which
the centre of the lid had been removed and replaced by nylon netting.
Pairing occurs the following morning between 6.00 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. B.S.T.,
and after separation the males are removed and are still fit for setting
if required.
The laying cages are prepared in the following way: Selected plants
of ragwort about 24” in height and with a single stem are planted in
flower pots. Before planting a rolled nylon stocking is placed round the
stem, care being taken to see there are no holes and that the mesh is not
too large. After planting, the nylon is tied round the stem at the bottom
and rolled up over the plant. This ensures that the leaves are not
damaged. A cane is then inserted in the pot to act as support. One female
is placed in each container, the top then being tied and also tied to the
cane. Apart from reasonable watering of the plant no further care is
required.
The eggs are deposited mainly on the underside of the leaves, although 7
some females choose flower heads and stems. Oviposition occurs from
12 hrs.-72 hrs. after pairing.
The young larvae require no attention until all the foodplant is
exhausted. This time varies as there is considerable variation in the
number of ova per female. Usually the larvae are in the third instar
before they require transferring to cages.
The cages used for this purpose are of wood construction, 30” x18” x12”
with a copper gauze back and a glass door which lifts out. The bottom of
each cage is covered with 3” of peat. The ragwort plants are pulled, not
cut, as in this way they keep fresh for 48 hours, by which time they are
usually consumed. The plants selected are longer than the cages so they
tend to jam in a horizontal position.
The larvae show a preference for the flower petals and feed up rapidly,
no cleaning out is necessary as the frass remains dry. Pupation takes place
in the peat, many pupae lying close together and often touching.
In September the pupae are removed from the cages and placed in
small tins, care being taken to remove all those damaged or deformed.
The small tins are then placed in a biscuit tin and left in a cold position
for the winter. The pupae are examined at regular intervals and any
doubtful ones removed. Under these conditions the correct humidity is
maintained without mould arising and so far 80% to 85% have emerged.
Porcorum, Sandy Down, Boldre, nr. Lymington, Hants. May 1968.
COLLECTING NOTES 1967 185
Collecting Notes 1967
By T. W. HARMAN
May I first opologise to readers of this magazine for the late emer-
gence of these notes. Perhaps many will already have forgotten 1967, or
tried to, so perhapns these notes may add a little optimism to some rather
gloomy results which others seem to have had. This was my first com-
plete season in N. Derbyshire and consequently it began rather later than
in previous years 150 miles further south. Apart from the colder climate
the season commenced with a physical setback to myself. While work-
in a gymnasium on 25th January, I had the misfortune to tear both
achilles tendons simultaneoulsy. Besides being very painful it meant I
couldn’t walk. After literally crawling about for a fortnight, I made
gradual progress and returned gingerly to work on 15th May. At one
stage it looked as though I would have to hang up my net for at least a
season, but after ten weeks of daily physiotherapy and seeing insects on
the wing, recovery was faster than expected.
Lepidoptera in their early stages was the feature of early spring. Ova
of Antitype chi L. began hatching on the 19th March and resulted in a
splendid series of extremely varied moths in July. On the 18th April,
ova of Enargia paleacea Esp. and Amphipyra tragopoginis Clerk. began
hatching from Clumber Park females. The E. paleacea Esp. gave a great
deal of trouble, the vast majority wandering around without feeding until
they died. Only one managed to reach maturity, but even this died
before pupating. The tragopoginis gave no trouble on hawthorn. Mer-
cury-vapour light was used for the first time on 24th April with the
expected Orthosia gothica L. and O. stabilis Schiff. the only result. How-
ever, April ended well. The first of half a dozen Cucullia chamomillae
Schiff. from local larvae hatched on the 28th. The generator was taken
up to the edge of the moors near here on the 29th, but failed to start
because of a stuck exhaust valve. This was one occasion I didn’t mind as
I then decided to hunt for larvae with the aid of a pressure lamp. This
proved very profitable although rather risky for my legs. The bilberry
was rather far advanced to be able to see larvae easily, but the grasses
and heather yielded dozens, several species being present. Another visit
on the 6th May added more to the breeding cage and the results were
nice series of Diarsia brunnea Schiff., Amathes castanea Esp., Euschesis
comes Hubn., and, a welcome surprise, one specimen of Ammogrotis
lucernea L.
During the second week of May summer seemed to be coming in and
Callophrys rubi L. was fairly common flying around bilberry and settling
on small Scots Pines on Beeley Moor on 11th May. Before resuming
work after my injury, I spent a long weekend at my parents’ farm in the
Chilterns from the 12th to 14th May. The weather was good and, on
advice from Mr Theodore Homer we tried local beechwoods for Ectropis
consonaria Hubn. He had taken several recently and I was very pleased
to get eight good specimens, a new species. It had possibly been over-
looked previously. On the morning of 13th May we visited Bix Bottom
near Henley-on-Thames, a delightful spot which is now a nature reserve.
It was a good morning for insects and although we saw several species,
C. rubi L. was not present. At Turville Heath that night the summer
186 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VIII/68
species were well out and included Stauropus fagi L., Hadena w-latinum
Hufn. and Drepana cultraria F.
Work then took precedence over collecting for a fortnight until the
Whitsun holiday, not that I really deserved a holiday at the time! I took
my two small boys as helpers to beat larvae of Chesias legatella Schiff.
in Warsop Wood, Notts., not very far east of here. There had been a
heath fire among the broom, but even so, larvae were very common on
the remaining broom bushes around the edge of the area. Broom appears
to deteriorate rapidly as a foodplant and I think it advisable to only take
full-grown larvae and change their foodplant at least every other day.
Mr Homer came up on 29th May and stayed at the Peacock Hotel, Rows-
ley, a very central position to Peak District operations. He struck a bad
patch of weather and we relied a great deal on larvae hunting at night.
We visited Lathkill Dale on 30th May in showery conditions, but were
lucky enough to see a number of C. rubi L. which seemed to like settling
on grasses when the sun was not shining. The night temperature drop-
ped to 40°F., but we found a number of larvae on Beeley Moor. Lasio-
campa quercus callunae L. were common on heather and bilberry and
among identifiable species taken were six Enterphria caesiata Schiff.
and many castanea. On the following night we were back on the moors
with m.v. lights. Despite a temp. of 47°F., overcast sky and a rare, almost
windless night, only four moths turned up, three Hadena bombycina
Hufn. and one Eumichtis adusta Esp. On the 1st June we visited Clumber
Park where we beat a number of larvae and heard a nightingale sing-
ing. In the evening we were again on Beeley Moor, but in a rather
lower, more sheltered site. Again, conditions looked good but we only
took eight H. bombycina Hufn. and no other moorland species. So ended —
a rather poor first Derbyshire visit for Mr Homer.
Messrs. Alan Hepworth, Brian Elliot and I went to Lathkill Dale on
the third June to beat wych elm for larvae of Strymonidia w-album
Knoch. without luck, but we may have been too late. We did see
Abraxas sylvata Scop. and a single Perizoma affinitata Steph. which i
suspected might be there among the Red Campion. I also saw for the
first time Meadow Saxifrage and Wild Columbine growing commonly,
the latter very attractive to some small micros.
The next day of note was 14th June, when I went straight from work
to Lathkill Dale to tackle the problem of catching Parasemia plantaginis
L. By walking among the long grass on the slopes I got two specimens,
but then a thunderstorm forced a hasty retreat to the shelter of some
limestone rocks. As luck would have it I found a pair of plantaginis in
cop sitting on a tuft of grass on a rock ledge, so decided to wait for the
rain to stop. This it did fairly quickly so I went to an adjoining slope to
try again. Here males were flying freely, but on the steep slope and
limestone scree netting them by chasing was impossible. They appeared
to fly along definite paths below some rock outcrops so I decided on
guerilla warfare and set an ambush. The female was placed in an open
box on a ledge and I took up a crouched position with net at the ready
nearby. Whether the female had any effect I couldn’t decide, but this
method of waiting was easily the best answer to the problem, especially
if one can get the slope on the skyline which makes a better background
than long grass. In all, about two dozen were netted, although not all
were perfect. The female laid over 100 ova and they hatched well. ?
COLLECTING NOTES 1967 187
decided to force them, so airing-cupboard treatment on myosotis, dock
and foxglove was tried. They fed up well to about half-grown, but then
gradually died off. Half a dozen came through successfully by October.
Two days later, 16th June, saw me on my first visit to the Breck District.
Barton Mills was the centre of operations and I based myself near a
wood about a mile from Tuddenham. All around were excellent areas
of typical Breck flora and I had great hopes for the evening, especially
after a very warm day. I planned to run the generator attached to the
trap all night so slept in the back of my Reliant van a short distance
away from the light. It was indeed quite a good night and pleasant to
see species I normally associate with Kent, such as Arctia villica L.,
Heliophobus albicolon Hubn. and Agrotis vestigialis Hufn. Another
welcome visitor was Heliophobus reticulata Hubn. which was quite com-
mon. However, none of the Breck specialities turned up. I awoke at
3.45 a.m. and had finished breakfast by 5.00 a.m., an egg boiled dry on a
spoon over a primus, as there was no water available! Hardly a square
meal to begin the day, but I then shared daybreak with a multitude of
wild life and no sound of human inhabitants, very refreshing. I then
joined Mr Brian Elliot at Woodwalton Fen. We walked around during
the day in hot sunshine, but nothing seemed to be flying at all, despite
plenty of attractive-looking flowers. Even micros seemed absent. Mr
Bernard Skinner and his wife arrived later in the evening and we had a
most disappointing, cold evening with twelve moths to four m.v. lights.
Three of these were Arenostola extrema Hubn., but even though the sky
was clear and temperature low, one would expect to see more than we
did. Not having much experience of this Fen my conclusions are that the
combined effect of its low-flying nature, moist conditions and low night
temperatures in early summer tend to make it rather unfavourable to
lepidoptera, particularly early in the season. Some long term trapping
records taken actually in the Fen would be most interesting, if it hasn’t
already been done. The day we returned to Chesterfield my family
asked to go out for a picnic so we went to Coal Aston, Derbys., very
near the Yorkshire boundary and the City of Sheffield. Even so, this is
an attractive wooded valley with a stream running through it and plenty
of glades on the slopes. Many insects were flying including A. sylvata
Scop. Odezia atrata L. and some Procris statices L., very nice to see this
last species in such an unlikely situation. The next field trip was to
Clumber Park on 24th June. Hadena contigua Schiff. was the object of
the visit, but in apparently perfect weather conditions we only got one
specimen. The trap at home had drawn in a lot of moths plus a sparrow
which had caused havoc. The Breck was revisited on the 30th June,
Brian Elliot and I camping in my previous spot near Tuddenham. We
took a nice variety of species, 68 in all. including two good speci-
mens of Euschesis orbona Hufn., and one Hyloicus pinastri L. Heliophobus
reticulata Hiibn. and H. albicolon Hubn. were fairly common.
The following night we moved to Chippenham Fen and found it much
more interesting than Wood Walton, with insects in plenty. In the even-
ing we kicked up Eustrotia bankiana F. and Sterrha muricata Hufn. in
the same area. They were distinctly localised, but fairly common. We
had the unusual experience of a hot, sunny day followed by an evening
which clouded over just at dusk, providing near perfect conditions. The
m.v. light yielded 68 species, among the most interesting being Meliana
flammea Curt. and Phragmataecia castanaea Hubn. in fair numbers,
188 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VIII/68
Craniophora ligustri Schiff., Leucania straminea Treits., Chilodes
maritima Tausch., Zanclognatha cribrumalis Hubn., Lygephila pastinum
Treits. Altogether a very rewarding first visit and one I hope to repeat.
At Chesterfield on 5th July I took the first of two Plusia bractea
Schiff. which came to light at home during the season. This was an
excellent night, one of those which made up a remarkable week, a week
which brought forth so many Trisateles emortualis Schiff., 50 on two
nights in the Chilterns, that 1967 must go Gown as the ‘emortualis year.’
I may add, for those who were not present at the S. London Ent. and Nat.
Hist. Society’s Annual Exhibition at the Natural History Museum, S.
Kensington, that Mr Brian Baker has at last achieved the difficult task
of working out its life history in the wild and has taken wild larvae and
pupae as well as rearing a pupa from the only fertile egg laid by a
female moth. I think he deserves great credit for this marvellous piece
of work, yet another of his methodical, painstaking and determined
efforts. On 7th July my trap records at Chesterfield were broken with
52 species, mostly common stuff, but quite an encouraging result. From
the 15th onwards July was a red-letter month by any standards. Messrs
Hepworth, Elliot and I went to Wiltshire for a long week-end to look
for some butterflies. My opinion of Wiltshire went up rapidly during
that week-end as we saw butterflies in abundance and some of the
cynics who talk about the complete disappearance of our butterflies may
take hope in that the core in Wiltshire is allowed to spread. We really
wanted to see Apatura iris L. and in this quest were extremely lucky,
not only to see it flying around oak trees, but also coming down to sit
on the dry road before 11.00 a.m., a wonderful sight and sufficient to
carry us through the rest of the season if necessary. Limenitis camilla
L. and Argynnis paphia L. were common but most rather worn. Other
species such as Aphantopus hyperantus L. were abundant, in fact I have
not seen so many insects since the early 1950’s in the Chilterns. I will
not enter into details of the week-end regarding localities for obvious
reasons. If the ‘Conifer Commission’ are careful and consult naturalists
before taking action, the insects of this region can be saved. We
returned to Chesterfield on the 17th and on the 18th my family and I
were off south again. We spent two cays at my parents and I ran a
trap inside the beechwood for two nights. Both were rather wet ones,
but moths were abundant, Discoloxia blomeri Curt. was the commonest
moth and one specimen of T. emortualis Schiff. was taken. As it appeared
to be feamle it was saved for ova, without success. We then continued
to Kent to stay with my mother-in-law. I got my usual plug-in at the
market-garden opposite, a good site as there is a clear view out to sea
at Sandwich Bay about a mile-and-a-half away. Among the most in-
teresting species seen there between 20th July and lst August were
Lygris prunata L., Sterrha vulpinaria H-S., Leucania obsoleta Hubn., L.
straminea Treits., Nycterosea obstipata F., Nonagria dissoluta Treits., and
N. sparganii Esp. Two specimens of Celastrina argiolus L. were tapped
out of a hedge near the light at dawn one morning and further search
for this species found it fairly widespread, a number being seen at St.
Margaret’s Bay on 30th July. Sandwich Bay was visited several times
and the wild buddleia patch I always look on was well attended by
butterflies plus one Macroglossum stellartarum L. A field trip to
Orlestone Woods was made on 27th It was an extremely hot day, but I
wanted to walk over as much ground as possible to look for Euphyia
COLLECTING NOTES 1967 189
luctuata Schiff. This was not easy as so much of the area has come under
systematic afforestation. However, near the end of my endurance I
kicked up one specimen in an area of rough brambles and then concen-
trated on this spot, covering nearly every square inch. They appeared
to be very local, but I did get half a dozen. A female yielded ova and of
these one hatched later in the year, the rest overwintered. Only one
specimen came to light in a different locality that night along with 64
species of which Paracolax derivalis Hubn. was about the most interest-
ing. A specimen of Evergestis extimalis Scop. also turned -up.
Brian Elliot and I went to Dungeness for a week on 14th August. This
was the most unfortunate visit I have ever made there because rain and
wind made m.v. conditions hopeless on most nights. We took one speci-
men of N. obstipata F. at the lighthouse on 15th and I saw one specimen
of Colias croceus Fourc. on the 16th. About the biggest ‘happening’ was
the visit of a Rank Organisation photographer to the observatory to film
wild life there. Fame came to me in the form of boxing a carefully
placed Luperina testacea Schiff. on one of the posits. Later it cost me
17/- to take the whole family to the local cinema to see ‘Daddy’. The
scene lasted all of six seconds, but at least it was in colour! We did
rather better at Rye by looking for pupae of Nonagria geminipuncta
Haw. in reed stems. This was pretty hard work, but Brian had an even
worse task with Gortyna hucherardi Mab. nearby, finding only one in
about two hours. It would be pleasant to accompany one of these ‘Tutt’
characters who find several in every forkful of earth turned over! In
Beckley Woods we hunted high and low for larvae of Cucullia gnaphalii
Hubn. Either they are extremely uncommon or we were too late, C.
asteris Schiff. being all we could find. Our week was cut a day short
and we came back to my parents via Ansty Pond, Sussex, where we
searched for pupae of Nonagria algae Esp. I found one in the first reed
stem looked at, but then it was half an hour before we found another.
