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APRIL 1994 ISSN 0952-7583 Vol. 7, Part 2
BRITISH JOURNAL OF
ENTOMOLOGY
AND NATURAL HISTORY
Published by the British
Entomological and Natural History
Society and incorporating its
Proceedings and Transactions
Price: £6.00
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
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E. S. Bradford Mrs F. M. Murphy, B.Sc.
P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. M. J. Simmons, M.Sc.
B. Goater, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. T. R. E. Southwood, K.B., D.Sc., F.R.E.S.
A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. R. W. J. Uffen, M.Sc., F.R.E.S.
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NOTE: The Editor invites submission of photographs for black and white reproduction
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33
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
PARDASENA VIRGULANA perieaepe a 9 1994
(LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE), A SPECTES NO
PREVIOUSLY FOUND IN THE WILD IN BRITAIN
MARTIN R. HONEY HARVARD
Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Crom well'Roadl, Mesa bab.
AND MARK STERLING
9 Upper Heath Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire ALI 4DN.
On 27.ix.1992 Mark Sterling joined John Phillips and David Young on a trip to search
for Gortyna borelii lunata (Frey.) at a site on the edge of Hamford Water near Thorpe
le Soken in Essex. A number of lights were run at the site, including a 15-watt actinic,
which attracted a small noctuid which was initially misidentified as Nycteola revayana
(Scop.). On closer inspection it had several unusual features, including bright white hind
wings and hind legs. The specimen was therefore taken to the Natural History Museum
where it was determined by Martin Honey as a female Pardasena virgulana (Mabille).
This species was originally described by Mabille (1880: xvii) as Sarrothripa virgulana
and has also been known as Giaura nigriscripta Hampson. The species is listed by
Hampson (1912: 245) and Gaede (1935: 181) as occurring in South and East Africa
and Madagascar but there are specimens in the Natural History Museum collection
from most tropical and non-tropical areas of Africa, including North Africa and
certain Middle Eastern States, Cameroun, Comoro Islands, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast,
Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sierra
Leone, South Africa, Southern Yemen, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
There is little published information on the natural foodplants of this species but
there are specimens in the Natural History Museum collections reared from pigeon
pea, Cajanus cajan (L.) (Leguminosae), and Lantana, Lantana camara (L.)
(Verbenaceae). Larvae have also been previously imported into Britain on okra,
Abelmoschus escultentus (L.) (Malvaceae) from Cyprus and on peas from East Africa.
The latter were successfully reared at the M.A.F.F. laboratories at Harpenden. With
the proximity of the collecting site to both Felixstowe and Harwich the most likely
explanation for its occurrence in Britain is as a vagrant imported on a ship.
Fig. 1. Pardasena virgulana. This specimen was photographed at the 1993 BENHS Annual
Exhibition and appears in colour on Plate II, Figure 3, Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1994; 7(3).
34 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
DESCRIPTION OF ADULT SPECIMEN
Wingspan 23 mm. Head and tegula fuscous mixed with white. Antennae simple,
fuscous, segments of basal third ringed whitish. Underside of first and second segments
of palpi brilliant white, upperside and all of third segment fuscous-tinged orange mixed
with white. Thorax similar to head and tegula, but with less white. Upper surface
of fore- and mid-legs fuscous with tawny and white scales, hindlegs bright shining
white, foreleg tarsi ringed with white, foreleg femur covered with long scales. Underside
of legs and body bright shining white. Forewing costa strongly arched towards base,
termen rounded. Forewing colour white mixed fuscous, giving an overall grey
appearance to the naked eye. The fuscous scales, especially towards the costa, have
a tawny appearance. Costa edged with a small row of tawny orange scales. There
is some black scaling at the base, forming a basal spot at the costa and extended
into the wing to form a short black basal streak. An intermittent black fascia runs
obliquely outwards from above (not touching) the dorsum towards (not touching)
the costa, passing just beyond the end of the basal streak. There is an indistinct
darker triangular area at mid-costa. Veins marked by dashes of black scales from
about mid-way, those near the costa forming continuous black lines. Cilia light
fuscous. Body fuscous. Hindwing shining white with fuscous terminal shade, veins
fuscous. Cilia white, shading to whitish fuscous towards costa.
CLASSIFICATION
Pardasena virgulana (Mabille) falls within the noctuid subfamily Sarrothripinae.
The only other British members of this subfamily are the two recorded species of
Nycteola. If it is deemed necessary, an English vernacular name for this species already
exists in the African literature (Pinhey, 1975), namely the ‘grey square’.
REFERENCES
Gaede, M. 1935. In: Seitz, A. 1913-1939. Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde 15. iii+358pp.
Stuttgart.
Hampson, G. F. 1912. Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum 11.
xvii + 689pp. London.
Mabille, P. 1880. Annis Soc. Ent. Belg. 23: xvi-xxvii.
Pinhey, E. C. G. 1975. Moths of Southern Africa. 273pp. Cape Town.
BOOK NOTICE
Tachinid flies. Diptera: Tachinidae, by R. Belshaw. Handbk Ident. Br. Insects
10(4ai). Royal Entomological Society of London, 1993, 170 pp, paperback, £20.—
Not a rewrite of van Emden’s 1954 Handbook, but a new book completely. The
artificial key, of 60 pages, is illustrated with diagrams throughout. Ecological notes
for each species are given in the central part of the book. Following the recent trend
of the Handbooks, further illustrations are grouped together at the end. A new check
list is included. Despite numerous books on the family, (Lundbeck, 1927; Wainwright,
1928 etc; Day, 1946, 1947; van Emden, 1954), the Tachinidae remain an under-worked
group. As important lepidopterous (and other) parasitoids, the flies ought to be better
studied, and perhaps Belshaw’s book will enhance this possibility.
R. A. JONES
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
SCLEZROCONA ACUTELLUS (EVERSMANN)
(LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE), THE SECOND
BRITISH RECORD
P. J. BAKER
Mount Vale, The Drive, Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4BP.
On the 13.vi.1989 I took from the garden light trap a pyralid which I did not
recognise. Due to the pressure of work this was set aside and no attempt to identify
it was made until late 1992. Early in 1993 the insect was finally identified as the second
recorded specimen in Britain of Sclerocona acutellus (Eversmann).
Retzlaff and Wittland (1986) suggest that the larval pabulum is Phragmites, a plant
which is quite common around the edges of gravel workings and ornamental! lakes
and along some stream sides within a 5-km radius of my garden in Thorpe/ Virginia
Water. No significant area of marshland including Phragmites communities is known
from this area. Goater (1990) suggests a possible association of S. acutellus with
low-lying damp sandy areas which dry out in summer. These areas include scrub and
more open patches with species of Carex, Scirpus, grasses and a variety of herbaceous
plants with Phragmites mainly along ditches. Such a habitat existed along the verges
of the Thorpe bypass for several years after it was constructed in the early 1970s until
the late 1980s when intensive cleaning up by the local council reduced the area to
a characterless green roadside verge.
This year, 1993, an extensive search of Phragmites occurring within some 3 km of
my garden was conducted and large samples of dead stems from the previous year
as well as new growth were collected. A range of Lepidoptera associated with the
reed was obtained but included no examples of S. acutelia. More searches will
be made in 1994 especially among the many Phragmites communities which will be
destroyed when the local M25 is widened to fourteen lanes.
The possibility of some connection between this specimen and the first capture of
this insect by Sterling (1989) less than a year earlier has to be considered. The Thorpe
example could have been an accidental importation via the adjacent M25/M3 and
Longstock is not that remote from an arterial road. Lack of other records seems to
rule out migration but more examples need to be recorded before an informed
conclusion can be suggested.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My thanks are due to Mr M. Schaffer of the Natural History Museum for his
assistance with the identification of this insect and to Mr B. F. Skinner who very
kindly provided details of recent relevant publications.
REFERENCES
Goater, B. 1990. Sclerocona acutellus (Eversmann) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the South of
France. Entomologist’s Gaz. 41: 4.
Retzlaff, H. & Wittland, W. 1986. The overwintering larva of Sclerocona acutella (Eversmann,
1842) from the Ebro-Delta (Spain) (Lep. Pyralidae, Pyraustinae). Mitteilungen, Band 3
(Nr. 36).
Sterling, D. H. 1989. Sclerocona acutellus (Eversmann) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) new to Britain.
Entomologist’s Gaz. 40: 1-3.
36 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Xyleborus saxesenii (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) new to Cornwall.—A single
live specimen of Xyleborus saxesenii was found beneath the bark of a large beech
trunk section lying in Higginsmoor Wood on the Lanhydrock Estate in E. Cornwall,
16.iii.1993. The beech lay alongside a well-used public path and had presumably been
felled for ‘‘public safety’’ reasons. This is a new county record and a further extension
of the known range. The nearest records known to me are from Gloucestershire (Atty,
1983), Cornwall (Duff, 1993) and in the far east of Dorset-—Cranborne Chase (Pearce,
1926) and Wareham in 1991 (T. Winter, pers. comm.). It is clearly rare in these counties.
Higginsmoor Wood is a large area of oak- and beech-dominated woodland on the
alluvial flats of the Fowey River. It appears to be ancient woodland and is therefore
a rare example of ancient alluvial floodplain woodland—a type which has been
extensively cleared for agriculture over the millennia throughout the British Isles.
Beech is believed not to be native in Cornwall, and the old beech of this particular
estate undoubtedly originate from landscape plantings in the early 18th century.
Although the favoured tree of X. saxesenii (in my experience, at least), this scolytid
does also breed in a wide range of other tree species, and so its presence here does
not contradict its recognized association with ancient woodland and pasture-woodland
(Harding & Rose, 1986). The same beech timber also contained the beetles Cerylon
Serrugineum Steph. and Cylindronotus laevioctostriatus (Goeze), and the bug Xylocoris
cursitans (Fall.). Another scolytid, Dryocoetinus villosus (F.), was abundant in the
thick bark of a fallen oak branch close by, and I took a single specimen of Selatosomus
bipustulatus (L.) on a riverside oak here in 1989. All of these appear to be good
indicators of ancient woodland and pasture-woodland in Cornwall (Alexander, 1991,
1993), although only the last is recognized as such for Britain as a whole (Harding
& Rose, 1986).
My thanks to Tim Winter for his comments on an earlier draft of this note.—K. N. A.
Alexander, National Trust, 33 Sheep Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1QW.
REFERENCES
Alexander, K. N. A. 1991. The fauna of dead and decaying timber in Cornwall. Zoological
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 1: 22-25.
Alexander, K. N. A. 1993. The deadwood fauna of Cornwall. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 6: 97-101.
Atty, D. B. 1983. Coleoptera of Gloucestershire. Cheltenham, privately published.
Duff, A. 1993. Beetles of Somerset: their status and distribution, Taunton, Som. Arch. Nat.
Hist. Soc., pp 270.
Harding, P. T. & Rose, F. 1986. Pasture woodlands in lowland Britain. Institute of Terrestrial
Ecology.
Pearce, E. J. 1926. A list of the Coleoptera of Dorset. Dorset Fld Club Proc. 47: 51-128.
BOOK NOTICE
A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain. Part 2, by
P.S. Hyman and M. Parsons, Peterborough, JNCC, 1994, 248 pages, paperback, £15 +
£3 p. & p.—Families covered in this volume are: Cryptophagidae, terrestrial Hydrophilidae,
Lathridiidae, Leiodidae, Nitidulidae, Pselaphidae, Ptiliidae, Scydmaenidae, Sphaeridiidae
and Staphylinidae. There are also several pages of addenda to part 1. The beetles con-
tained in this part of the review are the ‘difficult’ groups, and a footnote to every page
states that the statuses of the species are open to debate because of the difficulty of identi-
fication. Nevertheless this is an extremely valuable and welcome book which, together
with part 1, serves as a basis from which coleopterology in Britain can move forward.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
THE TORSTENIUS COLLECTION OF
SCANDINAVIAN LEPIDOPTERA
C. B. ASHBY
31 Tudor Close, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 8OT.
In parts of Scandinavia the western extension of the great European and Eurasian
coniferous forest, the taiga, is the dominant habitat. Swamps, lakes, rivers and river
deltas add diversity to these tall, dark forests of the north temperate zone. Travel
northwards and you find the pines and spruces giving way to birch which, unlike
elsewhere in Europe, forms the tree-line on the northern mountains. Beyond lies the
treeless tundra and the Arctic Sea. Travel westwards across the rocky spine which
separates Sweden from Norway to find the high altitude wilderness areas of the
Dovrefjell, Jutonheimen and Hardangervidda. Travel eastwards to the shores of
the land-locked Gulf of Bothnia and south to the Baltic and its thousands of islands,
of which the largest are Oland and Gotland. The pastoral lowlands of Denmark
and Skane in Sweden are notable for their coastlines, lakes and marshes but give
no hint of the vast areas of wild country and low population to which they
give access.
Within the easily accessible literature, the diversity of butterflies in Scandinavia has
been most ably presented by Howard and others in six papers in The Entomologist’s
Record between 1964 and 1976. The English translation of Henriksen and Kreutzer’s
useful book (1982) provides a comprehensive text and a wealth of coloured illustrations
of the life histories and habitats of the Scandinavian butterflies. Kruys (1991) has
given an account of the butterflies of Ostergotland, one of the southern counties of
Sweden, with notes of the habitat. The moths are well served for English readers
by Skou’s illustrated work (1986) on the Geometridae of Europe, and it is to be hoped
that an English edition of his recent (1991) volume on the Noctuidae will follow soon.
Kettlewell (1973) discussed in Chapter 6 of The evolution of melanism certain aspects
of non-industrial melanism as illustrated by moths in Scandinavia, quoting numerous
examples. Dr E. B. Ford, in his book Moths in the New Naturalist series (1955)
has a valuable chapter on relict species and arctic-alpine faunas and refers to, among
others, the three Anarta species which frequent the northern mountains and moorlands
of Britain and Scandinavia. In Lappland, as Dr Guy Howard has pointed out (1969),
the number of Anarta and closely related species rises to 13. Northern Scandinavia
having much in common with northern Asia and North America at these latitudes,
it is very likely that a significant number of its moths and butterflies could be shown
to have a circumpolar distribution. Scandinavia, with its friendly, helpful people and
its enormous range of habitats through 15 degrees of latitude, has much to offer the
visiting naturalist.
When in Stockholm in June 1977, I had the good fortune to be introduced to
Bankjuristen Stig Torstenius, a member of this Society and one of the leading
lepidopterists in Sweden. I was invited to his home in Stocksund and spent an
unforgettable evening going through what must be one of the major European
collections of Lepidoptera in private hands. I came away with an astonishing offer:
if the Society would accept it, Stig Torstenius would provide the material for a
representative collection of Scandinavian macrolepidoptera, to be held at the Society’s
rooms, then at South Audley Street.
+Deceased.
38 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Bl = Blekinge
Boh = Bohuslan
Dir = Dalarna
Dsl = Dalsland
Gstr = Gastrikland
Gtl = Gotland
Hjd = Hiarjedalen
Hl = Halland
Hls = Halsingland
Jtl = Jamtland
Lu lpm = Lule lappmark
Ly lpm = Lycksele lappmark
Mpd = Medelpad
Nb = Norrbotten
Nrk = Narke
Pipm = Pite lappmark
Sk = Skane
Sm = Smaland
Srm = Sodermanland
Tlpm = Torne lappmark
Up! = Uppland
Vb = Vasterbotten
Vg = Vastergotland
Vrm = Varmland
Vstm = Vastmanland
Ang = Angermanland
As lpm = Asele lappmark
Og = Ostergétland
Ol = Oland
Fig. 1. Provinces and Lapp-districts of Sweden.
Gaston Prior, then Secretary, and Eric Bradford, then Curator, were very ready
to agree that this generous offer should be accepted, a view endorsed by the Council
at its meeting in August of that year. At first two, and later three, 10-drawer Hill
units were made available and by early October 1977 the first consignment of about
300 specimens was safely received. No time was to be lost if these were to be shown
at the Annual Exhibition on 29 October, and in fact 159 species of 22 families were
exhibited. This early flurry of activity was but the prelude to an extended period of
assembling and cataloguing the material prior to curation. Two drawers were shown
at the 1978 Exhibition and a further ten in 1979. By 1981, 20 drawers were installed at
South Audley Street, the remaining 10 drawers following a year later. No material
was sent by post or carrier, all the many consignments being brought over by Stig
and myself and our families; by car, ship and air. Nothing was damaged.
Long runs, even of variable species, were at no time contemplated, the general
plan being on the basis of two males and two females of each species. Some
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 iy
rarities or immigrants were fewer than this, some valuable paratypes were more. About
900 species and subspecies, forming some 90% of the Swedish total, are represented.
I have never counted up the number of specimens, but it must be between three and
four thousand. As very little of this was withdrawn from the donor’s main collection,
most of it being specially prepared and set for the purpose from reserve and newly
collected material, members can be in no doubt of the generosity and time-consuming
effort involved.
The Society has in its library a major work on the Lepidoptera of Sweden: Svenska
Fjarilar by Nordstrom, Wahlgren, Tullgren and Ljungdahl, published in Stockholm
in 1941. This large, beautifully illustrated volume was invaluable in coming to terms
with the significant number of species in the consignments which were not to be found
in the normally accessible reference works in Britain. Inevitably, there were problems
with the nomenclature. That in the three useful handbooks by Bertil Gullander (1971)
which I acquired was frequently at variance with the revised Kloet and Hincks
Checklist of 1972. But it was from the outset seen to be very desirable to produce
a catalogue of the collection, and the full catalogue which eventually came into
existence in 1982 was based on the best information to be held at the time. The label
list of Bradley and Fletcher, which has been widely accepted since its appearance in
1979, was not available when curation of the collection began in earnest in 1978. The
excellent label list published by T. W. Harman, being in conformity with Kloet and
Hincks, was adopted for the first drawers and, rightly or wrongly, was continued
for the remainder. Recognizing the rapid establishment of the Bradley and Fletcher
list as the norm, the 1982 catalogue included the serial numbers of both lists.
Further material was added to the collection in 1984 and 1985, often the results
of expeditions to remote parts of Scandinavia to collect species previously not
represented. The enforced removal from South Audley Street led to the whole
collection coming again under my roof, affording the opportunity to update the
nomenclature, fill in gaps and add more new species. The catalogue is in course of
revision to include these additions and the changes made necessary by the six (at least)
major works on the Lepidoptera of Scandinavia which have appeared since the
catalogue was written in 1982.
The data labels are a notable feature of the collection, being fully visible and of
uniform presentation. Sweden, the country of origin of most of the material, is divided
into 29 Lapp-districts and Provinces. Line 1 of each data label gives the standard
abbreviation for the province (or county), line 2 the location, line 3 the date. Long
(38-mm) continental pins are used throughout, so that all the information may be
read without removing the specimen. Some of the material is from such outstanding
areas of Norway as the Dovrefjell and the Jutonheimen, indicated on the labels by
‘NO’, the abbreviation for the Norwegian Nordland. The collection has been designed
to have visual appeal, with fresh, unfaded material meticulously set, presenting a
user-friendly introduction to a lepidopterous fauna largely drawn from the land of
Linnaeus.
The list which follows is not the complete catalogue, copies of which may be
had on loan from the Curator at the Pelham-Clinton Building, Dinton Pastures.
It is a selection to highlight those species which are normally not to be found
in the Society’s other collections, and takes note of the changes in nomenclature.
Where the genus has changed, the earlier generic name is given in brackets; where
the specific name, or sometimes the whole name, has changed, the earlier usage
is given as synonymy. Even the most cursory examination of the list will confirm
that here, for perhaps the first time in Britain, is displayed in one fully accessible
collection the remarkable diversity of species and forms inhabiting the highest
40 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
latitudes in Europe. It includes most of the notable species to which the literature
draws special attention.
I am most grateful to Mr Barry Goater for his helpful comments and for his valued
assistance with the recent changes in nomenclature.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
Bingman, I. 1984. National parks in Sweden. English Edition: Box 1302, S-171 25 Solna,
Sweden.
de Freina & Witt, 1987, 1990. Die Bombyces und Sphinges der Westpalaearktis 2 vols. Munchen.
Fibiger, M. & Hacker, H. 1990. Systematic list of the Noctuidae of Europe. Esperiana, Band 2.
Staffelstein & Schwanfeld.
Ford, E. B. 1955. Moths. The New Naturalist series. Collins, London.
Goater, B. & Mikkola, K. 1988. The taxonomic status of Apamea exulis, assimilis, maillardi
and zeta (Noctuidae). Entomologist’s Ent. Gaz. 39: 249-257.
Gullander, B. 1971. Nordens dagfjdrilar (Butterflies). Norstedt & Soner, Stockholm.
Gullander, B. 1971. Nordens svarmare och spinnare. Norstedt & Soner, Stockholm.
Gullander, B. 1971. Nordens nattflyn (Noctuidae). Norstedt & Soner, Stockholm.
Henriksen, H. J. & Kreutzer, I. B. 1982. The butterflies of Scandinavia in nature (English edition).
Skandinavisk Bogforlag, Odense, Denmark.
Higgins, L. G. 1975. The classification of European butterflies. Collins, Glasgow.
Higgins, L. G. & Riley, N. D. 1970. A field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe.
Collins, London.
Howard, G. 1969. Lepidoptera in Lapland. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 81: 75-77.
Johnson, G. 1964. Abisko revisited. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 76: 259-260.
Johnson, G. 1969. Butterflies in Scandinavia. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 81: 316-318.
Kettlewell, B. 1973. The evolution of melanism. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Kruys, I. 1991. Notes on the butterflies of Ostergétland, Sweden. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 4: 77-82.
Marsden, W. 1980. Lapland. The World’s wild places series. English Edition. Time-Life Books,
Amsterdam.
Mentzer, E. von & Moberg, A. 1987. Agrotis luehri sp.n. from Norway and its relation to the
group a. fatidica (Noctuidae). Ent. Tidsk. 108(1-2): 33-43.
Nordstrom, Wahlgren, Tullgren & Ljungdahl. 1941. Svenska Fjarilar. Stockholm.
Perceval, M. J. 1974. Gargia, Finnmark, July 1973. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 86: 81-84.
Shaw, M. R. 1971. Butterflies in Arctic Scandinavia. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 83: 371-378.
Skou, P. 1986. The geometroid moths of North Europe. English Edition. Copenhagen.
Skou, P. 1991. Nordens Ugler. Copenhagen.
Svendsen, P. 1976. Collecting butterflies in Denmark. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 88: 47-50.
Torstenius, S. 1971. Orodemnias cervini Fallou ssp. fridolini ssp.n. (Arctiidae). Ent. Tidsk.
92(3-4): 173-177.
During the Society’s move from the Alpine Club to its new headquarters at Dinton
Pastures, the Torstenius collection was maintained and curated by Brad Ashby,
allowing him to catalogue the collection and prepare this paper. The cabinets
containing the collection are now at Dinton Pastures.
The following list of species is not a complete catalogue, rather it is a selection
of interesting species, subspecies and races which will be of interest to British as well
as European lepidopterists.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
SELECTION OF SPECIES IN THE TORSTENIUS COLLECTION
Drawer 1
Hepialidae 6 spp. Gazorycta (Hepialus) fuscoargentea B.-Haas; Torne lappmark.
Cossidae 2 spp. Lamellocossus (Cossus) terebrus D. & S.; Uppland.
Zygaenidae 8 spp. Zygaena minos D. & S.=diaphana Stdgr; Smaland, Oland,
Skane.
Z. osterodensis Reiss.; Uppland.
Z. exulans Hochw. ssp. vanadis Palm.; Torne lappmark.
Z. viciae D. & S.=meliloti Esp. ssp. nigrina Beff.; Skane.
Limacodidae 1 sp.
Sesiidae 3 spp. Pennisetia (Bembecia) hylaeformis Lasp.; Uppland.
Drawer 2
Hesperiidae 11 spp. Carterocephalus silvicolus Meig.; Uppland.
Pyrgus alveus Hiibn. ssp. scandinavicus Strand; Gotland.
P. armoricanus Ob.; Skane.
P. andromedae Wallgr.; Torne lappmark.
P. centaureae Ramb.; Lappland, Angermanland.
Papilionidae 3 spp. Parnassius apollo L.; Uppland.
P. apollo L. ssp. linnaei Bryk.; Gotland.
P. mnemosyne L. ssp. romani Bryk.; Uppland.
Papilio machaon L. ssp. bigenerata Ver.; Gotland.
Pieridae 12 spp. Colias hecla Lefeb.; Torne lappmark.
C. nastes Boisd.; Torne lappmark.
C. palaeno L.; Torne lappmark, Dalarna.
Drawer 3
Aporia crataegi L.; Halland, Uppland.
Pieris napi L. ssp. bicolorata Pet.; Lappland, Jamtland.
ssp. adalwinda Fruhst.; Torne lappmark.
Lycaenidae 21 spp. Nordmannia ilicis Esp.; Skane.
Drawer 4
Lycaena helle D. & S.; Angermanland, Jamtland.
Heodes virgaureae L.; Uppland, Skane.
ssp. oranula Frr.; Norrbotten.
Palaeochrysophanus hippothoe L. spp. stiberi Gerh.; Lappland.
ssp. euridice Rott.; Skane.
ssp. hippothoe L.; Uppland.
Lycaeides idas L.; Uppland, Dalarna.
f. lapponicus Gerh.; Torne lappmark.
L. argyrognomon Bergstr.; Smaland.
Aricia nicias Meigen ssp. scandica Wahl.; Halsingland,
Gastrikland.
Albulina orbitulus de Prunner; Jamtland; also a series from
Norway in Drawer 5.
Eumedonia eumedon Esp.; Uppland.
ssp. praticola Burr.; Gotland.
ssp. borealis Wahl.; Norrbotten.
Agriades glandon de Prunn. ssp. aquilo Boisd.; Torne lappmark.
Vacciniina optilete Knoch.; Uppland, Narke.
ssp. cyparissus Hiibn.; Torne lappmark.
Drawer 5 ‘i
Plebicula dorylas D. & S.; Skane. Oland, Gotland.
Plebicula (Agrodiaetus) amanda Schn.; Oland, Uppland, Dalarna.
42
Drawer 5 (cont.)
Nymphalidae
Drawer 6
Drawer 7
Drawer 8
Satyridae
Drawer 9
Lasiocampidae
Saturniidae
Lemoniidae
Drawer 10
Drepanidae
Thyatiridae
Geometridae
31 spp.
20 spp.
13 spp.
2 spp.
1 sp.
6 spp.
9 spp.
301 spp.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Cyaniris semiargus Rott.; Uppland, Skane.
Glaucopsyche alexis Poda ssp. schneideri Stdgr.; Gastrikland.
Maculinea alcon D. & S. ssp. rebeli Hirshke; Skane.
Scolitantides orion Pall.; Uppland.
Euphydryas (Hypodryas) maturna L.; Uppland.
E. iduna Dalman; Torne lappmark.
Fabriciana niobe L.; Sodermanland, Uppland.
Brenthis ino Rott.; Jamtland, Gastrikland, Uppland.
Boloria napaea Hffsgg.; Torne lappmark, Jamtland.
B. aquilonaris Stichel; Torne lappmark, Jamtland, Uppland.
Proclossiana eunomia Esp.; Torne lappmark, Dalarna,
Angermanland.
Clossiana freija Thunb.; Torne lappmark.
C. polaris Boisd.; Torne lappmark.
C. thore Hubn. ssp. borealis Stdgr.; Torne lappmark.
C. frigga Thunb.; Torne lappmark, Lule lappmark.
C. improba Butler ssp. improbula Bryk.; Torne lappmark.
C. chariclea Schneider; Torne lappmark.
Melitaea diamina L.; Uppland, Skane.
Mellicta britomartis Assm.; Gastrikland, Uppland.
Lasiommata maera L.; Uppland.
L. petropolitana F. ssp. ominata Krul.; S6dermanland.
Lopinga achine Scop.; Gotland.
Erebia embla Thunb.; Lule lappmark, Dalarna.
E. pandrose Borkh.; Torne lappmark, Harjedalen.
ssp. Jappona Thunb.; Torne lappmark.
E. disa Thunb.; Torne lappmark.
E. ligea L.; Gastrikland, Uppland.
ssp. dovrensis Strd.; Torne lappmark.
E. medusa D. & S. ssp. polaris Stdgr.; Finnmark, Norway.
Oeneis norna Thunb.; Torne lappmark.
O. bore Schn.; Torne lappmark.
O. jutta Hiibn.; Lule lappmark, Dalarna, Uppland.
Coenonympha hero L.; Dalarna.
C. arcania L.; Uppland.
Eriogaster arbusculae Freyer; Harjedalen, Hjerkinn (Norway).
Dendrolimus pini .; Uppland.
Cosmotriche (Selenephera) lunigera Esp.; Torne lappmark,
Sd6dermanland.
Aglia tau L.; Skane
Lemonia dumi L.; Uppland.
Drepana curvatula L.; Skane.
Achlya flavicornis L. ssp. finmarchica Schéy; Jamtland.
The systematic treatment of the Geometridae is contained in
drawers 11-16. These were made up in 1978. Late additions
(17 species) are in drawer 10.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Drawer 10 (cont.)
Drawer 11
Drawer 12
Drawer 13
Drawer 14
Drawer 15
Scopula decorata D. & S.; Gotland.
Eulithis testata L. ssp. insulicola Stdgr.; Norrbotten.
Ecliptopera capitata H.-S.; Uppland.
Selenia dentaria F., arctic form; Torne lappmark, Norrbotten.
Lycia lapponaria Boisd.; Norway.
Jodis putata L.; Vasterbotten, Gastrikland, S6dermanland.
Cyclophora quercimontaria Bastelb.; Uppland.
Rhodostrophia vibicaria Cl.; Gastrikland, Uppland.
Scopula incanata L.; Oland, Medelpad, Uppland.
Idaea pallidata D. & S.; Angermanland, Gastrikland, Uppland.
I. deversaria H.-S.; Skane.
Lythria rotaria F.=purpuraria L.; Oland, Skane.
ssp. sordidaria Zett.; Skane.
Xanthorhoe abrasaria H.-S.; Torne lappmark.
X. annotinata Zett.; Torne lappmark.
Epirrhoe pupillata Thunb.; Uppland.
E. hastulata Hiibn.; Norrbotten, Uppland.
Entephria polata Dup.; Torne lappmark.
E. byssata Aur.; Torne lappmark.
E. nobiliaria H.-S.; Torne lappmark.
Chloroclysta infuscata Tengst.; Torne lappmark, Uppland.
C. latefasciata Stdgr.; Uppland.
Thera serraria Lien. & Zell.; Torne lappmark.