After trial and error we discovered the secret of success in this lovely
place. We were a little late as many had already emerged by 20th
August. However, we concentrated our attention on live stems of
lacustris which had turned yellow at the top. If this colour had moved
well down the stem, it was nearly always a certainty that a pupa was
housed within. Many of these in live stems had not emerged and we put
this down to the possible lower temperature within these stems compared
with that in dead stems. We got over a dozen each and some hatched
in the car on the way home. We did not find it very wet in the area we
found the pupae and one hardly needed wellingtons, let alone a boat.
Next day, 21st August, saw us on the Chiltern Scarp where we found
a few Lysandra coridon Poda. However, much of my previous hunting
ground was fenced in for sheep to graze and various grassland experi-
ments. It is all very well having the sheep to keep down the grass, but
I hate to think how the poor ants’ nests will fare. Still, not having first
hand knowledge of the experiment, I wiil not pass judgment until I see
the status of L. coridon over the next few years. We went to Pamber
Forest in the evening and drew almost a complete blank, probably due
to clear conditions. When we got home and visited the m.v. trap in my
father’s beechwood things were very different, with plenty of insects and
many second brood species. Ennomos quercinaria Hufn. was common
and we found one Lophopteryx cucullina Schiff. My diary notes state
that this night dispelled the theory that light inside a wood was no good.
190 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VIII/68
I am sure the increased temperature under the high beech trees causes
insects to fly inside the wood where they tend not to outside it.
Back in the Derbys. we visited Beeley Moor on 24th August and
although the temperature dropped sharply we took several Celaema
haworthit Curt. and two specimens of Oporinia filigrammaria H-S. Back
on Beeley Moor on 26th conditions were slightly better and m.v. yielded
Lithomoia solidaginis Hubn., Plusia interrogationis L., a female Ammo-
grotis lucernea L. and several O. filigrammaria H-S. On the 30th I
visited a local moor near Holymoorside where Diarsia dahlii Hubn. was
easily the commonest moth.
August just about concluded the season, which, for me, had been a
very pleasant one, fourteen new species and large numbers of insects on
many occasions, as well as some very good weather. All we need is a
good summer in 1968 to help the butterflies strengthen their numbers.
May I end these notes by saying something prompted by my visit to the
British Entomological Society’s Annual Exhibition in October. Without,
I hope, upsetting too many people, I feel it is time collectors began using
stainless steel headless pins as a general rule. They are far better to look
at in a collection as one is not confronted by a row of black pinheads.
They never corrode and although I have heard the complaint that they
‘twang’ when handled with forceps, I have never found this any worse
than headed pins. Many collectors also seem fanatical about taking rare
moths, but are not particularly careful about setting them for exhibition
purposes. Surely if one is to exhibit something, it is for others to look
at and should therefore be as near perfection as possible. In this I in-
clude clean white paper under the specimens and labels which can be
read. After saying all this I expect my 1968 exhibit will come under care-
ful scrutiny by all readers. I cannot promise perfection but will do my
best!
26 Highfield Road, Chesterfield, Derbys.
Some Interesting Captures of Lepidoptera in
South Essex in 1967
By R. TOMLINSON
My first trip of the year was made to Martinhole Woods, about one and
a half miles away, on 4th March with my friend Don Down. I had looked
this wood over earlier and found it to be predominantly oak with a
scattering of hazel, hornbeam and birch, and decided to pay it a visit. As
4th March was a fine sunny day and quite mild I arranged to meet Down
at the wood at dusk. I cycled there and set up my “Honda” E IV 300
portable generator and ran a 125 watt mercury vapour bulb from it in a
sheet operation. Don appeared, and we began to have doubts over moths
coming into light as it was a clear night and the temperature dropped.
Our fears were soon dispelled, however, when the moths started to come
in to our light in the clearing, and no less than 17 Apocheima hispidaria
Schiff. flung themselves into the light, all but five of them hitting the
ground around the sheet. Three melanic Phigalia pilosaria Schiff., two
Erannis leucophacaria Schiff., a fairly early Earophila badiata Schiff. and
a number of Alsophila aescularia Schiff. also came in. We packed up at
8.30 p.m. well satisfied with our captures.
SOME INTERESTING CAPTURES OF LEPIDOPTERA IN SOUTH ESSEX IN 1967 191
Nothing else of note appeared until 15th April when a melanic Lycia
hirtaria Clerck found its way into my garden light trap, then a very early
Phragmatobia fuliginosa L. in the trap on 17th April, then yet another L.
hirtaria on 27th April. These melanic hirtaria are the same in appearance
as those I described earlier (Ent. Rec., 78: 183). It is a pity that the female
does not come to light so that I could raise a new Strain.
Among the 43 moths captured in my garden trap on 13th May was a
single Orthosia advena Schiff., and Down took one in his trap at Westcliff
on the same night.
The attractive geometer Selenia lunaria Schiff. came into my garden
trap on two occasions, 24th May and 2nd June, far more welcome visitors
than a 2 Passer domesticus (house sparrow) that got into the trap on 8th
June. I have since fixed up a kind of wire frame just under the hopper of
my Robinson trap, that allows even hawk moths into the trap but denies
access to birds, and I have had no more trouble with them.
On 10th June I had a lift with my friend A. Cox to the Essex
Naturalists’ Trust Reserve called ‘“Poors Piece Wood’ where we met the
honorary warden, Mr. G. A. Pyman and his son Trevor, both keen collectors
who have become my firm friends. I quickly set up the generator and we
were eager to see what would turn up at the sheet, for it was the first time
mercury vapour light had been used in this very rich (entomologically
speaking) area. It was a clear night, fairly cold after dark. We ran the
light from 9.30 p.m. until midnight. Visitors to the sheet were Pterostoma
palpina Clerck, Notodonta ziczac L., S. lunaria, Lomaspilis marginata L.,
Deilinia pusaria L., Bapta temerata Schiff., Xanthorhoe montanata Schiff.,
Diarsia mendica Fabr., Lithina chlorosata Scop., Aethalura punctulata
Schiff., Dysstroma truncata Hufn., Jodis lactearia L., Campaea margaritata
L., Phlogophora meticulosa L., Apamea crenata Hufn. and a Clostera
curtula L.
From 15th June onwards, I ran my Robinson trap at a friend’s house at
Mucking during two weeks out of three. The trap was situated at the edge
of fairly extensive reed beds, and incidentally only a stone’s throw from
the one-time residence of the late Rev. C. R. N. Burrows. On 19th June
there I had an Erias clorana L., on the 21st a slightly worn Deilephila
porcellus L., and on the 22nd a fine example of Heliophobus reticulata Vill.
I took the trap home to Stanford-le-Hope and ran it for a few days in
the garden, I had 310 moths in the trap on 24th June, and from these I
collected two Polia nitens Haw. The next night the trap took one Hadena
compta Schiff., the first of three I captured this season.
The night of 27th June was very humid and close, and 382 moths were
in the trap the next morning. I kept a Leucania obsoleta Huibn., a
Graphiphora augur Fabr. and another H. compta, and yet another compta
on 2nd July. I ran the trap at Mucking for the next few days, and the
night of 4th July brought forth another E. clorana, a Hydrelia flammeo-
laria Hufn., a Pseudoterpna pruinata Hufn. and a Spilosoma urticae Esp.
5th July brought me another L. obsoleta, and there were three more in
the trap on the following night. At the risk of seeming repetitive I may
add that the night of 11th July brought another obsoleta to the trap. I
ran the portable generator in the nearby One Tree Hill Woods on 12th
July with a friend, and among the moths on the sheet were a Pseudoips
bicolorana Fuessl. and the rather scarce Xanthorhoe quadrifasciaria
Clerck.
192 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VIII/68
The trap at Mucking on 13th July took more than 500 moths, and of
these I kept one Nycterosea obstipata Fabr. and one Perizoma alchemillata
L. I ran the Robinson trap at home in the garden for a few days from
18th July, and the night of 23rd brought me possibly my best catch of
the year; a single slightly worn example of the very rare (in Essex)
Parascotia fuliginaria L. I believe that this is only the third specimen to
have been taken in this county.
According to Mr. H. C. Huggins, R. South is wrong when he states in
the recent edition of “Moths of the British Isles’, that A. B. Farn caught
his fuliginaria in Essex in 1891. In fact Farn caught his insect in a big gas-
lit trap at Greenhithe in Kent on 2nd August 1891. It was a small male
in poor condition. This, together with a female from Blackmore’s collec-
tion formed Lot 72 at the last portion of Farn’s sale on 4th April 1922. The
lot was bought by Bernard Harwood, acting as agent for Arthur Horne of
Aberdeen, for 30/-. Mr Huggins does not think that Farn ever collected
in Essex, except perhaps Epping. He says that the first specimen of
fuliginaria captured in Essex was by Mr. Robbins at Walthamstow on
29th July 1901, caught allegedly whilst flying round a sugared post. Mr.
Huggins has never heard of a fuliginaria being taken at sugar and says
that no doubt the insect was attracted to its captor’s light while he was
inspecting his sugar patches.
A trip to Bradwell-on-Sea by Mr. and Mrs. Down, Mr. Huggins and
myself, to see Mr. A. J. Dewick and his collection of Lepidoptera on
83rd December revealed that he (Mr. Dewick) had captured a slightly worn
fuliginaria on 19th August 1959, the second Essex record, and mine I
believe to be the third.
At this time in July, I paid a visit to a young fellow collector at Basil-
don, Master M. A. Rock, and upon inspecting his collection, I expressed
surprise on seeing in it several examples of Abraxas sylvata Scop. which
he had obtained from Langdon Hill Woods about two miles from my home,
and a place I had yet to explore. He said he had taken the moths earlier
in the year. Mr Huggins later informed me that he and his late uncle by
marriage, Achie King, discovered it there in 1902. At that time it was part
of Sir Joseph Dinsdale’s estate, and they found sylvata’s locality after an
hour or so, and had just picked up half a dozen when a keeper appeared
and threw them out!
Apart from the waved black caught in the garden, it was when I ran
the trap at Mucking that I got the most consistent good finds during the
latter part of the year. On 26th July I got a Leucania straminea Treits.,
on 27th, a nice form of Arctia caja L., very similar to that shown on Plate
I, figure 1, of Series II of South’s Moths of the British Isles, and one
Spaelotis ravida Schiff.: on the 28th, the trap had somehow caught a night
flying Pararge megera L., On the 30th I caught another S. ravida, and on
the 31st a fairly worn Lithosia griseola Hubn.
I ran the trap in the garden from 5th August for a few days, and this
date brought forth another L. staminea, an Horisme vitalbata Schiff. on
the 10th, and a S. ravida on the 19th. My luck still held when I put the trap
on at Mucking for the eight days commencing 21st August, on the 22nd I
had Nonagria sparganii Esp., which I was particularly pleased to see, for
apparently the insect had colonized wetland in the area other than that
inundated by an advancing rubbish tip as I recorded in Ent. Rec., 78: 302.
On the 23rd I had another N. obstipata and another sparganii on the 25th;
another obstipata was taken on the 28th.
ENGLISH ENTOMOLOGICAL METHODS 193
I captured another N. sparganii in my garden on 30th August. At
Mucking on 6th September a perfect specimen of Acherontia atropos L.
was in the trap, and the 7th brought me the fairly scarce Chilodes maritima
Tausch., and on the 9th there was a vagrant insect from the south of
Europe, a Leucania vitellina Hubn.
The trap at Mucking is ideally situated to receive night flying insects,
migratory or otherwise, for there are no competing lights for at least a
mile in any direction. Talking of migratory moths, it is perhaps worth
recording that the trap at Mucking caught an example of Rhodometra
sacraria L. on 27th September, and another on the following night, and a
female N. obstipata on the 30th. Other insects during this period were a
P. pruinata subsp. atropunctaria Walker on the 27th September and N.
sparganii on the 29th and a Cirrhia gilvago Schiff. on 2nd October. I
caught other lepidoptera after that date but nothing of note. All in all,
not a bad year for a local collector.
A word on my portable generator might not come amiss here; as
mentioned it is the Honda E IV 300 and I have used it for two years now,
and can thoroughly recommend it as a compact, dependable and safe
power unit; it measures only 14” x10” x13” and weighs 40 lbs. The engine
is a 4-stroke 55:4 ec, and so quiet that one can hold a normal conversation,
without shouting, while it is running. It has other uses and, if it is a poor
night and one feels that way, one can plug it in to a television set and
watch that (Perish the thought!).
REFERENCES
South, R. 1961. Moths of the British Isles.
Heslop, I. R. P. 1964. A revised indexed Check-List of the British Lepidoptera.
51 King Street, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. February 1968.
English Entomological Methods in the Seventeenth
and Eighteenth Centuries*
PART III: MOSES HARRIS’ THE AURELIAN
By RONALD STERNE WILKINSON, F.L.S., F.R.E.S.
Previous parts of this study have traced the development of English
entomological methods from the mid-seventeenth century to the publica-
tions of Benjamin Wilkes and James Dutfield. The next source in which
collecting and rearing procedures were discussed was that nonpariel of
eighteenth-century English entomological books, The Aurelian.
Lisney has shown that Moses Harris was born in 1730 and died circa
17881, but we know surprisingly little about his early years. He explained
in the preface to The Aurelian that his uncle, also named Moses Harris,
was a member of the original Aurelian Society. Young Moses attempted
to join the group, probably in 1742, but as he was only twelve years of age
he was obliged ‘to defer it” until experience furnished him with
“sufficient Sagacity’. He may, however, have gained some inspiration
from the several noted collectors who graced the membership of the
Society. There was the artist Benjamin Wilkes, whose Twelve New
Designs of English Butterflies appeared in 1742, along with the sheet of
194 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VIII/68
collecting instructions (see Part II) which Harris certainly read. Wilkes
announced in 1742 that “any Gentleman or Lady may See His Collection
of Insects’, and doubtless the precocious young Moses Harris was able to
gain entrée.
There was also the elderly Joseph Dandridge, doyen of English collec-
tors in 1742, yet still willing to give advice to beginners of a much later
generation. Dandridge could trace his career to the previous century
and the beginnings of scientific entomology in England, for he had worked
with John Ray and James Petiver; his stories of ‘the early days’ must
have enlivened many meetings of the Aurelian Society‘.
The fire of 1748 that destroyed the Society’s rooms in the Swan Tavern,
Cornhill, put a temporary end to Harris’ hopes for membership. Yet,
as the preface to The Aurelian telis us, he continued to “take all Oppor-
tunities, to get Knowledge in the Times, Seasons, and Manner of breed-
ing” insects. While beginning his career as miniature-painter, he produced
coloured drawings of many species of Lepidoptera, and developed an
interest in wing venation that was to lead to his early efforts at classifica-
tion by that method’.
Harris’ Proposals for Engraving by Subscription a Collection of Prints
of Butterflies & Moths evidently appeared in 1758, although Lisney (no.
224) did not date the sheet. The Proposals announced that a fascicle,
priced at half-a-crown and consisting of a plate with its text in English
and French, would be published each month. By December of that year
the first part of The Aurelian was being sold. Lisney’s copy of the first
part (Lisney 225) did not have a printed cover. Yet the printed cover
that appeared with the second part (Lisney 226) was surely originally
designed for the first part, for it reads “London, Dec. 16, 1758. Number I.
of the Aurelian .. .”, giving us in a round-about way the date of appear-
ance of the original number. The same printed cover was used for the
second part and the third (Lisney 227), the required information being
amended in ink. The second part (Lisney 226) appeared on “February
9th 1759”, according to the inserted ink date. Lisney’s dates of 1758 for the
second and third parts should certainly be amended to [1759]. Publication
dates of subsequent parts are uncertain, and copies have been located
of parts 1-4 only.
Lisney’s assertion that “it is probable that the publication of the work
in separate numbers ceased” after No. 4 (p. 162) does not square with his
seeming acceptance of Hagen’s evidence that 14 plates had appeared by
1765 (p. 158). It would seem rather that parts of Tne Aurelian continued
to appear despite various delays, but that original parts beyond 1-4 (which
survive in single known copies) are no longer extant or have not yet
been discovered. This is by no means remarkable, as a similar work that
appeared in parts, James Dutfield’s New and Complete Natural History
of English Moths and Butterflies (London, 1748-9), is known only by six
fascicles at the British Museum (Natural History), and I know of no
surviving parts of Benjamin Wilkes’ The English Moths and Butterflies.