Colostygia aptata Hubn.; Halsingland.
C. turbata Hibn.; Torne lappmark.
Horisme aquata Hiibn.; Skane.
Rheumaptera subhastata Nolck.; Torne lappmark, Jamtland.
Malacodea regelaria Tengstr.; Uppland, Sodermanland.
Perizoma minorata Treits. f. borealis; Torne lappmark.
P. parallelolineata Retz.; Uppland.
Psychophora sabinii Kirby; Torne lappmark.
Baptria tibiale Esp.; Jamtland. (Drawer 16)
Eupithecia analoga Djak. = bilunulata Zett.; Jamtiand,
GAstrikland.
. actaeata Wald.; Uppland, Sédermanland.
. orphnata W. Pet.; Oland. _
. sinuosaria Evers.; Smaland, Osterg6tland.
. gelidata Mosch. = hyperboreata Stdgr.; Torne lappmark.
. innotata Hufn.; Oland, Skane.
. conterminata Lien. & Zell.; Uppland, S6dermanland.
. lanceata Hiibn.; Uppland.
Aplocera praeformata Hiibn.; Finland.
Lithostege farinata Hufn.; Skane.
Nothocasis (Trichopteryx) sertata Hiibn.; Skane.
jeoMesMtsme oes esiles
Arichanna melanaria L.; Uppland, Gastrikland.
Semiothisa signaria Hiibn.; Uppland.
“bd
Drawer 15 (cont.)
Drawer 16
Drawer 17
Sphingidae
Drawer 18
Notodontidae
Thaumetopoeidae
Drawer 19
Lymantriidae
Arctiidae
Drawer 20
Ctenuchidae
Nolidae
Noctuidae
Drawer 21
10 spp.
28 spp.
1 sp.
11 spp.
32 spp.
1 sp.
6 spp.
349 spp.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Itame (Semiothisa) loricaria Evers.; Halsingland.
Pygmaena fusca Thunb.; Torne lappmark, Jamtland.
Hypoxystis pluviaria F.; Uppland.
Peribatodes secundaria D. & S., Skane.
Gnophos obfuscata D. & S.=myrtillata Hibn.;
Uppland.
Parietaria vittaria Thunb. = Gnophos sordaria Thunb.; Torne
lappmark.
Notodonta torva Hibn.; Dalarna, Uppland.
Odontosia sieversi Mén.; Uppland.
Pterostoma palpina Cl. ssp. lapponicum Teich.; Norrbotten.
Pygaera timon Hiibn.; Smaland.
Clostera (Pygaera) anastomosis L.; Skane.
Thaumetopoea pinivora Treits.; Gotland.
Teia (Orgyia) ericae Germ.; Skane.
Calliteara (Dasychira) abietis D. & S.; Uppland.
Setina (Endrosa) roscida D. & S.
Eilema lutarella L.; Uppland, Gotland.
Setema (Eilema) cereola Hiibn.; Vastmanland.
Pararctia (Hyphoraia) lapponica Thunb.; Torne lappmark.
Hyphoraia aulica L.; Skane.
Grammia (Orodemnias) quenseli Payk.; Torne lappmark.
Dysauxes ancilla L.; Oland.
Nola karelica Tengst.; Gastrikland.
The systematic arrangement of the Noctuidae is contained
in drawers 21-30 (1979). Late additions (12 species) are
accommodated in drawer 20.
Agrotis luehri sp. n. Mentzer & Moberg (see References).
Paratypes (6): Leirdalen, Norway.
Catocala pacta \..; Gotland.
Euxoa recussa Hiibn.; Uppland.
E. adumbrata Evers.; Oland.
E. vitta Esp.; Gotland.
Opigena polygona D. & S.; Uppland, Gotland, Oland.
Actinotia hyperici D. & S .; Ostergétland.
Chersotis cuprea D. & S.; - Uppland, Vastmanland.
Epipselia (Rhyacia) enivencens F. ssp. septentrionalis Fibiger;
Uppland.
Spaelotis clandestina Harris = suecica Aur.; Gastrikland.
Coenophila (Eugraphe) subrosea Steph. ssp. subcaerulea
Stdgr.; Vastmanland.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Drawer 22
Drawer 23
Drawer 24
Drawer 25
Drawer 26
Xestia tecta Hiibn.; Torne lappmark.
X. kongsvoldensis Gronlein; Torne lappmark.
X. alpicola Zett. ssp. hyperborea Zett.; Torne
lappmark.
X. ashworthii Doubl. ssp. burraui Nord.; Oland.
ssp. jutonensis Schoy.; Uppland.
X. collina Boisd. ssp. kenteana Stdgr.; Varmland.
X. lyngei Rebel=Archanarta lankialai Gronblom;
Torne lappmark.
X. (Anomogyna) laetabilis Zett.; Torne lappmark.
X. distensa Evers.; Norrbotten.
X. gelida Sparre-Schneider; Torne lappmark.
X. rhaetica Stdgr.; Halsingland.
X. borealis Nordstr.; Torne lappmark.
X. speciosa Hiibn.; Uppland.
ssp. arctica Zett.; Torne lappmark.
Anomogyna caecimacula D. & S.; Uppland.
Protolampra (Cerastis) sobrina Dup.; Uppland, Vastmanland.
Mesogona oxalina Hibn.; Halland.
Lasionycta leucocycla Stdgr. = Lasiestra dovrensis Wocke;
Torne lappmark; Nordland (Norway).
Polia (Anarta) richardsoni Curt.; Torne lappmark.
P. lamuta Herz = Anarta asiatica Stdgr. ssp. rangnowi Ping.;
Torne lappmark.
Sympistis heliophila Payk. = melaleuca Thunb.;
Torne lappmark.
S. lapponica Thunb.; Torne lappmark.
S. zetterstedti Stdgr.; Torne lappmark.
S. funebris Hiibn.; Torne lappmark, Lule lappmark.
Anartomima sedescens Walk. = bohemanni Stdgr.;
Torne lappmark.
Lasionycta skraelingia H.-S., Torne lappmark.
L. proxima Hiibn.; Uppland.
Eriopygodes imbecilla F.; Gastrikland.
Hadena filograna Esp. = filigrama Esp. ssp. xanthocyanea
Htibn.; Oland.
Cucullia argentea Hufn.; Skane.
Cucullia lucifuga D. & S.; Ostergétland.
Hillia iris Zett.; Lycksele lappmark; Nordland (Norway).
Lithophane consocia Borkh. = ingrica H.-S.; Angermaniand,
Uppland.
Staurophora (Calotaena) celsia L.; Ostergdtland, Uppland.
Polymixis (Antitype) gemmea Treits.; Uppland, S6dermaniand.
P. polymita L.; Uppland.
Conistra rubiginosa Scop. = vau-punctatum Esp.; Uppland,
Ostergétland.
Agrochola nitida D. & S.; Oland, Uppland.
46
Drawer 27
Drawer 28
Drawer 29
Drawer 30
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Acronicta cuspis Hiibn.; Uppland.
Cryphia raptricula D. & S.; Uppland.
Amphipyra perflua F.; Smaland.
Apamea maillardi Gey. ssp. schildei Stdgr.; Nordland (Norway).
See Goater and Mikkola in references.
A. zeta Treits. ssp. marmorata Zett.; Nordland (Norway).
See Goater and Mikkola in references.
A. lateritia Hufn.; Uppland, Oland.
A. furva D. & S.; Uppland, Oland.
A. illyria Freyer; Uppland, Sédermanland, Smaland.
A, rubrirena Treits.; Uppland.
Hydraecia nordstroemi Horke; Uppland, Oland.
Calamia tridens Hufn.; Gotland, Halland.
Phragmitiphila (Nonagria) nexa Hiibn.; Narke.
Platyperigia montana Brem. = Caradrina cinerascens Tengst.;
Uppland.
Paradrina (Caradrina) seleni Boisd.; Uppland.
Athetis gluteosa Treits.; Norway, Gotland.
A. lepigone Mosch. ssp. fennica Ndsm.; Vasterbotten.
Eublemma minutata F.=noctualis Hiibn. ssp. egestosa Drt.;
Skane.
Nycteola degenerana Hiibn.; Uppland, S6dermanland.
Panthea coenobita Esp.; Skane.
Macdunnoughia confusa Steph.; Uppland, S6dermanland.
Lamprotes c-aureum Knoch; Skane.
Autographa macrogamma Evers.; Norrbotten.
A. mandarina Freyer; Uppland (Drawer 20).
Syngrapha microgamma Hiibn.; S6dermanland.
S. hochenwarthii Hochw.; Norway.
S. diasema Boisd.; Norway.
Abrostola asclepiadis D. & S.; Oland, Uppland.
Lygephila viciae Hiibn.; Sédermanland, Ostergétland.
Polypogon (Herminia) tentacularia L.; Uppland (Drawer 20).
P. tentacularia L. ssp. modestalis Heyd.; Torne lappmark.
Paracolax tristalis F.= Herminia glaucinalis D. & S.; Uppland.
IN MEMORIAM
We regret to announce the death of Mr C. B. Ashby, shortly after the receipt
of this article in January 1994. Mr Ashby was a trustee of the BENHS and
an active member. The funeral, at which the Society was represented, was held
on 21 January. A full obituary will appear in a future issue of the Journal.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
SHORT DISTANCE FORM FREQUENCY DIFFERENCES
IN MELANIC LEPIDOPTERA ACROSS HABITAT BOUNDARIES
TAMSIN FRAIERS
Downing College, Cambridge University, Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1DQ.
TOM BOYLES
Emmanuel College, Cambridge University, St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3AP.
CARYS JONES AND MICHAEL MAJERUS*
Department of Genetics, Cambridge University, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH.
The evolution of industrial melanism in the peppered moth, Biston betularia (L.),
is considered to be a classic example of evolution in action. The primary selective
agent involved has been shown to be differential bird predation, the melanic morph
f. carbonaria being more cryptic in heavily polluted regions, but less cryptic than
the typical form in relatively unpolluted areas (Kettlewell, 1955a, 1956). Mani
(1990) has successfully shown by computer simulation that fitness differences
between the forms estimated from bird predation experiments provide good agreement
with geographic differences in the frequencies of the forms, at least on a coarse
scale.
Recent work on melanic polymorphism in other species of Lepidoptera has
shown that the frequencies of melanic forms may change abruptly and significantly
over very short distances across habitat boundaries. Kearns and Majerus (1987)
showed that the frequencies of melanic forms of Alcis repandata (L.) and Semiothisa
liturata (Clerck), taken in a moth trap under a close plantation conifer canopy,
in Dyfed, Wales, were significantly higher than in a moth trap some 50 yards
away in open deciduous woodland. Similar results have subsequently been obtained
for Agriopis marginaria (F.) (Majerus, 1989) in Hampshire, A. repandata, Peribatodes
rhomboidaria (D. & S.) and Idaea aversata (L.), in Surrey (Jones ef a/., in press),
and Chloroclysta truncata (Hufn.), Thera obeliscata (Hiibn.), Thera firmata
(Htibn.) and Noctua pronuba L., in Gloucestershire (Aldridge ef a/., 1993).
We here provide data from a short period of moth trapping at Box Hill, Surrey
showing that morph specific frequency differences over short distances occur
in many, but not all, species of moth with melanic forms. In so doing we extend
the list of species in which significant habitat-related frequency differences have
been recorded, and provide the first data showing species in which such differences
do not occur.
METHODS
Trapping was carried out from 22.vi to 2.vii.1992, between approximately 21.30 p.m.
and 1.00a.m., in Juniper Bottom, Box Hill, Surrey.
Juniper Bottom is an east-west running valley with mature yew woodland
along its sides. The canopy of the wood is extremely dense leading to a very dark
under-canopy with virtually no ground cover, except under occasional broad-leaf
trees, such as whitebeam, and below breaks in the canopy caused by the blowdowns
of October 1987. This sparse ground cover consists mainly of dog’s mercury.
*Author for correspondence.
48 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
The bottom of the valley is separated from the yew slopes by a sharply defined,
thick, mixed broad-leaf natural hedge. This provides a sharp habitat boundary between
the darkness inside the wood and the light of the open valley floor. The valley floor
is characterized by short, partly rabbit-cropped, chalk grassland. (For further details
of the vegetation types see Jones ef al., 1993.)
The traps used were 100-W mercury vapour discharge bulbs set on ‘dustbin’ traps.
They were set in pairs across the habitat boundary approximately 27 m apart and
with 77 m between each pair.
Nine species with melanic forms were scored as typical, half-melanic, melanic or dark
banded according to morph phenotype. For Apamea monoglypha (Hufn.), which
displayed continuous variation, the morphs were graded from | to 5, lightest to darkest
respectively, using representative standard individuals of each class for comparison.
Similarly, for Hydriomena furcata (Thunb.), many different morphs were seen. They
were recorded according to colour (yellow, green or pink), pattern (speckled or banded),
strength of pattern and whether they were melanic, half-melanic or typical (absence of
large areas of black). For statistical analysis only melanic, half melanic and typical classes
were considered. The numbers of three species, N. pronuba, Craniophora ligustri
(D. & S.) and B. betularia were too small for any meaningful analysis to be performed
or deductions to be drawn, and results for these three are not included.
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
The results for six species are given in Table 1. The data were analysed using
heterogeneity chi-squared analysis. (The chi-squared test determines the probability
Table 1. The numbers of moths of different forms of six species taken in yew woodland or
in chalk grassland at Juniper Bottom from 22.vi to 2.vii.1992. Data from the three traps set
each night in the yew woodland are totalled. Similarly the data from the three traps set in chalk
grassland each night are totalled.
Peribatodes rhomboidaria Typical Melanic Total
Yew woodland 85 66 151
Chalk grassland 46 8 54
Alcis repandata Typical Half-melanic Melanic Banded Total
Yew woodland 47 97 16 13 173
Chalk grassland 43 39 11 5 98
Ectropis bistortata Typical Half-melanic Melanic Total
Yew woodland 17 5 6 28
Chalk grassland 35 2 5 42
Idaea aversata Unbanded Banded Total
Yew woodland 34 13 47
Chalk grassland 17 3 20
Apamea monoglypha Darkest <== (Class = Lightest
5 4 3 2 1 Total
Yew woodland 1 0 10 4 7) 17
Chalk grassland 2 2 13 9 0 26
Hydriomena furcata Typical Half-melanic Melanic Total
Yew woodland 22 5 25 oy
Chalk grassland 27 8 18 53
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 £9
that a particular deviation, in an observed data set, from the expectation based on
a scientific hypothesis, for example that the frequencies of typical and melanic
P. rhomboidaria should be the same in yew woodland and chalk grassland, could
occur by chance sampling error.) The comparisons tested, the chi-squared values,
degrees of freedom and corresponding probabilities are given in Table 2.
The data from P. rhomboidaria and A. repandata confirm the findings of Jones
et al. (1993). In P. rhomboidaria, significantly more melanics were taken under
the yew canopy than in the chalk grassland. (In this context, significant is used as
a technical statistical term, meaning that the likelihood that a particular deviation from
expectation is less than one in twenty, if the usual significant level (P) of 0.05 is set.)
In A. repandata, the relative frequencies of the half-melanic, melanic and banded
forms were homogeneous in the two habitats, with the frequencies of all three being
higher under the yew canopy than in chalk grassland. However, the frequency of
the typical form when compared to the three darker morphs was significantly higher
in the chalk grassland than under the yew canopy.
In the case of /. aversata, the frequency of the banded form was higher in the
yew traps than in the chalk grassland traps, but not significantly so. However,
the data are not significantly different from those obtained by Jones ef a/. (1993),
when trapping at Juniper Bottom, in 1990 (data given in Table 3 for convenience)
either under the yew (x; =0.070; P>0.05), or in the chalk grassland (x7 = 0.700;
P>0.05).
The frequencies of darker forms (half-melanic and melanic) of Ectropis bistortata
(Goeze) were significantly higher inside the yew woodland than in the chalk
grassland.
Conversely, the frequencies of the darker grades (classes 3, 4 and 5) of A.
monoglypha, did not differ significantly from those of the paler grades in the
two habitats. In H. furcata, the frequency of full melanics in the yew traps was
Table 2. Analysis of data, giving chi-squared (x7) values, degrees of freedom (d.f.) and
probabilities (P) (ns = non-significant).
x rc ha P
P. rhomboidaria
Typical vs melanic, yew vs grass: 14.40 l <0.001
A. repandata
All forms, yew vs grass: 9.352 3 <0.05
Melanic vs half-melanic, yew vs grass: 1.610 l ns
Melanic + half-melanic vs banded, yew vs grass: 0.064 l ns
Melanic + half-melanic + banded vs typical, yew vs grass: 7.869 l <0.05
E. bistortata
Melanic + half-melanic vs typical, yew vs grass: 4.500 1 <0.05
I. aversata
Typical vs banded, yew vs grass: 1.237 l ns
A. monoglypha
Classes 1+2 vs classes 3+4+5, yew vs grass: 0.002 ] ns
H. furcata
Typical + half-melanic vs melanic, yew vs grass: ARIST / ] ns
50 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Table 3. Numbers of two forms of /. aversata taken in paired m.v. light traps at Juniper Bottom,
Box Hill, Surrey, 22.vi-6.vii.1990. Traps of a pair were sited 20 m apart, one inside and one
outside mature yew woodland. (From Jones ef al., 1993.)
Unbanded Banded Total
Inside yew 51 27 78
Outside yew 23 3 26
The banded form is the nominate form. The unbanded form is f. remutata.
Test of unbanded vs banded, inside vs outside yew woodland: xX; =5.05, P<0.05.
higher than in the chalk grassland, the converse being the case for both the typical
and half-melanic classes, but the differences were very slight.
DISCUSSION
Jones et al. (1993) suggested two possible causes for the presence of higher
frequencies of melanic and dark banded forms under dark canopies than in more
open habitats. Either, as a result of selective predation by birds in the past,
morph-specific habitat preferences have evolved so that their degree of crypsis and
thus protection from visually hunting predators is maximized. Alternatively, in the
absence of such preferences, continual bird predation, by eliminating light forms
in dark habitats, and dark forms in open habitats, may maintain the frequency
differences year on year. Several authors make the assertion that the latter is an unlikely
explanation because the level of differential bird predation would have to be very
high to maintain abrupt frequency differences over such short distances (Majerus,
1989; Jones ef al., 1993; Aldridge et al., 1993). However, Jones (1993) has shown
that sharp clines in morph frequencies may be maintained by relatively weak
differential bird predation, as long as dispersal distances are not high.
Aldridge et al. (1993) put forward a third hypothesis, namely that differential
habitat selection has evolved for reasons not associated with bird predation and the
degree of crypsis. They note, as a possibility, that the night temperature would
generally be higher under closed woodland canopies than in the open. As the degree
of irradiation from a surface is at least in part dependent on its colour, a dark surface
radiating heat faster than a pale one, they suggest that melanics may be at a
disadvantage if they fly in cooler more open situations. However, in this context it
must also be pertinent to ask why some species appear not to show morph-related
habitat selection.
While the data available are not sufficient to allow more than speculation on
the three alternative explanations of the data, consideration of the origin and
genetic control of melanism in the species which do, and those which do not show
abrupt frequency differences, may be informative. In all the species in which
sharp morph frequency differences over short distances have been recorded previously,
the melanism is thought to be controlled by one or two genetic loci, and to be of
relatively ancient origin (Jones ef al., 1993; Aldridge et a/., 1993). This is significant
because Howlett (1989) has demonstrated that morph-specific behavioural differences
will take substantial amounts of time to evolve. The likelihood of morph-specific
habitat preferences evolving will thus increase with time, and be more frequent in
species in which melanism is of relatively ancient origin.
In E. bistortata, Kettlewell (1973) cites melanism as being ‘? industrial’, from
a number of sites in southern England and Wales. The inheritance of melanism
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
is not noted, but progeny from a number of crosses suggest that half-melanics and
melanics are controlled by separate single loci, with their respective alleles both
dominant to the typical alleles (Majerus, unpublished). Jones (1993) questions
Kettlewell’s suggestion that melanism in £. bistortata is industrial in origin, noting
the occurrence of melanic individuals from a number of rural regions.
In both A. monoglypha and H. furcata, Kettlewell (1973) reports the existence of
ancient, non-industrial melanics. In neither species has the inheritance of the colour
pattern variation been analysed, but the continuous variation in A. monoglypha is
likely to be under polygenic control, with the darkest form, f. aethiops Tutt (not present
in the Juniper Bottom samples), possibly being due to a single gene showing incomplete
dominance (Kettlewell, 1973). In H. furcata preliminary analysis suggests at least five
gene loci are involved, three of these respectively controlling ground colour, flecking,
banding, and two affecting melanism (Majerus, unpublished data). That the genetic
control of melanism in the two species which do not show sharp morph-specific
frequency changes is more complex than that in any of the species which do show
this phenomenon, raises the possibility that the mode of inheritance of melanism,
as well as its time orgin, may be important in the evolution of morph-specific habitat
preferences. If the mechanism by which a particular type of behaviour (such as
actively preferring a particular habitat) becomes associated with a specific phenotype
is because the genes controlling the behaviour and the phenotype are tightly linked,
as suggested by Howlett (1989), such linkage may only be possible if melanism
is controlled by one or two gene loci. In species where melanism is controlled
polygenically, it may be that morph-specific habitat preferences and morph-specific
resting site preferences can only evolve if choice is made through a mechanism such
as Kettlewell’s (1955b) contrast-conflict hypothesis of resting site selection. That is
to say if a moth’s behaviour is dependent on its own perception of its phenotype.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to express our thanks to the National Trust for permitting us to trap in
Juniper Bottom and John Bebbington, the staff of Juniper Hall field centre and the
Field Studies Council for providing facilities at Juniper Hall. Liam Cox, Sarah Hunt,
Clare Mason, Catherine Martin, Bryony Green and Clare Dornan assisted with moth
trapping. June Hunt typed the manuscript. Tamsin Majerus corrected the manuscript.
Carys Jones is supported by an SERC Quota Award. Michael Majerus is the recipient
of an NERC grant.
REFERENCES
Aldridge, D., Jones, C. W., Mahar, E. & Majerus, M. E. N. 1993. Differential habitat selection
in polymorphic Lepidoptera in the Forest of Dean. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 105: 203-214.
Howlett, R. J. 1989. The genetics and evolution of rest site preference in the Lepidoptera. Ph.D.
thesis. Cambridge University.
Jones, C. W. 1993. Habitat selection in polymorphic Lepidoptera. Ph.D. thesis. Cambridge
University.
Jones, C. W., Majerus, M. E. N. & Timmins, R. 1993. Differential habitat selection in
polymorphic Lepidoptera. Entomologist 112: 118-126.
Kearns, P. W. E. & Majerus, M. E. N. 1987. Differential habit selection in the Lepidoptera:
a note on deciduous versus coniferous woodland habitats. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 99:
103-106.
Kettlewell, H. B. D. 1955a. Selection experiments on industrial melanism in the Lepidoptera.
Heredity 9: 323-342.
52 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Kettlewell, H. B. D. 1955b. Recognition of appropriate backgrounds by pale and black phases
of the Lepidoptera. Nature 175: 943.
Kettlewell, H. B. D. 1956. Further selection experiments on industrial melanism in the
Lepidoptera. Heredity 10: 287-301.
Kettlewell, H. B. D. 1973. The evolution of melanism. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Majerus, M. E. N. 1989. Melanic polymorphism in the peppered moth, Biston betularia, and
other Lepidoptera. J. Biol. Educ. 23: 267-284.
Mani, G. S. 1990. Theoretical models of melanism in Biston betularia—a review. Biol. J. Linn.
Soc. 39: 355-371.
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Bryoporus rugipennis Pandellé (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Northern England.—
This rare montane beetle is mostly known from the north of Scotland, but it has
also now been found at three English localities. Day (1923) mentions a record by
Donisthorpe from Skiddaw, and K. Houston collected four females in pitfall traps
at Cow Green, Upper Teesdale, County Durham in 1967 and 1968. The site is
now under the reservoir. These four were identified for Houston by R. C. W.
in 1974, but the record has never been published. Two were found in ‘‘Calluna
grassland on glacial drift overlying Melmerby Limestone’’ (NY814303), the other two
in Festuca ovina L. grassland (NY814303). The traps were in operation from late
May to late July.
More recently, a single specimen was found by K. N. A. A. in an area of blanket
peat bog at 670m on the summit ridge about Scar Crags (NY207206), to the
west of Causey Pike in the Derwent Fells, Cumbria, 29.vii.1992. The vegetation
here is of a typical undegraded high level blanket bog type, with a good cover
of the dwarf shrubs Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Vaccinium myrtillus L., and Empetrum
nigrum L., plus some V. vitis-idaea L., within a matrix of Eriophorum and Juncus
Squarrosus L.
The information gathered for the forthcoming Review of the scarce and threatened
Coleoptera of Great Britain, Part 2 (Mark Parsons, pers. comm.) so far includes
recent Scottish records only from Mid-Perth, S. Aberdeen, Easterness and Wester
Ross vice-counties, with older records additionally from Stirlingshire and Elgin.
Another unpublished record known to R. C. W. is of three taken in water traps by
David Horsfield on 11.vii.1982, at Meall a’Chrasgaith (NH186734) Fannich Hills SSSI,
Wester Ross. The traps were placed on ‘‘rocky Rhacomitrium health’’ at 883 m altitude.
It is also worth noting that R. C. W. never came across B. rugipennis himself during
several years of intensive collecting in the Cairngorms and sorties to many other
Scottish peaks. R. C. W. also identified all the Staphylinidae collected by R. Goodier
in Snowdonia and no specimens of B. rugipennis were discovered.
K. N. A. A. would like to thank John Owen for his identification of the specimen
of B. rugipennis and Mark Parsons for access to the as yet unpublished national
review.—Keith N. A. Alexander, National Trust, 33 Sheep Street, Cirencester,
Gloucestershire GL7 1QW, and R. C. Welch, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks’
Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, PE17 2LS.
REFERENCE
Day, F. H. 1923. The Coleoptera of Cumberland, Part III. Trans. Carlisle Nat. Hist. Soc.
3; 70=107%
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE LESSER MOTTLED
GRASSHOPPER, STENOBOTHRUS STIGMATICUS
(RAMBUR) ON THE ISLE OF MAN
ANDREW CHERRILL
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle upon Tyne,
Porter Building, St Thomas Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NEI 7RU.
The discovery of the lesser mottled grasshopper, Stenobothrus stigmaticus
(Rambur), on the Isle of Man in 1962 was a surprise (Ragge, 1963). Although present
in Northern France, the Low Countries and Scandinavia, the grasshopper has not
been recorded from any other site in the British Isles. The mystery of the origin of
the population on the Isle of Man is discussed by Ragge (1963, 1965) and Burton
(1965, 1990). A more immediate practical concern, however, is the lack of quantitative
information on the grasshopper’s habitat requirements on the island. In 1990,
a proposal to extend an existing golf course over much of the grasshopper’s site
highlighted the importance of such basic data. In late July of that year I visited the
island to assess the situation at first hand (Cherrill, 1990), returning in early August
1993 to review subsequent developments. This article reports on these field visits and
makes tentative suggestions for the species’ conservation.
IDENTIFICATION OF S. STIGMATICUS
S. stigmaticus is an inconspicuous green grasshopper, with brownish wings. The
most obvious characteristics separating it from other members of the British fauna
are its small size and the presence of a tooth on each valve of the ovipositor in females
(Ragge, 1965; Marshall & Haes, 1988). In the British Isles, the latter characteristic
is shared only by females of Stenobothrus lineatus (Panz.) which measure 17—23 mm
in length, compared to a length of 12-15 mm for adult females of S. stigmaticus.
The dimensions of a number of grasshopper specimens collected by the author on
the Isle of Man in July 1990 are shown in Table 1. Although the numbers of specimens
of each species are low, it is evident that the small overall size of S. stigmaticus can
be attributed largely to its relatively short wings. Along other dimensions, S.
stigmaticus is as large or larger than co-occurring specimens of Myrmeleotettix
maculatus (Thunb.). Both species are considerably smaller than the common field
grasshopper, Chorthippus brunneus (Thunb.).
DISTRIBUTION
On the Isle of Man, the grasshopper occurs solely on and in the vicinity of the
Langness Peninsula which forms the South Eastern tip of the island. The peninsula,
which is approximately 2.5 km long and 0.5 km wide, supports a number of historical
landmarks including the Sea Mark (usually called the Herring Tower), the Powder
House, ancient earthworks and a working lighthouse (Fig. 1). With the exception
of a raised beach and small areas of sand-dune and salt-marsh on its western side,
the peninsula’s shore-line is steeply rocky. The peninsula is renowed for its aesthetic
appeal and is an important site for breeding birds. The peninsula lies within an
ornithological reserve, but otherwise neither the peninsula nor the grasshopper
currently enjoys special protection under Manx law.
The landward half of the peninsula is dominated by a golf course on sand-dunes
and blown sand. The seaward portion supports substantial outcrops of slate,
54
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Table 1. Mean linear dimensions of adult grasshoppers collected on Langness Peninsula in July
1990 (all measurements in mm, with standard deviation in parentheses).
Species Sexeneg Head Pronotum Fore-wing Hind-femur Body
M. maculatus M 5 1.96 (0.16) 2.16 (0.15) 8.33 (0.66) 7.20 (0.54) 12.45 (0.94)
F 14 2.28 (0.11) 2.50 (0.12) 10.14 (0.48) 8.37 (0.42) 14.92 (0.57)
S. stigmaticus M 12 1.91 (0.21) 2.20 (0.12) 6.76 (0.28) 7.37 (0.48) 10.88 (0.41)
F 14 2.39 (0.11) 2.88 (0.14) 8.24 (0.62) 9.11 (0.60) 13.51 (0.71)
C. brunneus M 12 2.22 (0.19) 2.17 (0.21) 12.54 (0.41) 9.29 (9.55) 17.46 (0.64)
F 11 3.07 (0.24) 3.62 (0.17) 15.77 (0.78) 12.20 (0.65) 22.46 (0.90)
former agricultural land (now reverting to rough grassland) and extensive areas of
unimproved vegetation (Garrad, 1972; Allen, 1984). The latter include maritime
grassland and heath. In addition to supporting a diversity of invertebrates (Luff,
1990), these plant communities are of some conservation value in their own right.