Covers of the early numbers of The Aurelian indicated that Harris had
“made this Part of Natural History his Study”, and had “bred most of the
Flies and Insects for these twenty Years”. The inference is that Harris
began his rearing activities at the age of eight—a prodigious performance
indeed. By this time The Aurelian was published in complete form in
1766, Harris had been instrumental in founding the second Aurelian
ENGLISH ENTOMOLOGICAL METHODS 195
Society, which, “Phoenix-like’, arose ‘out of the Ashes of the Old’, and
was secretary of the group®.
The excellent illustrations in The Aurelian depict a miscellany of
equipment. The frontispiece shows the author holding a clap-net
in his lap and a chip-box filled with insects in his left hand, while an
identically dressed figure (probably Harris, also) demonstrates the use
of the net in the background. A title vignette contains a clap-net,
probe or ‘prowler’ for larvae searching, chip-box with lid, beating sheet,
two racket nets and breeding cage. Other devices are cleverly integrated
into the colour plates, as shall be seen. There is a long and interesting
passage in the preface explaining Harris’ use of various nets:
“There are several Sorts of Nets made Use of to catch Insects, to wit,
the Batfolder, the Racket, and the Scithers Net: The Batfolder is made
of Musketta Gauze, and is form’d like the Batfolding Net made Use of to
catch Birds; these may be had at the Fishing-Tackle Shops, by asking
for them; they call them Butterfly Traps’.
The Method of using the Batfolding Net is thus: On seeing the Insect
come flying toward you, you must endeavour to meet it, or lay yourself
in its Way, so that it may come rather to the right Side of you, as if you
intended to let it pass; then having the Net in Your Hands, incline it
down to your right Side, turning yourself a little about to the Right,
ready for the Stroke; not unlike the Attitude in which a Batman in the
Game at Cricket stands, when he is ready to strike the Ball, only his Bat
is lifted up, but your Nets must incline rather downward: When the Fly
is within your Reach, strike at it forcibly, receiving the Fly in the Middle
of your Net, as it were between the two Sockets of the Benders, that
being the Part of the Net which best receives the Insect; and not only so,
but should the Fly strike against the Belly or wider Part of the Net, the
Course of Air caused by the Motion of the Nets, would carry the Fly with
it out of the Net between your Hands, which I have often experienced.
The Motion of your Hands in catching, must be from your Right Hip to
your left Shoulder, not at all retarding the Motion, ‘till ’tis as it were
spent, closing the Nets in the Motion.
You are likewise to remember never to give the Stroke over-handed,
unless the Situation of the Place oblige you to it. Having closed the Net
with the Insect in it, immediately grasp both the Sticks in your left
Hand, and with your Right lay hold of the bottom part of your Net,
pulling the Gause pretty tight, giving that also to the Gripe of the left
Hand, this confines your Fly from struggling. Put then your Hand against
the Fly on one Side, and bringing the Top of your Forefinger on his
Body, and with your Thumb on the other, squeeze him gently, then lay
your Nets on the Ground, and take out your Fly by a Horn or a Leg, and
holding him in an advantageous Manner by the Body in your left Hand,
run a Pin thro’ the thick Part of the Body, or Chest, perpendicularly and
put it in your Box.
When you pursue a Fly you must catch him when in your Reach, in
the same Manner, except its Course is along a Ditch, on the Left-hand
Side of you, and then you will be able to touch it, the Position being very
aukward; in this Case you must overtake it, and turning nimbly about,
the Pasition will then be as in the first Case; the Fly then coming to the
right Side of you. I having given you sufficient Instructions for the Use
of the Batfolder, I shall next proceed to the Racket Nets, Which are
196 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VIII/68
form’d of Wire about the Size of a Raven’s Quill, turned round to a Circle,
bending the Ends outwards by way Shanks’, which are made fast in a
Brass Socket; this Circle or Ring of Wire is covered with Gause, and
bound round with Ferret; a round Stick of about two Feet in Length is
fitted to this Socket, by Way of Handle. These Sort of Nets are what an
Aurelian should at all Times carry about him; a Pair of these of about
six Inches Diameter are the most convenient for that Purpose. The chief
Use of these Sort of Netts are for catching Moths, sitting against a Tree,
Wall, or Pales; or a Moth or Fly sitting on a Leaf, may be conveniently
caught between a Pair of these.
The Scithers Net are no more than a small Pair of these Racket Nets,
fixed on two Pieces of Iron which are rivetted across each other, with
two of the Ends turn’d round in the Form of Rings, for the Admittance
of the Thumb and Finger; in short, a Pair of Toupee Irons, or Curling
Tongs, such as is used by a Hair-Dresser, are very well adapted for this
Purpose, with a round Net fixed to the End of each Tang with binding
Wire, or small twine well waxed; these Nets are principally adapted to
take small Moths, etc.’’!2.
Thus in the years between Wilkes and Harris, which were only fourteen
to sixteen in number, the English collector’s complement of nets had
been increased by several sorts. We have examined the problem of
James Petiver’s mysterious net in an earlier part; it may have been
either a bag-net or the ‘scithers’ of Harris (called ‘forceps’ by most later
authors) which may have gone out of fashion in the interim or was simply
not mentioned by Wilkes. My research in the Petiver papers since out-
lining the problem in 1966 provides evidence for the former thesis, that
Petiver’s ‘Muscipula’ was the Continental bag-net, which must have been
temporarily overshadowed by the application of the clap-net to entomol-
ogical collecting.
The bag-net, wholly lacking in Wilkes’ list of apparatus, appeared (or
reappeared) in The Aurelian in modified form. Explaining the difficulty
of taking the adult Apatura iris, Harris suggested that the collector pro-
vide himself “with a Pole fifteen Feet long, with a Net at its upper End,
the Mouth of which, when you have covered the Fly, is drawn together
by a String, as a Purse is ”2. The matter sounds simple, but presumably
few iris were taken by this apparatus! Years later Adrian Haworth (in
his Lepidoptera Britannica) lengthened the unwieldy pole and divested
the ‘purse’ of its string; the bag-net continued as a requisite for iris but
did not come ‘down to earth’ in its present form until well into the
nineteenth century, notwithstanding its Continental popularity all along.
Undoubtedly the authority of such writers as Wilkes and Harris helped
to fix the clap-net so immovably in the English repertoire that it could
not be dislodged from its primal position until after 1850 and did not
disappear entirely until about 1900. A photograph conveniently repro-
duced by Richard Ford shows a group of entomologists, ca. 1900, with a
clap-net that must surely have been among the last!®. As may be expected,
the design had to be defended at an early date against the claims of its
European rival. It is true that the clap-net could be used as a beating-
tray, and in experienced hands it was adequate for most needs. Yet the
last argument was always one of tradition, and to-day no one will doubt
that the demise of the ‘batfolder’ was a blessing. The wonder is that it
ENGLISH ENTOMOLOGICAL METHODS 197
survived as long as it did, as Harris pointed out its defects in the same
pages of The Aurelian that described its use.
The clap-net described by Harris was at least more portable than
Wilkes’ early design. It was constructed “to take in Half, or put to
gather at Pleasure, by a Brass Socket in the Middle!, and carried con-
venient with the Benders in a Canvas Bag under the Coat’, presumably,
as Kirby and Spence phrased it sixty years later, to avoid being “stared
and grinned at by the vulgar”!6. The necessity of keeping the net under
one’s coat was not new even to Harris; when collecting at Cadiz in 1701,
Jezreel Jones wrote James Petiver that he had “been suspected for one
that studys witchcraft, necromancy and a madman” by those who saw
him “following butterflies’!’7. Two other nets were mentioned in The
Aurelian, making a total of six; there was the water net which Harris
“fixed to the End of a long Stick” and used to take up mud and weeds
in search of dragonfly larvae’, and a “beating Net” of uncertain proven-
ance!l9,
Harris carried the inevitable pincushion, as well as a clasp-knife, needle
and thread for repairing the nets, and chip boxes to serve as collecting
receptacles. These were double-corked like Wilkes’, but were papered as
an added refinement. He used a beating sheet, and directed that for tall
trees it “should at least be seven Yards long, and five broad’*?. A prowler
was employed for probing high branches, ‘near sixteen or eighteen Feet
long” for ‘‘vast oaks’*. This is probably the lengthy apparatus pictured
in the title vignette. Two sorts of modified chip-boxes were described as
field receptacles for larvae, one “in the Lid of which should be cut a Hole,
as large as will about admit your Thumb to go in easily; this must be
stopt with a Cork close fitted’. Another and more elaborate box appears
on plate XIX, fitted with ‘a thin Brass sliding Cover” over the “oblong
Hole in the Lid’’3.
Harris’ method of assembling was somewhat improved over that of
Dutfield and Wilkes, as he not only put out decoy females in gauze-covered
boxes but practised ‘tying’ as well. He explained that for such large
moths as pavonia, populi, tiliae and ligustri, “the usual Method is, to tie
the Hen to a Tree, Bush, etc., lightly tied or fastened round the Body
with a Piece of sewing Thread, and there to be left all Night, and in
the Morning, when you return, you will almost be certain to find Madam
accompanied by her Spark, who will not desert his Mistress, though her
Favours be ever so easily obtained’. The lantern is also mentioned as
a method for attracting moths, and it is interesting to note that Harris
searched for nocturnal larvae with a lantern after noting the location of
their frass during the day”.
The breeding cages described in The Aurelian are light, open and
modern, being truly cages instead of mere boxes. Harris knew that some
larvae would drown themselves if allowed, and cautioned that in such
cases the sprig of foodplant “should fit the Mouth of the Bottle very
nicely’’6.
Like Wilkes, Harris used cork-veneered setting boards without
grooves, and card ‘braces’. His description of setting is very similar to
that of Wilkes, and close examination reveals more than a casual debt?’,
although Harris’ boards were covered with paper in the same manner as
his boxes. In the era before the discovery of relaxing techniques, small
198 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VIII/68
insects often had to be set in the field, and Harris suggested that braces
should be taken along for that purpose, “otherways ’tis impossible to do
it afterwards’’’8. His plate of Smerinthus tiliae shows that insect set
out in a collecting box, so apparently larger species were thus treated
when time allowed”.
Harris seems to have been the first English entomologist to make a
thorough study of the museum beetle and its depradations. The various
stages of that insect are depicted on plate V of The Aurelian, and in the
text the author explained that he had given up camphor as a preservative
because it was not a sure preventive and was supposedly harmful to the
colours of specimens??, He advised treating cabinet drawers before
corking by placing them “some Distance from the Fire, so as to obtain a
little Warmth’, then rubbing them “with a small Quantity of Unguentum
Serulium ... on a woollen Rag”. Harris’ unguentum serulium [recte
cerulium] or ‘steel-blue ointment’ was a common medical preparation of
the day, composed principally of metallic mercury and hog’s lard. Gum
arabic was to be used when papering drawers instead of paste, which
was attractive to pests?1.
Although Moses Harris produced several important volumes after 1766,
which will be discussed in the next part of this study, most of his contribu-
tions to entomological technique were made in the pages of The Aurelian.
His advice was followed by generations of naturalists, who treasured
their copies of the lovely work and called for three further editions—
the final as late as 184082. His methods were little modified until the first
decades of the nineteenth century, and a copy of The Aurelian (should
the collector be lucky enough to obtain one) is still the corner-stone of
any library of early English entomological books.
Notes
*The first part of this paper (to 1720) appeared in Entomol. Rec. LXXVIII (June,
1966), 143-151. The second part (Wilkes and Dutfield) was printed in
LXXVIII (December, 1966), 285-292.
1The most complete bibliographical résumé of Harris’ works is given by Arthur
A. Lisney in A Biblography of British Lepidoptera, 1608-1799 (London,
1960), 156-75. There is a brief account of Harris in the DNB. His date of
birth is usually given as 1731, but Lisney owned an original drawing that
indicated the correct year.
“Moses Harris, The Aurelian (London, ([1758]-66), [v], hereafter cited as Harris.
3Wilkes kept his collection ‘‘against the Horn Tavern in Fleet Street’, and
extended his invitation in the text of the engraved ‘‘title-plate”’ to Twelve
New Designs. See the discussion of him in the second part of this study.
4Dandridge has recently been discussed in several articles. D. E. Allen paved the
way with “Joseph Dandridge and the first Aurelian Society’, Entomol.
Rec. LXXVIII (April, 1966), 89-94. William S. Bristowe’s interesting ‘‘The
Life and Work of a Great English Naturalist, Joseph Dandridge, 1664-1746’’,
Entomol. Gaz. XVIII (April, 1967), 73-89, has been followed by his ‘‘More
about Joseph Dandridge’’, Entomol. Gaz. XVIII (October, 1967), 197-201.
Natalie Rothstein’s “Joseph Dandridge, Naturalist and Silk Designer’’,
East London Papers IX (Winter, 1966), gives information on his trade.
“The account of the Cornhill fire in The Aurelian tells us all we know of the
demise of the First Aurelian Society; ‘‘the Swan Tavern was burnt down,
together with the Society’s valuable Collection of Insects, Books, etc., and
all their Regalia: The Society was then sitting, yet so sudden and rapid
was the impetuous Course of the Fire, that the Flames beat against the
Windows, before they could well get out of the Room, many of them
leaving their Hats and Canes; their Loss so much disheartened them that
ENGLISH ENTOMOLOGICAL METHODS 199
altho’ they several Times met for that Purpose they could never collect so
many together, as would be sufficient to form a Society, so that for
fourteen Years, and upward [i.e. until 1762 or 1763], there was no Meeting
of that Sort’; preface, [v]. Harris’ work on venation will be discussed
in Part IV.
6Harris’ office is mentioned on the title of The Aurelian and the rise of the
second Society in the preface, [v]. The Proposals and covers of the early
issues also give us Harris’ address at the time, ‘“‘Mr Biddles Watch Maker
in New Bond Street’? (Proposals), presumably the same address as “the
Golden Head in New Bond-Street, two Doors from Conduit-Street” (Aure-
lian, early parts, printed cover).
7‘patfolder’’, bat-fowler or clap-net {see Part II). The passage concerning clap-
nets available at tackle shops as ‘“‘Butterfly Traps’ is the earliest notice
we have of entomological collecting equipment for sale in England. It
indicates that by 1766 ‘aurelians’ were common enough to cause a demand
for such things.
8‘by way Shanks’, i.e. by bending the ends outward to form ‘shanks’ or
appendages (‘A part or appendage by which something is attached”,
OED.).
Ferret’, a stout cotton or silk tape.
l0Harris, [x-xi].
part I, pp. 146-8.
l2Harris, 7.
13R. L. E. Ford, Practical Entomology (London, 1963), plate 1. I am indebted to
my friend Richard Ford for his information regarding this photograph, as
well as for much advice about early collecting equipment described in
these papers.
14j.e. connecting the two rods making up the net.
lsHarris, [xi].
16William Kirby and William Spence, An Introduction to Entomology IV (London,
1826), 525.
liJezreel Jones to James Petiver, 2 April 1701, Brit. Mus. MS. Sloane 4063, f. 76r.
isHarris, 54.
Harris, 53.
20Harris, 39.
21Harris, 39.
22Harris, [xi].
23Harris, 40.
Harris, 61.
25Harris, 44.
26Harris, 39.
27Harris, [xii]. His debt to Wilkes’ instructions (which were reprinted in The
English Moths and Butterflies, with very minor changes), may be seen as
follows :
Wilkes
Take a Fly out of your Box: see if the
Pin be run through it perpendicularly,
if so, stick it on one of your setting
Boards, and with the point of a Needle
extend one Wing leisurely, till
such Time as the Point thereof is even
with the Nose of the Fly you are sett-
ing. That done, fix one of your Cork
Bracers gently on that Wing, to pre-
vent its giving way; serve the other
Wings in same manner, and your Fly
will appear extended as in the Prints.
Let the Bracers remain on the Wings
of Butterflies a Fortnight, on those of
great Moths a Month.
Harris
Take a Fly, and observing if the Pin
be perpendicularly run thro’ the Body,
place it on the Setting-board, then take
your Point and gently raise one of the
upper Wings, ‘till such time as the Tip
be even with the Nose of the Fly; this
done, fix one of your Card Braces on
that Wing, to prevent its giving Way;
do the same by the Wings on the other
Side, and your Fly will be properly
extended. Let the Brace remain on
the Wings of Butterflies a Fortnight,
on those of large Moths a Month.
I have quoted the Instructions, as it is not possible to determine which text
was paraphrased by Harris.
28Harris, [xii].
2Harris, plate XX.
30H arris, 11.
200 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/VIII/68
31Harris, [xii]. The mercurial ointment, which ‘“‘may be had at the Apothecaries
... one Ounce is sufficient for twenty Drawers’’, was commonly mentioned
in the dispensatories of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. For
those dissatisfied with naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, the formula
follows from The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians, London
(London, 1746), p. 366: ‘‘Take of tried hog’s lard two pounds, of quicksilver
[metallic mercury] one pound, of the simple balsam of sulphur [sulphur
boiled lengthily with an essential oil] half an ounce. Rub the quicksilver
with the balsam of sulphur, till the quicksilver no longer appears [as a
metallic substance] : then add by degrees the lard warmed, and diligently
mix them’’. Turpentine can be used instead of balsam of sulphur, and
the yield is enough to prepare forty-eight twenty-drawer cabinets.
322There was a second issue of the first edition ca. 1773. The second edition
appeared in 1778, with a second issue in the same year and a third ca.
1814. In 1794 a third edition was produced, with a second issue in the
same year. The fourth edition, with additional material by J. O. West-
wood, appeared in 1840, following advance copies in 1839; see Lisney for
details.
Some Aspects of the Fauna of the Sahara
By J. L. CLouDSLEY-THOMPSON
During June and July 1967, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Robin Thel-
wall in a Land Rover, my wife and I drove across the Sahara in an
Autounion (D.K.W) “Munga 4,” along the Route du Hoggar, on our way
from London to Khartoum. Our original intention had been to drive
along the North African coast, but the Israeli war put a stop to that.
Although shortage of time precluded lengthy halts and most of the day-
light hours were spent in driving, the following observations may be of
interest, not only to biologists who have had an opportunity of visiting
this fascinating region of Africa, but to others who may intend to do so
—especially as we found it almost impossible, before our departure, to
obtain any information about the route which could aid us in our pre-
parations. Knowledge of the problems we encountered may enable others
to be better prepared for similar eventualities. Naturally we expected
some difficulties, but not such unpleasantness from officials in ex-French
territories. Nor, of course, would anyone have hoped for such kindness
as we experienced in Nigeria and Sudan.
We drove through France and Spain via Barcelona, to Algeciras
where we took the ferry to Ceuta. Thence we went through Eucalyptus
groves and grassy plains to Rabat where we turned east through green
glades and forests of cork oak, with cryptic jumping-spiders (Salticidae)
on the bark, numerous wolf-spiders (Lycosidae) on the sandy soil beneath
the trees and clumps of pine with cicadas singing in the branches. At
Fez we saw snake-charmers, who appeared to treat their defanged ser-
pents in an unnecessarily rough and brutal way, groups of dancers and
various side-shows in the siik. East of Taza we entered a high plain,
much overgrazed, mostly by sheep, and dissected everywhere with gully
erosion; egrets and storks were numerous. Most of the low hills were
dominated by ruined stone forts. Then to Sidi-bel-Abbés, a modern
French-style town and Frenda, where the country-side consisted of rol-
ling hills and wide plains. South of Tiaret we saw the first sandgrouse
and camels. The latter were dark brown in colour and shorter in the leg
SOME ASPECTS OF THE FAUNA OF THE SAHARA 201
than those of the desert further south. Later, we reached a region of
wheat plantations with many insects and spiders, and large, fast-moving
woodlice.
Before and after Laghouat, we crossed a high, arid plain dotted with
clumps of grass and flat-topped jebels. The country became increasingly
arid and the vegetation more scanty, with grass tufts confined to hollows
and wadi beds. The jebels became steadily more and more numerous
and showed evidence of considerable wind-erosion. The road then cros-
sed the charming oasis of Bérriane, after which the landscape with its
limestone jebels was so much dissected by erosion that it appeared quite
lunar. The fine, tarmac road, lined by electricity pylons, continued on
through Ghardaia to el Goléa. The countryside became even more arid
and sandy, with limited vegetation restricted to hollows; but there were
never less than two clumovs of grass in view at any one moment. Long
serpents of sand were continually blowing across the road and we caught
distant glimpses of the Grand Erg Occidental.
At the oasis of el Goléa where police formalities delayed us for nearly
a day, insects were plentiful — especially tabanid and muscid flies—and
ticks (Hyalomma spp.), and we saw a boy with a fennec fox. Here the
tarmac road surface ended and the next stretch, across the Plateau de
Tademout to In Salah, was extremely rocky and uneven. In fact, we
found it the worst of the whole journey. Moreover, not only did we have
one of our many punctures and trouble with the sparking plugs, but the
air-filter bracket cracked and this fractured all the fan-blades; the
engine boiled with a following wind and the radiator hose burst, so we
lost a lot of water. I saw a muscid fly about 10 miles south of the dere-
lict Fort Mirabel, a lizard and some camels. At dusk we dropped
down a most spectacular, barren escarpment and through an awe-inspir-
ing gorge, reminding us of those in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia,
below which vegetation again made its appearance.
The track to In Salah was now very sandy, with many drifts that might
have been difficult to negotiate without four-wheel drive. The soft sand
extended from about 50 miles north of In Salah to 40 miles south. We
reached the town itself in a sand blizzard. This was no mere storm of fine
dust, but big particles that stung the face, caused drifts several metres
deep on the roads and restricted visibility like a snow storm. Petrol was
available but not again until Tamanrasset, 420 miles south. We were refused
help by the transport garage and curtly ordered by the Prefét to leave the
town before dusk. This we did, but not without some misgivings as all my
efforts to try and manufacture fan blades from an old tin were without
avail. I cut out some blades with a knife but it was impossible to attach
them to the fan. Indeed, it became necessary to break off the two relatively
undamaged blades that still remained on one side because their uneven
weight was causing the bearings to seize up. We could find no sign of life
in the intimidating, desolate waste beyond this miserable town, apart from
one tick.
When we reached the edge of the sand, we crossed bare, rocky desert
with jebels but little vegetation except in one wadi and in the formidable
Gorge de Arak where there were tall reeds and tamarisk beside a well,
and a fort occupied by a few scruffy, but friendly Algerian soldiers. Here
there were plenty of Acrididae and other insects and we rested during
the heat of the day which, combined with the steep rocky slopes, caused
202 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/ VIII/68
the engine to boil. Beyond the gorge the country was more attractive,
rocky with sand. We saw nomads with camels and a few drops of rain
fell. Several grasshoppers came to the lights of our camp during the
night. About 40 miles north of Tamanrasset we crossed a great expanse
of fine white sand with black jebels, scattered Acacia trees and clumps
of scrub. The only sign of life was a solitary wheatear.
Before In Ekker, an almost deserted military camp and air strip, we
were misled by a signpost and took the wrong track. Fortunately we
realised this and turned back before we had wasted too much fuel. There
were some miles of welcome tarmac, but the time gained on them was
more than offset at the end by the enormous delay of having everything
searched by the military. At Tamanrasset, a pleasant Tuareg town at
the foot of the Hoggar Mountains, we were again stopped and subjected
to the intensive searching of all our possessions. As at In Salah, the
mud-brick houses here were decorated, a corrugated effect being achieved
by wavy lines made with the builders’ fingers while the mud plaster was
still wet. The next stretch without petrol was 570 miles.
Beyond Tamanrasset, the track became steep and rocky, traversed by
wadis and long stretches of silvery sand. We saw several gazelles, some
of them resting in the shade of overhanging rocks. After 100 miles, we
entered a sea of yellow sand, mostly soft but sometimes hard and cor-
rugated, through which projected occasional black jebels, almost covered
by sand on their windward sides. Not a trace of vegetation could be
seen and no animal life. Fortunately a strong wind continued to blow
from the south so that our radiator did not boil again. The track was
marked by metal beacons and old lorry tyres so that there was no danger
of getting lost. A terrific dust cloud in the afternoon caused premature
darkness long before sunset. Luckily it was high above our heads so
we were able to drive on with headlights. When we camped for the
night, a solitary beetle (Ocnera hispida Forsk.) came to the light of the
lamp.
All next day there was a strong wind from the south, dust and even
a few drops of rain. We travelled across softish sand, at first white but
later brown in colour. It was difficult in places to follow the track,
which was not always signed and the sand storm of the previous day
had largely obliterated old tyre marks. We saw fresh gazelle tracks,
however, as well as some flies and other insects. At the Algerian fron-
tier post of In Guezzam there were a couple of Acadia trees, a good well,
some desiccated camel carcasses and a number of flies. We were kept
waiting for an hour before anyone condescended to stamp our passports.
At the Niger frontier, a few miles further on, a fat black soldier sprawled
asleep on his chair in the shade of a delapidated sentry box. At our
appearance a friend rushed up and handed him a rifle, but he continued
to doze with it propped between his legs.
The first 200 miles or so through Niger were occupied by soft sand
without any sign of life. Many of the beacons had fallen over or were
missing, and old tyre marks were still obliterated. Then we began to
pull out of absolute desert into Sahel savanna. The ground became
firmer and, later, dreadfully corrugated. We passed a well where some
Tauregs were watering camels. A number of pied-crows sat aimlessly
around. Soon we were in Acacia desert-scrub with ostriches, bustards
PLATH Xt VOL. 80
Plate XI, Figs. 1-4: Central Saharan Scenery
From top to bottom: 1—Acacia trees at edge of wadi; 2—Erg (dunes);
3—Barchan dunes; 4—Wind-eroded jebel
(Photos: J. L. Cloudsley-Thompson)
45).
16. Folkestone Town, one in m.v. trap, August 29, 1952 (Morley, Proc.
S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1952-53: 42).
[The following records need confirmation. Four in Burney coll. sale.
erroneously stated to have been taken by Piffard, in the Warren, July 1866
(Entomologist, 27: 104, 135). One, “taken at Folkestone, 3rd August 1877
by C. Bailey”, in C. E. Fry sale, and previously unrecorded “wants looking
into” (Entomologist, 29: 127; Ent. Rec., 7: 317). 9, in Dale coll., labelled
“Folkestone 1867 Mr. C. Woods” (Ent. mon. Mag., 45: 176)]
VARIATION.—There is considerable variation in my series, particularly
in regard to colouration. On the average, Folkestone specimens are
noticeably darker than those from Sandwich, and ab. rubraria Prout
whieh has frequently occurred at Folkestone, is relatively seldom observed
at Sandwich. On the other hand, I have a number of examples from
Sandwich in which the normal dark suffusion is almost absent and the
specimens are of a rather uniform ochreous appearance; and one from
here in which the suffusion is markedly spotted and of a pale greyish-
brown. Second generation specimens tend to be appreciably smaller and
frequently show traces of a third forewing fascia, and in one such
specimen from Folkestone this is quite clearly marked and thus conforms
to ab. trifasciata Stauder.
First Notice, 1866: Piffard, loc. cit.
Pseudoterpna pruinata Hufnagel ssp. atropunctaria Walker: Grass Emerald.
Native. Heaths, gravel pits, shingle beach; on broom, gorse. Local.
and mainly Gf not wholly) absent from the chalk. Apparently a partial
second generation some years.
1 Near Sydenham, 1859 (Cox, Ent. week. Int., §: 188). Chislehurst
(Cockerell, Entomologist, 16: 233, 18: 56); (S. F. P. Blyth); larvae, May 22.
1920, June 8, 1926 (Kidner, Diary). Erith, common, July 5, 1883, common.
June 29-July 29, 1884; St. Paul’s Cray, one, July 21, 1890 (Fenn, Diary).
Shooters Hill; Blackheath; Lee; larvae on broom and furze (West, Ent.
Rec., 18: 172). Dartford Heath (James, Entomologist, 25: 67); young
larvae fairly plentiful. August 30, 1932 (Kidner, Diary); very common
(B. K. West); 1953 (A. S. Wheeler). Bexley; Farnborough; Keston (Wool.
Surv., 1909). Ruxley near Sidcup, larvae, May 10, 1927, May 25, 1928:
Keston, larva, June 11, 1923 (Kidner, Diary). Hayes, five moths high up
‘on pine trunks early one morning, odd ones since (W. A. Cope); one
August 7, 1947 (J. F. Burton). Petts Wood, singletons at light annually,
1947-50 (E. Evans); one, July 25, 1953 (A. M. and F. A. Swain). West
Wickham, 1951 (E. E. J. Trundell). Abbey Wood, 1952 (A. J. Showler).
Bromley, 1959 (1), 1962 (1), 1963 (1), 1965 (4), 1966 (1) (D. R. M. Long).
3. Broad Oak, one at light (C.-H.).
4. Sandwich, one, 1964 (D. G. Marsh).
6a. Chattenden, one, July 16, 1869 (J. J. Walker MS.); (Chaney, 1884-87).
Darenth Wood (G. Law). [Chattenden] (Porritt, Entomologist, 7: 181).
Greenhithe* (Farn MS.).
7. Syndale Valley (H. C. Huggins). Boxley, one in Maidstone Museum
(C.-H.); 1953 (A. H. Harbottle).
10. Brasted (Adkin, Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1901: 23);
Are you Each year we issue 2 catalogues which give details of
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| Sp I A I EE I LE SE RT, EE ET TL I LS EE ELITE TT
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John Burton and others
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In the same series as the Oxford Books of Wild
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Birds, this new book follows their general format.
There are more than 20,000 different species of
British insects, so only a selection can be given.
Nevertheless, nearly 800 are described and
illustrated in full colour.
The book covers almost allBritish butterflies, as well
as 231 British moths, and examples of mayfilies,
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Detailed study is made of insect behavioural patterns
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96 plates in colour 50/- net
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine:
Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. WituiaMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: Dike
McE. KEvAN, Ph.D., B.Sc. F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.;
Diptera: L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-Fonseca, F.R.E.S.
CONTENTS
NORTHERN SPECIES OF THE GENUS THORYBES SCUDDER,
(LEPIDOPTERA), AND A NEW ABERRATION OF THORYBES
PYLADES (SCUDDER), FROM SOUTHERN ONTARIO. P. A. DESMOND
LANKTREE ... 213
NOTES ON THE HOD HILL, DORSET COLONY OF THE EUPHYDRYAS
AURINIA ROTT. (LEP. -NYMPHALIDAE). ROBERT W. WATSON, F.A.,
F.B.A.A., F.C.C.S., F.Comm.A., F.R.E,S. iy Me 253 eed
PYRALID AND PLUME MOTHS OF DERBYSHIRE. aD C. “HULME ae: ayops
COSMOPTERYX DRURYELLA FART con Aad te WV CREE EEN Gabe :
COSMOPTERYGIDAE). LikutT. CoL. A. M. EMMET, M.B.E., T.D. ... Bava
WALES: JULY 1967. R. G. CHATELAIN : 299
BEETLES AT MERCURY VAPOUR LIGHT AT DUNGENESS, KENT. ant I
ALLEN ; 229
LARGE NUMBERS OF CALLIMORPHA JACOBAEAE. AT DUNGENESS IN
{ORS IR. BA SCOR. ah
ates Yen es
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|
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(OL. 80 No. 10 OCTOBER 1968
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5 Edited by S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.Es.
Ibe with the assistance of
| A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S.
NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. H. C. HUGGINS, F.R.E.S.
is ; L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.
| J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. H. SYMEs. MA.
Major A. E. COLLIER, M.C., F.R.E.S. | S. WAKELY
is : Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E.S.
|
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By T R E Southwood and Dennis Lester
PLATE XIII VOL. 80
ot
Photo by Da. Carver
Maruca testulalis (Geyer). x 2.
Male genitalia of Erebia inuitica Wyatt. ‘Holotype
Endicott Mountains. Alaska. 28th June 1965.
Magnification x18. Mounted by B. C. S. Warren. slide No. 2591
241
Some structural characteristics of Erebia inuitica
Wyatt
By B. C. S. WarRREN, F.R.E.S.
In 1966 Mr. Colin W. Wyatt published a brief description of an
unrecognised species of Erebia from Alaska. (Zeit. Wiener Ent. Gesell.