Fig. 1. Map of Langness Peninsula, showing the distribution of S. stigmaticus in July 1990
(hatched areas), the golf course (stippled areas) and other features mentioned in the text:
1 Ronaldsway airport; 2 Derby Haven; 3 Sandwick; 4 Kiln and Smelt House (ruins); 5 Hotel;
6 Langness Farm (ruins); 7 car park (open symbol), earthwork (broken line) and Powder House
(filled circle); 8 Herring Tower; 9 Lighthouse; 10 The Arches; 11 Dreswick Point.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
In the European context, the Ulex gallii/Calluna vulgaris heath is a scarce vegetation
type (NCC, 1989).
Happily, in 1990, I found the grasshopper to be widely distributed over the
peninsula. Although most areas of maritime grassland and heath were occupied,
densities appeared to be greatest in the seaward half of the peninsula, and especially
around rocky outcrops. In the landward half of the peninsula, the grasshopper
occurred only along the eastern edge of the golf course, where maritime turf and
heath were restricted to a narrow strip of rocky outcrops and slopes above the shore.
Here, and elsewhere, the grasshopper occurred on the edges of cliffs and to within
several metres of high water. Evidently, the species is tolerant of vegetation receiving
considerable quantities of sea spray. However, in contrast to its occurrence in these
exposed conditions, the grasshopper was apparently absent from the golf course and
areas of tall grassland in the centre of the peninsula (including areas of former
arable land).
Isolated colonies recorded previously (Burton, 1965) on the edge of the golf course
near Derby Haven could not be located. However, in some measure of compensation,
the grasshopper was found in a narrow strip of fore-dune (measuring roughly 200 m
by 20m), sandwiched between the golf course and the shingle beach at Sandwick
in Castletown Bay (Fig. 1). This site represents the first record of S. stigmaticus
landward of the peninsula’s narrow neck.
Due to the proximity of Sandwick to Ronaldsway Airport, and the uncertainty
as to the species’ origin on the island, the opportunity was taken to search the
abandoned Second World War hangar areas, runway aprons and grasslands within
the airport’s perimeter. A careful search of the southern coastal fringe between Douglas
Head (OS grid reference SC382742) and The Chasms (SC192665) was also undertaken
(Cherrill, 1990). Both searches, conducted in July 1990, drew a blank, despite ideal
weather and seemingly suitable vegetation at many sites. The three other species of
grasshopper recorded from the island were widespread. Of these, M. maculatus and
C. brunneus were found to occur with S. stigmaticus on the peninsula and at Sandwick.
The third species, Omocestus viridulus (L.), was recorded in the vicinity of Derby
Haven in the late 1960s (Dr Garrad pers. comm.), but now seems to be absent from
the areas occupied by S. stigmaticus.
Overall, my observations on the distribution of S. stigmaticus were encouraging,
with the species occurring more widely than was previously thought. Nonetheless,
closer consideration of the species’ habitat requirements suggests that there may be
little cause for complacency amongst those seeking to secure the future of the
grasshopper on the Isle of Man.
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
In Continental Europe, S. stigmaticus occurs in a range of habitats, including sheep
pasture, moorland and woodland glades. However, only the driest, warmest sites with
short turf are occupied (Harz, 1975; Bellmann, 1988; van Wingerden & Bongers, 1989;
van Wingerden ef al., 1991a, 1991b, 1992). Holst (1986) notes that S. stigmaticus
occurs at sites similar to, but warmer and drier than, those favoured by the congeneric
species, S. lineatus. This observation serves to emphasize the curious isolation of
S. stigmaticus on the Isle of Man, because in Britain S. /ineatus is restricted to Southern
England. Nonetheless, the ecological requirements of S. stigmmaticus at Langness and
in Continental Europe appear to be broadly similar.
My observations on Langness peninsula suggest that S. stigmaticus is never found
far from short turf (usually less than 5-10 cm tall) and reaches high densities only
56 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
where extensive areas of such turf are present (often with a mixture of sparse grass
tussocks or heather bushes). Areas dominated by heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull
and Erica cinerea L.) and western gorse (Ulex gallii Planchon) were occupied, but
densities appeared to be lower than in more open grassy areas. Densities were
particularly high in short maritime turf on the Arches, and along the shore south
of the lighthouse at Dreswick Point. Towards the centre of the peninsula densities
were greatest around slate outcrops (and especially near the Powder House). At
Sandwick the grasshopper occupied an area of short turf, again with only a scattering
of grass tussocks.
The floristic composition of the vegetation occupied by S. stigmaticus differed
greatly between Sandwick and the peninsula, yet its distribution in relation to sward
height appeared to be similar. Information on sward structure is difficult to convey
without quantitative data. In these circumstances, the distribution of S. stigmaticus
can perhaps be described most effectively via comparison with the better known habitat
preferences of the two co-occurring species, M. maculatus and C. brunneus. The
former species is known to occur exclusively within areas of very short turf (Marshall
& Haes, 1988), while the requirements of C. brunneus are more complex. The early
juvenile stages of C. brunneus occur predominantly in areas of short turf, while the
later stages are associated with tussocky grass (Richards & Waloff, 1954; Atkinson
& Begon, 1988). In comparison with these two species, S. stigmaticus was observed
to be intermediate in its habitat preferences. Thus, while S. stigmaticus was associated
with patches of short turf, this relationship was not as pronounced as that exhibited
by M. maculatus. Conversely, S. stigmaticus was rarely found in the taller vegetation
occupied by adult C. brunneus.
If my interpretation of the species’ habitat requirements is correct, the species’
absence from short turf on the golf course requires explanation. The most likely cause
is the disturbance associated with maintenance of the fairways and playing activity.
It is possible that an intensive search of the ‘rough’ would reveal small colonies
surviving on remnants of heath, but the golf course as a whole appears to offer a
sub-optimal habitat for S. stigmaticus.
THREATS TO THE SPECIES’ SURVIVAL ON THE ISLE OF MAN
In 1990 a proposal for the extension of the existing Langness golf course into
the seaward section of the peninsula was rejected at public enquiry. Whilst many
long-established golf courses are valuable wildlife refuges (NCC, 1990), the applicants’
submission that wildlife may actually benefit from the further development of Langness
peninsula (RPS Clouston, 1990) gained little credence. Despite this judgement, the
future of the lesser mottled grasshopper is yet to be secured unequivocally. By the
time the inspector’s decision was given, the owners of Langness had already ceased
livestock grazing on the peninsula several years previously. At the time of my visit
in August 1993, this traditional means of managing the vegetation of the peninsula
had not been reinstated with the result that many areas of turf, which supported
S. stigmaticus in 1990, now appeared to be too tall for the species. Unfortunately,
poor weather in 1993 prevented a direct reassessment of the species’ distribution.
At Sandwick, and along the rocky shores of Langness peninsula, environmental
conditions alone may be sufficient to maintain an open sward of low growing plants.
Towards the mid-line of the peninsula, however, S. stigmaticus appears vulnerable
to shading from unchecked growth of the vegetation. In the continued absence of
grazing, the build up of dead plant material presents an additional risk from
uncontrolled heath fires.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 $7
THE FUTURE
In conclusion, the little information available suggests that ensuring the continued
presence of S. stigmaticus on the Isle of Man will require careful monitoring of both
the species’ distribution and the state of its habitat. Preliminary field observations
at Langness, indicate that the species’ primary requirements is for areas of short turf,
perhaps interspersed with sparse tussocks or heather clumps. At the time of writing,
grazing has yet to be reinstated and the future management of Langness is uncertain.
Resolution of the problem hinges on the success of long-running negotiations between
Manx National Heritage (the island’s governmental body with responsibility for nature
conservation) and the owners of Langness.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks are due to Manx National Heritage, and to Larch Garrad and Nick Pinder
for their assistance and hospitality during my time on the Isle of Man. Thanks are
also due to the staff of Ronaldsway Airport for allowing access to restricted areas
in 1990.
REFERENCES
Allen, D. E. 1984. Flora of the Isle of Man. Manx Museum and National Trust, Douglas.
Atkinson, D. & Begon, M. 1988. Changes in grasshopper distribution and abundance at sites
in the north Merseyside sand dunes. Naturalist 113: 3-19.
Bellmann, H. 1988. A field guide to the grasshoppers and crickets of Britain and northern Europe.
Collins, London.
Burton, J. F. 1965. Notes on the Orthoptera of the Isle of Man with special reference to
Stenobothrus stigmaticus (Rambur) (Acrididae). Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 100(1964):
193-197.
Burton, J. F. 1990. The mystery of the Isle of Man’s endangered grasshopper. British Wildlife
2: 37-41.
Cherrill, A. J. 1990. A survey of the grasshoppers of the Isle of Man, with particular
reference to the distribution, biology and conservation of Stenobothrus stigmaticus
(Rambur) on Langness Peninsula. Unpublished report to the Manx Museum and Natural
Trust.
Garrad, L. S. 1972. The naturalist in the Isle of Man. Newton Abbot.
Harz, K. 1975. The Orthoptera of Europe IT. Series Ent. 11, W. Junk, The Hague.
Holst, K. 1986. The Saltatoria of northern Europe. Fauna Ent. Scand. 12. E. J. Brill/Scandinavian
Science Press, Copenhagen.
Luff, M. L. 1990. An entomological survey of the Langness peninsula, Isle of Man. Proc.
I. O. M. Nat. Hist. Antiqu. Soc. 9: 565-586.
Marshall, J. A. & Haes, E. C. M. 1988. Grasshoppers and allied insects of Great Britain and
Ireland. Harley, Colchester.
Nature Conservancy Council. 1989. Guidelines for the selection of biological SSSIs. Nature
Conservancy Council, Peterborough.
Nature Conservancy Council. 1990. On course conservation—managing golf’s natural heritage.
Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough.
Ragge, D. R. 1963. First record of the grasshopper Srenobothrus stigmaticus (Rambur) (Acrididae)
in the British Isles, with other new distribution records and notes on the origin of the British
Orthoptera. Entomologist 96: 211-217.
Ragge, D. R. 1965. Grasshoppers, crickets and cockroaches of the British Isles. Warne,
London.
Richards, O. W. & Waloff, N. 1954. Studies on the biology and population dynamics of British
grasshoppers. Anti-Locust Bull. 17: 1-182.
58 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
RPS Clouston. 1990. Langness Peninsula. Ecological evidence given on behalf of the Palace
Group. RPS Clouston, Oxon.
Van Wingerden, W. K. R. E. & Bongers, W. 1989. De verspreiding van Stenobothrus stigmaticus
(Rambur) 1839 (Orthoptera, Acrididae) in relatie tot de vegetatiestructuur van Deschampsia
flexuosa bij begrazing. Nieuwsbrief Saltabel 2: 20-27.
Van Wingerden, W. K. R. E., van Kreveld, A. R. & Bongers, W. 1992. Analysis of species
composition and fannie of grasshoppers (Orthoptera, ee in natural and fertilised
grasslands. J. Appl. Ent. 113: 138-152.
Van Wingerden, K. R. E., Musters, J. C. M., Kleukers, R. M. J. C., Bongers, W. &
van Biezen, J. B. 1991a. The influence of cattle grazing intensity on grasshopper abundance
(Orthoptera: Acrididae). Proc. Exp. Appl. Ent. 2: 28-34.
Van Wingerden, W. K. R. E., Musters, J. C. M. & Maaskamp, F. I. M. 1991b. The influence
of temperature on the duration of egg development in West European grasshoppers
(Orthoptera: Acrididae). Oecologia 87: 417-423.
BOOK REVIEW
Hoverflies, by Francis S. Gilbert, with plates by Steven J. Falk, 67pp, 68 half-tone
figures & line drawings, 4 colour plates, Naturalist’s Handbooks 5, Revised 2nd
edition, Richmond Publishing Co Ltd, Slough, 1993, ISBN 0-85546-266-8, paperback,
£7.95, ISBN 0-85546-256-6 hardback, £13.—This book was well received when
originally published by Cambridge University Press in 1986. The new revised edition
is very similar; in the acknowledgements the author refers to the opportunity to correct
mistakes and the adding of some of the more interesting discoveries in the last
few years.
Among the extra information is that on p. 7 which refers to the possible use of
Eristalis as indicators of pollution, citing an example of such a project in Egypt, but
giving no advice as to the pollution thresholds of British species. Since the previous
paragraph refers to the larvae using the foulest of foul water, which is true of E. tenax,
the reader is left unaware that some (most/all?) British Eristalis species breed in natural
eutrophic conditions that are unpolluted by man. On p. 9 the over-wintering biology
of Eristalis tenax is a useful addition.
Under Volucella (pp. 14-16), the reader is briefly told that the larvae show a range
of key evolutionary innovations which led to the evolution of other genera. In the
next chapter, on p. 17, there is a short new paragraph on the evolution of hoverflies,
with references.
New ecological information is given, as on p. 23 where the discovery of larvae of
Callicera rufa is mentioned. At the end of chapter 4, p. 36, there is reference to new
work on the effectiveness of mimicry.
Just over 18 pages are devoted to the identification of selected common species
as in the first edition, complemented by four colour plates; the tone of the plates
is different from my copy of the first edition but the quality is overall much the same.
The final chapter, on techniques, is essentially the same. The first edition had a
compilation of 85 references to hoverflies; the revised edition has 95.
For anyone with the first edition of this book, it would not be worth buying the
second edition since the revision is minor. The book remains a useful one for
the target audience, especially students and the general naturalist.
ALAN E STUBBS
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 «
SOME RARE AND THREATENED BEES RECORDED
FROM SALISBURY PLAIN, WILTSHIRE
G. R. ELSE
Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 SBD.
AND S. P. M. ROBERTS
22 Belle Vue Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3 YG.
INTRODUCTION
Salisbury Plain is located in south Wiltshire, extending westwards from the county's
eastern border to Westbury and Warminster, and from the Vale of Pewsey 10 miles
south to the vicinity of Amesbury. Except for a few small villages, the western half
of the region is sparsely inhabited, the main centres of population being the army
garrisons. The Plain is about the same size as the Isle of Wight, with vast tracts of
countryside designated as the Salisbury Plain Training Area (S.P.T.A.), the property
of the Ministry of Defence (M.o.D.), and used primarily as artillery ranges and for
training personnel. Much of the area consists of chalk grassland, with scrub and
isolated plantations. The S.P.T.A. encompasses the largest remaining piece of
semi-natural chalk grassland in Europe (37,651 ha.) (McOmish & Field, 1993). Some
of the grassland is mown annually for hay in late June and early July, an activity
which unfortunately coincides with the peak flight period of several of the rarer bees
in these areas, as many pollen and nectar sources are removed.
Possibly because of its M.o.D. administration (permits are required for access to
the ranges), the region has been largely neglected by entomologists. Our recent survey
has shown that Salisbury Plain has a very rich aculeate fauna (especially comprising
those species characteristic of calcareous grassland), and includes a number of
nationally rare or threatened species. The latter includes the bees Melitta dimidiata
Mor. and Nomada armata H.-S., both of which are accorded RDB! status (i.e. they
are categorized as nationally endangered species in the insect Red Data Book (Else
& Spooner, 1987) and A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasps and ants
of Great Britain (Falk, 1991). In Britain M. dimidiata is known only from a few
grassland sites in Wiltshire.
In the period 1983-85 a thriving population of M. dimidiata was found by
G. R. Else and M. Edwards on chalk grassland near Easton Royal in the Vale of
Pewsey. A subsequent search in this site on 25.vi.1989 by both authors revealed only
a single male. None was encountered on further visits by us, the most recent in June
1993. The bee had been found here first by K. M. Guichard on the 29.vii.1972
(Guichard, 1973). This site is a small, isolated cutting, consisting of a footpath and
an adjacent steep grassy slope; the area is surrounded mainly by ‘improved’ sheep
pasture (a euphemism for artificially fertilized grassland which is deficient in most
plants characteristic of chalk downland). The population crash seems to have been
due to rabbits which had eaten many of the sainfoin (Onebrychis viciifolia Scop.)
plants on which this bee solely relies for both pollen and nectar. Encouragingly this
plant had fully recovered to its former abundance by June 1993.
The depressing decline of this bee prompted us, in 1991, to undertake a survey
of the four sites (all on Salisbury Plain) where the species had also been found in
the past, and to investigate other grassland sites on the Plain where sainfoin was well
established in the hope of finding further populations of M. dimidiata. As a result,
over the three seasons 1991-93, a most encouraging picture of the fortunes of this
60 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
bee emerged. Indeed the species is proving to be well established over a wide area
of Salisbury Plain, and here it is clearly not endangered. The survey also revealed
the presence of other scarce bees on Salisbury Plain and should provide a basis
on which conservation measures for these can be implemented if considered
appropriate in the future. Preliminary results of some of the species encountered
are presented below as an annotated list. We plan to continue with this survey in
future seasons.
SCARCE BEES RECORDED FROM THE SALISBURY PLAIN, 1949-1993
Hylaeus cornutus Curt. (Colletinae). This is a rare species, restricted to the
south-central and south-eastern counties of England, the range extending from Kent
to Dorset, northwards to Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire,
Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk (Else, in prep.). It has been reported from open,
broad-leaved woodland, fenland and chalk grassland. A male of this bee was collected
from an oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.) flower on Tilshead Down by
G. M. Spooner on the 14.vi.1974. A female was collected from scentless mayweed
(Tripleurospermum inodorum Schultz Bip.) blossom on Figheldean Down (between
Netheravon and North Tidworth) on 22.vii.1993 by S. P. M. R., and two other females
on wild carrot (Daucus carota L.) inflorescences by G. R. E. on Great Cheverell Hill
(a chalk downland reserve of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust near West Lavington) on
21.viii.1993. These records seem to be the only ones known from the county. The
national flight period of this single-brooded species extends from June to August.
Andrena hattorfiana (F.) (Andreninae). This is one of the largest of British Andrena
species and is widely distributed but very local in southern Britain. Its range extends
from east Kent to west Cornwall, northwards to Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Essex,
Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk; there are also old records
from South and West Glamorgan (Else, in prep.). Until recently there were very few
records from Wiltshire. C. H. Andrewes collected single specimens of A. hattorfiana
in or near Salisbury on 11.vii.1947 and 31.vii.1948, and from his garden at Coombe
Bissett (west of Salisbury) on 25.vii.1974. One of us (G. R. E.) found many specimens
near Easton Royal from 1983 to 1985. Several were also recorded by G. R. Else and
M. Edwards on the roadside at Cow Down, north of North Tidworth, on 7.vii.1985.
During the course of our survey we found the bee on seven sites on Salisbury Plain.
These are summarized (from west to east) as follows: Great Cheverell Hill, Tilshead
(several places), near the Bustard vedette, Bulford, Figheldean Down (including the
roadside), Weather Hill (south of Everleigh) and Cow Down. Both sexes are almost
exclusively associated with the flowers of field scabious (Knautia arvensis (L.)), a
plant characteristic of the grasslands of Salisbury Plain. We have occasionally found
individuals visiting small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria L.) (including a female
collecting pollen) and greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa L.) flowers. Nest burrows
of the bee have been found in wheel ruts along a track near Tilshead (these included
a small, loose aggregation of five burrows) and another in a soil exposure on the
edge of a field. The rarer red-marked form of the female is not uncommon on the
Plain, perhaps comprising 30% of the female population in some sites. Nationally,
the flight period is from late June to mid August.
A. marginata F. Males of this species were observed visiting the flowers of small
scabious on Figheldean Down on the 14.vii.1993 (apparently the first Wiltshire records
of this bee). Females were found here on 19 and 22.vii.1993. Several females were
also encountered on roadside flowers of the same species at Weather Hill on 20 and
31.vii. This is a rare and local bee, but is very widely distributed in the British Isles,
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 ‘
ranging from Kent to west Cornwall, northwards to Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire
and Norfolk; it is known too from Wales, central Scotland and southern Eire (Else,
in prep.). The species is mainly associated with scabious flowers: small scabious,
devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis Moench) and field scabious. The flight
period in the British Isles of this single-brooded species is from mid July to late
September.
A, nitidiuscula (Schck). This is a very local bee in Britain, known from East Sussex
to east Devon (and including the Isle of Wight), Surrey and Berkshire (Else, in prep.).
It has been mainly found on the coast, but is also known from heathland and open,
broad-leaved woodland. The bee is associated with the flowers of various species of
Apiaceae. The first Wiltshire record was a female found by S. P. M. R. near Tilshead
on 19.viii.1991. In July and early August, 1993, a thriving nesting aggregation of
this bee was observed by us on an exposed track on Figheldean Down. Females foraged
nearby on wild carrot blossom; some males visited yellow Asteraceae flowers. A pair
was found in copula on the ground within the nesting area on 7.viii. In Britain the
species is single-brooded and is active from the end of June to early September.
Interestingly, many Nomada rufipes F. were observed in the vicinity of this nesting
aggregation, but not elsewhere on the Down. It seems possible that this Nomada is
a cleptoparasite of A. nitidiuscula in this site. This association has not previously been
suspected. The nationally endangered N. errans Lepeletier is a known cleptoparasite
of A. nitidiuscula in Britain (though the former is only known in this country from
a single site on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset). N. rufipes is considered to be a
cleptoparasite of certain species in the Andrena fuscipes (Kirby) group, to which A.
nitidiuscula does not belong. On heaths and moors it attacks A. fuscipes (Evans, 1906;
Frisby, 1906), but elsewhere it seems to be associated with A. denticulata (Kirby)
(Perkins, 1918, 1919; Chambers, 1949; Spooner, pers. comm.) and A. nigriceps (Kirby)
(Swale, 1893; Jones, 1928; Chambers, 1949). None of these Andrena species has been
recorded on Figheldean Down. However, A. simillima Smith, F., a close relative of
A. nigriceps, does occur in this site in small numbers.
A. simillima Smith, F. This is another very scarce bee with a restricted range in
Britain. It has mainly been found in east Kent (Folkestone Warren), south-east Devon
and Cornwall. In addition there are old, unconfirmed records from the Isle of Wight,
Suffolk and Norfolk (Else, in prep.). Inland sites are very unusual; the only ones
known to us, prior to our survey, were in Dorset (Morden, 1928) and Hampshire
(Abbotstone Down, near Alresford, 1985). The bee is mainly associated with flowers
of Asteraceae, including thistles, knapweeds, scentless mayweed and common ragwort
(Senecio jacobaea L.). S. P. M. R. found a male A. simillima on Figheldean Down
on 11.vii.1993, followed by further single records of females on 14 and 22.vii, and
1.viii. Finally, G. R. E. found two females in the same site on 7.viii; one was visiting
a flower of greater knapweed, the other scentless mayweed. Nationally, the bee flies
as a single brood from early July to August.
Melitta dimidiata Mor. (Melittinae). This, the largest of the four British Melitta
species, was first found in Britain near Tilshead by P. W. E. Currie on 9.vii.1949
(Baker, 1965). According to D. B. Baker (pers. comm.) the site was close to White
Barrow, a neolithic long-barrow on Tilshead Down to the south of the village. Baker
has also encountered the species on the barrow and, on numerous visits from 1964
to 1989, found the bee on the adjacent grassland and at Yarrow’s site (see below).
In the 1970s the custodians of White Barrow, The National Trust, attempted to control
scrub invasion on the ancient monument by erecting a fence around it and introducing
a flock of sheep. The sheep succeeded in eradicating both scrub and sainfoin, the
latter being the sole pollen source of this bee!
62 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
On 10.vii.1965, I. H. H . Yarrow discovered the species in a second site on Salisbury
Plain (Yarrow, 1968). Shortly before he emigrated to Australia in the 1980s, he
disclosed to G. R. E. that the site was a neolithic barrow south-west of Tilshead (near
Horse Down, north of the Chitterne road), not far from Currie’s site.
In 1991 we rediscovered the bee near White Barrow on 16.vii, and on the following
day at both Yarrow’s site and West Down (east of and overlooking the army camp).
In addition we also encountered it in two new sites: about a kilometre north of Tilshead
and on the roadside about a kilometre east of West Down. It was particularly
common at West Down, but only occurred in small numbers in the other sites visited.
S. R. Miles (pers. comm.) found the bee at West Down in both July 1986 and
July 1991.
In the following year we again found it on several dates in late June and July to
the north of Tilshead and at West Down. Seven females and at least 36 males were
seen by us on West Down on 27.vi, and both sexes plentifully on 28.vi byS. P.M. R.
(from the roadside, south across the army range towards the main Tilshead to Shrewton
road).
A further three sites for the species were found in 1993: Great Cheverell Hill (1.vii
and on subsequent visits in the same month); Figheldean Down (in late June by
D. Sheppard, and later by the authors on 11.vii and on a few visits thereafter).
R. Gabriel encountered several males at a site 1 kilometre north-west of Tilshead
on the West Lavington Road (east of Horse Down) on 16.vii.
The bee is protandrous, the males emerging ahead of the females. The former
begin flying in late June and continue well into July. When freshly emerged, males
are clothed over much of their bodies with rich, reddish brown hairs, but this colour
rapidly fades to whitish, when specimens appear silvery on the wing.
Males fly rapidly between the sainfoin plants, only pausing occasionally for brief
visits to the flowers. During cool, cloudy conditions this sex has been observed
sheltering within the racemes of sainfoin and in the flowers of clustered bellflower
(Campanula glomerata L.), field scabious and oxeye daisy. Females are generally active
from late June to mid August (in 1993 an apparently freshly emerged specimen was
found on 31.vii). In common with the other three species of British Melitta, they
are not as frequently seen in the field as males. The females excavate their nesting
burrows in the soil, but no nests of this bee have been found in Britain.
In Britain both sexes are known to forage only from the flowers of sainfoin. Thus
M. dimidiata is entirely restricted to sites where there is sufficient sainfoin to maintain
these populations. This plant is very widely distributed over the semi-natural
grasslands of Salisbury Plain, with significant populations in many sites. Indeed, as
a single unit, the Plain probably has the most extensive populations of this plant in
the country.
Two forms of sainfoin occur in southern England, one native, the other introduced.
The native one (ssp. montana Hegi) is characterized by deep pink flowers and fewer
leaves, and is semi-procumbent to erect in form (Hegi, 1924; Dony 1953; Grose, 1957).
There are late glacial British pollen records of sainfoin (Godwin, 1975), and it is
presumed that M. dimidiata subsequently arrived in Britain in boreal or sub-boreal
times (Baker, 1965). In addition, there are records of sainfoin in the writings of Gerarde.
(1597), Goodyer (c. 1634), Martyn (1792) and Britton (1801-25). Gerarde noted it
in areas which today support strong populations of ssp. montana.
During the seventeenth century, another variant (ssp. sativa Hegi) was introduced
as a fodder plant (Aubrey, 1685). This taxon differs from the native form in being
taller, more erect, and the stems bearing paler flowers and more leaves, with broader
leaflets, than its relative (Hegi, 1924). This introduction is now found as a relic
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 63
of former cultivation and it has been found in some localities on Salisbury Plain.
It also seems to flower earlier in the season; for example, in late May 1990, it was
in full flower in a site in east Dorset, yet the semi-procumbent form flowered about
a month later on Salisbury Plain.
The difference in flowering periods of the two forms would largely restrict
M. dimidiata to the native one. However, in sites where the grassland is mown for
hay, plants of the introduced form of O. viciifolia flower again at a time when the
bee can benefit from these additional flowers, although such a late flowering of this
form is not as prolific as earlier in the season.
Apparent intermediates between the two strains (which appear in some localities
on the Plain) are probably of hybrid stock. At least one farming family (Home Farm,
near Cholderton, south of Bulford) has been growing the introduced variant as a
seed and fodder crop for about a hundred years (A. Summers, pers. comm.) (sainfoin
was mainly used as hay for horses, but the market for this has largely gone and very
few farms currently grow the plant). Several commercial varieties of sainfoin have
been developed for use on particular soil types.
Nomada argentata H.-S. (Anthophorinae). This is a rare but widely distributed
species in southern England. It has been reported from Kent to east Cornwall,
Somerset, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire and has
also been found in Eire (Carlow and Leix) (Else, in prep.). In Wiltshire it is currently
known only from Figheldean Down, where it was found on 22.vii, 1 and 7.viii.1993.
This species, in common with its host Andrena marginata, is extremely local in this
site. Although a few specimens of the cleptoparasite were encountered visiting the
flowers of small scabious, most (including both sexes) were observed flying low over
the bare soil of tracks, the females presumably in search of the nests of A. marginata.
Some N. argentata are very dark and can easily be passed over as small species of
other aculeate genera. In the British Isles the species flies from mid July to mid
September.
N. armata H.-S. This is a very rare cleptoparasite of the mining bee Andrena
hattorfiana. Nationally, this Nomada species has been reported from Kent, the Isle
of Wight, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Essex, Norfolk
and West Glamorgan (Else, in prep.). It was first recorded in Wiltshire in July 1991
when we found a pair (male on 17th and female on the 21st) near Tilshead. We did
not encounter it in 1992, but in the following year it was noted by us in the following
sites: to the north of Tilshead, 27.vi. and on a few subsequent dates; Great Cheverell
Hill, 1, 4 and 7.vii; Bulford, 4 and 7.vii; Figheldean Down, 15.vii; and Weather Hill,
20.vii. The Weather Hill specimen was visiting a flower of small scabious; all the
others visiting flowers were at field scabious. A specimen was also seen on the east
side of the West Lavington road (opposite Horse Down), | kilometre north-west of
Tilshead, on 16.vii.1993 by R. Gabriel. A total of 35 individuals was encountered
in 1993. The most recent British records are from east Dorset (1945 and 1949),
Oxfordshire (1968) and Norfolk (1977). The majority of records refer to very small
numbers of specimens. An exception was a record of many flying with their host
Andrena at Tubney, near Oxford in July, 1900 (Hamm, 1901). Both host and parasite
are usually encountered on the flowers of field scabious, less commonly on those
of small scabious or unrelated plants. Some females, however, found by us, were
flying low over occupied nesting burrows of the host Andrena. Salisbury Plain is
undoubtedly the most important locality in Britain for N. armata. Nationally, the
flight period extends from late June to the end of July.
Bombus ruderatus (F.) (Apinae). More than half the number (ten of seventeen)
of native species of British bumblebees (excluding the six species of cuckoo
64 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
bumblebees—Psithyrus species) have been found on Salisbury Plain. Of these ten,
B. humilis I., B. lapidarius (L.), B. ruderarius (Muller) and B. sylvarum (L.) are
associated mainly with dry, calcareous grassland in southern England. An abraded
queen of B. ruderatus was found just north of Tilshead on 27.vi.1992 by G. R. E.
(the only specimen he has encountered anywhere in the past 24 years).