Jg. 51, pp. 93, 94, 1966.) He only possessed one male specimen which was
among a number of butterflies collected for him by an Eskimo boy.
When Mr. Wyatt came to set the specimen he recognised that it was
an undescribed species and kindly sent it to me to examine with per-
mission to dissect it. This readiness to make use of a unique specimen
in order to obtain accurate knowledge of its true nature, rather than
retain it intact in his collecticn as ‘“‘probably’—is characteristic of Mr.
Wyatt.
On looking at the syecimen of E, inuitica I at first wondered if it
could be an Alaskan form of the little-known Asiatic E. kindermanni.
The resemblance was suggested by comparison of the specimen with the
photographs of the female E. kindermanni in my Monograph of the genus
(see figs. 1630 and 1631). These photos are practically the same size as
the male E. inuitica. The figure of the latter with the original description
was censiderably enlarged, which I feel was unfortunate, for in my
experience such enlargement always gives a somewhat misleading
impression and hinders recognition. Dissection, however, showed E.
inuitica to be a species close to E. christi! The body of the specimen had
been somewhat damaged and the genitalia broken, but I was able to
make a serviceable mount of it, a photograph of which is shown on the
plate accompanying this note. The magnificatoin of the photograph is
x18 diameters, the same as used in my works for all photographs of the
complete (entire) male genitalia (when taken by myself), regardless of
the size of the species.
On comparing the photograph of E. inuitica with fig. 279 in my
Monograph (E. christi), the similarity of the two will be obvious. Had
the new species been found anywhere in the European Alps one could
scarcely have done other than accept it as a race of E. christi. Yet I
feel this would have been mistaken. It is a case which points to the
importance of the less obvious structural differences in the genitalia of
the Erebia. The two species belong to the “Epiphron-Group,”’ of which
there are oniy two Asiatic representatives: E. kefersteint and E.
kindermanni. Both are clearly distinct from E. inuitica, their claspers
are shorter with the terminal neck thicker and blunter, the spine “system”
of the claspers markedly different; the last a most important character
in Erebia. The dorsal structures are also distinctive. Only two species
of the groun have a somewhat similar spine system to E. inuitica, of
these, as noted, E. christi is the most so. The spines in E. inuitica are all
of a coarse type, and are distinctly separated everywhere. In the two
Asiatic species the spines situated proximally are coarse and well
separated, those distally are extremely fine and practically touching:
the latter feature is characteristic of very fine spines in all species of
the group. The variation that always is present in the actual sizes and
forms of the spines never affects the nature of the system, which remains
constant. This holds in all groups of Erebia.
242 ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X/68
E. inuitica differs from E. christi by the greater length of the combined
head and neck of the claspers. which is also narrower and terminates
more rounded. In E. christi the termination is broad. The uncus in
E. inuitica :s slightly heavier, blunter and thicker at the tip, while the
brachia curve snarply up at their extremities, a feature that does not
appear in any other species of the group. These characters may be
considered slight to uphold the two species as distinct, but it must be
remembered that the characteristic differences in many species of the
group are not visibly extreme, but they have been proved constant when
we have plenty of specimens to examine. Further one must remember
the immense geographical distance that separates the two species and
the very restricted distribution of E. christi in the Alps and the fact that
no intermediate form’ exists (so far as known), in Asia.
I have thought it well to publish this photograph of the genitalia of
the holotype of E. inuitica, in spite of the slight damage, for it is more
than likely that other specimens of this species will be found in other
districts of Alaska or the N.W.T., or may actually exist in some museum
collection or even in private collections. There is no possibility that
after dissection E. inuitica could be mistaken for any other species. I
may add that there is also no possibility this specimen could be an
hybrid, for all the species known to occur with E. inuitica, (..e. E. rossi,
E. fasciata, E. disa, E. youngi), have genitalia of a very specialised
formation, a cross between any of these could not result in structures
making the least approach to those characteristic of the epiphron-group
species.
Maruca testulalis (Geyer): ‘““The Bean Pod Borer”
(Lep.: Pyralidae) bred out at East Malling from
French Beans
By J. M. CHALMERS-HUuUNT.
Dr. G. H. L. Dicker of East Malling Research Station, showed me two
specimens of a Pyralid moth which were bred from larvae feeding on the
immature seeds in pods of French beans. He informs me that the beans
had been imported as a trial consignment of out-of-season fresh vege-
table from Malawi, Africa, and that he received the larvae on April 38,
1967, when they were in the final instar. The adults emerged three weeks
later. Dr. Dicker adds that being an internal feeder, the Pyralid was
overlooked, and it also survived whatever disinfestation treatment was
applied whilst the consignment was in quarantine.
I submitted the moths to Mr. P. E. S. Whalley (British Museum,
Natural History), who kindly determined them as Maruca testulalis
(Geyer), a pest species of cosmopolitan distribution, but so far as is
known, not previously noticed in Britain, Zimmerman (Insects of Hawaii:
56-58), who figures the insect well, and gives an informative account of
the species, cites the following host plants: Cajanus indicus, cowpea,
garden beans, garden peas, Gliricidia sepium, hyacinth bean, lime beans,
Maoma urens, pigeon peas, (also blossoms), Sesbania grandiflora (in fresh
and without flowers), S. tomentosa (in flowers), and probably a number of
other legumes.
I wish to thank Mr. D. J. Carter (Br. Mus., Nat. History) for the excel-
lent photographs of the East Malling examples.
ATROPOS AND THE BEES 243
Atropos and the Bees
By An OL_p Motu HUNTER
Why Linne should have given this handsome moth such lugubrious
names I know not: Acheron was associated by the ancient Greeks with
a stream in the nether world on the banks of which the shades of depar-
ted persons wandered. Atropos* was one of the three Fates, those un-
seemly women whom Macbeth encountered on a blasted heath near
Forres. She was described by the ancients as a hideous old woman with
a limp, the purpose of the limp being suggestive of the slow march of
Fate—so ’tis said. But those of us who have shouldered the musket know
that so far from being slow she travels a good deal too fast at times, even
though we ourselves have dodged the scissors with which she cuts the
thread of life.
On his thorax—tor Linne’s Atropos was male as well as female—the
Death’s head has an object the shape of a skull with two dots which sug-
gest orbits; but the crossed thigh-bones beneath, which would have pro-
claimed his piratical habits are missing. And just because he bears this
device on his back he has earned such a reputation as a marauder that
most rustics kill him at sight.
Yet the only crime that has ever been fathered upon him is the rob-
bing of beehives, and so firmly has this thievish habit become attached to
him that it has been repeated in ninety per cent. of the books about
moths. None of the English authors doubts it.
Barrett repeats the tale but gives no references. “It is strongly attrac-
ted by honey,” says he, “but prefers to take it in larger quantities than
flowers supply, and is well known to enter beehives for this purpose. It
has even been caught while hovering about hives, and instances are well
known in which it has been securely fastened down inside the hive, and
completely covered with wax by the indignant bees. This, however, is a
rare circumstance, and possibly only occurs when the moth has happened
to die within the hive .... the stridulous voice of the moth has been
observed to arrest and control bees in a manner similar to that produced
by the voice of their queen.... ”
Kirby and Spence, in 1818, referred to Kuhn, who related a tale about
some monks who kept bees, and noticing one evening that there was a
kerfuffle going on in one of the skeps, lifted it up to see what all the
fuss was about, whereupon an animal, which they took to be a bat, flew
out. Apparently they were able to catch the intruder, who proved to be
our friend Atropos.
Obadiah Westwood also appeared for the prosecution. In 1848 he
wrote: “Another peculiarity connected with the history of this moth con-
sists in its attacking bee-hives. It is singular that a creature with only
the advantage of size should dare, without sting or shield, singly, to
attack in their strongholds these well-armed and numerous people; and
still more singular, that amongst so many thousands of bees it should
always contend victoriously. Huber, who first noticed the fact asks. ‘““May
not this moth—the dread of superstitious people—also exercise a secret
influence over insects, and have the faculty, either by sound or by some
other means, of paralysing their courage?”
*Since Greek is not taught in schools nowadays I hope I shall not be thought
priggish If I mention that the accent is on the ‘At’, and on the ‘Ach’ (Ak)
in Acheron
244 ENLOMOLOGIS1’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X%/68
More recently (1948) Dr. Skat Hoffmeyer wrote that Atropos “can
often be taken round beehives. They stay in the hives for only a few
minutes and the bees do not do them any considerable harm. In Denmark
atropos is often found near beehives, both alive and dead; so it is pos-
sible that the bees are successful sometimes after all.” (De Danske
Spindere, p. 16).
So much for the prosecution. Now for the defence. It is, I admit a
weak one, but it is put up by two writers for whom I have great respect,
two astute and acute observers who took very little on trust and cer-
tainly would never have placed any confidence in an Old Wives’ Tale.
Here is what Mm. Gélin and Lucas said about A. atropos in their excel-
lent conspectus of the Lepidoptera which occur in Western France
(1911) :—
“The captures of atropos in beehives have given rise to a belief which
appears to be without foundation. The moth has been accused of
regaling itself with bees’ honey. However, so far as we are aware this
moth has never been captured at sugar, whereas other Sphinx, notably
elpenor, have taken by us at sugar on several occasions.”
Browsing on some old copies ot The Zoologist recently I came across
a first-hand and excellent account of an atropos not only observed, at
close range, flitting round a beehive but actually entering it and dis-
appearing inside, where it remained for some minutes. More, the moth
was observed to reappear and was netted as it emerged. It is in the issue
of that magazine for November 1869, Second Series, vol. 4, No. 50, page
1913, and the observer was the Reverend Charles A. Bury. Here it is. I
have compressed it a little and omitted one or two flowery passages.
“T have read, as has everyone else who is conversant with bee litera-
ture, certain remarkable doings of the death’s-head moth, of its love of
honey in general and of its boldness in particular in entering bee hives
and regaling itself uninvited on the stores laid up by the bees for their
own and their master’s benefit. I have read, too, that on the bees assail-
ing the intruder the moth has the tact to utter certain sounds so nearly
resembling those emitted by the queen bee that the angry attackers
immediately fall back and allow the visitor to leave their hive un-
molested after satisfying himself with a fabulous quantity of honey.
“Now, as this remarkable proceeding has been stated as a fact by men
of veracity and careful observation it is not fit for the likes of me to
doubt its correctness. Nevertheless, it is always pleasant to verify by
one’s own experience the observations and assertions of others.
“My beehives occupy a sort of balcony just outside the window of my
study, situated on the first floor, and as I sit at my open window the
busy hum of my industrious little neighbours sounds pleasantly. Well, on
the 15th of June I resolved to ‘raise’ one of those hives, which was
crowded with bees that seemed indisposed to ‘swarm. The process of
‘raising’ consists in placing a flat-topped hive beneath the stock-hive with
a connection between them. To effect this I had to mount a ladder and
face the bees—not exactly the most pleasant situation to be in! I suc-
ceeded, but the bees were not too well pleased and poured out in a
continuous stream, covering the entire front of the hive. Few took wing,
for it was now twilight.
ATROPOS AND THE BEES 245
“While watching their proceedings from the ladder something so like
a bat flitted round that it did not attract my particular notice; but on
descending the ladder and going up into my study I leaned my head out
of the window to within a foot of the entrance of the hive, and then I
saw what I could not fail to recognise as a death’s-head moth flit back-
wards and forwards once or twice before the hive, dash at the entrance,
force its way through the cluster of bees, and disappear within!
“T had only a small net intended for landing trout not catching moths
to help me capture the intruder; so rigging this up I waited anxiously,
with the net close to the hive, to intercept the moth when it emerged.
In about five minutes the death’s-head came out in no small bustle, as I
thought—for it was now almost dark—with five or six bees hanging on to
its legs. Instead of taking wing the moth scrambled, fast enough, over
the cluster of bees to the top of the hive, and my net was instantly over
it. The bag of the net, however, fell over the cluster, and though I had
the moth safely within I had also some hundreds of bees within and with-
out the net and hanging in its meshes. The consequence was that I could
neither catch the moth with my fingers nor bring the net into my room,
and after running round and round in the net with marvellous celerity
my prisoner effected its escape—it was off like a shot.
‘Next evening I kept watch and ward for my friend the death-head,
and at last it appeared, dashed against the window, and I saw it no
more. I must add that I had distinctly heard certain sounds which I can
best describe as rather musical squeaks coming from apparently inside
the hive while the moth was in it; but whether those sounds resembled
the notes, real or imagined, of the queen bee I cannot tell, never having
succeeded in catching the sounds attributed by others to her majesty.
“Now for the sequel. This morning, 2nd of October, I was arranging a
piece of carpet with which the above-mentioned hive had been covered
all the summer as a protection from rain, when lo and behold! between
the folds. sleeping perhaps the unquiet sleep of satiety, there lay the
moth—at least a moth of the same species, and since this species is by no
means common with us I have little doubt it was the same insect. It is
the finest British specimen I ever set eyes on. As it has never been seen
flying round the hive since 16th June, I more than suspect I have afforded
this lover of honey a lodging as well as board all these months; in fact
that my lodger descended every evening, entered the hive, made a hearty
supper, and then quietly went up to bed again in the old carpet.—C. A.
Bury.”
One hesitates to pour cold water on the pleasant little sequel; but it
seems unlikely that the moth found on 2nd October was the one which
raided the hive on 15th June. If it had gone “to bed again in the old
carpet” every evening from 16th June to 2nd October it might have be-
come somewhat ‘rubbed’ and then Mr. Bury would not have described
it as “the finest British sepcimen I ever set eyes on.” The June moth (or
another June immigrant) perhaps laid eggs on a potato patch nearby
and died shortly afterwards, the October specimen having resulted from
one of those eggs.
* * * *
What I now want to know is:—(1) Can the male or female A. atropos,
or both, emit a scent which either pleases or repels bees?; (2) Can the
moth’s squeak repel or please bees?; (3) Is the moth’s squeak of the same
246 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X/68
pitch and timbre as a note emitted by a queen bee?; (4) Does a queen
bee emit any note at all?; (5) Is A. atropos immune from bee-sting?; for
it seems plain that a moth that had no means of protection would soon
be stung to death inside a hive, long before it had time to make a sub-
stantial meal of the stored honey.
Lubbock (Ants, Bees and Wasps, 1929, pp. 220 seq.) asserts that bees
possess ‘‘a keen sense of smell.” Were the “five or six bees” which were
“hanging on to its legs” savouring the moth’s scent when the June
Death’s-head emerged from Mr. Bury’s hive? Lubbock also states that “it
is generally considered that to a certain extent [bees] .... possess the
power of hearing”; yet he could not obtain any response by bees to
“tuning-forks extended over three octaves” nor to shrill whistles nor to
a violin; moreover his experiments with colours offer no solution to the
problem so far as concerns the colouration of the moth.
Any suggestions, please, from those who really do know something
about bees, which I do not?
*For the chemistry of bee-stings (apitoxin) see Wigglesworth (Insect Physiology)
indexed under ‘venom’.
The Macrolepidoptera of Stirlingshire and
South Perthshire
(Notes and additions to the list published by D. L. Coates, Entomologist’s
Record, Vol. 80, No. 1, p. 7 and No. 4 p. 104)
By GEORGE THOMSON
So often in the standard works on our butterflies and moths do we
come across the names Rannoch, Aviemore, Inverness and (for some
obscure reason) Roxburgh that one would think that the creatures did
not exist elsewhere in Scotland or that nobody bothers to collect outwith
these sacred areas—which might be very close to the truth. It was,
therefore, pleasing to see the name Stirling appear in our literature.
However, contrary to what Mr. Coates might think, his was not the first
comprehensive list from this part of the country. The Stirling Natural
History Society (now existing in the form of an Archaeological Society)
published in its Transactions (XV 1927-1930) “The Butterflies and Moths
of Stirling and District” by Morris and Allan McLaurin, being a list
of the Macrolepidoptera found between 1919 and 1928 within a radius
of twelve miles of Stirling by the brothers. My experience of this part af
Scotland is extensive as far as the butterflies are concerned, but it is
only since May 1967 that I have run a Rothamstead Light Trap in
my garden. I have collected in the countryside around Dunblane since
childhood, particularly on Sheriffmuir, but in the last six years I have
explored most of the countryside in the south west corner of Perthshire.
My records, together with those from the paper by the McLaurin
brothers make a valuable supplement to Mr. Coates’ list. However, for
convenience, I have listed only those species which were not included
in that list or where additional comments are necessary. In concluding
it shculd be noted that, though Mr. Coates defined: his area as that
within a radius of twenty miles of Stirling, he includes quite a number of
THE MACROLEPIDOPTERA OF STIRLINGSHIRE AND SOUTH PERTHSHIRE 247
records from Balmaha (almost twenty-five miles from the centre) and
Findo Gask (twenty-one miles away)—hardly in “Stirling and District’.
For this reason, I have preferred to refer to the areas as Stirlingshire
and South Perthshire.
(The letter ‘M‘ is used to indicate that the insect was recorded by the
McLaurin brothers, i.e. from wtihin twelve miles of Stirling.)
SATYRIDAE
Maniola jurtina L.
Coenonympha tullia Mull.
Aphantopus hyperanathus L.
NYMPHALIDAE
Clossiana selene Schiff.
C euphrosyne L.
Messoacidalia charlotta Haw
M. charlotta scotica Watkins
Vanessa cardui L.
LYCAENIDAE
Polyommatus icarus Rott.
Lycaena phlaeas L.
Thecla quercus L.
Callophrys rubi L.
SPHINGIDAE
Acherontia atropos L.
Hippotion celerio 1.
LASIOCAMPIDAE
Macrothylacia rubi L.
Lasiocampa quercus callunae
Palmer.
Philudoria potatoria L.
ARCTIIDAE
Phragmatobia fulinginosa L.
The form in Dunblane approaches
sub-sp. splendida B. White and has
included one ab. anommata Vty.
Very variable, sometimes approach-
ing sub-sp. scotica Stgr. or phil-
oxenes Esp. Also at Letham.
Loch Vennacher—has included both
ab. arete Mull and ab. lanceolata
Shipp.
Found in scattered localities through-
out the area, but subject to local
disappearances.
One specimen taken on 14.vi.68,
Trossachs.
Sheriffmuir and other localities near
Dunblane.
Loch Vennachar.
Two specimens taken Dunblane 1966.
Widespread and common.
Usually common, sometimes very
common—about 20% coeruleopunc-
tata Ruhl.
Larvae founda by Di Co WollNe
Holmes near Loch Chon.
Found in almost every locality where
Blaeberry (vaccinium) abounds.
One specimen found at Balquhidder
Station in the 1950’s.
One dead specimen of this moth was
found by Mr. J. C. Metcalf in his
garden at Milngavie—probably a
1965 arrival.
Very common, Sheriffmuir.
M
M
Fairly common, Dunblane and
Callander.
248 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80
Parasemia plantaginis L.
DREPANIDAE
Drepana lacertinaria L.
LYMANTRIIDAE
Orgyia antiqua L.
Dasychira fascelina L.
NOCTIDAE
Agrotis trux lunigera Stephens.
Amathes agathina Dup.
Anarta myrtilli L.
Hadena rivularis Fab.
Heliophobus calcatrippae View.
Apamea oblonga Haw.
Meristis trigrammica Hufn.
Euclidimera mi Clerck
GEOMETRIDAE
Cosymbia albipunctata Hufn.
Xanthorhoé munitata Hubn.
X. spadicearia Schiff.
Ortholitha mucronata Scop.
O. chenopodiata L.
Colostygia pectinataria Knoch.
Earophila badiata Schiff.
Perizoma albulata Schiff.
Lampropteryx suffumata Schiff.
Triphosa dubitata L.
Chesias rufata Fab.
Carsia sororiata anglica Prout.
Gymnoscelis pumilata Hubn.
Oporinia christyi Prout.
Operophtera brumata L.
Hydrelia flammeolaria Hufn.
Venusia cambrica Curtis
Selenia tetralunaria Hufn.
Poecilipsis lapponaria Boisd.
Ectropis biundulata Vill.
Gnophos obscurata Schiff.
G. obfuscata Schiff.
Itame wauaria L.
Chiasmia clathrata L.
Dyscia fagaria Thunb.
Perconia strigillaria Hiibn.
15/X/68
Very local, Dunblane.
} ? \ SO i
Pe owe oe oe om ce >
(
FIGURE 4
Genitaha: (Fig. 4) Remarkably small; valves fused ventrally, bearing
two slightly curved claspers with clubbed ends. Uncus apparently absent,
functionally replaced by a pair of finely spined, flap-like socii. Aedeagus
simple, longitudinally channelled on either side and only thiniy
sclerotised.
Diagnosis. Differs from D. fidgiensis Mabille & Vuillet (Novit. Len. p.
0, t.1., £.2,) which it superficially resembles in having smaller genitalia
(155 mm. in width as opposed to 2-5 mm. in fidigiensis), in the claspers
being almost straight and slender (in fidgiensis they are swollen and
curved back on themselves) and in having shorter and stubbier socii. The
wing pattern differs in that fidgiensis is never so heavily marked with
254 ENLOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X%/68
brown; the forewings of nandarivatu appear much shorter and hence
more rounded. The distinct reniform of nandarivatu is never so con-
spicuous in fidgiensis. The dark hindwing termen of fidgiensis is lacking
in nandarivatu. Nandarivatu is consistently smaller, fidgiensis rarely
having a wingspan of less than 40 mm.
Distribution: Known only from Nandarivatu, north Viti Levu, Fiji,
more than 1100 m. above sea level.
Holotype: G@ Nandarivatu, 5.ix.1967 at M.V. (CH. S. Robinson). In
Be MiEy ONCE):
Paratypes: 8 OG Koro-O (Nandarivatu), 6.ix.1967 at M.V. (H. S.
Robinson). In B.M. (N.H.).
Thalassodes figurata sp.n. (Geometridae, Geometrinae)
Male: Head, thorax and abdomen green, white below; abdomen with
white intermittent dorsal line. Legs and antennae pale creamy brown.
Forewing rich bluish green marked at termen and along costa with
crescentic white dots. Median line of three white crescents between 4, 3,
2 and 1b, heavily shaded towards termen with white dots. Hindwing
rich bluish green speckled uniformly with white crescents except between
2 and 3 and in the anal fold. Holotype wingspan 40 mm.; mean wing-
span of paratypes: 42 mm.
FIGURE 5
Genitalia: (Fig. 5) Uncus simple; two long slender socii; pair of
small heavily sclerotised flaps at base of valves. Vesica base heavily
sclerotised and set with very fine spines; no cornuti.
Female: Similar to male but larger (mean wingspan of paratypes:
48 mm.) and tip of forewing more oblique.
REARING THE JERSEY TIGER 7ASYS)
Diagnosis: Figurata appears to have no close ally in Thalassodes and
is distinctively different in wing pattern alone from every other member
of the genus.
Distribution: Known from Nandarivatu, Fiji, over 1100 m. above sea
level. There is one specimen from Vunidawa, Fiji (R. H. Phillips), in
coll. B.M. (N.H.) which was given the MS name of figurata by L. B.
Prout.
Holotype; ¢ Nandarivatu, 28.vi.1968 at M.V. (H. S. Robinson). In
Baie GNcEE):
Paratypes: 13 gd, 10 @9Q Nandarivatu, ix.1967 and 28.vi.1968 at
M.V. (H. S. Robinson). In coll. H.S.and G.S. Robinson and in B.M. (N.H.).
I am very grateful to Messrs. D. S. Fletcher and A. H. Hayes of the
British Museum (Natural History) and to Dr. L. Davies and Mr. J.
Richardson of the Department of Zoology, University of Durham, for
their help and encouragement in the preparation of this paper.
Rearing the Jersey Tiger
(Eupalagia quadripunctaria Poda)
By L. G. F. WADDINGTON
Previous articles of mine on the above subject in issues of Sept. 1963
and Nov. 1964 described how a measure of success finally rewarded my
efforts, but two factors still remained to be solved to my satisfaction.
Firstly, the best method of dealing with newly hatched larvae, and
secondly the best foodplant.
Thanks to the kindness of my friend at Plympton, I was supplied with
batches of ova in August 1965 and August 1967. Only a limited number
were retained and the remainder were given to other collectors.
As I was already critical of starting the larvae off in plastic boxes, I
decided to use plastic tumblers instead.
I had a supply of these—fitted with bakelite lids—which originally
contained Abbey Cane Syrup, marketed by Martineaus of London, and
with the aid of a large red hot nail I melted a circle in the lid and an
4” hole in the bottom.
After glueing a circle of muslin inside the lid, they were ready for
use; I treated two of these tumblers and stood them in glass tumblers
which provided stability and left room for a little water at the bottom
for the foodplant.
Dealing with the 1965 batch, I put dead nettle in one tumbler and
stinging nettle in the other, making sure that the top of the spray im-
pinged on the muslin.
As soon as the larvae hatched out, they were put straight in the tum-
blers and these were housed in the garage; it was noticeable that the
larvae soon sought the muslin-covered lid where air and food were
available.
Condensation was very slight and confined to the bottom half of the
tumbler, and consequently no losses occurred through this.
By Oct. 21st many had changed skins 3 times, and on account of the
cold were brought into the kitchen.
256 ENTOMOLOGISI’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X%/68
By Nov. 5th it was obvious that the larvae on dead nettle were much
further advanced than those on stinging nettle, so the latter was dis-
continued; however, it must be stated that in both cases growth was
irregular.
The stinging nettle larvae did not take kindly to the change of diet,
and many subsequently died.
As the larvae got too large for the tumblers, they were transferred to
hurricane glass cages, and by the end of November many were ? grown.
Early in December the largest were put into the breeding cage, and
some began to spin up in the moss by the middle of the month.
By March 9 the last larva had spun up.
Moths commenced to emerge on Jan. 29 1966 and continued throughout
February and March, the last emergence taking place on April 14.
Dealing with the 1967 batch of ova, the same procedure was adopted,
except that dead nettle was used exclusively.
On Oct. 1 I put about 20 larvae in a hurricane glass cage and brought
it into the kitchen, but after three weeks they showed no more progress
than those in the garage; however, on account of the cold in early Novem-
ber, the remainder were brought into the kitchen.
By the end of November a number of larvae were full fed and trans-
ferred to the breeding cage.
Bitter cold winds and heavy snowtalls were ai Gude of the day in
early December, which ruined the dead nettle and I had recourse to the
old sheet-anchor-lettuce, and this was used up to the end.
The first emergence took place on Jan. 18, 1968 and continued during
February, the last one taking place on the 22nd; all regrettably typical.
The upshot of these experiments finally convinced me that ventilation
is an all important factor in rearing the larvae, particularly in the very
early stages, while dead nettle is far and away the best foodplant.
If this is not readily available, I suggest you remove to a locality
where it is.
A final thought—the modified methods adopted clearly speeded up
larval growth, resulting in emergencies two months earlier than pre-
viously experienced.
Current Notes
I am informed of the floating of The British Butterfly Conservation
Society, whose title speaks for itself. The problem is a difficult one, and
the society’s preliminary programme contemplated between 1968 and 1971
is set out as follows:
(a) Assisting in an evaluation of the present status of species in the
wild;
(bo) examining, assessing and reporting of potentialities regarding
particular species requiring conservation;
(c) general discussions with statutory and voluntary bodies enabled to
assist in conservaton;
(d) specific discussions with specific bodies on possible projects for
conservation in the wild, and breeding and re-introductions.
Peter Scott is named as President, Thomas Frankland as Chairman,
and Robert Goodden, of Over Compton, Sherborne, Dorset, as secretary.
—ED.
SOME MOTH RECORDS FROM DUNGENESS, 1967 ZO
Some Moth Records from Dungeness, 1967
Bye SCORE
During 1967, a Rothampstead moth trap was operated nightly at
Boulderwall Farm, Dungeness, Kent (grid reference 063196). The trap
is based on a standard 200 watt light bulb and consequently the numbers
trapped nightly are only a very small proportion of the flying insects.
The only gaps in the continuous running of the light were July 25-27 and
August 31-September 27.
The following list contains some of the more interesting captures.
Notodonta ziczac L.: Two on June 2, five on August 1-3 and one on
August 24.
N. dromedarius L.: One on August 25.
Dasychira fascelina L.: Singles on July 4, 6, 11 and August 2.
Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.: Thirty-two taken between July 10 and
August 9, with most, eight, on July 14.
Nola albula Schiff.: One on August 1.
Eilema pygmaeola pallifrons Zell.: Two taken on July 14, one on 15.
Spilosoma urticae Esp.: Thirty-one taken between June 25 and July 16,
witn most, nine, on July 6.
Phragmatobia fuliginosa L.: Singles on July 21, 22, August 2 and 9.
Agrotis denticulatus Haw.: Ten taken between May 28 and June 13.
A. ripae Hubn.: One on July 5.
Amathes sexstrigata Haw.: One on August 30.
Hada nana Hufn.: Thirteen taken between June 4 and July 15.
Scotogramma trifoli Hufn.: One on July 28.
Hadena w-latinum Hufn.: Singles on June 1, 4 and 5.
H. bicolorata Hufn.: Seven taken between July 8 and 20.
H. conspersa Schiff.: One on May 30, six between July 1 and 10, and one
on July 29.
H. lepida Esp.: Seventeen between May 138 and July 7, and twelve
between July 19 and August 10.
Leucania straminea Treits.: One on August 4.
Arenostola pygmina Haw.: Fourteen taken between July 23 and August
28, with four on August 24.
A. phragmitidis Hubn.: One on August 3.
Nonagria sparganii Esp.: One on August 25.
N. geminipuncta Haw.: One on August 20 and 25.
N. dissoluta Treits.: One on August 1, 3, 26 and 27, three on August 29.
Coenobia rufa Haw.: One on August 2.
Caradrina ambigua Schiff.: One on June 15, August 28, and three on
August 30.
Eremobia ochroleuca Schiff.: One on August 2.
Petilampa minima Haw.: One on July 29.
Gortyna hucherardi Mab.: One on October 13.
Eumichtis lichenea Htibn.: One on October 1.
Earias clorana L.: Ten taken between July 3 and 16.
Plusia chrysitis L.: Three on August 29.
Unca tripartita Hufn.: One on June 5, July 10, 21, August 1, 16 and 27.
Thalera fimbrialis Scop.: One on July 11 and 13, three on July 20.
Dungeness Bird Observatory, Romney Marsh, Kent. 7.vi.1968.
258 EN'LTOMOLOGIS'1’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X/68
Notes and Observations
HAPALOTIS VENUSTULA HUBN. IN THE WOKING DIstTRIcT.—In June 1967 I took
a specimen of this little noctuid near Bisley for the first time, but on the
very warm night of June 18th 1968 I was surprised when this species
came freely to my m.v. light on the edge of Chobham Common and still
more so when I had several examples in my trap here on the night of
June 30th this year. This small insect might well be overlooked in many
areas, though it seems to have turned up in many new localities of late.
—C. G M. bE Worms, Three Oaks, Woking, Surrey. 10.ix.1968.
SoME MIGRANTS AT WOKING, SURREY.—It has been fairly well estab-
lished that the famous dust storm which is presumed to have emanated
from North Africa and to have shrouded so much of the countryside of
Southern England on the morning of July Ist 1968, a day when the
thermometer was in the 90’s, brought with it quite an immigration of
lepidoptera borne in the high altitude wind currents. That very night
Laphygma exigua Huibn. appeared in my trap here as I believe it also
did in several other such devices on that date. On July 9th I was
surprised to find a Heliothis peltigera Schiff. in the trap, as I had only
once before seen it in this area just after the last war. This remarkable
natura! phenomenon is also presumed to have been responsible for the
appearence of a number of Plusia ni Hutibn. and Eublemma parva
Hubn. which were also recorded in the South in early July—C. G. M.
DE WorMs, Three Oaks, Woking, Surrey. 10.1x.1968.
EPIRRHOE ALTERNATA MULLER, AB. TENUIFASCIATA SCHIMA.—In Ent. Rec. 80:
21 (1968) Mr. T. D. Fearnehough published an interesting note on a
brood of Epirrhoe alternata. From his description (“very narrow black
bands’) it is clear that he obtained 16 typical specimens and 14 ab.
tenuifasciata Schima, not degenerata Haworth. In the latter aberration
the central band of the fore wings is divided into two parts, a costal one
and an inner marginal one. This may clearly be seen from the original
description which Haworth gave of his unique specimen from Kent of
what he considered a new species: “. . . fascia medio anticarum alarum,
que degenerata est in strigam interruptam fasciae formem puncto
ordinario atro costam versus” (Lep. Brit.: 333, 1809).