B. ruderatus was formerly a common and widely distributed species in Britain, the
range extending from Kent to Cornwall, northwards to Northumberland (Else, in
prep.); in Wales there is an old record from southern Gwynedd (see map in Anon.,
1980). Sladen (1912) mentions that the species occurs in Scotland, and also cites a
single Irish record. These old records cannot be confirmed and may be based on
misidentifications. There can be no doubt that this bumblebee has declined dramatically
this century. To Sladen it was a very common bee in England (his ‘Large Garden
Humble-bee’), but today it is rarely encountered, most other recent records originating
from east Kent (P. Williams, pers. comm.) and East Anglia (S. Falk, pers. comm.).
Even in these localities the species is very scarce. The British flight period of the species
is from mid April to mid October.
B. sylvarum (L.). Although formerly widespread in southern Britain, the range
of this bumblebee has diminished greatly in recent years. It has been recorded from
Kent to Cornwall, northwards to Gwynedd, southern Cumbria and Northumberland
(Anon., 1980). It is a rare and sporadic bee in Ireland, with only a single confirmed
Scottish record. It occurs in various biotopes, but especially in chalk grassland. On
Salisbury Plain it was found near White Barrow, in July 1983 and June 1984; and
north of Tilshead in July 1991 and June 1992. R. Gabriel found the species on
the east side of the West Lavington road (opposite Horse Down), 1 kilometre
to the north-west of Tilshead, on 16.vii.1993. The national flight period is from mid
May to September.
Psithyrus rupestris (F.). Formerly this cuckoo bumblebee was found throughout
much of the British Isles, except for the far north of Scotland, the Scottish Islands
and the Isle of Man (Else, in prep.). During this century the species’ range has
contracted dramatically, so that currently the bee is largely restricted to sites in southern
England and Wales, and coastal Eire (Anon., 1980). Even in these areas the bee
is very sporadic. The reason for the decline is unknown. The species is a social
parasite of Bombus lapidarius, a bumblebee which remains common and widespread
throughout much of the British Isles. In the past Sladen (1912) estimated that in east
Kent females of P. rupestris usurped 20-40% of B. lapidarius nests. Nationally, this
cuckoo bumblebee flies from late May to late September.
In recent years this species has been found in several sites on Salisbury Plain:
Parsonage Down, near Winterbourne Stoke, a male, 17.vii.1982; Great Cheverell Hill,
many females, 6 and 20.vi, one female 4.vii, and several males 21.viii.1993; Bulford,
female, 6.vi.1993; near Tilshead, several females, 27.vi (unusually one had a bright
yellow pronotal hair band) and 1.vii.1993, and a male 21.viii.1993.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank D. B. Baker, M. Edwards, R. Gabriel, K. M. Guichard,
S. R. Miles and D. Sheppard for allowing us to publish records of their observations
of aculeates from Salisbury Plain. We are also grateful to the late I. H. H. Yarrow
and the late G. M. Spooner for their records. Two Wiltshire botanists, Audrey
Summers and Barbara Last, kindly provided information concerning the distributions
of sainfoin and scabiouses on the Plain and encouraged us to look at the Wiltshire
Wildlife Trust reserve at Great Cheverell Hill. D. E. Coombe, O. Rackham and
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 65
P. F. Yeo have also given us the benefit of their considerable experience in our attempts
to sort out the taxonomy of sainfoin. D. B. Baker helped us to pinpoint origina!
localities for Melitta dimidiata. We are also grateful to D. B. Baker and C. R. Vardy
for discussing the manuscript.
Finally we would like to thank the Army Conservation Group chairmen Maj.
R. H. Warren (Imber), Lt. Col. C. Stuart Nash (Larkhill) and Maj. N. Payne (Bulford)
for arranging permits for us to enter the respective training areas.
REFERENCES
Anon. 1980. Atlas of the bumblebees of the British Isles. Bombus and Psithyrus (Hymenoptera:
Apidae). European Invertebrate Survey. International Bee Research Association, London
and the Biological Records Centre, Huntingdon.
*Aubrey, J. 1685. Memoires of Naturall Remarques in the County of Wilts.
Baker, D. B. 1965. Two bees new to Britain (Hym., Apoidea). Entomologist’s Mon. Mae.
100(1964): 279-286.
*Britton, J. 1801-25. The Beauties of Wiltshire.
Chambers, V. H. 1949. The Hymenoptera Aculeata of Bedfordshire. Trans. Soc. Br. Ent. 9: 197-252.
Dony, J. G. 1953. Flora of Bedfordshire. The Corporation of Luton Museum and Art Gallery.
Dony, J. G., Jury, S. L. & Perring, F. H. 1986. English names of wild flowers. The Botanical
Society of the British Isles.
Else, G. R. [In prep.]. The bees of the British Isles. The Ray Society, London.
Else, G. R. & Spooner, G. M. 1987. Hymenoptera: Aculeata. The ants, bees and wasps. In:
Shirt, D. B. (Ed.). British red data books. 2. Insects. pp. 259-293. Nature Conservancy
Council, Peterborough.
Evans, W. 1906. The host of Nomada solidaginis. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 42: 140.
Falk, S. 1991. A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasps and ants of Great Britain.
Research and Survey in Nature Conservation no. 35. Nature Conservancy Council,
Peterborough.
Frisby, G. E. 1906. The host of Nomada solidaginis. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 42: 90.
*Gerarde, J. 1597. The herball or general historie of plants.
Godwin, H. 1975. The history of the British flora. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
*Goodyer, J. C. 1634. List of plants. Manuscript in Magdalen College, University of Oxford.
Grose, D. 1957. The flora of Wiltshire. Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, Devizes.
Guichard, K. M. 1973. Melitta dimidiata (Morawitz) (Hym., Melittinae) again in Wiltshire.
Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 109: 39.
Hamm, A. H. 1901. Andrena hattorfiana, Fab., and Nomada armata, H. Schff., near Oxford.
Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 37: 16.
Hegi, G. 1924. I/lustrierte Flora von Mittel-Europa. 4(3): 1113-1748.
Jones, H. P. 1928. Aculeate Hymenoptera, etc., at Milford-on-Sea, Hants, 1927. Entomologist’s
Mon. Mag. 64: 14.
*Martyn, T. 1792. Flora rustica.
McOmish, D. & Field, D. 1993. Ancient agricultural communities on the Salisbury Plain Training
Area. Sanctuary. No. 22: 17-19.
Perkins, R. C. L. 1918. Nomada furva K. and its hosts. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 54: 226.
Perkins, R. C. L. 1919. The British species of Andrena and Nomada. Trans. Ent. Soc. London.
1919: 218-319.
Sladen, F. W. L. 1912. The Humble-bee, its life-history and how to domesticate it, with descriptions
of all British species of Bombus and Psithyrus. Macmillan & Co., Ltd, London.
Swale, H. 1893. Hymenoptera and Hemiptera in June, 1893, at Saunton Sands, N. Devon and
Morthoe. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 29: 261-262.
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66 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
BOOK NOTICES
The encyclopedia of land invertebrate behaviour, by R. & K. Preston-Mafham,
London, Blandford (Cassell), 1993, 320 pages, hardback, £30.—This very readable
and entertaining book covers insects, spiders, molluscs and other land invertebrates.
It is divided into chapters on sexual behaviour, egg-laying, parental care, feeding and
defence. It is illustrated throughout with the excellent colour photographs for which
the authors are renowned, together with numerous line drawings and diagrams. The
whole gamut of behaviour is covered, with examples selected from species from around
the world. An extensive bibliography is also given.
Caterpillars: ecological and evolutionary constraints on foraging, edited by N. E.
Stamp and T. M. Casey, London, Chapman and Hall, 1993, xiv+588 pages,
hardback, £39.—Seventeen chapters by nineteen international contributors examine
the ecology of caterpillars. Part 1 covers foraging: the effects of temperature, nutrition,
circumventing plant defences, interactions between species, predators, parasitoids and
body size. Part 2 looks at evolutionary consequences: crypsis, aposematic warnings,
sociality and ant mutualism. Part 3 concludes with environmental variation: population
dynamics, seasonality, climate and other factors affecting foraging.
Wood: decay, pests and protection, by R. A. Eaton and M. D. C. Hale, London,
Chapman and Hall, 1993, x +546 pages, hardback, £70.—A very detailed analysis
of wood, its decay, its attackers, its preservation and its protection. Five of its 22
chapters consider insects attacking wood: the biology of wood-boring insects;
taxonomy and worldwide distribution of pests; beetles; termites, and other wood-
boring insects.
A directory for entomologists, by M. Colvin and D. Reavey, Amateur Entomologists’
Society, 2nd revised edition, 1993, 62 pages, paperback, £2.40.—This is an extended
and updated version of the 1989 edition. It contains names and addresses of all the
national organizations that entomologists should need: national and local societies,
special interest groups, recording schemes, field courses, grants, libraries, periodicals,
museums, exhibitions, butterfly farms, trade fairs and entomological traders.
Dead wood matters: the ecology and conservation of saproxylic invertebrates in
Britain, edited by K. J. Kirby and C. M. Drake, Proceedings of a British Ecological
Society Meeting held at Dunham Massey Park on 24 April 1992, Peterborough, English
Nature, 1993, 106 pages, comb-binding, £9.—Dead wood is one of the greatest
resources for invertebrates in a forest and many of the rarest and most threatened
species in Europe depend on it. The papers in this book deal with the history of
Britain’s dead wood fauna and how British sites compare with those on the Continent.
Recent studies on both woodland and parkland dead wood habitats are presented.
Among papers on what saproxylic invertebrates are, fossil evidence, the European
context, historic parklands and commercial forestry are articles on the liability of
landowners having large old trees on their land, ideas on positive management for
saproxylic invertebrates, a conservation guide for entomological investigation and ©
an invertebrate conservation code for dealing with storm-damaged woodland.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 ‘
DO TORTOISE BEETLE PUPAE MIMIC LACEWINGS?
RICHARD A. JONES
13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE1I5 3DE.
At first, this question may seem rather strange; how could the stout, wingless,
wholly functional carapace of any coleopterous pupa resemble, in the slightest,
the delicate winged and lithe form of the Neuroptera? The answer, as I hope the
accompanying photographs show, is ‘yes, when seen in profile’. | would argue that
this is not just coincidental, not an accident of light, and not a trick played by a notorious
trickster—the camera. However, it was the sight through the camera viewfinder that
revealed this resemblance, a sight not usually seen by the field entomologist because
the combination of focal length of the macro-lens and extension tubes produces an
image on an insect-to-insect scale. Even armed with a hand lens, the perspective and
depth of field of this image is not usually available to the human eye.
During its five larval instars, the tortoise beetle larva, in this case Cassida
viridis L., carries about its previous larval skins, ornamented with its own droppings,
in the form of a ‘parasol’ which it waves over its back to deter any would-be
predator, or which camouflages the larva by resembling a bird dropping or other
rubbish. The particular structure which allows the larva to do this is a long
bifurcate prong called the caudal furca, caudal process, anal fork, or even ‘feces fork’
(Gressitt, 1952). By the time it pupates, the accumulated exuviae and frass may
Fig. 1. The fifth instar larva of Cassida viridis waves its ‘parasol’ of accumulated shed skins
and frass over its back while continuing to eat the mint leaf. Photo: R. A. Jones.
68 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
be almost as large as the larva itself (Fig. 1) and remains a deterrent and camouflage
throughout the pupal stage.
The ‘merdigerous’ behaviour of tortoise beetle larvae is well known and well
documented (Westwood, 1839; Sharp, 1909; Van Emden, 1962). But should the
loose bundle of dried exuviae be disturbed from the pupa, only the first four
instar skins become dislodged, leaving the fifth and final instar skin still firmly
attached (Fig. 2). It is now that the profile of the pupa comes to resemble a
lacewing (Figs 3 and 4).
This resemblance is not fanciful, although it may be coincidental in that the pupa
resembles a generalized insect form, with porrect ‘head and thorax’. The caudal process
comes to resemble two prominent antennae, the hind two lateral processes come to
resemble large prognathous jaws while other lateral processes come to resemble legs.
This type of mimicry, where the relatively expendable tail-end of a creature distracts
attack from the vulnerable head-end is common throughout the insect kingdom. The
tails of ‘tailed’ butterflies, be they swallowtails, blues, skippers or hairstreaks, are
supposed to resemble antennae and lure the attacks of birds away from the real
antennae. Likewise, the eye spots of many butterflies resemble eyes, confounding a
predator. The streaked markings at the wingtips of various microlepidoptera
resemble eyes, legs and antennae when the moths are at rest, giving the impression
of a reversed head/tail axis, e.g. Ancylis badiana (D. & S.), some Glyphipteryx
species, and in particular many Leucoptera species. Some small leafhoppers
(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) have similar markings.
Thus, the resemblance of the Cassida pupa to a lacewing is not as comical as it
might seem. It could be that an attacking predator is fooled into pecking or biting
at the erect ‘head’, but instead of snatching up a tasty morsel, comes away with
Fig. 2. Dorsal view of the Cassida pupa, the caudal process and other remains of the fifth larval
skin are clearly visible, although in this aspect not strikingly so. Photo: R. A. Jones.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Figs 3 and 4. Pupa of Cassida viridis, in side view. The resemblance to a lacewing now
becomes apparent. The ‘antennae’ are the remnants of the caudal process, the ‘jaws’ the
hind-most lateral processes and the ‘legs’ other lateral processes of the shrivelled larval skin.
Photos: R. A. Jones.
10 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
a dry husk of dead skin. Should its first line of defence, subterfuge under what looks
like bird manure, fail it, the pupa can hope for a second chance by offering its fifth
cast skin as a decoy head and shoulders, and if this disguise is removed it must hope
that its final flattened form, held tight onto the leaf, will conceal it until the adult
beetle emerges, a few days later.
REFERENCES
Gressitt, J. L. 1952. The tortoise beetles of China (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). Proc. Calif.
Acad. Sci. 27: 435.
Sharp, D. 1909. The Cambridge natural history. Insects, Part 2, pp. 283-285.
Van Emden, H. F. 1962. Key to species of British Cassidinae larvae (Col., Chrysomelidae).
Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 98: 33-36.
Westwood, J. O. 1839. An introduction to the classification of insects; founded on the natural habits
and corresponding organisation of different families. London, Longman et al., Vol. 1, pp. 376-381.
BOOK REVIEW
Australian weevils, by E. C. Zimmerman. Melbourne, CSIRO, Volume 5, colour plates
1-304, 1991 and Volume 6, colour plates 305-632, 1992.—This ambitious series is envis-
aged to comprise 8 volumes, the remaining six (text) volumes to be published by 1996.
Although perhaps only of peripheral interest to British entomologists, or to weevil specia-
lists, the books are remarkable for their colour plate presentation of the insects themselves.
Each of the 632 colour plates is made up of 8 photographs arranged two by four
down the page. Each pair of photographs shows dorsal and side view of a single
specimen. A uniform blue background and careful lighting show the delicate
colouring, sculpturing and scaling of each beetle to full advantage. Each specimen
is mounted on a card point (occasionally one is pinned), allowing many underside
characters to be seen in side view. The odd head or tail is shown in particular close-
up and there are a few general shots of habits, but most of the plates are given over
to this novel presentation. Books such as these represent landmark achievements;
debate on whether photographs or paintings are superior hinge about them.
The various editions of South’s The moths of the British Isles are accorded greater
or lesser status depending on their colour plate style. With the appearance of Skinner’s
Moths of the British Isles photography looked set to take over from paintings, at
least for the Lepidoptera. On the other hand set specimens of beetles are not so
photogenic; the carabid volumes of the Fauna Entomologica Scandinavica series
(Lindroth, C. H., 1985 and 1986) contained 8 colour plates from photographs and
worked well enough for some of the prettily marked species.
At the BENHS’s own annual exhibitions, highly interesting specimens are selected
for photographic reproduction in the journal. Where butterflies and moths are
regularly chosen, the occasional fly or bee makes an appearance, but beetles are seldom
done justice, though not for want of interest on the part of the exhibit or technological
expertise on the part of the photographer. At life size reproduction, beetles just do
not photograph well. Here then is an example of how beetle photography can work—at
between two and twenty times life size.
The lavish production of these two volumes could not have been possible without ©
what must be some considerable financial input from the author and friends to
subsidize the publishing costs. The author’s faith in financing such a venture must
surely be rewarded by the knowledge that the books are a remarkable achievement.
The text volumes are awaited with interest.
R. A. JONES
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
THE MELIGETHES (COLEOPTERA: NITIDULIDAE)
OF MONTGOMERYSHIRE (VICE-COUNTY 47)
A. H. KIRK-SPRIGGS
Department of Zoology, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF] 3NP, Wales.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Meligethes Steph. has adults and larvae which develop in flowers, feeding
on pollen as well as developing buds. Many of the species exhibit a high degree of
species specificity in larval host-plants, although this is often less marked, notably
in M. aeneus (F.) and M. viridescens (F.), which are both serious pests of cultivated
oilseed rape and other yellow Brassicaceae. The genus is represented in Britain by
thirty-four extant species (Kirk-Spriggs, in press), which utilize the botanical families
Cistaceae, Rosaceae, Campanulaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and
Boraginaceae as larval host-plants. Other flowering plants are often fed upon by adults
before and after the flowering period of the larval host-plant (see Kirk-Spriggs, 1992),
which explains why some species can be collected from a wide range of plants.
The genus is very poorly recorded in Wales. After an extensive search of
the entomological literature I have only been able to trace one record from
Montgomery: M. aeneus (F.), Lake Vyrnwy, [23/9821], (Ansorge, 1966: 70). The
late Dr A. M. Easton made several trips to the vice-county during the 1960s and his
detailed notebooks give full data on species and localities. I have included his
unpublished records in this paper (indicated by his initials A. M. E.).
The nomenclature of the British species has changed considerably since the
publication of the check-list of British Coleoptera (Kloet & Hincks, 1977); the names
used here are according to Bacchus & Kirk-Spriggs (1991). I have also used the name
Meligethes persicus Falderman, 1837, which is the new name for the species formerly
known as M. pedicularius (Gyll., 1808) nec auctt. (Audisio, in press; Kirk-Spriggs,
in press). The national conservation statuses given are those revised by Hyman &
Parsons, in press.
I have made two collecting trips to the vice-county, in 1990 as part of the
Coleoptera recording weekend organized by Roger Key (Joint Nature Conservation
Committee, Peterborough), and in 1991 with Adrian Plant who was recording
Empididae (Diptera).
The object of this paper is to give detailed records of the genus from this much
under-collected county, in the hope that it will provide base-line data for future
recorders, and perhaps help to spark interest in the group.
SPECIES AND LOCALITIES
Meligethes atratus (Olivier, 1790)
Very common, on Rosa spp. In Wales also occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan,
Brecon, Radnor, Cardigan, Merioneth, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint and Anglesey.
Our largest British species.
Material examined: 1 Nelly Andrews Green, 33/2609, 3.ix.1961, Centaurea
nigra L., (A. M. E.); 2 Long Mountain, 33/2808, 14.vi.1964, general sweeping,
(A. M. E.); 2 Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 30.viii. 1964, Succisa pratensis
Moench, (A. M. E.); 1 male & 1 female Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216,
9.vi.1990, Rosa sp., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 male & 1 female same data in copula,
72 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
(A. H. K.-S.); 1 male Llyn Mawr SSSI, TNR, 32/0097, 10.vi.1991, Crataegus
monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 Mochdre Dingles SSSI, 32/080878, 2.vi.1991,
Crataegus monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 3 Pen-dugwm Woods SSSI, TNR,
33/107140, 31.v.1991, Sorbus aucuparia L., (A. H. K.-S.); 8 same data, Crataegus
monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 2 near Gwernafon, 22/923906, 30.v.1991, Anthriscus
sylvestris (L.) Hoffm., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes flavimanus Stephens, 1830
Occurring broadly over much of England, on Rosa spp. In Wales also occurring
in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Cardigan, Merioneth, Caernarvon and Flint.
Material examined: 2 Crew Green, 33/3215, 14.vi.1964, Rosa sp., (A. M. E.);
1 Aber Bechan, 32/1493, 12.vii.1964, sweeping along canal side, (A. M. E.); 6
males & 1 female Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 9.vi.1990, Rosa sp.,
(A. H. K.-S.); 1 male Moel y Golfa SSSI, 33/290122, 1.vi.1991, Crataegus monogyna
Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 Caerhowel camp site, 32/203979, 2.vi.1991, Crataegus
monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 Pen-dugwm Woods SSSI, TNR, 33/107140,
31.v.1991, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes viridescens (Fabricius, 1787)
On yellow Brassicaceae. Common and widely distributed, over the whole of England
and Wales and much of Scotland.
Material examined: 1 Trinity Well, 33/267078, 3.ix.1961, Centaurea nigra L.,
(A. M. E.); 1 Nelly Andrews Green, 33/2609, 3.ix.1961, Centaurea nigra L., (A. M. E.);
2 Long Mountain, 33/2808, 14.vi.1964, Viburnum opulus L., (A. M. E.); 1 Aber
Bechan, 32/1493, 12.vii.1964, Heracleum sphondylium L., (A. M. E.); 2 Cwm fron,
near Llanidloes, 22/972813, 20.ix.1964, Brassica sp., (A. M. E.).
Meligethes aeneus (Fabricius, 1775)
On yellow Brassicaceae. Common and widely distributed, over the whole of England
and Wales and much of Scotland.
Material examined: 7 Breidden Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 5.vi.1960, Ranunculus
repens L., (A. M. E.); 1 Trinity Well, 33/267078, 3.ix.1961, Centaurea nigra L.,
(A. M. E.); 1 Frochas, 33/295102, 1.v.1964, Ranunculus ficaria L., (A. M. E.); 1
same data, Anemone nemorosa L., (A. M. E.); 1 same data, Oxalis acetosella L.,
(A. M. E.); 4 Frochas, 33/295102, 30.iv.1967, Ranunculus ficaria L., (A. M. E.);
1 same data, Taraxacum officinale agg., (A. M. E.); 9 Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR,
33/262216, 31.v.1964, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., (A. M. E.); 2 Crew Green, 33/3215,
14.vi.1964, Rosa sp., (A. M. E); 1 Llandrinio, 33/2917, 14.vi.1964, Ballota nigra
L., (A. M. E.); 34 Llandrinio, 33/2917, 12.vii.1964, Ballota nigra L., (A. M. E.);
1 Four Crosses, 33/2718, 14.vi.1964, Aegopodium podagraria L., (A. M. E.); 2 Long
Mountain, 33/2808, 14.vi.1964, general sweeping, (A. M. E.); 1 same data, Viburnum
opulus L., (A. M. E.); 1 Corndon Hill SSSI, 32/309966, 14.vi.1964, general sweeping
at foot of hill, (A. M. E.); 1 Aber Bechan, 32/1493, 12.vii.1964, Heracleum —
sphondylium L., (A. M. E.); 27 same data, sweeping along canal side, (A. M. E.);
5 Cwm fron, near Llanidloes, 22/972813, 20.ix.1964, Brassica sp., (A. M. E.); 1 Llyn
Mawr SSSI, TNR, 32/0097, 10.vi.1991, Taraxacum officinale agg., (A. H. K.-S.);
16 same data, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 edge of Montgomery Canal,
near Welshpool, 33/2206, 9.vi.1990, Stachys sylvatica L., (A. H. K.-S.); 5 same data,
Taraxacum officinale agg., (A. H. K.-S.); 6 Newtown railway station, 32/1191,
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
10.vi.1990, Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 same data, Rosa sp.,
(A. H. K.-S.); 1 Moel y Golfa SSSI, 33/290122, 1.vi.1991, pre-flowering Teucrium
scorodonia L., (A. H. K.-S.); 2 same data, Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cav. & Gra.,
(A. H. K.-S.); 1 Llanmerewig Glebe TNR, 32/160929, 2.vi.1991, Anthriscus sylvestris
(L.) Hoffm., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 same data, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.);
1 Mochdre Dingles SSSI, 32/080878, 2.vi.1991, Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm.,
(A. H. K.-S.); 10 Breidden Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 31.v.1991, Hyacinthoides
non-scripta (L.) Chouard ex Rothm., (A. H. K.-S.); 133 same data, Barbarea
vulgaris R. Br., (A. H. K.-S.); 3 Pen-dugwm Woods SSSI, TNR, 33/107140,
31.v.1991, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 Coedydd Llawr-y-Glyn SSSI,
Gwernafon, 22/924906, 30.v.1991, Ranunculus ficaria L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 Corndon
Hill SSSI, 32/309966, 1.vi.1991, Taraxacum officinale agg., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes atramentarius Forster, 1849 (Notable)
A local species on Lamiastrum galeobdolon (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek. In Wales
also occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen and Flint.
Material examined: 1 female Frochas, 33/295102, 1.v.1964, Anemone nemorosa
L., (A. M. E.); 2 male Pen-dugwm Woods SSSI, TNR, 33/107140, 31.v.1991,
Lamiastrum galeobdolon (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek, (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes brunnicornis Sturm, 1845
A common species on Stachys sylvatica L. In Wales also occurring in Monmouth,
Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Pembroke, Cardigan, Caernarvon and Flint.
Material examined: 1 Breidden Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 5.vi.1960, Geum urbanum
L., (A. M. E.); 1 male Frochas, 33/295102, 31.v.1964, Lamiastrum galeobdolon (L.)
Ehrend. & Polatschek, (A. M. E.); 2 males & 1 female Llanymynech Hill SSSI,
TNR, 33/262216, 9.vi.1990, Stachys sylvatica L., (A. H. K.-S.); 5 males & 1 female
Pen-dugwm Woods SSSI, TNR, 33/107140, 31.v.1991, Lamiastrum galeobdolon (L.)
Ehrend. & Polatschek, (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes kunzei Erichson, 1845
A locally common species, on Lamiastrum galeobdolon (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek.
In Wales also occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen,
Denbigh and Flint.
Material examined: 1 male & 2 females Frochas, 33/295102, 30.iv.1967, Lamiastrum
galeobdolon (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek, (A. M. E.).
Meligethes difficilis (Heer, 1841)
A very common species on Lamium album L. In Wales also occurring in Monmouth,
Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, Denbigh and Flint.
Material examined: 1 Garth-derwen, 33/263097, 3.ix.1961, Lamium album L.,
(A. M. E.); edge of Montgomery Canal, near Welshpool, 33/2206, 9.vi.1990, Lamiurm
album L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 male & 2 females Caerhowel camp site, near Montgomery,
32/203979, 1.vi.1991, Lamium album L., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes pedicularius (Gyllenhal, 1808) nec auctt. (=M. viduatus (Heer, 1841))
A local species, on Galeopsis tetrahit L. sensu lato. In Wales also occurring in
Brecon, Cardigan, Merioneth and Caernarvon.
74 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Material examined: 2 females Cwm fron, near Llanidloes, 22/972813, 20.ix.1964,
Galeopsis tetrahit L. sensu lato, (A. M. E.).
Meligethes morosus Erichson, 1845
A common and widely distributed species on Lamium album L. In Wales also
occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, Denbigh
and Flint.
Material examined: 5 Garth-derwen, 33/263097, 3.ix.1961, Lamium album L.,
(A. M. E.); 6 Four Crosses, 33/2718, 31.v.1964, Lamium album L., (A. M. E.);
1 female Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 9.vi.1990, Thymus polytrichus
A. Kerner ex Borbas, (A. H. K.-S.); 3 males edge of Montgomery Canal,
near Welshpool, 33/2206, 9.vi.1990, Lamium album L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 male
Llanmerewig Glebe TNR, 32/160929, 2.vi.1991, Lamium album L., (A. H. K.-S.);
3 males & 2 females Caerhowel camp site, near Montgomery, 32/203979, 1.vi.1991,
Lamium album L., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes persicus Faldermann, 1837 (=M. pedicularius (Gyll.) auctt.)
A common and widely distributed species on Stachys officinalis (L.) Trev. St Leon.
In Wales also occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen,
Pembroke, Cardigan, Denbigh and Flint.
Material examined: 1 male & 2 females Old Church Stoke, 32/2894, 12.vii.1964,
Stachys officinalis (L.) Trev. St Leon, (A. M. E.).
Meligethes nigrescens Stephens, 1830
A common and widely distributed species on Trifolium repens L. In Wales also
occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, Pembroke,
Cardigan, Caernarvon, Denbigh and Anglesey.
Material examined: 1 Trinity Well, 33/267078, 3.ix.1961, Centaurea nigra L.,
(A. M. E.); 1 Four Crosses, 33/2718, 14.vi.1964, Aegopodium podagraria L..,
(A. M. E.); 1 male & 1 female Breidden Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 31.v.1991,
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (L.) Chouard ex Rothm., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes obscurus Erichson, 1845
A common and widely distributed species on Teucrium scorodonia L. In Wales
also occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, Pembroke,
Cardigan, Merioneth, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint and Anglesey.
Material examined: 1 Breidden Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 5.vi.1960, Ranunculus repens
L., (A. M. E.); 2 same data, Teucrium scorodonia L., (A. M. E.); 4 same data,
Veronica chamaedrys L., (A. M. E.); 4 same data, Fragaria vesca L., (A. M. E.);
7 same data, Hieracium sp., and Senecio aquaticus Hill, (A. M. E.); 6 same data,
Geum urbanum L., (A. M. E.); 2 same data, Hieracium agg., (A. M. E.); 57 same
data, Ajuga reptans L., also on almost every flower seen, including Viola sp. & Digitalis
purpurea L., (A. M. E.); 1 same data, Lotus corniculatus L., (A. M. E.); 4 Breidden .
Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 3.ix.1961, Hieracium agg., (A. M. E.); 4 same data, Solidago
virgaurea L., (A. M. E.); 1 same data, Centaurea nigra L., (A. M. E.); 1 Trinity
Well, 33/267078, 3.ix.1961, Leontodon autumnalis L., (A. M. E.); 2 Long Mountain,
33/2808, 14.vi.1964, general sweeping, (A. M. E.); 1 male & 1 female Todleth Hill,
32/2894, 12.vii.1964, Clinopodium vulgare L., (A. M. E.); 1 female Long Mountain,
33/2808, 12.vii.1964, Clinopodium vulgare L., (A. M. E.); 1 male & 1 female
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Isygarreg, 22/736987, 20.ix.1964, Leontodon hispidus L., (A. M. E.); | male & 2
females Isygarreg, 22/736987 plus 22/708984, 20.ix.1964, Jasione montana L..,
(A. M. E.); 1 male Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 9.vi.1990, Helianthemum
nummularium (L.) Miller, (A. H. K.-S.); 4 males & 5 females same data, Thymus
polytrichus A. Kerner ex Borbas, (A. H. K.-S.); 1 female Moel y Golfa SSSI,
33/290122, 1.vi.1991, Teucrium scorodonia L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 female Breidden Hill!