Ab. tenuifasciata was described as having: “Central area narrowed
but not divided” (Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien 74-75: (78), 1925). In the
same periodical, vol. 77: (76)-(78), 1927, Schima wrote, that he captured
a 92 with narrow central area near Durnkrut (Austria). From this he
bred 10 normal specimens and 18 with narrow central area. In one ¢ of
the latter group the band was divided, so that this was true degenerata.
From Mr. Fearnehough’s breeding we may assume that tenuifasciata
is dominant to the normal form. But the results of Schima are not in
accordance with this assumption. Possibly the brood was too small to
obtain reliable figures. It is at any rate clear that ab. tenuifasciata is a
hereditary form, not an environmental one. True ab. degenerata is
apparently the extreme development of tenuifasciata and no doubt very
rare—B. J. Lempxke, Oude Yselstraat 12, Amsterdam 10.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 259
EUROIS OCCULTA L. IN SURREY.—A female specimen of this unusual
visitor to the South of England came to my mercury vapour light trap
here on the night of 30th July last. It would be interesting to know
whether any other similar records have been obtained.—J. L. MESSENGER,
Stonehaven, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey. 7.ix.1968.
CoMMENTS ON “NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AFRICAN LEPIDOPTERA’.—I can,
perhaps, add a little information to that given in J. S. Taylor’s paper
(1968, Entomologist’s Record, 80: 149-156) based on my East African
experience.
Metarctia metus Stoll—Not an East African species, but should not
the specific name be meteus?
Siccia caffra Wlk.—Although I have not bred this species, the food-
plant of all known Siccia larvae is said to be Lichens.
Dionychopus similis Mschl.—I notice that Hampson (Catalogue of the
Lepidoptera Phalaenae) treats similis as a synonym of amasis Cr., whilst
Gaede in Seitz African Bombyces ignores the name altogether.
Spilosoma lutescens W1k.—A common moth of the Kenya Coast, less
so in Uganda. Food-plant records are:—Canna (Cannaceae), Commelina
(Commelinaceae), Bidens pilosa (Compositae), Entada abyssinica (Mimo-
saceae), Ficus, Morus (Moraceae), Boerhavia (Nyctaginaceae), Russellia
juncea (Scrophulariaceae), Tacca pennatifidia (Taccaceae) and Lantana
(Verbenaceae). Kenya larvae appear to differ from South African, being
black with a greyish dorsal line and oblique greenish yellow lateral
stripes. Pupal duration in Mombasa about ten days.
Cyana pretoriae Dist—I have had the same experience with C.
rubristriga Holl. in Kampala, and have a suspicion that the food-plant is
Ipomoea sp. (Convolvulaceae). Seitz uses the generic name Chionaema.
Heliothis scutigera Guen.—Not. I think, an East African species, but
should not the specific name be scutuligera?
Psalis pennatula F.—Similar habits in East Africa, but I have found
the larva very delicate in captivity.
Lymantria modesta Wlk.—East African food-plant records are Rhus
vulgaris (Anacardiaceae) and Maeurua hoehnelii (Capparidaceae).
Rhodometra sacraria L.—Usual East African food-plant is Oxygonum
sinuatum (Polygonaceae).
Nudaurelia walbergi Bsd.—East African food-plants are Schinus molle
(Anacardiaceae), Ricinus (Euphorbiaceae) and Acacia (Mimosaceae).
Urota sinope Westw.—In addition to Erythrina abyssinica (Papilion-
aceae), the larva is recorded as feeding on Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae)
in East Rfrica.
Bombycopsis indecora Wlk.—An imposing list of food-plants in East
Africa. Barleria, Justicia (Acanthaceae), Chrysanthemum, Laggera alata,
Microglossa, Vernonia amygdalina, Zinnia (Compositae), Ipomoea (Con-
volvulaceae), Leonotis africana (Labiatae), Gossypium (Malvaceae),
Albizzia (Mimosaceae), Cajanus cajan (Papilionaceae), various Ferns
(Polypodaceae), Rosa (Rosaceae) and Coffea (Rubiaceae).
Finally, might I appeal to Mr. Taylor to give the families after his
plant names, I am completely at sea with Styraciflua and cannot find
it in any of my botanical books.—D. G. SEvaAsToPULO, F.R.E.S., Mombasa.
18.viii.1968.
260 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X/68
Current Literature
Plant Nematology; W. R. Jenkins and D. P. Taylor: Reinhold, London;
XVili+270 pp, £5 16/6.
The authors, Dr. Jenkins of Rutgers University and Dr. Taylor of the
University of Illinois, have shouldered a heavy task in providing a text
book which can be the basis of this obscure, though important, study.
They state early in the book that in their opinion, not more than two
per cent. of the existing species have so far been named. They have pro-
duced the book now in order that the student may set out on original
work with a good general grounding in the principles of nematology
rather than a taxonomic study.
To introduce the materials with which the student will have to work,
the first four chapters are devoted to a systematic examination of these
diverse aspects, starting of course, with the nematode and its allies, then
their gross morphology which stresses the small size of plant nematodes.
Next the food sources of nematodes generally are mentioned, showing
their relation with practically the whole of the animal and vegetable
kingdoms, both living and dead. Habitats show that while some species
are generally distributed in the soil, others are only able to exist in more
localised sites.
The student is then given a very concise history of the study of plant
nematodes, from 1743 up to the present day. The life-cycle is mentioned,
and it is shown that the various species may be bisexual, hermaphroditic,
or parthenogenetic. Nearly three pages are given to a general account
of the relationship between nematodes and crop production, and, as is .
the case with all chapters, a selected list of relevant literature for further
study is given.
Chapter two gives a detailed account of the anatomy and morphology
of the nematode, with excellently clear drawings of the details. Chapter
three is devoted to nematode damage to plants, illustrated by a micro-
photograph, and an air photograph of an infected field of soya beans:
chapter four follows up with an account of extension of injury to plants
when the nematode is accompanied by certain virus species of which
they are vectors. Ensuing chapters are each devoted to various groups
of nematodes, while the final two chapters deal with chemical, biologi-
cal, and non-chemical methods of control. A glossary of 12 pages and
an index complete the book.
The book is well illustrated throughout by photographs and beautiful
line drawings of these difficult subjects, the drawings being the work of
Mrs. Eleanor W. Langman of Douglas College, Rutgers University.
Being produced in the United States, it is natural that much local
material is dealt with, but the skilful handling of the subject by the
authors makes the book of the greatest value to students everywhere.
The language is clear and concise; the general treatment lifts the subject
away from the taxonomic level. The book is very well printed on good
paper and bound in strong cloth boards, and no agricultural] library or
student can afford to be without it, representing as it does, the latest
development of a subject which is of high economic importance.—S.N.A.J.
Extinct and vanishing Animals by Vinzenz Ziswiler, translated from
the German by Fred and Pille Bunnell. Longmans 1967; x+133 pp. 35/-.
CURRENT LITERATURE 261
Although this book does not touch on insects, its subject must be near
to the hearts of all true nature lovers, and it will be read with interest by
all. This is not a sentimental appeal for the protection of declining species;
it puts forward valid reasons why they should be saved from destruction,
and the author rightly points out that extermination is equivalent to
sawing off the branch on which one is sitting. The book is well bound and
is printed on good paper; it is profusely illustrated by photographs, draw-
ings and diagrams.—S.N.A.J.
Practical Work in Biology, edited by G. R. Meyer. Warne. xiii+217 pp.
12/6.
The authors state that this book is designed for the use of O-level
students, but that it can be used both before and after that level. It
presents some 200 problems, arranged together with the relative instruc-
tion, the instructional portions being marked by a marginal vertical line.
The introductory chapter will be found most useful, as it sets out general
rules for the performance of the various tasks involved in the study of
biology, including drawings, dissection instruments, rules for dissection,
the structure of the microscope, rules for using the microscope, examining
objects with the low power objective, and also with the high power objec-
tive, and finally “the scientific method”’.
The text is divided into—I, A Survey of Man; 11, A Survey of Flowering
Plants; III, How to recognise that a Thing is living: IV, The Cell; V,
Animals and Plants as Transformers of Energy; and VI, The Variety of
Living Things.
The book is well illlustrated with drawings and diagrams of both sub-
jects and apparatus; it is well printed and strongly bound in cloth-surfaced
paper cover. It should be welcomed both by the student and the teacher,
both for its scientific value and for its reasonable price.—S.N.A.J.
Kritisches uber die Mitteleuropdischen Pomoidideae-Minierer aus der
Gattung Lithocolletis by Ing. Dr. Dalibor Povolny. Acta Universitatis
Agriculturae, Brno, Vol. XV: 587-594. iv. 1967.
This study of Apple-feeding Lithocolletis species follows the author’s
paper on those feeding on plum species, and is particularly interesting
because the author relegates our L. concomitella Bankes to a synonym of
blancardella Fabr. The species L. mespilella Hiibn., cydoniella Denis and
Schiff., blancardella Fabr., oxyacanthae Frey and sorbi Frey are treated;
pomifoliella Zell., torminella Frey and pyrivorella Bankes are sunk under
mespilella Hubn. and pomonella Zell. and gregori Povolny are sunk under
cydoniella Denis and Schiff., all of which goes to simplify what has been
-a very trying complex in this family. There are twelve figures of male
genitalia, and a table of food plants of the five species left in this group.—
S.N.A.J.
Neue und wenig bekannte Taxone aus der Tribus Gnorimoschemini
Povolny, 1964 (Lep. Gelechiidae) by Dalibor Povolny. Acta Scientiarum
Academiae, Brno. II New Series, 3, 1968.
The author continues his work in this Tribe of Gelechiidae naming seven
new species in the present paper. It is illustrated by 85 genitalia figures
and 2} figures of forewing wing-pattern. Orders from abroad should be
262 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X/68
addressed to Academia, Publishing House of the Czechoslovak Academy
of Sciences, Vidickova 40, Prague.—S.N.A.J.
The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Piant Galls by Arnold Darlington, illustra-
tions by M. J. D. Hirons. Blandford Press, London. £1 5/-. 191 pages
with 293 colour illustrations and 21 black and white pictures.
An excellent introduction to plant galls covering their variety and
cause, occupants and life history with a chapter on practical work includ-
ing collecting, rearing and preserving. The illustrations are mostly from
colour photographs but enhanced by the inclusion of beautifully executed
coloured and black and white drawings which take up 89 of the 191 pages
depicting a well chosen selection of galls and gall causers. There is a
good but short reference list of books, etc., and compactness is helped by
restricting authors’ names to the index. Highly recommended for all field
naturalists —L.P.
Some Aspects of the Natural History of the Folkestone District. The
Folkstone Natural History Society, vii+102 pp. £1. This interesting book
is published to celebrate the centenary of the society. It consists of six-
teen papers on various subjects relating to the natural history of the
district, ranging from an account of the history of the society by Vera
F. P. Day, Hon. Secretary, to subjects of geological, botanical and zoo-
logical interest, including an article on some of the Lepidoptera of the
district by A. M. Morley, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.E.S., well-known to so many
of our readers. The Geological Basis of the Folkestone Area and The
Geographical pattern of that District, by G. H. Hones, B.Sc., are two
papers of greatest value to the visitor, and the final paper “On Foot
through the District’ by Margery H. Walton will assist anyone wishing
to work the area. One can safely say that whatever one’s outdoor in-
terest may be, there is something suitable in this book. It is bound in
cloth boards, and well printed on good paper, and I might say a “must”
for anyone who works this productive area.—S.N.A.J.
Evolutionary Trends in the Genus Aricia (Lepidoptera) by Ove Hoegh-
Guldberg. This is No. 9 of the Aricia Studies series, and gives an account
of further field work and breeding experiments with Aricia allous Gr.Hb.
and A. agestis Schiff. Chapter I deals with the present European distri-
bution of the species, Chapter II describes some improvements in rear-
ing techniques, Chapter III deals with cooling experiments, describing 32
forms so obtained. IV deals with the effect of light on larvae and
imagines. V consists of notes on experiments on the use of vitamin E as
a possible agent in increasing fertility, the foodplants in various districts,
Apantales arcticus Thomson a parasite bred from wild Swedish larvae,
and finally the nomenclature is discussed, giving the latest views on the
subject.
There is a very fine coloured plate of three panels of fifth instar larvae
for comparison, and the paper is copiously illustrated by means of half-
tone plates of early stages and imagines, also of breeding techniques, and
the results of experiments are clearly tabulated. The author and his col-
laborators are worthy of the highest praise for their work.—S.N.A.J.
CURRENT LITERATURE 263
Norwegian Species of Dicrorampha Gn. (Lep. Tortricidae) by Magne
Opheim, Opuscula Entomologica 33 (1968) Lund, Sweden. In this article
Mr. Opheim reviews the situation of this genus in Norway and adds five
species, D. alpinana Treits., D. consortana Steph., D. agilana Tengst., D.
aeratana Pierce & Metc., and D. saturnana Guen., to the six previously
mentioned by Haanshus in 1933. There follows an account of each of the
eleven species together with their distribution.—S.N.A.J.
The Oxford Book of Insects by Jchn Burton with I. H. W. Yarrow,
A. A. Allen, L. Parmenter and I. Lansbury: 4to., viii + 208 pp., 50/-.
This very well conceived book should serve the purpose of leading the
non-scientific reader a little closer to scientific entomology, for it gives
coloured illustrations of insects of all orders, wheras almost all, if not all
such books previously issued, show the less-known orders by line draw-
ings. Naturally, in dealing with so large a subject, much thought must
go to the selection of insects to be shown to illustrate the various families,
and one must congratulate the authors concerned on the way they have
performed this duty. The butterflies all receive attention, as do the
hawkmoths; the other families receive their share of attention. A very
wise policy is shown by illustrating most of the species in their natural
resting positions as field observers will see them, instead of the customary
“set” positions. Good figures of larvae and other early stages, where of
particular interest are shown. On page 55 a regrettable printer’s error
labels the male Green-veined White as the Bath White.
Many formerly neglected insects, such as the sawflies, receive good
attention, and the beetle plates are also improved by interesting drawings
of early stages and other life history characteristics where these are
likely to come under observation.
The system of the book is to show the coloured plates on the right
hand side, with notes on the species figured on the opposite page,
which is headed by a general note on the order or family concerned. At
the end, nine pages are devoted to the biology if insects; their classifi-
cation and structure, an explanation of the insect orders, a note on meta-
morphosis, and finally a note on protection from enemies. A bibliography
of works recommended for further information, arranged by orders, gives
twenty items, four periodicals and three societies (unfortunately omitting
the British Entomological and Natural History Society (late “South Lon-
don”). A good index completes the book.
My only adverse criticism is that while the “other orders” are shown
on the plates by their scientific names, with vernacular names added in
the descriptions where they exist, the Lepidoptera are given their ver-
nacular names on the plates, and where these do not legitimately exist,
as in the case of many microlepidoptera the names of a more or less
recent list, for which a vernacular name was propounded for every
species, whether it existed or not. These names mean nothing to the
scientifically interested, and tend to foster the unfortunate trend of to-
day to avoid the use of scientific names because ‘“‘Latin” is to-day a dirty
word.
The book is well bound in cloth, and is well printed on good art
paper, and the colour work is generally of good standard. The artists
are to be congratulated, and the book should have a place on the shelves
of all interested people—S.N.A.J.
264 ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD, VOL. 80 15/X/68
Elements of Entomology by Harold Oldroyd. Weidenfeld & Nicholson,
ix + 312 pp., 45/-. At first, one might think from the title that this was
just another account of a well-worked subject, but on opening the book
one would see that this is something different. The Introduction starts off
by pointing out that the book is intended “to bridge the gap between
school and university or between courses of general biology and courses
on zoology and specialised entomology.”
The matter is skilfully handled so as to stimulate thought and offer
suggestions to the reader. Chapter I, Insects and other Animals, explains
the structure of the insect and tabulates the differences between the four
classes of Arthropoda. The text gives a minimal description of the phy-
siology of the insect. Chapter 2, under the title of Immature Insects
needs no explanation. The next five chapters deal with many modifica-
tions of the insect. Chapter 9, Insects and Sound, deals with many modifi-
cations in various insects for stridulation and the appreciation of sounds.