SSSI, 33/294145, 31.v.1991, Lotus corniculatus L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 female same
data, Lepidium campestre (L.) R. Br., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 female same data, Fragaria
vesca L., (A. H. K.-S.); 3 males same data, Hyacinthoides non-scripta (L.) Chouard
ex Rothm., (A. H. K.-S.); 7 males & 2 females same data, Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.)
Cav. & Gra., (A. H. K.-S.); 3 males & 2 females same data, Hieracium agg.,
(A. H. K.-S.); 18 males & 19 females same data, Polygala vulgaris L., (A. H. K.-S.);
1 male Coedydd Llawr-y-Glyn SSSI, Esgairleth, 22/918905, 30.v.1991, Potentilla sp.,
(A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes carinulatus Forster, 1849 (=M. erythropus
(Marsham) auctt. partim.)
A common and widely distributed species on Lotus corniculatus L. In Wales also
occurring in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, Pembroke,
Cardigan, Merioneth, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint and Anglesey.
Material examined: 2 Breidden Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 5.vi.1960, Lotus corniculatus
L., (A. M. E.); 1 male Frochas, 33/295102, 30.iv.1967, Taraxacum officinale agg.,
(A. M. E.); 3 males & 6 females Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 9.vi.1990,
Lotus corniculatus L., (A. H. K.-S.); 2 males & 1 female Llanmerewig Glebe TNR,
32/160929, 2.vi.1991, Lotus corniculatus L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 male Llyn Mawr SSSI,
TNR, 32/0097, 10.vi.1991, Lotus corniculatus L., (A. H. K.-S.); 3 males Mochdre
Dingles SSSI, 32/080878, 2.vi.1991, Lotus corniculatus L., (A. H. K.-S.); 1 male
Breiddon Hill SSSI, 33/294145, 31.v.1991, Barbarea vulgaris R. Br., (A. H. K.-S.);
3 males & 1 female Pen-dugwm Woods SSSI, 33/107140, 31.v.1991, Lotus corniculatus
L., (A. H. K.-S.); 4 males Corndon Hill SSSI, 32/309966, 1.vi.1991, Taraxacum
officinale agg., (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes exilis Sturm, 1845 (Notable)
A local species, on Thymus polytrichus A. Kerner ex Borbas (= 7. praecox Opiz
subsp. (arcticus E. Durand) & Jalas). In Wales also occurring in Glamorgan,
Carmarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan, Merioneth, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint and
Anglesey.
Material examined: 2 females Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 31.v.1964,
Thymus polytrichus A. Kerner ex Borbas, (A. M. E.); 1 female Llanymynech Hill
SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 30.viii.1964, Knautia arvensis (L.) Coulter, (A. M. E.);
12 males & 10 females Llanymynech Hill SSSI, TNR, 33/262216, 9.vi.1990, Thymus
polytrichus A. Kerner ex Borbas, (A. H. K.-S.).
Meligethes ovatus Sturm, 1845
A fairly common species, on Glechoma hederacea L. In Wales also occurring in
Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan,
Merioneth, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint and Anglesey.
Material examined: 4 females Winllan Hill, 33/216212, 19.iv.1964, Glechoma
hederacea L., (A. M. E.).
16 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The use of unpublished data included in this paper was due to the great kindness
of the late Dr A. M. Easton, who passed his notes and records to me before his death.
Mr David Boyce (Countryside Council for Wales), was very helpful in organizing
permission to visit SSSIs, and also helped with the collection of specimens at some
of the sites. I am very grateful to Mr Gerry Longley (Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust)
and Mr Jerry Longford (The Woodland Trust) who both very kindly gave permission
to collect specimens on their reserves. Botanical names were checked by Dr George
Hutchinson (Botany Department, National Museum of Wales).
REFERENCES
Ansorge, E. 1966. Some Coleoptera from Wales. Entomologist’s Gaz. 17: 69-71.
Audisio, P. A. (in press). Coleoptera Nitidulidae e Kateretidae. Fauna d’Ttalia. Calderini, Bologna,
Vol. 33.
Bacchus, M. E. & Kirk-Spriggs, A. H. 1991. The Meligethes (Col., Nitidulidae) described by
T. Marsham & J. F. Stephens—changes in nomenclature and type designation. Entomologist’s
Mon. Mag. 127: 209-214.
Hyman, P. & Parsons, M. S. (in press). A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of
Great Britain. UK Nature Conservation 2, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Kirk-Spriggs, A. H. 1992. 32. Host specificity and seasonality in two species of Meligethes
Stephens (Col., Nitidulidae), associated with the White Dead-Nettle, Lamium album L.
In: Harley, R. M. & Reynolds, T. (Eds). Advances in labiate science, pp. 393-398. Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Kirk-Spriggs, A. H. (in press). Pollen Beetles, Coleoptera: Kateretidae and Nitidulidae:
Meligethinae. Handb. Ident. Br. Insects 5(6a).
Kloet, G. S. & Hincks, W. D. 1977. A Check List of British Insects, Part 3: Coleoptera and
Strepsiptera, Second Edition. Revised R. D. Pope. Royal Entomological Society of London,
xiv + 10Spp.
BOOK REVIEW
Insects on cabbages and oilseed rape, by William D. J. Kirk, Naturalists’ Handbooks
18, Richmond Publishing, Slough, 1992, 66pp, £7.95 paperback, £13 hardback.—
Like other books in its series, this one selects a field that can be presented in reasonable
detail within a small space. Thus, the author has managed to provide some very
interesting background information on brassicas and their special role as insect
foodplants, while also outlining the biology of many of the principal foliage
and flower-feeding insects. No such work would be complete without a guide to
identification, and this is duly supplied in the form of illustrated keys to all the common
brassica-inhabiting insects, together with monochrome and colour plates depicting
those most likely to be encountered by farmers and gardeners. There is also a short
guide to collecting and other techniques.
One of the nice things about this sort of subject is that it can be studied on one’s
own doorstep, and this book should therefore help many people whose curiosity about
local creepy-crawlies is not matched by a comprehensive knowledge of the many
taxonomic groups to which they belong. It also highlights the scope for research,
some areas of which could readily be tackled by the amateur. Thus, there is plenty
here for entomologists of all persuasions, as well as studenis, farmers and gardeners.
D. LONSDALE
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
SILENE ACAULIS (L.) JACQ. (CARYOPHYLLACEAE),
THE LARVAL FOODPLANT OF DELIA PILIVENTRIS
(POK.) (DIPTERA: ANTHOMYIIDAE)
K. P. BLAND
35 Charterhall Road, Edinburgh EH9 3HS.
The first British records of Delia piliventris (Pokorny, 1889) appear to be those
of Collin (1933). Under the name of ‘Delia fasciventris Ringdahl M. S.’, Collin reports
that ‘3 males and a possible female were taken by Dr Edwards at 2000 to 3000 feet
[i.e. 600-900 m] elevation in different localities in the Killin district (Perthshire)’.
This species has since been found very locally in several widely scattered montane
localities in western Scotland (Horsfield, 1984, 1988; D. Horsfield, pers. comm.).
Abroad the species has a circumpolar distribution; its headquarters is Scandinavia
but it extends via the Faroes to much of the arctic part of North America. It is also
well distributed in the Alps (Hennig, 1974). In spite of its widespread distribution
abroad, its larval habits do not appear to have been recorded.
In July 1984 while collecting at 840 m on the south slopes of Sanna, in Kilpisjarvi,
Finland, I came across some dipterous larvae boring down the shoots of moss campion,
Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq. Although one of the larvae eventually pupated, it failed to
develop any further.
On 2.viii.1992 similar dipterous larvae were found at 500m on the crags in
Corrie Fee (O. S. grid ref. NO2474), Glen Doll, Angus (vice-county 90). Again they
were boring down the centre of the shoots of Silene acaulis. Each larva bored down
the centre of a shoot eating out the mesophyll from each leaf in turn until nearly
all the green leaves had been reduced to empty brown sheaths. It then emerged from
the shoot, crawled over the surface of the leaf cushion and bored down another shoot
often a centimetre or more away. Several shoots were consumed in this way before
the larva descended to the base of the cushion to pupate in the damp substrate.
If the larva fell through the cushion while moving from one shoot to another—a
difficult action in the wild but easily engineered in a rearing tube—it seemed unable
to find its way back up onto the cushion of growing shoots. This phenomenon indicates
that the larva is very dependent on the physical structure of its foodplant for its survival
and so may be restricted to Silene acaulis. This possible specificity to moss campion
is further supported by the close similarity of the known distributions of the fly and
of S. acaulis (Jones & Richards, 1962). Towards the end of August a single larva
burrowed into the damp tissues beneath the foodplant, successfully pupated and
became quiescent for the winter. In early May the puparium started to show imaginal
development within but the male imago died fully formed within the puparium
at the beginning of June. Dissection of the genitalia indicated the fly to be Delia
fasciventris Ringdahl, 1933 (based on illustrations in Ringdahl, 1959) or Delia
piliventris (Pokorny, 1889) (based on illustrations in Hennig, 1974). Hennig (1974)
gives fasciventris as a junior synonym of piliventris.
On 16.viii.1992 at 600 m on Meall nan Tarmachan (O. S. grid ref. NN5940), near
Killin, Perthshire (vice-county 88) further dipterous larval signs were found on Si/ene
acaulis. Most of the larvae had abandoned the plants but a single larva was procured.
This larva pupated on 29.viii.1992. Again the larva burrowed down some | cm into
the damp substrate beneath the Si/ene acaulis before pupating. On 23.vi.1993 this
puparium poduced a female Delia piliventris. It is probable that this site is one of
Dr Edwards’s original localities.
78 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Figs 1-4. Details of the puparium of Delia piliventris. Figs 1 & 2. Dorsal and frontal views
of anterior end of puparium. Figs 3 & 4. Dorsal and anal views of posterior end of puparium.
Scale bar 0.5 mm.
Figure 5. Reconstructed larval mouthparts of final instar larva of Delia piliventris.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Comparison of the unemerged puparium from Kilpisjarvi, Finland with that from
Corrie Fee showed no appreciable differences between them, suggesting them to be
the same species. Details of the puparium and larval mouth-parts of the male specimen
from Corrie Fee are shown in Figs 1-5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Mike Nelson for invaluable assistance with identification and loan
of materials, to Graham Rotheray for nursing the Beinn Lawers female through its
final critical stages of development, to Derek Penman for assistance with the scanning
electron microscopy and to Colin Warwick for preparation of the photographs. |
also acknowledge the cooperation of the Royal Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
in allowing use of the Scottish insect records index.
REFERENCES
Collin, J. E. 1933. Notes on Perthshire Anthomyiidae, etc. Scottish Naturalist, 202: 119-123.
Hennig, W. 1974. Anthomyiidae. In: Lindner, E. (Ed.) Die Fliegen der Palaearktischen Region
63a (pt 308), 876.
Horsfield, D. 1984. Delia caledonica Assis Fonseca (Dipt., Anthomyiidae) and other Diptera
from the Fannich Hills, West Ross. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 120: 162.
Horsfield, D. 1988. Delia caledonica Assis Fonseca (Dipt., Anthomyiidae) and other Diptera
from An Teallach, Wester Ross. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 124: 6.
Jones, V. & Richards, P. W. 1962. Biological flora of the British Isles; Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq.
J. Ecol. 50: 475-487.
Ringdahl, O. 1959. Svensk Insektfauna. 11 Tvavingar. Diptera; Cyclorapha Schizophora
Schizometopa. I Fam. Muscidae pt. 3 Stockholm/Uppsala.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Recent Lepidoptera papers in the journal. I was absolutely delighted to discover
on receipt of the latest issue (Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993, 6(4) ), two papers on British
Lepidoptera. These papers, The British Epermeniidae and The British species of
Caryocolum are of a similar style and format to their predecessors. Since I cannot
recall noting any published responses relative to this ‘series’ I would like to take the
opportunity to state that I find such papers extremely valuable as a data source. The
Society performs a valuable service to its members in publishing papers of this type.
Although my interests are heavily biased towards the Lepidoptera, and thus I am
not entirely in a position to comment, I can well imagine that similar papers on the
other orders are equally valuable. Whilst fully appreciating the amount of time and
effort which has to be invested in compiling these accounts I hope we may look forward
to further contributions. In addition, in the plates of the latest publication | think
the inclusion of specimens from yesteryear is most welcome. I would like to think
that if messers Bankes and Ford are looking down on us now they would be delighted
that full use is still being made of their collections.
However, I do have one query. Whilst perusing the accounts of the various species
I noted under Caryocolum blandulella that the larva has been found in Britain and
in Sweden. But no dates are quoted! I referred to such literature as was within reach
from the comfort of my armchair and noted that there was a vacancy for this particular
piece of information in all the volumes which were at hand. Information upon this
small point would be most welcome as dates are quite often the base from which
searches for various species are conducted.—M. H. Smith, 42 Bellefield Crescent,
Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
80 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
BENHS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Assistant Treasurership.—Our Assistant Treasurer, Geoff Burton, is stepping down
after serving the Society in this capacity for more than ten years and we are seeking
a replacement as soon as possible.
The duties of the Assistant Treasurer are, inter alia, to keep the membership list
up to date on the Society’s computer, which is kept at his house, recording changes
in membership and keeping the Distribution Secretary, the Sales Secretary and other
Council Members informed. He is responsible for producing address labels from the
computer to assist the Distribution Secretary. He is responsible for receiving and
recording all subscriptions paid and sending reminder letters to those who do not
pay on time or who underpay and taking any other necessary actions, which may
include directing that distributions be withheld from defaulters or advising Council
that they be removed from Membership.
The Assistant Treasurer may be co-opted to Council but it will not normally be
necessary for him to attend more than one or two meetings a year. He will normally
be recruited from the Ordinary Membership and will be interested in communicating
and want to put back something into the Society.
The busiest times of the year are around December and January when the majority
of subscriptions are received and have to be checked off against the bank statements,
early Spring when reminder letters are sent and at the Annual Exhibition when many
subscriptions are paid. However, the Assistant Treasurer has to be prepared to do some-
thing every week as there are address changes to note, late subscriptions and queries to
attend to and information to impart to and receive from other Council Members.
The routines in use have largely been developed by Geoff Burton and it will be
necessary to collect the computer and be briefed on the procedures, all assistance
will be given in this. It is not necessary to have prior knowledge of computers.
If you feel you can help the Society please contact the Treasurer initially for more
details.—A. J. Pickles, Treasurer, 2a Park Avenue, Lymington, Hampshire
SO41 9GX. Tel: 0590-675 366.
The Society’s Council.—The Council of the BENHS comprises the officers of the
Society, several assistant secretaries to organize meetings, sales, exhibitions and mailings,
and ‘ordinary’ members. All combine to run the Society and carry out its objectives.
A new Council is elected each year, but although many names remain the same,
new Council members are constantly sought. There are always additional tasks for
Council members to undertake, but these need not be at all arduous. For new Council
members, the only ‘task’ set them is to attend as many of the monthly Council meetings
as they are able and to contribute their opinions and knowledge to the discussions.
If you would like to get more involved in the running or organization of the Society,
Council would be pleased to hear from you. A list of current officers and other Council
members appears inside the back cover of this issue of the journal; these and others are also
listed on the Society’s current meetings card. Alternatively, please telephone the Editor,
Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE. Tel: 071-732-2440.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
LYCIELLA STYLATA PAPP AND L. SUBPALLIDIVENTRIS PAPP
(DIPTERA: LAUXANIIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN
ANDREW GODFREY
Ecosurveys Ltd, Priory Lodge, Hagnaby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4BP.
Whilst sorting and identifying Diptera in the collections at Cliffe Castle Museum,
Keighley, West Yorkshire, four specimens which key out in Collin (1948) as Lyciella
pallidiventris (Fallén, 1820) were identified. Papp (1979a) describes two species of
Lyciella very similar to L. pallidiventris. On checking the specimens with this paper
I found that they agreed with the description and figures of L. stylata. Subsequent
checking of specimens from other collections revealed the presence of the second Papp
species, L. subpallidiventris. Specimens of the newly recognized British species were
exhibited at the 1991 BENHS annual exhibition and published in the Exhibition Report
(Godfrey, 1992). Full details of these species are provided here.
Lyciella stylata Papp, 1979
Very similar to L. pallidiventris. Only separable on the male genitalia. The left
gonite is very long and slightly bent at the tip whilst the right gonite is extremely short
and hook-like (Fig. 1). These structures are visible without dissection; the long left
gonite being particularly noticeable. Further illustrations are given by Papp (1979a).
L. stylata is known from Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, former Yugoslavia,
Austria, Latvia and Estonia. I have also taken two males from Loupiac, near
Soilliac, France on 7.vii.1993. British records available to me are as follows (all records
refer to single males unless otherwise stated).
Figs 1-3. Male gonites, ventral view. 1: Lyciella stylata. 2: L. subpallidiventris. 3: L. pallidiventris.
Scale bar 1 mm.
82 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
England. Bucks.: Chenies 17.viii.1893 (AP); at flowers of Japanese knotweed,
Burnham Beeches SU98, 15.ix.1970 (PJC). Cambs.: one on Lombardy poplar,
Pembroke College Sports Ground, TL437572, 3.vi.1987. Devon: edge of reedbeds,
Slapton Marsh NR SX8144, 3.vi.1978 (JC). Hants: Lyndhurst, 22.vi.1872 (JEC); New
Forest, 14.viii.1901 (FCA); New Forest, 8.vii.1907 (JJFXK); Matley Bog, New Forest,
15.iv.1953 (CNC); Park Ground Inclosure, New Forest SU303064, 30.v.1980 (IP);
Royden Woods near Brockenhurst SU307013, 25.vi.1988 (IP). Herts.: in cop Felden,
18.vii.1894 (AP); single male ditto, 17.ix.1897 & 10.vi.1899 (AP); Knebworth,
10.vi.1923 (FWE). Hunts.: disused railway cutting Pingle Cutting NR TF215815,
27.vi.1984 & 26.v.1985 (JC). Kent: Footscray, 7.vii.1869 (NHML); Hook Farm,
Bromley TQ4167, 26.viii.1964 (PJC); Crofton Heath, Orpington TQ4366, 6.x.1966
(PJC); Blean Woods NNR TRI16, 3.ix.1967 (PJC); Cudham, 6.vii.1969 (RIVW);
Cromers Wood near Sittingbourne TQ905605, 29.vii.1983 (LC); Mincing Wood, Blean
near Canterbury TR1160, 2.vi.1983 & 31.vii.1983 (LC); Crockham Wood, Dunkirk
near Canterbury TR076606, 26.ix.1983; Claypits Wood, Dunkirk near Canterbury
TRO74595, 26.ix.1983 (LC); Carter’s Wood, Hamstreet TR0033, 19.vi.1984 (LC);
Denstead Wood, near Chartham Hatch TR0857, 22.viii.1985 (LC); Sladden Wood,
Alkham near Dover TR258428, 19.vi.1988 (LC); Ashford, Hothfield TQ9745,
18.vii.1987 (WAE). N. Yorks.: Ashberry Pastures, vi.1977 (PS); Dallowgill, Ripon
SE1871, 7.vii.1979 (WAE). Oxon: village garden, Goring on Thames, 16.v.1961 (JC).
S. Yorks.: Slackcotes near Delph, puparia coll. from marshy soil with coltsfoot,
iv.1964, emerged 8-12.v.1965 (PS); Edlington Wood near Doncaster, 22.vii.1965 (and
associated female) (PS); Roche Abbey near Maltby, 15.ix.1965 (PS); Silverwood,
Rotherham SK4873, 15.v.1977 (WAE); Cantley Park, Doncaster, 25.v.1977 (PS);
2 males Low Hall Wood, Sheffield SK330967, 20.vii.1977 (SA); Greno Wood,
Sheffield SK324958, 25.vii.1977 (SA); Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield, 3 males SK325826,
15.vi.1980 & one male SK322818, 25.vi.1980 (SW); Pot Ridings Wood, Sprotbrough,
Doncaster 27.vii.1991 & 28.vii.1991 (AG). Staffs.: five swept from large felled beech
trunk by river bank, Dimmings Dale SSSI, surrounding habitat is secondary woodland
(sycamore and silver birch with bracken), SK053431, 27.vii.1990; two specimens of
L. pallidiventris s.s were also taken (Nature Conservancy Council per D. Denman).
Suffolk: Sussex Lodge, Newmarket, 18.vii.1911 (JEC) & 31.viii.1912 (CY); Cavenham
Heath NNR TL760725, 13.vi.1988 (IP). Warks.: Sutton Park (acid grassland/
heathland with wet woodland) SP0998, 31.v.1990 (SJF); Herald Way Marsh (disturbed
ground with carr, scrub and marsh) SP3776 11.vi.1990 (SJF). West Yorks.: four males
taken on 30.vii.1927 (JW). The specimens have the letter P on the data label; according
to a list of site codes made by the collector, P is either Park Wood, Keighley or
Pollington near Snaith, both in West Yorks. Worcs.: Tarrington, 31.vii.1903 (CY).
Wales. Denbigh: Rhyd y Crellau, Betws y Coed, 30.vii.1971 (PS); at light at same
locality, 8.viii.1975 and 2 males at light at same locality, 9.viii.1975 (PS).
Scotland. Aber.: Crathie Wood, Aberdeen, 11.vii.1970 (PS). Dum.: Spitalriding,
Annan, 25.ix.1992 (AG). Easter Ross: Culbin Sand Hills, Nairn, vili.1899 (CY); Loch
Loy, Culbin Sands (calcareous seepage dominated by Schoenus nigricans passing into
scrub and bordered by birch woodland) NG9358, 17.vii.1991 (AG). Inv.: Spey Bridge,
29.vi.1905 (JEC); Falls of Tarnash, 9.vii.1936 (RLC). Islay: in sycamore wood,
Baleachdrach, Ballygrant NR4264, 11.viii.1992 (AG), in car in Ballygrant Inn car >
park, Ballygrant, 13.viii.1992 (AG). Perth.: Rannoch, 19.vii.1927 (JEC coll.), Black
Wood of Rannoch, 17.vi.1992 (AG). Rhum: Kinloch, 3.vi.1960 (AB). Skye: Coille
Thogabhaig (birch-alder woods with flushes) NG614120, 11.vii.1991 (AG); 2 males
Dunvegan Castle Woods NG2439, 9.vii.1991 (JC); Loch Suardal (fen with Carex,
Eriophorum, Eleocharis and Phragmites with woodland fringe on eastern side)
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
NG259512 9.vii.1991 (central point) (AG). Stirl.: Mugdock Country Park, 18.vi.1992
(AG). Sutherland: Lochinver, 21.v.1911 (CY).
From the records amassed it would seem that L. sty/ata is a common and widespread
species in Britain. It appears to be the most frequent of the three species.
Lyciella subpallidiventris Papp, 1979
Very similar to pallidiventris and only distinguishable on the male genitalia. Gonites
shorter than pallidiventris, not or barely extending beyond surstyli (Fig. 2). Papp
(1979a) provides a further illustration of the male genitalia.
L. subpallidiventris is so far known from Hungary, (West) Germany and Estonia.
Records available to me are as follows.
England. Glos.: Beaudesert Park School, Stroud, 23.ix.1960 in light trap (ACP).
Hants: New Forest, 10.vii.1900 & 19.ix.1900, 2 males (FCA); Milton, 30.vii.1907 in
cop (WW). Herts.: Felden, 6.vii.1899 (AP). Kent: Cromers Wood, near Sittingbourne
TQ905605, 29.vii.1983 (LC); Mincing Wood, Blean TR1160, 31.vii.1983 (LC);
Mersham-le-Hatch, near Ashford TR0540, 18.viii.1983 (LC); Darenth Wood,
27.vi.1987 (AG).
Eire. Wicklow: Glendalough T19, 16.iv.1968 (PJC).
Scotland. Skye: Dunvegan Castle Woods NG2439, 9.vii.1991 (AG).
Lyciella pallidiventris (Fallén, 1820)
Male genitalia as in Fig. 3 with the gonites of more or less equal length or with
the right slightly longer and both strongly curved apically. Papp (1979a) provides
further illustrations. Records available to me are as follows.
England. Berks.: Windsor Forest, 30.vi.1971 (PJC). Cambs.: Chippenham Fen,
11.iv or vi.1948 (JEC). Hants: New Forest, 21.vi.1869 (no collector given); 16.ix.1900
(FCA). Oxon: Crowell Hill, 20.ix.1970 (PJC). Kent: Bysing Wood near Faversham
TQ998623, 28.vi.1986 (LC); Bredgar near Sittingbourne TQ893597, 5.ix.1986 (LC).
S. Yorks.: signal box, Wharncliffe Wood (43/311937) in cop, 5.ix.1980 (AUB). Staffs.:
two from fallen beech trunk by river bank, Dimmings Dale SSSI, 27.vii.1990 (taken
with L. stylata; see this species for more details of the collecting site) (DD).
Remm & Elberg (1979) illustrated variation of the male genitalia of L. pallidiventris.
Their figures however, are attributable to L. pallidiventris s.s. (Fig. 27E), L. stvlata
(27A,B,D), and L. subpallidiventris (27C). Collin (1948) also referred to the ‘very
considerable variation in the length of the genital rods’ in L. pallidiventris. He did
not separate specimens of this species group which is unusual given that he did for
a much smaller perceived variation in other species. Variation in the lengths of the
gonites have been noted whilst examining specimens of the three species covered in
this paper and it has proved difficult to ascribe some individuals to species. Further
studies are required to prove whether these are all good species. | would therefore
welcome male-associated females, especially those taken im cop, and reared material.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Bill Ely, Keeper of Natural History, Clifton Park Museum,
Rotherham and Miss Margaret Hartley, Keeper of Natural History, Cliffe Castle
Museum, Keighley for arranging for me to examine the collections of the latter
institution, to Dr Laszlo Lapp and Evi Remm for advice and information, to
Oxford University Museum and the Natural History Museum, London, and to the
entomologists named for their records and assistance.
84 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Collectors’ abbreviations: FCA (F. C. Adams); SA (Susan Ashurst); AUB (Austin
Brackenbury); AB (Allan Brindle); PJC (Peter Chandler); LC (Laurence Clemons);
RLC (R. L. Coe); JC (Jon Cole); JEC (James Collin collection, Oxford); CNC
(C. N. Colyer); DD (David Denman); FWE (F. W. Edwards); WAE (Bill Ely); SJF
(Steven Falk); AG (Andrew Godfrey); JIFXK (J. King); NHML (Natural History
Museum London); IP (Ivan Perry); AP (A. Piffard); ACP (A. C. Pont); PS
(P. Skidmore); RIVW (Richard Vane-Wright); SW (Susan Watson); WW (W. Wesche);
JW (John Wood); CY (Colonel Yerbury).
REFERENCES
Collins, J. E. 1948. A short synopsis of the British Sapromyzidae (Diptera). Trans. R. Ent.
Soc. Lond. 99: 225-242.
Godfrey, A. 1992. Exhibit at 1991 Annual Exhibition. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 69.
Papp, L. 1979a. Contribution to the revision of the Palearctic Lauxaniidae (Diptera). Ann.
Hist. Nat. Mus. Natn. Hung. (Budapest) 70(1978): 213-231.
Papp, L. 1979b. New species and taxonomical data of the Palaearctic Lauxaniidae and Carnidae
(Diptera). Acta Zool. Acad. Sci. Hung. 27(1-2): 159-186.
Remm, F. & Elberg, K. 1979. Terminalia of the Lauxaniidae (Diptera) found in Estonia, Latvia
and Lithuania. Dipteroloogilisi Uurimusi, Eesti NSV Tead. Akad. 66-117.
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Dolichopus caligatus Wahlb. (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) new to eastern England.—
During the Norfolk field meeting of the Diptera Recording Schemes I visited Burgh
Common, Fleggburgh, (TG445130) on 5.vii.1993 in company with Jonathan Cole
and Keith Porter.
Subsequently Dr Porter handed to me a male Dolichopus he had collected during
the visit and which I identified as D. caligatus, a species hitherto unreported in eastern
England. Dr Porter kindly allowed me to retain the specimen in my own collection and
it was exhibited at the annual meeting of the Diptera Recording Schemes in November.
Assis Fonseca E.C.M. (1978. Diptera Orthorrhapha Brachycera. Dolichopodidae.
Handb. Ident. Br. Insects 9(5): 24), records the distribution of this species as limited
to five British localities only, all from northern Scotland, three of the records being
prior to 1913.
In 1984 the species was found in four localities on the Isle of Lewis, the typical
habitat seeming to be the edge of peaty lochs and beside streams in peat bogs,
(MacGowan, I. 1986 Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 122: 213).
The species was found at Traeth Dulas (Anglesey), in 1987 by Peter Chandler (pers.
comm.), and there is an undated record for Silverdale (N. Lancs.), by Harry Britten
who died in 1954.
The latter record appears in The Diptera of Lancashire and Cheshire, Part 1, by
L. N. Kidd and A. Brindle, published by the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna
Committee in 1959. This very useful reference work may have been overlooked by
Mr Fonseca when he was compiling the distribution details for the ‘Handbook’, —
because there are similar omissions which come to light from time to time.
The Norfolk habitat was along the side of a drainage ditch in an overgrown grazing
marsh; no other specimens were found on the occasion of our visit and the single
specimen constituted the only record during the week.—Roy Crossley, 1 The Cloisters,
Wilberfoss, York YO4 5RF.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 aS
SOME RARE ACALYPTRATE DIPTERA
TAKEN IN RECENT YEARS
ANDREW GODFREY
Ecosurveys Ltd, Priory Lodge, Hagnaby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4BP.
During 1991, 1992 and 1993 I have been fortunate to find several rare and
little known acalyptrate Diptera. These include the second British specimen of
Pseudopomyza atrimana (Pseudopomyzidae), a third locality and the first British
inland records for Parochthiphila coronata (Chamaemyiidae), and recent records of
Stenomicra delicata (Stenomicridae). In addition, a number of interesting species,
collected during the same period, have been identified in material sent to me for
identification. Peter Chandler has also kindly added his records of Stenomicra delicata.
Details of these are given below.
Typhamyza bifasciata Wood (Anthomyzidae)
A single female was taken by beating Carex paniculata L. tussocks at the centre
of a dried-out pond vegetated by Typha at Thompson Common, Norfolk (Grid
Reference TL 99) on 11.viii.1991. More recently, I took a single specimen by sweeping
a Typha-rich ditch on Neatscourt Marshes, Isle of Sheppey, Kent (TQ918714) on
25.vi.1993. I have also identified another female from Norbrigg Pool, Derbyshire
SK4475 taken on 5.vii.1992 by Derek Whiteley (specimen in the collection at Weston
Park Museum, Sheffield). An increasing number of recent records (for example:
Ismay, 1981; McLean, 1987; Withers, 1987) suggests it is more widespread and not
as rare as was previously thought. Rohacek (1992) has recently provided an excellent
account of the taxonomy, morphology and ecology of this species.
Stenomicra delicata (Collin) (Stenomicridae)
This obscure and very rare fly was described as new to science by J. E. Collin (1944)
from a small number of specimens taken from a dried-up artificial pond in a garden
in Newmarket in June and July 1942 and 1943. As far as I am aware, the only published
records since are from Czechoslovakia (Papp, 1978; Rohacek, 1983). Papp recorded
a single specimen whilst Rohacek took two females at light. It is currently given Red
Data Book Status 2 in Britain (Falk, 1991).
I took a single female of this species whilst examining the tussocks of Carex
paniculata at Holwell Mouth SSSI, Leics. (SK724245) on 1.ix.1991. The tussock sedge
grows by the streamside in a small valley and is surrounded by an area of marshy
ground dominated by Carex riparia Curtis, Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and
Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. with sallow carr nearby and throughout the valley. The
streams here are spring fed. Several other interesting flies were taken in the tussocks
including Stilpon graminum (Fall.), Drapetis assimilis (Fall.), Elaphropeza ephippiata
(Fall.), Elachiptera brevipennis (Meig.), Oscinisoma cognata (Meig.) and Trimerina
madizans (Fall.).
Two males and six females of S. delicata were taken from Carex paniculata tussocks
at Barnby Marshes, Suffolk (TM482904) on 7.vii.1993. One male and one female
were taken a few days later amongst Carex pseudocyperus L. and Deschampsia
caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. in a damp ditch at Swangey Fen, Norfolk (TM013933) on
the 10.vii.1993. Peter Chandler has informed me that he has taken this species from
Carex paniculata at two sites in Hampshire—The Moors, Bishop’s Waltham on
13.vii.1990 (one male, two females); and Greywell Fen on 15.vii.1990 (one male).
86 ’ BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Since S. delicata was described, a second species, S. cogani, has been described
as new to science from Britain (Irwin, 1982). There are at least two further undescribed
species from Europe (J. Ismay, pers. comm.; Andersson, 1991).
Parochthiphila coronata (Loew) (Chamaemyiidae)
This species was swept in small numbers from short grassland at Blackburn Meadows
(also known as Tinsley Sewage Beds), Sheffield, South Yorks (SK4191 & SK4192)
on 29.vii.1991 and on 18.vii.1993. It was only previously recorded in Britain from
two localities on the coasts of Essex and Norfolk (McLean, 1980) and is accorded
Red Data Book Status 1 (Falk, 1991). The male genitalia were checked since there
are several further Parochthiphila species in Europe and the CIS, and because the
Sheffield specimens are the first inland records for this species in Britain (the species
occurs inland throughout the rest of the Palaearctic, however). Differences in
the genitalia were detected using the work by Tanasijtshuk (1986) but they are
very similar to the figures given by Raspi (1983). The ecology of P. coronata has
been described by these workers. The larvae have been recorded feeding on coccids
at the base of Elymus repens (L.) Desv. ex Nevski and Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link.
(Grasses from the exact site of the Tinsley specimens have been identified for me
by Mr Tim Smith and comprise Agrostis stolonifera L., Dactylis glomerata L.,
Lolium perenne L., Holcus lanatus L. and Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P. Beauv. ex
J. S. & C. Presl.)
Pseudopomyza atrimana Frey (Pseudopomyzidae)
A male of this species was taken by sweeping on a visit to Loch na Dal, Isle of
Skye (NG704160) on 11.vii.1991. This obscure fly has been given Red Data Book
Status | (Falk, 1991) and is the second (first male) British specimen. The species was
added to the British list by Chandler (1983) from a female taken in Kent in 1972.
The site is an area of open seepage with Sphagnum, Eriophorum, and Myrica
passing into birch and sallow woodland on a gentle slope at the head of the Loch.
Unfortunately it is not clear whether the fly came from the open area or from
the woodland. The fly was recognized as unusual when sorting out the catch in the
evening and it was subsequently identified as this, species by Dr John Ismay and
Peter Chandler. The genitalia compare well with that illustrated by Frey (1952)
and is illustrated in Fig. 1.
Since Chandler (1983) published his record, the species
has also been recorded from Hungary (Sods & Papp,
1984) and a second record for Czechoslovakia has been
published (Frouz & Maca, 1985).
Periscelis annulata (Fall.) (Periscelidae)
A male was swept by my collecting partner, John
Mousley, from Ballinluig Shingle Island on the River Tay
near Pitlochry (NN9754) on 15.vi.1992 and subsequently ~
passed to me in the evening along with other ‘rubbish’.
— : =) This species like all periscelids is rarely recorded and it
Fig. 1. Pseudopomyza iS currently regarded as notable by Falk (1991). The larvae
atrimana, posterior part of | Of the Periscelidae are associated with oozing tree sap (see,
male abdomen. Bar Imm. for example, Papp, 1988).
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Asteia elegantula Zett. (Asteiidae)
A single specimen of this rare species was swept from the overhanging bank of
a small stream near South Fearns (NG5835) on the Isle of Raasay, Inner Hebrides
on 8.vii.1991. The partially dry stream bed comprised large water-worn stones
and pebbles, no doubt derived from the boulder clay through which the stream was
incised. The stream banks were approximately 2 feet high and vertical, with gentle
bracken-covered, landslipped slopes above. Chandler (1978) records the fly from
Moray, Ross and Herefordshire, the most recent being from Grantown-on-Spey in
1945. Irwin (1985) recently recorded it from Norfolk and Plant (1989) recorded it
from Essex.
This species is given Red Data Book Status 2 in Falk (1991). The life history of
Asteia elegantula was described by Freidberg (1984) from observations in an Israeli
garden where the insect proved to be common. Freidberg does, however, state his
specimens may represent another species.
Pseudopachychaeta heleocharis (Nartshuk) (Chloropidae)
A female was swept on the south side of the main lagoon at Blackburn Meadows,
Sheffield, South Yorks (SK411918) on 31.vii.1991. The vegetation here includes
Phragmites, Glyceria, Typha, Eleocharis and Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop. Ismay
(1991) recently added this to the British fauna.
Crumomyia pedestris (Meig.) (Sphaeroceridae)
A female of this very distinct and infrequent brachypterous fly was taken in a pitfall
trap placed on the edge of Carex marsh by the River Ock, near Noah’s Ark public
house, Abingdon, Oxon SU441960. The trap was in position for two weeks and was
emptied on 14.vii.1992.
Neottiophilum praeustum (Meig.) (Neottiophilidae)
A female was identified in material sent to me by John Mousley. This specimen
was swept along the River Babingley, Flitcham, Norfolk TF7326 on 19.v.1992. The
larvae are parasites on nestling passerines; a list of hosts is given by Owen (1957).
Adults are rarely seen although Irwin (1987) recently recorded the species from Norfolk.
Parydroptera discomyzina (Collin) (Ephydridae)
A single male was found in a pitfall trap at Iwade Marshes, Iwade, Kent (TQ911690).
The trap was put down on the 26.vi.1993 and the contents recovered on 5.vii.1993.
The trap was placed in herb-rich grazing marsh.
This species was originally described by Collin (1913) from Rye in Sussex and from
Southwold in Suffolk. Ismay (1980) has published details of further specimens taken
at Rye. I know of no other British records. The species is given Red Data Book
Status 2 in Falk (1991).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My thanks to Dr Martin Drake, Brian Eversham, John Mousley, Alan Stubbs and
Derek Whiteley for arranging field meetings and access, Peter Chandler and Dr John
Ismay for checking determinations or identifying specimens and John Mousley and
Derek Whiteley for material.
88 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
REFERENCES
Andersson, H. 1991. [Stenomicridae (Diptera), first record of the family from Fennoscandia].
Ent. Tidskr. 112: 149-151.
Chandler, P. J. 1978. A revision of the British Asteiidae including two additions to the British
list. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 11: 23-34.
Chandler, P. J. 1983. Pseudopomyza atrimana (Meigen) (Diptera, Pseudopomyzidae), a fly
of an acalyptrate family new to the British list. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 16:
87-91.
Collin, J. E. 1913. Parydroptera discomyzina and Philygria semialata; new Palaearctic Ephydridae
(Diptera). Entomologist 46: 1-3.
Collin, J. E. 1944. The British species of Anthomyzidae (Diptera). Entomologist’s Mon. Mag.
80: 265-272.
Falk, S. J. 1991. A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain Part 1. Nature
Conservancy Council.
Freidberg, A. 1984. The mating behaviour of Asteia elegantula with biological notes on some
other Asteiidae (Diptera). Entomol. Gener. 40: 217-224.
Frey, R. 1952. Uber Chiropteromyza n. gen. und Pseudopomyza Strobl (Diptera, Haplostomata).
Notul. Ent. 32: 5-8.
Frouz, J & Maca, J. 1985. Faunistic records from Czechoslovakia. Diptera: Pseudopomyzidae.
Acta Ent. Bohemoslov. 82: 154.
Irwin, A. G. 1982. A new species of Stenomicra Coquillet (Aulacigastridae) from Anglesey,
North Wales. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 118: 235-238.
Irwin, A. G. 1985. Asteia elegantula (Diptera, Asteiidae) in East Anglia. Entomologist’s Mon.
Mag. 121: 138.
Irwin, A. G. 1987. Neottiophilum praeustum (Dipt., Piophilidae) new to East Anglia, with a
cautionary note. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 123: 82.
Ismay, J. W. 1980. Parydroptera discomyzina Collin (Dipt., Ephydridae) recaptured in Sussex.
Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 114(1979): 244.
Ismay, J. W. 1981. Some Diptera from Wytham Wood. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 117: 26.
Ismay, J. W. 1991. A revision of the British species of Lasiosina Becker and Pseudopachychaeta
Strobl (Diptera, Chloropidae). Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 127: 243-250.
McLean, I. F. G. 1980. The genus Parochthiphila (Dipt., Chamaemyiidae) in Britain.
Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 116: 32.
McLean, I. F. G. 1987. Anthomyza bifasciata Wood (Diptera, Anthomyzidae) recorded from
East Sussex & Norfolk. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 20: 136.
Owen, D. F. 1957. Neottiophilum praeustum in birds’ nests. British Birds 1: 160-164.
Papp, L. 1978. Bizonytalan helyzetu torpikkelnelkuli legynemek. Fauna Hung. 133: 195-202.
Papp, L. 1988. Periscelis kabuli sp.n. and P. kaszabi sp.n. with notes on larvae and pupae of
the Families Aulacigastridae and Periscelidae (Diptera). Acta Zool. Hung. 34: 273-284.
Plant, C. W. 1989. Thorndon Park, Essex, 22 July 1989. Field Meetings Report. Br. J. Ent.
Nat. Hist. 2: 176.
Raspi, A. 1983. [Contribution to the knowledge of the Chamaemyiids. 2 Ethology and
morphology notes of Leucopis interruptovittata Aczel, Chamaemyia flavipalpis (Haliday)
and Parochthiphila coronata (Loew) in the coast of Tuscany]. Frust. Entom. New series
6: 103-139.
Rohacek, J. 1983. Faunistics of the Czechoslovakian species of Anthomyzidae and Stenomicridae
(Diptera). Cas. Slez. Muz. Opava [A] 32: 125-135.
Rohacek, J. 1992. Typhamyza gen. n. for Anthomyza bifasciata Wood, with description of
immature stages (Diptera, Anthomyzidae). Boll. Mus. Reg. Sci. Nat. Torino 10: 187-207.
Soods, A. & Papp, L. (Eds) 1984. Diptera of the Palearctic region Vol. 10. Akadémiai kiad6,
Budapest.
Stubbs, A. E. & Chandler, P. J. (Eds) 1978. A dipterist’s handbook. The Amateur Entomologist’s
Society.
Tanasijtshuk, V. N. 1986. Fauna CCCP: Diptera Chamaemyiidae. No. 134: 335.
Withers, P. 1987. Anthomyza bifasciata Wood (Diptera, Anthomyzidae) discovered in an actively
worked aggregate pit. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 20: 136.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 ny
ADHESION MARKS ON THE ABDOMEN OF
PUPAL CHIRONOMIDAE (DIPTERA)
PETER H. LANGTON
3 St Felix Road, Ramsey Forty Foot, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE17 1YH.
Smooth patches on the abdominal tergites and sternites (Fig. 1) of chironomid
pupae have been called ‘Fensterflecken’ (‘window marks’) (Thienemann, 1944), and,
more recently, ‘Muskelmale’ (‘muscle marks’) (Hirvenoja, 1973). Saether (1980),
in his glossary of chironomid morphology terminology favours the term muscle
marks. However, Dr M. Hirvenoja informs me that these are inaccurately called
‘Muskelmale’, and suggests a return to ‘Fensterflecken’, thereby prompting the
following investigation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Pupae and fourth instar larvae of Chironomus annularius auctt. were collected
from a rain-water butt. Larvae showing different stages of pupal development
within them were selected and killed in either 70% isopropanol or Bouin’s solution
(picric-formol-acetic). They were then cut longitudinally (either vertically or
horizontally), or transversely. Some of the preparations were transferred to orcein
acetic, until the musculature was stained reddish-purple. The pupae were prepared
for examination in the same way. All the specimens were examined under the
microscope in 70% isopropanol; the more revealing examples were further dehydrated
in 100% isopropanol and slide-mounted in Euparal.
OBSERVATIONS
The lateral band of dorsoventral muscles in each abdominal segment of the pupa
is attached to the cuticle beneath the lateral marks of tergum and sternum, but
Fig. 1. Segment III, dorsal view, of the pupal abdomen of Chironomus annularius. a: anterior
adhesion marks; b: row of lateral adhesion marks: c: posterior adhesion marks. Scale line 1 mm.
90 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 2. Posterior adhesion point in late fourth instar larva of Chironomus annularius. a: adhesion
point between larval and pupal cuticles; b: larval cuticle; c: pupal cuticle; d: posterior margin
of abdominal segment V. Scale line 0.1 mm.
there are no muscle attachments to the cuticle beneath the anterior and posterior
marks.
In late fourth-instar larvae, the nearly fully formed pupal cuticle remains attached
to the otherwise apolysed larval cuticle at all the points that remain smooth upon
ecdysis (Fig. 2). At this stage the larva is still feeding, and its movements are still
larval: it crawls using its anterior and posterior parapods, and remains capable of
curling into a spiral when disturbed. Shortly before ecdysis, the lateral adhesion points
are seen to be separated from the larval cuticle. The separation of the cuticles at the
anterior and posterior marks occurs later, upon ecdysis.
DISCUSSION
The late fourth-instar chironomid larva is a complex animal. In Chironomus the
pupal head (and the developing adult head within it) forms in the anterior thorax
of the larva (Miall & Hammond, 1900). (In many other chironomids the pupal head
develops partly in the posterior part of the larval head and partly in the anterior
thorax.) Apolysis of the larval cuticle is progressive, beginning at the developing wing
and leg sheaths, subsequently spreading around the thorax and along the abdomen.
Even when the pupa is nearly fully apolysed and adult features can be seen within
it, the animal is still behaving as a larva and continues to feed. Final preparation
for ecdysis is very rapid. Extensions into the larval head and parapods are withdrawn.
The pupal abdomen becomes dorsoventrally flattened, presumably by the contraction
of the lateral dorsoventral muscle bands. At the same time the pupal cuticle comes
away from the larval cuticle at the lateral adhesion points. Movements now are the
dorsoventral undulations characteristic of the pupa, which serve to drive the pupa
forwards in the larval cuticle and out through the split dorsal suture of the larval
thorax. During this process the pupal and larval cuticles pull apart at the anterior
and posterior adhesion points.
The adhesion points between the pupal and larval cuticles enable the larva to transmit
its movements to the substratum from musculature now enclosed within the pupal
cuticle. The time between the cessation of larval feeding and the emergence of the
imago is thus greatly reduced, for the adult is already nearly fully formed when the
pupa leaves the larval exuviae. (In Paratanytarsus grimmii Schneider imaginal eclosion
may take place only 25 minutes after pupal ecdysis (Kriiger, 1941).)
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 y
The smooth areas on the abdomen of pupal Chironomidae, previously called
Fensterflecken or Muskelmale/muscle marks are more accurately termed adhesion
marks.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I thank Dr M. Hirvenoja for stimulating this investigation.
REFERENCES
Hirvenoja, M. 1973. Revision der Gattung Cricotopus van der Wulp und ihrer Verwandten
(Diptera, Chironomidae). Ann. Zool. Fenn. 10: 1-363.
Kriiger, F. 1941. Parthenogenetische Sty/otanytarsus-larven als Bewohner einer
Trinkwasserleitung. (Tanytarsus-Studien III: Die Gattung Stylotanytarsus). Arch. Hydrobiol.
38: 214-253.
Miall, L. C. & Hammond, A. R. 1900. The structure and life-history of the harlequin fly
(Chironomus). 196pp. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Seether, O. A. 1980. Glossary of chironomid morphology terminology (Diptera: Chironomidae).
Ent. Scand. Suppl. 14: 1-51.
Thienemann, A. 1944. Bestimmungstabellen ftir die bis jetzt bekannten Larven und Puppen
der Orthocladiinen (Diptera, Chironomidae). Arch. Hydrobiol. 39: 551-664.
BENHS FIELD MEETING
Oakers Wood, Dorset, 22 May 1993
Leader: Mick Parker. Eight members turned up for the daytime meeting, followed
by seven for the moth trapping session. Conditions were cloudy, slightly damp, but
warm and as a result, it was decided to work the outskirts of the main locality, heading
north through mixed woodland, west through wet heath, up on to dry heath, then
south into the main oak wood which by this time had dried out.
Thirteen species of sawfly were noted plus a small number of other hymenoptera
of which Vespa crabro (L.) was the most obvious. The hoverfly list was rather better
with 23 species, including the RDB 1 species Chrysotoxum vernale (Leow), caught
sitting on bracken. Other uncommon species were: Brachypalus laphiformis (Fall.),
Brachyopa scutellaris (R.-D.) and Criorhina asilica (Fall.), all on Crataegus monogyna
L. flowers and Pelecocera tricincta, (Meig.), which was swept. None of these were
new to the Oakers Wood list.
The evening session produced five moth traps. The evening was warm with frequent
showers. A total of 59 macros and 6 micros were recorded of which the most notable
were: marbled pug (Eupithecia irriguata Hiibn), ringed carpet (Cleora cinctaria
D. & S.) and the little thorn (Cepphis advenaria Hiibn). As the evening wore on the
showers became heavier and we were worried that some M.V. bulbs might start
exploding—one did, mine! As I forgot to pack a spare, my collecting ceased about
midnight. Most of the moth records are due to the rest of the group, and to them
I am grateful. Thanks are also due to Mr John Shelly of Oakers Wood House for
permission to hold the field meeting.
92 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
BENHS INDOOR MEETINGS
12 October 1993
The President, Dr D. LONSDALE, announced the deaths of Mr F. Wright and
Mr P. S. Crowhurst.
Mr I. D. FERGUSON showed a larva of the clouded magpie moth, Abraxas sylvata
(Scop.). This was one of eight larvae obtained by beating at High Elms near Orpington,
Kent. One larva had succumbed to a parasitoid, the other six had pupated. Colin
Plant in The larger moths of the London area (1993) states that “‘any breeding
populations of this attractive moth in the London area should be rigorously protected’’.
Mr Ferguson also showed a sample of rice grains from his kitchen that had become
infested with psocids.
Stephen Muddiman, John Bouscal Parker, Colin Leslie Grace, Derek George John
Telfer and Christopher Robert Spilling were elected as members.
Mr M. Simmons said that a light trap at his home in Crowborough, Sussex, had
caught about 20 species of moths on the previous Sunday night, 10.x.93, in spite of
the heavy rain. Seventeen species had been taken on the following night including
a specimen of the delicate moth, Mythimna vitellina (Hiibn.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Mr M. OaTEs then spoke on the New Forest as it used to be and how it has
developed during the present century. The talk was illustrated with colour transparencies
and readings from contemporary accounts of the Forest in former times. Collecting
insects became a popular pastime during the Victorian era when the development
of the railway system made the Forest accessible to people living in London and
elsewhere in Southern England. During the collecting season hotels in the main centres
of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst were heavily used by collectors and dealers, and local
people found employment as guides and providers of livestock and pinned specimens.
There was considerable rivalry between collectors and some ill feeling between them
and the dealers, with butterfly aberrations being highly sought after.
In 1850 the Forest authorities passed an order aimed at controlling fallow deer
and excluding them from the inclosures. In the following years their numbers were
drastically reduced and the reduced grazing pressure allowed increased growth of the
ground flora, with the rides becoming lined with brambles. Butterflies benefitted from
the greater abundance of nectar sources and were present in prodigious numbers.
1888 was a superb year, with the hot summer allowing univoltine species to produce
two generations. Even poor years during that period would be considered good by
modern standards. Collecting trips could, however, be marred by the attentions of
excessive numbers of biting flies.
The nature of the Forest was greatly changed by felling during the 1914-18 war.
The 1923 Transfer of Woods Act resulted in the New Forest being handed over to
the Forestry Commission in the following year. Their mandate was to produce
commercial timber in order to reduce the nation’s dependence on imports. Some
conifer planting had been done in the Forest in the 19th century but this was greatly
increased after the Forestry Commission took over. By 1937 the broad-leafed woodland
had been reduced to 54%. Further changes took place during the second world war
when parts of the Forest were used for airfields, bombing ranges and arable crops.
Alder buckthorn was cut for making charcoal for gas masks. 1941 and 1942 appear
to have been the last great years for butterfly aberrations in the Forest. The quality
of the habitat and butterfly numbers were declining.
During the 1950s the Forestry Commission used heavy machinery to clear ditches
and control vegetation in the rides. The fallow deer population was recovering
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 73
and grazing out the sallow and brambles. In 1964 cattle, ponies and other livestock
were allowed into the inclosures, adding to the grazing pressure. By 1970 about 70%
of the Forest had been coniferized, despite a declaration in 1928 to keep a 60:40
ratio of broad-leaf to conifer trees. In 1982 a halt was called to the planting of more
conifers and of felling mature broad-leaf woods. This ironically may have resulted
in further declines, since the habitat provided by felled and replanted areas is now
denied to those butterflies dependent on it. Although some good areas still exist, the
New Forest today is largely poor for butterflies. Mr Oates showed slides of many
of the butterflies recorded in the Forest, described their current status and outlined
the reasons why many of them had declined.
In 1985 the Forestry Commission was given a new remit to encourage conservation
in its forests. During the late 1980s it began replacing fences and gates but overgrazing
remains a problem. Areas which have been cleared of conifers are less favourable
for insects than similar clearing in broad-leaf areas. This is probably due to a reduction
in the seed bank in the soil and increased acidification while under conifers. The
application of conservation measures is being restricted by limited funding. The
possibility of the government privatizing the Forestry Commission raises the interesting
question of whether the New Forest would be better managed if it remained in their
care, or whether it should be passed to another organization such as the National
Trust.
9 November 1993
The President, Dr D. LONSDALE announced the death of Mr P. W. Cribb.
Dr D. LONSDALE showed a live specimen of the orange ladybird, Halyzia
16-guttata (L.) found on 9.xi.93 on a poplar in an experimental plot at Alice Holt
Forest, Hants. This is a widespread species, having been found as far north as northern
Caithness, but this was the first occasion the exhibitor had seen it at Alice Holt. It
is one of a few British ladybirds that feeds on fungi, such as mildews, rather than
preying on aphids.
Mr S. MILEs drew the meeting’s attention to some recently received publications
produced by the Department of the Environment, the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee, and non-governmental organizations in response to the Rio Conference
on Biodiversity. Also on display were minutes of a recent meeting of the Joint
Committee for the Conservation of British Invertebrates, together with a report on
the Committee’s activities by the National Trust’s representative. Mr Miles also
displayed a copy of a report by Wildlife Link on the future ownership of Forestry
Commission woodlands. Mr Softly asked if a summary of these reports could appear
in the Society’s journal. The President thought that editors were able to make use
of this material. Mr Miles invited members who are interested in forming a
conservation action group to contact him.
There then followed a report and discussion on the Society’s 1993 Annual
Exhibition. Mr M. SIMMONS said that the Exhibition had been well attended with
numbers of both members and visitors slightly up on the previous year. The number
of exhibits compared favourably with previous years, with Coleoptera being
particularly well represented. Mr D. HACKETT suggested that name badges should
be issued to people attending. As a new member he would have found it helpful in
locating exhibitors of insects which were of particular interest to him. Mr R. MORRIS
noted that the space allocated to Diptera and Coleoptera had been somewhat
cramped. The President raised the topic of the format of exhibits; he personally
94 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
preferred exhibits that gave additional information about the insects’ biology or
ecology. The Exhibition notice had been reworded this year to discourage the showing
of long series of insects taken from a site in one season. A discussion took place on
the practical application of this ruling with reference to some of the exhibits shown
at the Exhibition.
Various members then showed some of their slides.
Dr J. MUGGLETON showed slides taken during a visit to the Sierra de Grados
mountain range in Spain in June 1993. These depicted various wild plants, including
narcissus, paeony, dwarf lupin, Lavandula stoechas and Endymion hispanicus. The
invertebrates included various beetles, crickets, the local stick insect Leptynia attenuata
found in a new locality, the mantid Empusa pennata, a centipede, and some
termites found under a rock. After crossing the border into Portugal, Dr Muggleton
also photographed a large solitary wasp, probably Scolia flavifrons, that had alighted
on a car window, and a mating pair of grasshoppers that were superbly camouflaged
against the stony ground.
Mr R. SOFTLY showed some examples of the lesser yellow underwing moth, Noctua
comes ab. sagittifer Cockayne taken at light on the Isles of Scilly, together with a
specimen close to this form taken at Hampstead Heath. He also showed photographs
of the dark spinach, Pelurga comitata (L.), a species not in the Agassiz list of Scilly
Lepidoptera, and an as yet unidentified form of an Jdaea sp. A typical larva of the
chamomile shark, Cucullia chamomillae (D. & S.) was compared with an example
found on Scilly. It was almost entirely white and was photographed feeding on the
white flowers of mayweed where its coloration gave it excellent camouflage.
Mrs F. MurPHY showed slides of various spiders and plants seen on a visit to the
Céte Sauvage, France, in the summer of 1993. In the previous autumn she had visited
Singapore and Queensland, Australia, where she photographed various plants, spiders,
lizards and green tree ants. She closed her display by showing slides of members taken
at the Pelham-Clinton building at Dinton Pastures on 20 September 1992.
Members at Dinton Pastures, 20 September 1992. Left to right: Tony Pickles, John Muggleton,
Peter Chandler, lan McLean. Photo: F. M. Murphy.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 rs
Dinton Pastures, 20 September 1992. While passers-by look on bemused, Roger Morris searches
unsuccessfully for the spider Nuctenea sclopetaria (Clerk), webs of which were seen on the bridge
balustrade. Photo: F. M. Murphy.
Mr N. A. CALLOw had visited eastern Nepal in March and April and showed slides
of the area, including butterflies drinking from wet mud and Primula irregularis in
flower at the snow line. This was followed by photographs taken mainly in Britain
of a wide range of insects, spiders, wild flowers and birds. Some of these illustrated
insect behaviour, such as brown ants attending black aphids, a dolichopodid fly
drinking from a water droplet and a solitary wasp, Symmorphus sp., flying off with
a figwort weevil larva, Cionus sp., clasped in its jaws and front legs. He showed a
series of photographs taken of two slugs, Arion ater (L.), feeding on a dead earthworm,
which was also being eaten by a social wasp. A black ant nearby appeared to be
threatening the wasp, which was responding by whirring its wings.
Mr D. HACKETT showed a slide of the buprestid beetle Agri/us pannonicus (P. & M.)
photographed on oak bark near its characteristic semicircular emergence hole. This beetle
has become widespread in NE London in recent years. Also shown were slides of the
purple hairstreak and the white-letter hairstreak butterflies taken in the grounds of
Alexandra Palace. The former is local in London and Alexandra Palace is a new site for
the white-letter hairstreak. The remaining slides were of an Orthosia sp. larva on
buckthorn, a larva of Blair’s shoulder knot, Lithophane leautieri (Boisd.) on a /eylandii
hedge and a drinker moth, Philudoria potatoria (L.) recently emerged from its cocoon.
14 December 1993
Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a live queen Dolichovespula media (Retz.) (Hymenoptera:
Vespidae) found 5.xii.93 in a wood at Knaphill, Surrey. It was one of two found
separately hibernating on the undersides of logs on the ground. The queens of this
species, which was first recorded in Britain in 1981, presumably require hibernation
sites with a high humidity if this is a typical situation for this species.
Mr R. A. JONES showed the local hoverfly Scaeva selenitica (Meig.) found
sunning itself on a pine trunk at The Chart, Limpsfield, Surrey, on 18.xi.1993.
This large, scarce hoverfly was previously regarded as solely a migrant, but is
now considered to be resident, having been recorded as breeding here. When
96 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
found, the glossy black of the abdomen and contrasting yellow bands were very bright,
suggesting that the specimen was freshly emerged rather than freshly blown from abroad.
He also showed several specimens of Carpophilus sexpustulatus (F.) (Coleoptera:
Nitidulidae) found under fungoid beech bark at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, on
15.xi.1993. Several Carpophilus species are cosmopolitan, and are regularly
introduced into Britain in stored food products. Such was the case with this species
at the turn of the century, when only two (imported) specimens were known. By
the 1930s it had been found out of doors, although only very rarely. It has since
spread and although not very common is recorded across a wide range of sites,
often in abundance. In Knole Park on this occasion it was very common under
bark infected with Bulgaria inquinans, the black bulgar fungus also known by
the delightful name ‘rubber buttons’.
Mr C. B. ASHBY showed a home-made slide viewer which accommodates six
35-mm transparencies side by side above a light box lit with a small fluorescent tube.
Above the transparencies was a lens mounted on two rails so that it could be slid
along to view each slide in turn. The device is particularly useful for comparing similar
slides in order to select the best exposure and image. The slides used to demonstrate
the viewer were of Roesel’s bush cricket, Metrioptera roeselii (Hagenb.). This species
has become more widespread in southern England in recent years and the slides were
taken at a recently discovered site at Cherry Orchard Farm, Ewell, Surrey, where
it was discovered by Dr I. Menzies.