Ten deals with flight and 11 and 12, adaptions to terrestial and aquatic
life respectively. Thirteen and 14 deal with some of the great variety of
feeding habits; 15, 16 and 17 with social insects, 18 gives many ideas on
the why and wherefore of insect behaviours, and 19 contains facts and
ideas about many insects inimical to man and animals. Chapter 20 discusses
some aspects of the impact of the insect on human food, stored and grow-
ing, with considerable reference to the locust. Twenty-one, Insects in
the Home, gives many interesting examples of insect nuisance, ranging
from the pollution of food and disease vectors. to wood borers. A few wise
words are added under the heading of “Insects in the Mind”. Twenty-two
discusses beneficial insects, from the domestic bee, the silkworm and the
lac insect as purveyors of direct benefit, to pollinators and insects as food
for primitive people and also marketed as ‘“‘delacies’” when canned, and
finally the very important subject of biological control of insect pests.
The final chapter, 23, Insects in the Future, gives many suggestions as
to how the course of man’s interference with Nature will affect future
insects and entomologists. An Appendix gives a list of orders and sub-
orders of insects; a bibliography mentions 129 items for more specialised
reading on the subjects raised in the text, and an index complete the
book. The book is well printed and bound in cloth boards. The text
is illustrated by line drawings, and a series of fifty excellent and interest-
ing photographs.
Student or not, the reader who finds this book dull is past praying
for!—S.N.A.J.
Warne’s Picture Reference Books edited by John Clegg 45 pp., 5/-
each, have now produced the four further books foreseen in my review
(antea: 179); No. 5, Flowers of the Summer, by George E. Hyde; No. 3,
Flowers of the Autumn; No. 7, Pond and Stream Life and No. 8, Trees
(1) are all by George E. Hyde. They follow the same pattern as the first
four and will give great pleasure to many Nature Lovers, and encour-
agement to young naturalists.—S.N.A.J.
The Dance Language and Orientation of Bees by Karl von Frisch,
translated by Leigh E. Chadwick. 566 pp. + 454 figs. Belknap Press of
Harvard University Press and O.U.P. 110/-.
This magnificent book comes as the result of more than fifty years of
personal observation and research by the great master of bee behaviour,
CURRENT LITERATURE 265
Prof. von Frisch. The first part is entitled The Dances of Bees and starts
by describing the techniques used by Frisch and his co-workers in the
study of bee dances, the design of their observation hives, the way bees
are trained to visit artificial feeding places, how individual bees are
caught and marked so they can be recognised, the measurement of the
tempo and direction of the dances and the precautions which the obser-
ver must take before trying to interpret what he sees. It goes on to
describe in great detail the two main forms of communication by dance,
the well-known ‘round dance’ and the ‘tail-waggine’ dance, and con-
cludes by describing other types of dance used by bees, the importance
of floral scent brought back on the bodies of the foragers in guiding
recruits to the harvest, and of sounds made by the bees and of queen
substance, and the ‘dialects’ of different races of honey bee.
Part Two is called The Orientation of Bees and is a discussion of the
way bees find their way to the goal and back to the hive. It deals
rather briefly with the importance of visual landmarks near the hive,
and sclar navigation on long distance flights, and goes on to discuss in
detail what is known about the orientation of bees by polarised light.
Some interesting remarks are made about navigation in other animals,
both invertebrate and vertebrate. The final section concerns itself with
the final stages of a bee’s journey to or from the hive.
The book is an object lesson in patient and skilful observation
coupled to ingenious experimental technique, which has enabled ths
author to penetrate far into the mysterious world of the bee hive. It 's
written with the modesty of a true master describing his life’s work, and
Mr. Leigh Chadwick’s translation has lost nothing of the freshness and
excitement of personal experience. It is a long book, and there is a sum-
mary at the end which is a lucid statement of the present state of know-
ledge, but Frisch himself expresses the hope that people will wish to
read the whole, likening his record to a long hike, the charm of which is
in the totality of impressions, the little details and the glimpses of yet
untrodden paths. Readers who fulfil that hope will derive much pleasure
for themselves.—B.G.
Wild Animals of the British Isies by Dr. Maurice Burton, xxvi + 222.
Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd. 40/-. Although the subject of this book is
not entomological, it is worthy of at least a short notice, for there are
many insects associated with our wild animals, and some knowledge of
the ways of those animals is necessary for the entomologist who would
search their haunts. The book is most interestingly written, and the
casual look which I had promised it was drawn out into a reading session.
Mammals, reptiles and amphibians are dealt with, and many creatures
which are not usually treated such as domestic animals gone wild (or
feral), receive their amount of interesting comment as do all the truly
wild species. There are 40 plates, coloured and black and white, and
many excellent text figures. The book is well printed and bound, and
would deserve a place on the shelves of anyone in town or country, who
has an interest in living things.—S.N.A.J.
Nature Trails in Britain: This sixteen page pamphlet is published by
British Travel! in association with the Council for Nature, and lists by
counties the various sites open, with a short description of each. In these
days of educational excursions, this pamphlet should be useful to all con-
cerned.—S.N.A.J.
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(SUPPLEMENT) (5)
locally common (R. M. Prideaux). Sevenoaks, July 18, 1920, July 24, 1922
(Gillett, Diary); one at light, August 1. 1948 (Busbridge, Diary).
11. Wateringbury (W. A. Cope); one bred 1912 (E. Goodwin coll.).
Shipbourne, one, August 1914, in P. A. and D. J. A. Buxton coll. (C.-H.).
Aylesford, common, 1953-54 (G. A. N. Davis); one, July 14, 1957, in
G. A. N. Davis coll. (C.-H.).
12. Ham Street, July 1934, one (A. J. L. Bowes); one, July 12, 1946,
one, July 30, 1951 (C.-H.); August 15-20, 1960 (C. R. Haxby and J. Briggs);
June 24, 1953, June 25, July 1955, July 7, 1956 (W. L. Rudland); three
larvae beaten from broom in Orlestone Woods, from which 1d, 299,
emerged 1960 (M. Singleton and M. Enfield). Willesborough, one, July
13, 1954 (W. L. Rudland). Ashford Warren, larvae on broom (E. Scott).
13. Pembury (Stainton, Man., 2: 34). Tunbridge Wells (Beeching,
Ent. Rec., 2: 229).
14. Hawkhurst, 1950, one at light, one at buddleia (B. G. Chatfield).
15. Dungeness—The species is perhaps more frequent here than
anywhere else in the county, imagines being observed annually and in
fair numbers flying over the shingle at dusk (C.-H.). Usually common
in July (A. J. L. Bowes): several, September 8, 1924, “doubtless a second
emergence” (de Worms, Entomologist, 68: 104); larva on broom, June 6,
1959, three imagines. June 6, 1950, one. September 22, 1955 (E. C. Pelham-
Clinton); over 80 imagines, June 28-August 31, 1962, all in mv. (R. E.
Scott); larvae on gorse, 1966 (‘B. K. West).
16. Folkestone* (Ullyett, 1880).
VARIATION.—Cockerell (Entomologist, 18: 56) records a “brown” ab.,
from Chislehurst.
First RECORD, 1859S: Stainton, loc. cit.
Geometra papilionaria L.: Large Emerald.
Native. Woods: on birch, hazel, alder. Fairly frequent in 1, 3, 6-8,
10-14; perhaps casual elsewhere. The imago is mainly observed at dusk
or at light, and excepting the curious instance cited in the First Record,
appears never to have been noted really plentiful). Beale (Zoologist,
4130) records once taking it at sugar at Tenterden.
The larva which is best searched for and not beaten owing to its
tenacity, chiefly occurs on birch, but kas also been noted on hazel by
E. A. Sadler at Sevenoaks Weald, and on alder by S. Wakely near
Tunbridge Wells.
4. Ickham, occasionally, 1954-59 (D. G. Marsh).
15. Dymchurch, one, 1952 (Wakely, Ent. Rec., 65: 43).
16. Lympne (Heitland, Entomologist, 31: 221). Folkestone Town, two
3 So, 1955 (A. M. Morley).
First Recorp, 1831: “Occasionally, Darenth-wood; once in a lane near
Birch-wood I saw many dozens of the wings, several in fine condition
strewn about under an old oak” [probably the work of bats—C.-H.]
(Stephens, Haust., 3: 178).
Comibaena pustulata Hufnagel: Blotched Emerald.
Native. Woods; on oak. Probably casual in 4, 15.
1. Recorded from many localities in this division in the past. Recent
occurrences are: Petts Wood, at light, two. 1947. one, 1949 (E. Evans); 1948
(6) (SUPPLEMENT)
(A. M. and F. A. Swain). West Wickham, 1951 (E. E. J. Trundell); two,
at m.v. light, July 1, 1963 (C.-H.). Abbey Wood, one, 1951 (A. J. Showler).
Bexley, six, June 13, 1952 (A. Heselden). Sparrow Common, larva
(Haynes, Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1955: 88). Blackheath, one,
1960 (A. A. Allen). Bromley, in m.v. trap, 1960 (4), 1961 (5), 1962 (5),
1963 (5), 1964 (5), 1965 (7), 1966 (2) (D. R. M. Long).
3. Bysing Wood (H. C. Huggins). Clangate Wood. Sturry, one bred
June 28, 1932, from beaten larva (Busbridge, Diary). Thornden Wood,
one. June 11, 1933 (A. J. L. Bowes). Den Grove, frequent at light and
flying at dusk, 1934 and subsequent years (C.-H.).
4. Ickham, occasionally, 1954-59 (D. G. Marsh).
5. Downe (de Worms, Lond. Nat., 1956: 62).
6. Longfield (Jennings, Entomologist, 4 (54), ii). Fawkham (E. J.
Hare).
6a. Darenth Wood (Stephens, Haust., 3: 181); six ¢@d, June 25, 1925
(F. T. Grant); (E. J. Hare); odd specimens (B. K. West). Greenhithe
(Hodgkinson, Zoologist, 2328). Swanscombe Wood (Ent. mon. Mag.; 1:
190) Chattenden, one, July 16, 1869 (J. J. Walker MS.); (Chaney, 1884-87);
common, June 17, 1893 (Fenn, Diary).
7. Wigmore (Chaney, 1884-87).
8. Folkestone Warren, a few (Knaggs, 1870). Wye* (C. A. Duffield).
Elham; Dover (W. E. Busbridge). Gorsley Wood, one, c. 1946 (R. Gorer).
Near Waldershare (E. & Y., 1949).
10. Brasted, one (R. M. Prideaux). Sevenoaks, June 24, 1920 (Gillett,
Diary); (W. E. Busbridge).
11. Wateringbury (V.C.H., 1908). Brook Street Wood, iarva beaten
from oak, 1931 (F. D. Greenwood). Hoads Wood (G. V. Bull); (P. Cue).
Tonbridge, about 12 at light, 1939 (H. E. Hammond). Sevenoaks Weald,
two at m.v.l., June 18, 24, 1959, four, July 8-14, 1960 (E. A. Sadler).
12. Ham Street, common at light about 12.30 a.m., June 30, 1934
(A. J. L. Bowes); frequent in Orlestone Woods (C.-H.); common, 1959-60
(M. Singleton). Willesborough, singletons, 1955-56, 1958; Wye, one, 1956
(W. L. Rudland). Chartham (P. B. Wacher). West Ashford, one at light,
1959 (M. Enfield).
13. Pembury (Stainton, Man.,; 2: 36). Tunbridge Wells, one, 1958
(L. R. Tesch per C. A. Stace). Goudhurst, three at light, 1958 (W. V. D.
Bolt).
14. Tenterden (Stainton, loc. cit.). Iden Green, one at light, 1950. (H.
Boxall). Hawkhurst, several at light, 1952-53 (B. G. Chatfield).
15. Dungeness, one, June 30, 1953 (Wakely, Ent. Rec., 66: 109).
VARIATION.—Ab. stigmatisata Stauder, a G which I took at Long Rope
Wood, Orlestone, July 2, 1946 conforms to this very scarce form, though
I have numerous examples from the same locality that are transitional
LO tt (C.~ Ete):
Evans (Entomologist, 80: 286) records a pink form from Petits Wood;
and I have one that is similar; both are apparently referable to ab. rosea
Cockayne (C.-H.).
First Recorp, 1775: “Oak of honor by Peckham” (Harris, Aurelian’s
Pocket Companion, 31). This may possibly refer to Surrey, in which case
the first record will date from 1830: Birch Wood (Curtis, Br. Ent., 300).
(SUPPLEMENT) (7)
Thetidia smaragdaria Fabricius ssp. maritima Prout: Essex Emerald.
Native. Salt marsh borders; on Artemisia maritima. Casual in 12.
Note: The casual occurrence of this and another salt marsh species,
Agdistis bennetii Curtis, in the valley of the Stour (div. 12) is very
remarkable (C.-H.).
2. Queenborough, one, July 5, 1856 (T. Ingall Diary, teste South
Entomologist, 28: 44). Sheerness Dockyard, 1872. a forewing only
(Walker, Ent. mon., Mag., 9: 163). Near Sheerness, one rather worn, taken
July 1. 1873 (Hodgson, Ent. mon. Mag., 10: 180). Gravesend to Sheerness
(1896, Tutt, Br. Moths, 249) (I know of no instance of the occurrence of
smaragdaria west of Sheppey—C.-H.). Leysdown, common, about thirty
bred 1920, from i919 lervae; larvae again common 1922; Harty Ferry, one
(H. C. Huggins). Queensbridge, Sheppey, June 24, 1938, June 30, 1947,
June 24, 1949; a larva, May 3, 1948 (R. C. Edwards). Shellness, several
larvae, August 25, 1950 (S. Wakely; Edwards, Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat.
Hist. Soc.. 1951-52: 27). Queensbridge, Sheppey, one, June 19506, one,
June 28, 1952 (G. Law). Graveney, three larvae on A. maritima, taken
by P. Cue, September 12, 1957 (P. Cue); is the only confirmed occurrence
of this species on the mainland of Kent known to me apart from the
casual appearance in div. 12 (C.-H.).
[4. Deal (1871, Morris, Br. Moths, 1: 138).]
12. Chartham, a single ¢ taken by P. B. Wacher at m.v.l., July 13,
1955 (P. B. Wacher).
VARIATION.—Edwards (Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1951-52: 27)
exhibited a “bluish” in f Ve eet h iyi ‘ N, j inn ee ‘ ai
Aer Fann :% ee ga Ms ; DS kk a i Jolt Wedasibageeited A’ @
ARBTIOOIIS J AIM AHAO ¥ 40 Fst Casivan
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mrienlods) ofigay oxaatg aaitivites baw aco ish is to alie7eh, fia? 204
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4
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ene ay mean :
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Harold Oldroyd
Elements of
Entomology
‘Mr Oldroyd’s book is stimulating and clearly written and
illustrated. It is refreshing to read this coherent account of
the biology of insects after the dry, encyclopaedic works
which are frequently consulted but not often read by students
of entomology. It will be appreciated by amateur naturalists
because it provides a unified account of the life of insects
without assuming any previous knowledge of biology. It will
also be useful as background reading to those on field courses
and as a companion for undergraduate biology courses.’
P. J. S. Furneaux, New Scientist
24 pp photographs, 57 line drawings 45s
Published by
RS Weidenfeld & Nicolson
5 Winsley Street, London W.1
THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine:
Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. WiLuitaMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K.
McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc;
Diptera: L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-Fonseca, F.R.E.S.
CONTENTS
On an instable race of Pieris adalwinda, located in Scotland. B. C. S.
WARREN, F.R.E.S. Bie Ae oa sag at shy buf sae abe soa | PASH)
Apropros Atropos. C. F. COWAN aah fa +e SEA ee ve sa ae O0e
The Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly : a Further Note P. B. M. ALLAN ... Pe ner
Holiday at Thorpeness, Suffolk, 1968. S. WAKELY ... wis ae Eee Xs) OR
“Innisfallen’’ Fare Thee Well! H. C. HUGGINS, F.R.E.S. ... st As wa) Oe
Two Additions to the British Species of Aiomaria Steph. (Col., Cryto-
phagidae), with notes on others of the genus in Britain. A. A. ALLEN,
BE SGe ASR. Seiees. Saf Ba Gig i. Se Bie ie i, ae ratat mails
Notes and Observations ... ie er ae ue ste ae a use Seo
Current Literature ... oy, nik yon ie ae ee Te te see Se ah ate)
TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS
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Joss or damage.
Printed by T. BuNcLE AND Co. Ltp., Arbroath.
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