Mr R. SOFTLY showed a live sawfly larva (subsequently identified as a Dolerus
sp.) that had crawled into an actinic light trap he had been running recently in his
garden at Hampstead. The larva had been feeding in captivity on the leaves of
pendulous sedge, Carex pendula Hudson, a plant that was growing near the trap site.
The majority of sawflies overwinter as non-feeding prepupal larvae in the soil and
subsequently pupate during the spring.
Mr R. UFFEN said that he had also recently found a sawfly larva feeding on Carex.
It appeared to be a different species to that shown by Mr Softly.
The following persons were elected as members at the December Council meeting:
Stephen Hallam, Peter G. Kelly, Michael Dockery, William G. Kittle, Michael E.
New, Nigel L. Sawyer, Stuart W. Campbell, Thomas D. Sleep, David B. Spencer,
Anthony P. Pittaway, David F. Lloyd, Bernard Verdcourt, Charles Watson, Brian
J. Warne, David John Slade, Stuart P. M. Roberts, John Derek Baston, Brian
Eversham and Adrian Barnes; the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (Scotland)
was elected as a corporate member and James Brian Prout was elected as a life member.
Existing members Ken Merrifield and Henry S. Barlow have converted from ordinary
to life membership.
Mr R. HAWKINS reported that the hoverfly book had been reprinted and was now
available again.
Dr J. ISMAy then spoke on the subject of an entomologist in Papua New
Guinea, where he had worked as the only insect taxonomist with the Department
of Agriculture between 1980 and 1986. He showed a series of slides to indicate
the variety of habitats found on the island, including mangrove swamps, agricultural
activities ranging from plantation crops to mountainside smallholdings, rain forest
and hill tops. The fauna of Papua New Guinea was depicted with a series of slides
of frogs, lizards, snakes, crabs, millipedes and centipedes, spiders and a wide
range of insects. Many of these are larger and more colourful than their British
counterparts. Dr Ismay closed his talk with some pictures of the native people in
ceremonial dress. These costumes involve the use of large numbers of bird of
paradise feathers.
BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Officers and Council for 1994
President:
P. M. Waring, M. A., Ph.D., F.R.E.S.
Vice-Presidents:
D. Lonsdale, B.Sc., Ph.D
M. J. Scoble, B.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., F.R.E.S.
Treasurer: Secretary:
A. J. Pickles, F.C.A., F.R.E.S. R. F. McCormick, F.R.E.S.
Curator: Librarian:
P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. S. R. Miles
Lanternist: Editor:
M. J. Simmons, M.Sc. R. A. Jones, B.Sc., F.R.E.S., F.L.S.
Ordinary Members of Council:
B. R. Baker J. Muggleton
G. Collins C. Penney
J. Dobson S. Pittis
A. J. Halstead D. Young
I. F. G. McLean
INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS
Contributions must be double-spaced with 3 cm margins either side to facilitate marking up.
They should be typed if possible, on one side only of A4 paper. Layout should follow that
of the journal, but apart from underlining scientific names, no marks should be made to define
typeface.
Line and continuous tone figures are accepted. Writing on figures is best listed separately
for setting and its placing indicated on a duplicate figure. Seek advice before drawing. Reduction
may otherwise necessitate redrawing.
Authors of original papers of more than one page qualify for 25 free reprints. Extra copies
(prices on application) must be ordered when proofs are returned.
Contents continued from back cover
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
34 Tachinid flies. Diptera: Tachinidae
36 A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain. Part 2
58 Hoverflies. Naturalists Handbooks 5
66 The encyclopedia of land invertebrate behaviour
66 Caterpillars: ecological and evolutionary constraints on foraging
66 Wood: decay, pests and protection
66 A directory for entomologists
66 Dead wood matters: the ecology and conservation of saproxylic invertebrates in Britain
70 Australian weevils
76 Insects on cabbages and oilseed rape
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
VOLUME 7, PART 2, APRIL 1994
ARTICLES
Pardasena virgulana (Mabille) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a species not previously found
in the wild in Britain. M. R. HONEY AND M. STERLING
Sclerocona acutellus (Eversmann) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the second British record.
P. J. BAKER
The Torstenius collection of Scandinavian Lepidoptera. C. B. ASHBY
Short distance form frequency differences in melanic Lepidoptera across habitat boundaries.
T. FrRarersS, T. BoYLES, C. JONES AND M. MAJERUS
The current status of the lesser mottled grasshopper, Stenobothrus stigmaticus (Rambur)
on the Isle of Man. A. CHERRILL
Some rare and threatened bees recorded from Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire. G. R. ELSE AND
S. P. M. ROBERTS
Do tortoise beetle pupae mimic lacewings? R. A. JONES
The Meligethes (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) of Montgomeryshire (vice-county 47). A. H.
KIRK-SPRIGGS
Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq. (Caryophyllaceae), the larval foodplant of Delia piliventris (Pok.)
(Diptera: Anthomyiidae). K. P. BLAND
Lyciella stylata Papp and L. subpallidiventris Papp (Diptera: Lauxaniidae) new to Britain.
A. GODFREY
Some rare acalyptrate Diptera taken in recent years. A. GODFREY
Adhesion marks on the abdomen of pupal Chrionomiidae (Diptera). P. H. LANGTON
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
Xyleborus saxesenii (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) new to Cornwall. K. N. A.
ALEXANDER
Bryoporus rugipennis Pandellé (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Northern England. K. N. A.
ALEXANDER AND R. C. WELCH
Letter to the editor. Recent Lepidoptera papers in the journal. M. H. SMITH
Dolichopus caligatus Wahlb. (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) new to eastern England.
R. CROSSLEY
PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS
Assistant Treasurership
The Society’s Council
BENHS Field Meeting
BENHS Indoor Meetings, 12 October to 14 December 1993
Continued inside back cover
SEPTEMBER 1994 ISSN 0952-7583 Vol. 7, Part
BRITISH JOURNAL OF
ENTOMOLOGY
AND NATURAL HISTORY
e
ze -
i.
Published by the British
Entomological and Natural History
Society and incorporating its
Proceedings and Transactions
Price: £3.00
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
Editor:
Richard A. Jones, B.Sc., F.R.E.S., F.L.S.
13 Bellwood Road
Nunhead
London SE15 3DE
(Tel: 071 732 2440)
(Fax: 071 277 8725)
Editorial Committee:
Rev. D. J. L. Agassiz, M.A. T. G. Howarth, B.E.M., F.R.E.S.
R. D. G. Barrington, B.Sc. I. F. G. McLean, Ph.D., F.R.E.S.
E. S. Bradford Mrs F. M. Murphy, B.Sc.
P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. M. J. Simmons, M.Sc.
B. Goater, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. T. R. E. Southwood, K. E ., D.Sc., F.R.E.S.
A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. R. W. J. Uffen, M.Sc., F.R.E. sh
R. D. Hawkins B. K. West, B.Ed.
P. J. Hodge
British Journal of Entomology and Natural History is published by the British
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©1994 British Entomological and Natural History Society.
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BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 92
BREEDING EURODRYAS AURINIA ROTT. AB. VIRGA TA TUT
RUPERT BARRINGTON
101] Egerton Road, Bishopston, Bristol, Avon BS7 8HR.
E. aurinia ab. virgata is characterized by having the central row of upperside
forewing black spots greatly reduced or absent, leading to the pale markings extending
to form a pale median fascia (Porter, 1989). It is a form that probably occurs from
time to time in most colonies of this species, although extreme forms are rare. Some
colonies, however, have produced well-developed forms on a regular basis. Hod Hill!
in Dorset was, in the past, one such locality.
In the field transitional forms from type through to extreme virgata may be found,
which would suggest that this is an example of multifactorial/polygenic variation.
In this type of variation ‘a number of different genes may have similar effects and,
should they act cumulatively, they may give rise to a graded series of varieties in which
distinct segregation cannot be recognised’ (Ford, 1945). This is as opposed to recessive,
dominant or semidominant aberrations in which a single mutant gene is responsible
for the variation, and will, when bred, ‘produce two or three clear cut classes’ (Berry,
1977) of aberrations in the subsequent generations.
It appears that the terms ‘multifactorial’ and ‘polygenic’ (and hence ‘single-factor’
and ‘monogenic’ when discussing single mutant genes) are synonymous, as various
authors have used one or the other to describe the same phenomenon. Multifactorial
is used by Ford (1945) and Berry (1977), whereas Ford (1964), Robinson (1971) and
Robinson (1990) use polygenic. Kettlewell (1973) uses both as a heading to his
paragraph on this form of variation.
In June 1990 a worn male virgata was taken in Dorset. This was placed in a cage with
a fresh, wild-captured typical female, and a pairing was soon observed. As the male of
this species leaves a permanent plug after mating to ensure that the female will not pair
again, it was certain that the female had not mated previously. Two batches of eggs were
laid and a brood of approximately 120 adults reared the following spring. This contained
two male virgata (not extreme), and a small number of transitional forms in the male.
All females were of the typical form, as were the rest of the males. A pairing was obtained
between a transitional male and a typical female. The weather at this time was cold and
windy, and the female waited 7 days before pairing. A single batch of eggs was deposited.
In the spring of 1992 about 100 larvae emerged from hibernation, but they were
weak, and many more succumbed to disease than is usual in this species. About 50
adults emerged. The whole brood was graded from type to fully developed virgata
in both sexes (a male is illustrated here). Expecting pairing to be as easily achieved
as is usual with aurinia, a number of the most extreme adults were placed in breeding
cages, but despite continuous warm and sunny weather no pairings were observed
and no eggs laid. The brood was weak, with a number of deformed adults and some
that were unable to hang onto the netting of the emergence cage for long enough
to allow full expansion of the wings.
The graded nature of the brood supports the suggestion, based on fieldwork, that
this variation is multifactorial/polygenic, and it clearly has a weakening effect on
the aberrant individuals. This is very much in line with the classic study of a colony
of aurinia near Carlisle over a period of 55 years as described by H. D. and E. B. Ford
(1930) and summarized by E. B. Ford (1945). Here variation increased dramatically
when the population rose sharply from a period of scarcity, and many of the
aberrations were weak or deformed. They described and illustrated an aberration
(virgata) which appears to have been the most frequent form of variation in this colony
98 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 1. Eurodryas aurinia Rott. ab. virgata Tutt (x 1.5 life size).
during a 6-year period of extreme abundance of the species (1894-1899). When the
population stabilized aberrations were hard to find. (R. M. Craske (pers. comm.)
made similar observations during a population explosion of the species near Plaistow,
Sussex in 1945/6.) The authors attributed this phenomenon to the fact that weaker,
aberrant individuals would have a chance to survive to become adults during a period
in which the population was increasing in size from a point far below its average
towards its optimum size. This is because, during a period of increasing population size,
selection would be less intensive than when the population reached its optimum level.
REFERENCES
Berry, R. J. 1977. Inheritance and natural history. Collins, London.
Ford, H. D. & Ford, E. B. 1930. Fluctuations in numbers, and its influence on variation in
Melitaea aurinia Rott. (Lepidoptera). Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 78: 345-351.
Ford, E. B. 1945. Butterflies. Collins, London.
Ford, E. B. 1964. Ecological genetics. Chapman and Hall, London.
Kettlewell, B. 1973. The evolution of melanism: the study of a recurring necessity. Oxford
University Press.
Porter, K. J. 1989. Eurodryas aurinia. In: Emmet, A. M. & Heath, J. (Eds). The moths and
butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 7(1): 234-237. Colchester, Harley Books.
Robinson, R. 1971. Lepidoptera genetics. Pergamon Press, Oxford.
Robinson, R. 1990. Genetics of European Butterflies. In: Kudrna, O. (Ed.) Butterflies of Europe.
Volume 2. Aula-Verlag, Wiesbaden.
SHORT COMMUNICATION
The white-letter hairstreak in south-east London.—One the warm and muggy
morning of 17.vii.1994 a large Buddleja bush in Nunhead Cemetery, London SE1S,
attracted only a single butterfly, a rather battered white-letter hairstreak, Strymonidia
w-album (Knoch). This was the first time I had encountered the species in Nunhead,
although a dead hairstreak caterpillar was brought to me, from the cemetery, some
years ago. The several hundred large English elms, U/mus procera Salisb., which
punctuated the cemetery grounds were killed in the 1970s by Dutch elm disease; many
of their trunks still lie prostrate in wooded corners. Suckers and sapplings are
regenerating; they now reach about 6m high and the disease is reappearing to kill
a few each year. The butterfly is obviously very local in the London area, but its
appearance in Nunhead (vice-county 17, ‘‘Surrey’’) may support ideas that it is
recolonizing as elms regrow.—Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead,
London SE15 3DE.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 ny
SEPARATION OF SOME ERISTALIS SPECIES USING ABDOMINAL
COLOUR PATTERN
GRAHAM J. HOLLOWAY
Department of Pure & Applied Zoology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 228,
Reading, Berkshire RG6 2AJ.
Some sets of hoverfly species are rather difficult or laborious to separate in the
field (e.g. Baccha spp., Paragus spp., Sphaerophoria spp.) and collectors often decide
to capture a few to identify them later on with the aid of a microscope. When all
species concerned are interesting for one reason or another this poses no real problem,
but occasionally a rare or scarce hoverfly resembles a particularly abundant species.
In this situation many records of the less common species may be completely
overlooked and, consequently, an accurate picture of their distribution and abundance
may take a very long time to emerge. Any studies on long-term population changes
in a species such as this would have little value given the unreliability of past
distribution and abundance estimates.
Stubbs and Falk (1983) describe Eristalis abusivus Collin as a “‘local’’ species but
“the commonest Fristalis in some coastal districts’’. The separation of E. abusivus
from the closely related E. arbustorum (L.) is relatively straightforward, but requires
inspection of the fine structure of the arista. Other characters that can be used include
the distance over which the eyes touch in the males (van der Goot, 1981) and the
amount of yellow on the tibia of the middle leg. Apart from perhaps the eye character
in the males, none of them are very accessible to use in the field. However, the biggest
problem is that similar species, such as EF. arbustorum and E. nemorum (L.), are
so abundant and widespread. In a mass of Eristalis species, not many entomologists
would be prepared to devote time to checking hundreds of individuals on the chance
that a few E. abusivus are present. Stubbs and Falk (1983) also consider it likely that
this species is overlooked in the field.
Recently, I carried out a study of colour variation in certain Fristalis species using
museum specimens held at the Natuurhistorische Museum in Leiden, The Netherlands
(Holloway, 1993). The sample sizes were large and for FE. arbustorum, E. abusivus
and FE. nemorum 3169, 843 and 826 individuals were inspected, respectively. Using
these specimens, I was able to ascertain not only the amount of pattern variation
shown, but also any consistent pattern differences among the species (Figure 1).
Although this type of quantitative variation is not generally considered useful to
identify species, I found, in the course of my study, that I was able to identify many
individuals immediately solely on the basis of their colour pattern. A couple of
E. arbustorum that had somehow crept into the E. abusivus boxes stuck out like sore
thumbs! It occurred to me that colour pattern differences may be a quick and easy
way of provisionally assessing in the field the occurrence of £. abusivus. Having
captured a likely looking candidate, the accepted qualitative characters could then
be used to confirm identification.
There was always a considerable difference between the sexes in all species with
most of the variation in females occurring on tergite 2 and in males on tergite 3. There
were a number of important consistent differences between the colour patterns of
E. arbustorum and E. abusivus. In E. abusivus, the yellow patches on the abdomen
never touched the trailing edge of tergite 2 in females and tergite 3 in males. In
E. arbustorum, the trailing edges of these tergites were often reached by the yellow
patches. In female FE. abusivus, the yellow patches on tergite 2 when present assumed
a hooked shape, whilst in female EF. arbustorum the yellow patches were more
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
100
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BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
triangular. In male E. abusivus, the yellow patches on tergite 3 were squarish with
the vertical inner edge and the bottom edge of the yellow patch forming a 90° angle.
In male E. arbustorum the inner edge of the yellow patch on tergite 3, more often
than not, curved outwards towards the lateral margins of the tergite. Of course, colour
pattern could not always be used. For example, the females of both species are
sometimes devoid of all paler pigmentation on the abdomen. However, over 60%
of female E. arbustorum were assigned to the categories 3 and 4 shown in Figure |!
and over 30% of female E. abusivus were category 3. All of these insects could be
instantly identified without reference to further characters. As for the males, over
85% of E. abusivus were of category 6 and over 60% of FE. arbustorum fell into
category 6 or 7. Again, all of these individuals were easy to identify. Clear differences
also existed between FE. nemorum and the other two species, as can be seen from
Figure 1, which again facilitate separation of E. abusivus from E. nemorum.
This study was carried out using insects that were collected in The Netherlands.
It is likely, although yet to be established, that the range and type of colour variation
shown by E. abusivus in Britain is the same as found in The Netherlands. If this
indeed proves to be the case, then colour pattern differences could be a useful way
of screening large numbers of Eristalis species quickly and efficiently.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am very grateful to Dr Peter van Helsdingen for allowing me access to the
Syrphidae collection at the Natuurhistorische Museum in Leiden, The Netherlands.
REFERENCES
Holloway, G. J. 1993. Phenotypic variation in colour pattern and seasonal plasticity in Eristalis
hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae). Eco/. Ent. 18: 209-218.
Stubbs, A. E. & Falk, S. J. 1983. British hoverflies: an illustrated identification guide. British
Entomological and Natural History Society, London.
van der Goot, V. S. 1981. De zweefvliegen van NoordwestEuropa en Europees Rusland, in het
bijzonder van de Benelux. Koninklijke Nederlandse Natuurhistorische Vereneging, Amsterdam.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Librarian needed.—I am leaving this position after the 1995 annual general meeting,
having performed this function since 1982. Therefore a replacement person is sought
for this post as soon as possible. The main duties are to monitor the members’ use
of the library using computer methods, purchase new material, monitor existing
exchanges of journals and arrange new exchanges with other entomological
organizations and manage the organization and shelving of the stock.
The new facilities at Dinton Pastures, combined with the installation of a new
computer to use with the society’s existing library database make the job of library
management somewhat easier than it used to be at our old rooms in South Audley
Street. However attendance is required at the new rooms once a month, as a minimum,
to open the post, record and shelve incoming items and monitor loans.
Due to ever-increasing work commitments and other considerations | feel | can
no longer give as much time to the position as it requires. A full description of the
duties of the post are available from me, Stephen Miles, Librarian, 469 Staines Road
West, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2AB, tel: 0784 252274.
102 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
BENHS INDOOR MEETINGS
11 January 1994
The President, Dr D. LONSDALE, announced the deaths of Mrs K. Emmet and
Mr C. B. Ashby.
Mr R. A. JONES showed three ‘bird nest’ beetles, Hister merdarius Hoffmann, J.,
(Histeridae), Quedius ventralis (Aragona) and Q. brevicornis (Thomson, C. G.)
(Staphylinidae), collected from Honor Oak, S.E. London, on 7.1.94 from nest material
in a hollow tree (probably oak) exposed after wind had torn off a large branch. All
three species are regarded as very local or rare and are specifically associated with
birds’ nests. There was no way of knowing what had made the nest, composed of
a mixture of leaves and wood mould, but the presence of two specimens of the flea
Orchopeas howardi howardi (Baker) suggests that its host the grey squirrel had used
the nest fairly recently. Although the grey squirrel must be about the commonest
wild mammal in this area, this was the first record of the flea in the 10-km square
TQ37. Mr R. S. George kindly identified the flea.
Mr D. HACKETT showed a male specimen of the spring usher moth Agriopsis
leucophaearia (D. & S.) close to the melanic form merularia Weymer. It had been
beaten from holly in Queens Wood, north London, on 8.1.94. This appears to be
an early date for a moth more usually seen in late February and March.
Mr R. SOFTLY said that he had also taken A. /Jeucophaearia recently at light in
Hampstead and agreed the first week of January was early for this species.
Mr S. MILEs drew the meeting’s attention to copies of the Wildlife Link newsletter
and Annual Report for 1992, which were made available.
Dr C. GIBSON spoke on the subject of ‘‘Insects and habitat restoration’’. The talk
was based largely on the restoration of limestone grassland at Wytham Wood, Oxford.
This ancient woodland has a number of grassy clearings which were converted to
arable farming but have now been allowed to revert to grassland. Before restoration
can be attempted, or its success monitored, it is necessary to know what plants and
animals were present in the past. The degree and speed of colonization is largely
dependent on how much of the original fauna and flora has survived in uncultivated
patches and how close these are to the restored areas. Recolonization has to take
place in a sequential manner with plants establishing first before their associated
invertebrate faunas can develop. Some insects, however, had arrived in the restored
areas at Wytham before their typical food plants were established. It was found that
the brown argus and marbled white butterflies had been able to colonize the area
by switching to alternative host plants.
It can take 100 years or more for the floral diversity to become indistinguishable
from the original grassland, so restoration is inevitably a long-term process. Plant
colonization can be crudely divided into three phases. The early colonizers predominate
in the first 5-10 years, followed by a second group that flourish after 10-100 years
but later decline. The third group does not occur in numbers until the grassland is
about 100 years old. Each of these three groups has its own associated insect fauna.
Although the early colonizers are mostly common species, in some situations they
may include scarce or local insects. At a Center Parcs holiday complex in the Breckland
it was found that the grey carpet moth, Lithostege griseata (D. & S.) quickly took
advantage of the growth of flixweed that grew on disturbed ground. The management
plan for the site now includes rotovating strips of land to maintain the habitat
requirements of the moth and its host plant.
The insect fauna and plants at Wytham, especially in the grassy areas, have been
well documented in the past. Experimental plots have been set out to monitor the return
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 103
of plants and invertebrates to the restored areas. The research has four main aims.
These are: (1) to update the records for certain selected groups of invertebrates in
and around the core experimental areas; (2) to establish suitable sheep grazing regimes;
(3) to monitor the distribution and structure of plants on the site; (4) to monitor the
distribution and abundance of insects and spiders on the site. The main sampling
method for invertebrates is the use of vacuum suction equipment. The target groups
of invertebrates selected for the survey are Coleoptera, spiders, leafhoppers and
heteropteran bugs, as these are suitable for collection by this means. Leaf miners
are also recorded as their feeding activities enable many species to be identified, even
if the insects are no longer on the plants. Certain target species of plants and their
associated insects have been intensively surveyed to map their arrival and distribution
through the plots.
Dr Gibson concluded that the early indications of the survey are that in the right
places a great deal can be achieved quite quickly in restoring the habitat, and with
a suitable management regime it should, in the long term, be possible to regain
something resembling the original ancient grassland.
22 February 1994
Mr R. A. JONES showed a range of specimens of Mycetophagus piceus (F.)
(Coleoptera: Mycetophagidae) collected under the fungoid bark of an oak stump in
Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, on 15.xi.93. The delicate pattern of this species varies
from light with darker markings to dark with lighter markings. The range of patterns
is aptly summed up by a term one might borrow, or translate, from German authors—
Aberrationsspektrum.
Mr Jones also showed a specimen of M. quadripustulatus (L.). Typically this species
varies very little; it is dark brown or black with four large orange spots on its elytra.
However, this specimen, from under the bark of a sycamore tree on Bookham
Common, Surrey, found on 13.xi.77, showed a peculiar departure from this. The
anterior spot on the left elytron was drawn out behind into a long droplet-shaped
appendage, while just in front of the posterior mark on the right elytron was a small
supernumerary spot. Whatever process caused the aberrant pattern, its development
was controlled independently across each of the beetle’s wing-cases.
Mr Jones’s third exhibit was of a specimen of a Philonthus spp. (Coleoptera:
Staphylinidae) attacked by a parasitic entomophagous fungus. The beetle was found
dead among grass roots near Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset, on 8.viii.93.
The unidentified fungus was characterized by long sinuous tendrils extruded between
the chitinous plates of the insect’s body.
Mr C. W. PLANT showed a specimen of Hemerobius fenestratus Tjeder (Neuroptera:
Hemerobiidae). This lacewing was added to the British list by the exhibitor when
he took a male during a BENHS field meeting at Etchden Wood, East Kent, in 1986.
This was the only British record until the exhibited specimen, a female, was taken
in a Rothamsted light trap by Geoff Burton in his garden at the Isle of Sheppey,
East Kent, between 30.vii and 5.viii.92. It is closely related to H. pini Steph. and
H. contumax Tjeder, all three originally being regarded as a single species. It can,
however, be distinguished in the field by the lack of dark shadowing on the outer
series of gradate cross-veins in the forewings and the transparent forewing patch
anterior to the cubital vein, from which the specific epithet fenestratus is derived.
Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed an undersized male Platystoma seminationis (L.)
(Diptera: Platystomatidae). It had a wing span of 8.5 mm and body length of 4mm,
compared with the more usual 12 mm wingspan and 6 mm body length. A typical male
104 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
and female were shown for comparison. All three specimens were swept from chalk
grassland at the BENHS field meeting at Therfield Heath, Royston, Herts, on
29.v.93. The larval stage of this fly has been recorded as feeding in a fungus,
Tricholomopsis rutilans.
The following persons have been elected as members: Neil Arnold, James Brock,
Paul A. Boswell, Wolfgang Billen, Gareth King, Graeme P. Smith and Malcolm
Cotterill.
Mr R. D. HAWKINS reminded members that the Society’s hoverfly book had been
reprinted and was available again.
Dr P. WARING described his experiences with two overwintering goat moth larvae,
about 7 cm long, that he is rearing. These are recorded in the literature as making
a cocoon in which they overwinter and then sometimes making another in the spring
in which they pupate. He was keeping the larvae indoors at 50—60°F in plastic boxes
with some soil and with brown bread and half apples as food. From time to time
the food material needs replacing as it becomes mouldy. Each time when the larvae
have been disturbed they have remade a loose, coarse cocoon for themselves. They
have continued to feed intermittently at about 2- to 3-week intervals. One larva had
moulted just after the New Year. A head capsule was found although there was no
sign of the cast skin.
The ordinary meeting was closed and was then followed by the Annual General
Meeting.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Society held at the rooms of the
Royal Entomological Society of London at 6.30 pm, 22 February 1994. Chairman:
The President, Dr D. Lonsdale. Present: 33 members.
Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and signed.
The Secretary read the Council’s report, followed by the Treasurer who read his
report. The Treasurer then invited questions on his report but there were none. The
Editor, Librarian and Curator then read their reports and Dr M. J. Scoble read
the report of the Hering Memorial Fund. The President proposed the adoption of
the reports; this was seconded by Dr I. F. G. McLean and passed unopposed.
The President then read the names of the Officers and Members of Council
recommended by the Council for 1994-95 and, as no other names had been submitted,
he declared the following duly elected. President: Dr P. Waring; Vice-Presidents:
Dr D. Lonsdale, Dr M. J. Scoble; Treasurer: A. J. Pickles; Secretary: R. F.
McCormick; Editor: R. A. Jones; Curator: P. J. Chandler; Librarian: S. R. Miles;
Lanternist: M. J. Simmons; Building Manager: P. J. Baker; Ordinary Members of
the Council: B. R. Baker, J. R. Dobson, A. J. Halstead, C. Penney, S. C. Pittis,
J. Muggleton, I. F. G. McLean, G. A. Collins, D. Young and R. K. Merrifield.
The Secretary then read Bye-law 26(d) and invited motions or questions. Mr R.
Softly asked about the vacant Trustee position. Mr Pickles said that Rev. D. Agassiz
had agreed to become a Trustee of the Society.
The President then read his report and gave his address.
The President then installed the new President, Dr P. Waring.
The President proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring President, and this was
seconded by Mr D. Young. The President asked for permission to publish the
Presidential address, and this was given.
Rev. D. Agassiz gave a vote of thanks to the retiring Officers and Council.
Auditors: The President proposed the election of Mr R. A. Bell and Col. D. H.
Sterling as Auditors for the coming year with Council being empowered to appoint
registered auditors under the Charities Act if necessary. This was seconded by
Mr C. Plant and Mr R. Softly and passed unopposed.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 105
8 March 1994
The President, Dr P. WARING, showed a cocoon of the striped lychnis moth,
Cucullia lychnitis Ramb. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). He had collected larvae in 199!
and, although some adults had emerged in 1992, a greater number were produced
in 1993. Delayed emergence is well known in this species. The larvae prefer to feed
on the flower spikes of Verbascum nigrum L., which is a biennial or short-lived
perennial plant. The extended adult emergence may help the species survive years
when flowering plants are scarce.
Miss L. FARRELL circulated a copy of a newsletter on Shetland Lepidoptera
produced by a newly formed entomology group in the islands.
Mr R. SOFTLY showed two colour transparencies of larvae of the belted beauty
moth Lycia zonaria (Harrison) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) found feeding in an area
of machair grassland on Iona in mid-June 1990.
The following persons have been elected as members: Paul R. Mabbot, John Arthur
Thompson, David Graham Hemingway, John Leslie Dyer, Robin Williams, Roger
Guy Gaunt, Roland Humpheryes, Edward Lawrence Bee and John Szezur.
Mr A. J. HALSTEAD and Dr Waring reminded members of the forthcoming
workshops to be held at Dinton Pastures. The clearwing meeting on 23 April would
be followed by light trapping in the evening.
Miss Lynne Farrell spoke on ‘‘Wild flowers in the Highlands and Islands of
Scotland’’. The lecture took the form of a journey through some of the prime botanical
sites in Scotland, starting in Angus and going through Ben Lawers, Mull, the Treshnish
Isles, Skye, Orkney and Shetland. Many of the alpine plants shown have a very
restricted distribution and are at risk from overgrazing, plant collectors and, in some
cases, dry summers. Miss Farrell described some of the work she has done to assess
the population sizes and distribution of some of the rarer plants. Quadrats and
transects are used to assess plant density and photographic records are kept of the
size of colonies. Similar measurements in subsequent years indicate any changes in
the plants’ status and provide an indication of the success or otherwise of the site’s
Management regime.
The lecture was not without entomological interest. Slides were shown of the burnet
moths Zygaena loti (Rowland-Brown) and Z. purpuralis Tremewan on Mull, the scarce
chrysomelid beetle Chrysolina crassicornis (Hellie.) on Skye, the bumble bee Bormbus
muscorum (L.), the hoverfly Sericomyia silentis (Harris) and local forms of the red
carpet and ghost swift moth on Shetland.
In recent years the waters around Shetland have become busy with shipping due
to the oil industry and the increase in fish processing vessels. The poor condition
of some of the latter, coupled with the severe weather encountered in the area, result
in shipwrecks which can have a major impact on wildlife. The speaker showed slides
of several wrecks, including the oil tanker Braer. The oil spillage from the tanker
seems to have had little lasting effect on the higher plants on Shetland but mosses
and lichens have been killed by oil blown onto the land.
12 April 1994
The President, Dr P. WARING, showed some distribution maps for Great Britain
of moths based on post-1980 records which update maps given in The butterflies and
moths of Great Britain and Ireland. The maps indicated the changing status of some
moths. The oak tree pug appears to be more widespread than before 1980 but this
probably reflects improved recording and it is no longer classified as notable. The
sloe pug, which was new to Britain in the 1970s, is now known to be widespread. The
106 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
obscure wainscot is expanding its range, especially in Yorks. and Lincs. The satin
lutestring is common in the Weald of Kent and occurs in pockets along the west coast
but remains a nationally uncommon species. Dr Waring referred to the need to have
a regionally notable classification. He also circulated a map indicating “‘hot spots’”’
where scarce macrolepidoptera requiring further recording and research occur.
Mr R. A. JONES showed specimens of Calopteron discrepans (Newm.) and
C. terminale (Say) (Coleoptera: Lycidae) and a large unidentified ichneumon species,
all from tropical oak woodland in central Florida, USA, in March 1994. Beetles of
the family Lycidae (net-winged beetles) are said to be distasteful to predators. Most
are brightly and warningly coloured red and black. Various other insects are said
to mimic them, including several black and red arctiid moths. Despite the obvious
differences between the set specimens of beetles and ichneumons, there exists a
remarkable similarity when observed on the wing. The Florida sunlight is strong and
harsh, and even in the dappled undergrowth, motes of light are bright and piercing.
The dark body and wings of the ichneumon contrast with the extremely pale antennae
which are held straight out sideways in flight. The pale flash of these antennae, seen
when the insect flies through a spot of light, resembles the lycid elytra, also held straight
out in flight. The resemblance, at least to the human eye, was quite startling.
Mr Jones also showed some slides of what were thought to be fungus gnat larvae
(Diptera: Mycetophilidae), found under a fungoid oak log in Nunhead Cemetery,
9.i11.1994. The vermiform (worm-shaped) larvae were contained in tubules of slime,
through which they moved back and forth. Associated with them were several flexible
and mucilaginous cocoon-shaped structures also exhibited, though now dry and crisp.
These were thought to be either larval retreats or pupal cocoons.
Mr P. CHANDLER suggested that the larvae might be those of the mycetophilid
subfamily Keroplatinae.
Mr R. UFFEN showed a live specimen of a solitary bee Andrena chrysosceles
(Kirby) which had a female Stylops sp. (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) protruding between
the fourth and fifth tergites. A live male Stylops hammella Perkins swept from the
same bee colony at Datchworth, Herts, was also shown.
Mr R. SOFTLY showed a live tawny pinion moth, Lithophane semibrunnea (Haw.)
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) taken in a light trap in his garden in Hampstead. This is
a very local species in the London area although it does appear to have become more
frequent in recent years; 1992 was a record year with 13 being recorded in the trap.
Mr Softly noted that despite this moth emerging in the autumn and overwintering,
all of his records were of moths in the spring. He also displayed some publicity
brochures about books on African butterflies and Australian insects.
Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a male sawfly, Nematus myosotidis (F.) (Hymenoptera:
Tenthredinidae) taken in the Middle Marsh area of Dinton Pastures Country Park,
Berks., 27.vi.93. This specimen, of a common species, was noteworthy for its aberrant
antennae. Both had a small but distinct spur on the underside of the fifth segment;
normally the filiform antennae have no adornments.
The President said that Mr Roger Morris, the Field Meetings Secretary, wished to give
up this post. A replacement is needed, preferably before the Annual Exhibition, which
is a good opportunity to line up leaders for the following year’s programme of meetings. -
He also reminded the meeting of the special meeting, to be held during the ordinary
meeting of 10 May, which would appoint a new trustee and amend the constitution.
The President reported that he had found a common pug, Eupithecia vulgata (Haw.)
on his house. This appears to be an early emergence.
Mr Halstead reported that the sawfly workshop held at Dinton Pastures on 19 March
had been very successful with 18 persons attending.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 107
Dr SIMON LEATHER spoke on insects on bird cherry (Prunus padus L.). The bird
cherry is a native British tree mainly found growing naturally in northern Britain.
It has 28 species of insect associated with it, including three added by the speaker
during the course of his studies. This compares with 153 species associated with Prunus
spinosa L., 67 species with Prunus domestica L. and 40 species with Prunus avium
(L.) L. It would appear that P. padus and P. avium are under-represented in terms
of associated insects in Britain.
Dr Leather gave some details of the leaf beetle Phytodecta pallida (L.). This
polyphagous chrysomelid beetle is one of the species that Dr Leather added to the
bird cherry’s insect list. At his main study site at Roslin Glen near Edinburgh, adults
emerge in March and lay eggs in April. Larvae are present from April to June and
pupate in July. Adults emerge in July but later return to the soil where they overwinter.
The adults and larvae eat holes in the leaves.
The main part of the talk concerned the bird cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.),
the bird cherry small ermine moth, Yponomeuta evonymella (.) and their inter-
relationships. The former overwinters on bird cherry as eggs which are often placed in
bud axils. They hatch at bud-burst and give rise to several generations of wingless female
aphids that cause a downward rolling of the leaf margins. In early summer winged
females develop and migrate to cereals and other grasses. In late summer and autumn
there is a return migration of winged males and females. In mild areas the aphid can
persist on grasses all the year round. Numbers of the aphid on bird cherry vary from year
to year. The date of arrival of aphids on the tree at the end of summer varies from
August to September with the majority arriving in October. The overwintering mortality
of eggs is about 70-80% regardless of numbers laid. Eggs placed in the favoured position
between the buds and stem are more likely to survive than those placed in more exposed
positions. Counts of eggs during the winter are being used as a means of warning farmers
of potentially bad bird cherry aphid years when cereal crop spraying will be necessary.
Heavy infestations on bird cherry in the spring can cause the shoot tips to die back
and more than ten aphids per leaf can cause no fruits on the tree. This damage also
changes the physiology of the plant with the shoots developing with buds more closely
adpressed to the stems which have shorter internodes between the buds. Such shoots
provide better egg-laying sites for the aphid later in the year. Roadside trees were
noted as being more heavily infested than those in woods, and they also had a lower
winter egg mortality, possibly as a result of fewer predators being on roadside trees.
The small ermine moth lays batches of 50-100 eggs on young shoots in August.
These hatch and overwinter as first instar larvae under the protective shield formed
by the egg mass. The caterpillars become active in the spring and begin webbing the
foliage. By mid-summer they may have caused severe defoliation and covered the
tree in spectacular swathes of white silk. Woodland trees are generally more heavily
infested than exposed trees, possibly because the weak-flying adults need shelter.
Counting the number of overwintering egg shields gives a good correlation with the
degree of summer defoliation.
A negative correlation was noted between numbers of bird cherry aphid eggs and the
egg shields of the moth. In experiments with trees artificially defoliated to varying degrees
it was found that fewer aphid eggs were laid on the more severely defoliated shoots. This
effect on 2-year-old trees was still apparent up to 5 years later. When small ermine moths
naturally invaded the experimental plot, the heavily defoliated plants were targeted
as egg laying sites. The shoots on these plants have more widely spaced buds which
are less closely adpressed, which creates more space for the moths to lay. This research
shows that the aphid and moth are in competition for egg laying sites and both insects
are capable of altering the host plant’s growth pattern to their own advantage.
108 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
10 May 1994
The President, Dr P. WARING announced the deaths of Dr Basil MacNulty and
Mr Gaston Prior. Both were former presidents of the society.
Mr R. A. JONES showed a dwarf specimen of the common leaf-rolling weevil
Apoderus coryli (L.) taken by sweeping in Hoe Copse, Midhurst, West Sussex,
18.vi.1978. The species is known to vary somewhat in size and is usually quoted as
being 5.9-8.0 mm long. At 5.3 mm the specimen fell well outside this range.
He also showed a specimen of the seven-spot ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata
(L.), taken near Dade City, central Florida, USA, on 21.iii.1994. This Eurasian species
was first released in the USA in 1956. Over the next 15 years it was introduced in
several Atlantic and mid-western states, but establishment was not confirmed at any
of the release sites. The first confirmed records of permanent establishment in
North America were in New Jersey and Quebec in 1973. By 1988 the beetle was
recorded from 39 states and it continues to spread westwards.
Dr P. WARING showed a larva of the goat moth, Cossus cossus (L.), that he had
been rearing. It was unusually small and pale in colour, and may be parasitized. While
replacing the food material in the rearing box, Dr Waring had discovered a tipulid
larva in the caterpillar’s feeding gallery in the apple. It had presumably been introduced
with soil placed in the bottom of the rearing box.
Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a live specimen of 7rox scaber (L.) (Coleoptera:
Trogidae) collected in his garden at Knaphill, Surrey. E. B. Britton in the RESL
handbook on Scarabaeidae (1956), described T. scaber as occurring “‘in dry animal
remains, wood mould in oaks and elms, and birds’ nests’’. L. Jessop in the 1986
revision of this work describes it as occurring ‘‘in birds’ nests in hollow trees (mostly
owls’ and other nests containing bones) and in detritus of animal origin’’. It also
occurs on the inside of the exhibitor’s compost bin, where there are no nests or bones.
It seems likely that this beetle has much less specialized requirements than has been
suggested and it can probably breed in a wide range of decaying organic materials.
Mr R. D. HAWKINS showed a live specimen of the shield bug Eurygaster
testudinaria (Geoffroy) (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) found 10.v.94 on a roadside verge
at Horley, Surrey. The specimen had a purplish-red colour, unlike the brown colour
typically shown by adults in the autumn.
The following persons have been elected as members: John Edmund Chainey, Simon
James Hayhow, Martin Cade, David John Poynton, Toby Howes, Jacqueline Shane,
Martin Evans, Derek Harry Howton, Beatrice Gillam and Jonathan Paul Guest.
The scheduled speaker was replaced by Dr Jonathon Denton, who spoke on the
natterjack toad and its conservation. The natterjack toad is Britain’s rarest amphibian
and it has gone from most of the inland sites where it was found earlier in the century.
Apart from one heathland site on the Surrey/Hampshire border, it is now confined
to coastal sites in East Anglia, north-west England and the Solway Firth. The habitats
in these various sites—heathland, mobile sand dunes and salt marsh—are seemingly
very different but a common feature is the availability of open ground with sparse
vegetation. Natterjacks have good long-distance vision and run after prey, unlike the
more sedentary common toad.
During the mating season the males position themselves at the edge of pools and
make loud calls that can be heard a mile away at night. After pairing the females
lay 2-5000 eggs in warm shallow pools. The tadpole stage lasts 6-8 weeks. The small
toadlets remain near the pool and are diurnal for the first month after metamorphosis.
Later they become nocturnal and after 6-8 weeks are large enough to be able to make
burrows in the ground to avoid desiccation.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 in
Dr Denton described his studies of the natterjack at its heathland site at Woolmer
Forest. It prefers the open bryophyte dominated areas, unlike the sand lizard and smooth
snake, which are found in the mature heather areas. Suitable ponds have been created
to increase the breeding sites, and trees and shrubs have been cleared to enhance the
habitat for the toads. It has been found that not all females spawn. In the years 1988-92
the numbers of females recorded varied from 65 to 76 and of these only 34 to 49
produced spawn (44-64% of the female population). This may be due to a shortage
of males, since the number of spawn strings produced is directly proportional to the
number of males calling. Female natterjacks live for 10-15 years but males do not
seem to survive more than 7. This may be due to differential predation by grass snakes.
Males are more active at the pond margins during the mating season and may be
at greater risk. Increased grazing to reduce the poolside vegetation and remove cover
for snakes is being tried to see if this increases the breeding success of the toads.
The natterjack toad is one of the species benefiting from English Nature’s species
recovery programme. Sites suitable for reintroduction have been identified in Surrey,
Dorset, Lincolnshire and Norfolk. The first introductions three years ago in Dorset
and Lincolnshire have now produced breeding colonies.
The pools at Woolmer Forest are also notable as being the only British site for
the dytiscid beetle Graphoderus zonatus (Hoppe). It is also found in Germany and
Scandinavia. Little is known about its biology and Dr Denton is attempting to breed
it in captivity.
The ordinary meeting was followed by a special meeting to appoint a trustee and
to make some amendments to the society’s bye-laws.
Minutes of the special meeting
The President, Dr P. WARING, said that it was necessary to appoint a trustee to
replace the late Mr C. B. Ashby. He explained that although recent changes in the
law relating to charities make all of the society’s council members trustees, it is still
necessary to have two named persons as ‘‘trustees’’ to be signatories for the society’s
assets. The person nominated by council as trustee was the Rev. Canon D. Agassiz.
The voting, including postal votes, was 56 in favour, none against and one abstention.
The Rev. Canon D. Agassiz was duly elected as trustee.
The meeting was also asked to make some changes to the society’s bye-laws. These
were to delete clauses 4(i) and 32(c), and to change clause 11(a) to ‘‘not exceed twelve
at any time’’. The proposed changes will remove the power from the society to pay
insurance premiums in order to insure against personal liabilities which may be incurred
by its charitable trustees (members of council). This is in accordance with advice received
from the Charity Commissioners. The third change, clause 11(a), will increase the number
of honorary members to 12 at any one time. The voting, including postal votes, was
56 for and one against. The amendments to the bye-laws were therefore agreed.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Dead caterpillars wanted.—We would be very grateful for any lepidopteran larvae
of UK origin killed by baculovirus infection. This is often characterized by whitening,
followed by complete liquefaction of the larva, which can then often be found hanging
from a prominent position on the foodplant. Samples should be frozen for storage
and sent to: Mr Martin C. Townsend, Ecology Group, NERC Institute of Virology
& Environmental Microbiology, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SR, tel: 0865 512361.
110 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
OFFICERS’ REPORTS FOR 1993
COUNCIL’S REPORT
The Society’s membership stood at 704 at the end of the year, a small increase
on the numbers for the previous year. Forty-five new members were elected during
the year, 17 were struck off for non-payment and 21 members resigned. Ten deaths
were reported to the Society during 1993.
Special thanks are extended by all the Council members to Mr Geoff Burton for
the work that he has done for the Society over the past 10 years. Mr Burton is, until
a replacement can be shown the ropes, our Assistant Treasurer and he now wishes
to resign as he feels that he has done his bit for the Society. We all wish him well
and again thank him for doing such stalwart work for us.
The Council met eight times during 1993 and, on average, 15 members attended
each meeting. Much of the Council’s time was taken up in discussing Dinton Pastures,
(the Pelham-Clinton building). There are ongoing problems with the air conditioning
and alarm systems. The two Council members who have taken on the brunt of
attending for engineers’ visits have been our hard-working Curator, Mr Peter
Chandler, and our designate Building Manager Mr Peter Baker. Our thanks go to
these hard working members and to the other members who have helped with this
work. Other items that have taken up the Council’s time included the new Charities
Act which has needed careful discussion in order to make changes to the Bye-Laws.
A special meeting for this was held in September. Another time-consuming topic was
consideration of J.C.C.B.I. and related environmental issues.
The Pelham-Clinton building was officially opened on 27 June 1993, by Professor
Sir Richard Southwood and was well attended. A buffet was prepared in the Loddon
Room and the people who came enjoyed a sunny outdoor feast. Open days have been
arranged on a fortnightly basis and have attracted good numbers of members each
time. In addition a series of five workshops has been arranged by Dr I. F. G. McLean
and these have attracted between 15 and 20 people to each meeting. Our thanks, again,
go to the hard working members of Council who are making our new premises a
resounding success.
The Society continued to represent members’ interests in the field of conservation
and Mrs F. M. Murphy and Mr S. R. Miles take an active part as the Society’s
representatives on the Joint Committee for Conservation of British Invertebrates.
The Society continues to subscribe to Wildlife Link.
There were 10 indoor meetings, held at the Royal Entomological Society rooms,
and a joint meeting with the London Natural History Society which was held at
the rooms of The Linnean Society in Burlington House, Piccadilly. In general,
attendance at indoor meetings was improved with around 20 people attending each
time; this is probably because of the hard work put in by our Indoor Meeting
Secretary, Dr McLean, in arranging speakers for these events. The increased
interest of the membership in these organized events makes it more rewarding for
the Council members involved. A full programme of events is being prepared for
1994/95.
Fourteen field meetings were held in wide-ranging areas of the countryside, including
two at Dinton Pastures Country Park; this is part of an ongoing effort to establish what
species are living in our own back yard. Attendance at these was low and Mr Roger
Morris would like more members to attend field meetings since, more often than not,
a great deal of effort has been made to obtain permission to get onto some sites,
and since the leaders of these meetings have made the effort to volunteer in the first
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
place. Mr Morris would also like more members to put their names forward to lead
future field meetings.
A successful Annual Exhibition was organized by Mr Michael Simmons; it was
attended by 200 members and 70 visitors, around the same numbers as attended the
previous year. There were around 175 exhibits with the usual slant on the Lepidoptera
but with a welcome increase in the ‘‘other’’ orders. The Council introduced new
guidelines to stop controversial exhibits from being shown at the Exhibition. The
aim is to stop long series of any species from one locality, unless for a specialized
reason, from being shown. Dr Basil MacNulty again organized the Annual Dinner
with his customary skill, and the event was considered a success with 40 members
and companions sitting down to a meal that was enjoyed by all. This item is still
on the agenda for discussion at this year’s meetings of the Council.
TREASURER’S REPORT
This last year has seen the final payments for building and equipping Dinton Pastures
which has enabled reorganization of our finances onto what hopefully will be a stable
basis for the future.
The plans to end the distinction between ‘‘London”’ and ‘‘country’? members
announced last year have come into effect and this necessitated changing our bye-
laws. We took the opportunity of a change in subscription rate to introduce covenanted
subscriptions which will be held at the current level for 4 years. Initial response is
good with about a quarter of our membership having taken this option. The Society
will benefit by some £500 a year in reclaimed tax. The suggestion to covenant was
first mooted some 30 years ago, I believe, but it is only now after a relaxation in
the views of the authorities and protracted negotiation with the Inland Revenue that
we have been able to proceed.
The Charities Acts lay a duty of stewardship on Council and it was with this in
mind that a firm of financial consultants, Edward J. Mercy and Co. Limited were
consulted about our investments. Their proposals, to move the bulk of our cash
deposits to investment bonds, set up to comply with the requirements of the Trustees
Act, were put into effect just before the year end. We look forward to seeing the
benefits of this in the future as interest rates on deposits have fallen to such a low
ebb. I am also pleased to say that our consultants have donated some £1160 to us
from commission earned on these transactions.
The income and expenditure account shows that our income has fallen by over
half following the reduction in interest received, as a result of both lower rates and
lower deposits, and the more normal level of donations received. The cost of running
the Society has been £13 751 and £6275 for producing the journal. This has been
financed by the expected £8000 subscription income with the balance coming from
investment income, including £5367 from the bequest fund. The budget for 1994 does
not envisage major changes from this level of activity.
The balance sheet shows that Dinton Pastures and its equipping reached a final
cost of £154 736 and that this is being written off over the term of the lease at £2210 a
year. The total asset value of the Society is almost unchanged at £352 743. Additionally
there is an unrealized surplus on investment values of approximately £40 000.
The new accounting requirements for charities which were expected this year, have
not yet materialized. However the accounts comply with current best practice and
forecasts of what the act is expected to contain.
Colonel Sterling and Mr Bell have once again audited our books and I extend my
own and Council’s thanks to them.
112
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Balance sheet as at 31st December 1993
Capital employed
General fund
Opening balance
Transfer from bequest fund
Transfer from income and expenditure account
Housing fund
Contributions from other funds
Amortization
Special publications fund
Opening balance
Surplus from sales
Bequest fund
Opening balance
Income
Grants & expenditure
Hering memorial fund
Opening balance
Income
Expenditure
Employment of capital
Leasehold property
Additions
Amortization
Quoted investments
General fund
Hering fund
Investment bonds
Current assets
Special publications
Christmas cards
Sundry debtors and payments in advance
National savings investment account
Sterling money market deposit
Business reserve deposit
Bank current account
Current liabilities
Sundry creditors and accrued expenses
Net current assets
1993
39589
5367
(5367)
39589
144432
10304
(2210)
152526
28515
980
29495
136411
6451
(16671)
126191
4878
564
(500)
4942
352743
144432
10304
(2210)
152526
28036
3540
139000
9088
289
3591
11327
8070
32365
2724
(2724)
29641
352743
1992
37978
1610
39588
2308
142123
144431
26884
1631
28515
250217
17357
(131163)
136411
4999
659
(780)
4878
353823
5964
138467
144431
32077
3540
4000
300
1211
63131
80000
17693
9825
176160
2385
(2385)
173775
353823
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Income and expenditure account year to 31st December 1993
General account
Subscriptions
Interest and dividends
Redemption surplus
Donations and bequests
Surplus on Christmas cards
Surplus on cabinets and collections
Surplus on dinners
Total income
Headquarters services
Rent and insurance
Headquarters security and maintenance
Council rooms and expenses
Members’ meetings and exhibitions
Administration
Library
Donation to R.S.P.B.
Subscriptions and donations to other societies
Grants towards publications
Moving expenses
Honorariums
Cost of dinner
Cost of running society
Publications account (free to members)
Sales
Bequest fund grant for plates
Production of journal
Distribution costs
Net cost of journal
Surplus on membership
Special publications (for sale)
Sales
Opening stock
Publication costs
Distribution and general costs
Closing stock
Net surplus on special publications
Surplus to Hering fund
Surplus to bequest fund
Deficit on general fund
Surplus to special publications fund
Transfer to housing fund
3687
692
1348
1699
1503
1512
1165
250
340
1000
350
205
(1344)
(1000)
6775
1844
(1786)
4000
5532
362
(9088)
1993
(21674)
13751
(7923)
6275.
(1648)
(980)
(2628)
(1339)
448
(4000)
659
17357
1610
1631
12000
1992
7907
24545
12507
79
-
(45045)
9094
(35951)
4325
(31626)
(1631)
(33257)
114 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Notes to the accounts year to 31st December 1993
Accounting policies
(a) The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention.
(b) The costs of building and equipping leasehold premises at Dinton Pastures Country Park
have been capitalized. The total cost of these premises which were completed during the
year to 3lst December 1993 are being amortized over the term of the lease. The first
amortization charge was made in 1993.
(c) The value of the library, collections, ties, back numbers of proceedings and journals and
the computer system is not included in these accounts. Current expenditure on such items
is written off to the income and expenditure account.
(d) Donations and legacies are brought into account when they are received by the society.
(e) Surpluses (or deficits) arising on the special publications fund which accounts for publications
primarily for sale are transferred to that fund to finance future publications.
Investments
Book value at cost Market value
General & Hering
bequest memorial
1230 Shell T&T 25p Ord. 477.79 771.83 8991
750 Unilever 5p Ord. 248.45 9322
6270 M&G Charifund Units 19091.17 1147.24 47386
2450.90 Treas. 912% 1999 771.22 1621.21 2665
3863.71 Treas. 834% 1997 3687.94 4087
3882.90 Treas. 9% 1994 3759.57 4038
28036.14 3540.28 76489
Investment bonds Total
Hendersons $8000.00
Sun Life 56000.00
Barings 25000.00
139000.00
Fund movements
The housing fund representing the cost of the Dinton Pastures building has been augmented
by a further transfer from the bequest fund. A grant has also been made from the bequest fund
towards the cost of colour plates shown in the publications account and towards the general
running of the society.
Report of the auditors to the members
We have examined the financial statements attached which have been prepared in
accordance with the recommendations of SORP2.
We have audited the financial statements annexed in accordance with approved
auditing standards.
In our opinion the financial statements which have been prepared under the
historical cost convention give a true and fair view of the state of the Society’s
affairs at 3lst December 1993 and of its income and expenditure for the year
then ended.
Col. D. H. Sterling
R. A. Bell
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 115
PROFESSOR HERING MEMORIAL RESEARCH FUND
The committee agreed to support two applications to the Hering Fund for 1994,
both involving studies of Tephritidae. Dr Alan Gange (Royal Holloway College,
London) was granted the sum of £325 towards the costs of a project on the role of
nitrogen in the nutrition of the thistle stem gall fly (Urophora cardui), an insect
associated with Cirsium arvense. This study will assess the importance of nitrogen
to the fly when nitrogen levels in galls on the thistle are manipulated.
Michael Bonsall (Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine) was
awarded £175 for work on parasitoid complexes of thistle Tephritidae. His study will
include a critical review of the literature on tephritids and their associated parasitoids
and the construction of a quantitative food web describing parasitoid associations.
Mr Bonsall’s project will require the collection of flowerheads and galls from various
sites in the UK and the work will involve identification of the emerging insects.
I have received reports on the results of work from three of the projects supported
by the Hering Fund last year. In his study of aspects of the behavioural ecology of
members of the gracillariid genus Phyllonorycter, Dr Vincas Buda (Institute of
Ecology, Vilnius, Lithuania) found, amongst other things, that gravid females of the
lepidopteran leaf miner P. u/mifoliella seem able to distinguish between the leaf of
a hostplant with an egg already laid by a conspecific female and a leaf without an egg.
A grant to Dr Yuan Decheng (Academia Sinica, Beijing) enabled him to undertake
collecting trips to the Qinling mountains in Shaanxi and to Mount Longgi in Fujian.
Dr Yuan collected about 300 specimens of Gracillariidae, including material he is
incorporating into a revision of the genus Acrocercops.
David Agassiz used his award for fieldwork in mapping the spread of Phy/lonorycter
platani in south-eastern Britain. This exciting work is part of a programme of research
examining the establishment and rate of spread of Lepidoptera that have invaded
Britain during the century.
The microscope bequeathed to the Hering Fund by Edward Pelham-Clinton, 10th
Duke of Newcastle, continues to be lent to Dr Margaret Redfern-Cameron for her
work on insects associated with thistles.
M. J. SCOBLE
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT
The theme of this year’s report is back to normal at last. I spent the early part
of the year compiling a list of possible book purchases to make up for the fact that
no new books were purchased while the library was in store. This list was then discussed
at a library committee meeting held in June from which a series of recommendations
emerged which amounted to a potential expenditure of about £1350; so far
approximately 70% of these have been purchased. Other subjects considered at this
meeting were: whether the society should purchase new books in future from a single
source, thus attracting a negotiated purchase discount; advice on subject classifications
of certain books and future developments of the library as a service to members.
Progress has continued throughout the year on confirming that books were identified
correctly against the accession number given to them in the library database, during
the stocktake performed by volunteers in 1992. Further development of this database
in terms of report formats, mail-merge letters, relational look-ups, search strategies,
security functions and user instructions has continued concurrently. In this context
the next step should be for the library computer committee to re-form to develop
a specification for the purchase of a computer for use in the library.
116 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
The subject labelling of the library shelves was virtually completed by Martin
Albertini in time for the formal opening of the library rooms in June. Many thanks
are due to Martin for this work. John Muggleton has continued to compile listings
of the journals and has continued to develop their arrangement, work for which I
am most grateful. Andrew Halstead has also ably assisted me in the purchase of new
books during the year. However despite all of this help due increasingly to the pressure
on my spare time I have decided to resign as your librarian in February 1995, therefore
a successor must be found, preferably during the next 3 months.
During the year the Hertfordshire Natural History Society announced that they
wished to discontinue their journal exchange arrangement with us. A trip was made
by me to Oxfordshire to recover some rare books from a member who was too ill
to return them to the library. This trip was combined with the purchase and collection
of some more new books. The last two functions are typical of the responsibilities
attached to this position in the society.
For entomological books, separates and conservation reports sent to the library
during the year, thanks are due to E. P. Wiltshire, Colin Plant, Sir Cyril Clarke, English
Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Biodiversity Challenge Group.
S. R. MILES
CURATOR’S REPORT
Last year future plans for the collections were projected in some detail and a start has
been made towards achieving these aims. Work on rearranging the Coleoptera collections
has continued as time allowed and 76 drawers have now been completed, the last six
occupied by Cerambycidae, so the main phytophagous families are still to be covered.
The contents of the loose drawers of the Bretherton collection (Papilionidae, Pieridae
and Nymphalidae) have been transferred to a 30-drawer cabinet and the Torstenius
collection of Swedish Lepidoptera, which was till then in the care of the late Brad
Ashby, was returned this January. The proposed reorganization of the Palaearctic
butterfly collection will, however, await the availability of the two cabinets being
cleared of the Massee Coleoptera collection.
There have been several donations during the year, including a substantial increase
to our sawfly collections, i.e. 138 species provided by Andrew Halstead, who has
corrected some of the older specimens; specimens of aculeate Hymenoptera were
donated by Andrew Halstead and Raymond Uffen and of Homoptera by Bernard
Verdcourt. Eighteen store boxes containing larger moths were received from Humphrey
Mackworth-Praed, being the duplicate specimens from his father’s collection which
we received in 1991.
I am grateful to Peter Baker and Bill Parker for sorting the Lepidoptera accessions
and for their ongoing selection of specimens to augment the society’s main collections
of this order. The number of duplicate specimens of Lepidoptera had become excessive
and some weeding out of these is now taking place. It has been decided to eliminate
the distinction between duplicate specimens freely available to members and the better
specimens previously set aside for sale. In future, no attempt will be made to put
a price on individual specimens and there will be a single collection of duplicate
Lepidoptera, but any member taking specimens will be asked to make a discretionary
donation to the society.
A loan has been made of 270 beetles of the family Ptiliidae to Colin Johnson, who
revised our material of Atomaria some years ago and is now performing this task
for Acrotrichis and its relatives.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 117
A visit has been made by Adrian Pont to check the H. W. Andrews collection of
Diptera for specimens mentioned in descriptions of new species by G. H. Verrall and
J. E. Collin, who did not often designate type specimens; he has discovered syntypes
of six species and has labelled them accordingly.
Some notes on the history and composition of the Diptera collection were circulated
with the Dipterist’s Bulletin and this has led to offers of material in some under-
represented families. A similar account of the Coleoptera will soon be produced in
an endeavour to encourage use of this collection. The request last year for input from
coleopterists with respect to the layout and revision of the collection has so far resulted
in limited response, although Peter Hodge has offered to advise where species believed
to be unrepresented may be present under another name; this will give some idea
where the attention of specialists would be desirable.
Peter Baker has volunteered to begin working towards an improved layout of the
British moths and much thought is being given to the logistics of this considerable
task. As always, any members wishing to advise or assist on any aspects of the
arrangement would be welcomed.
I am also grateful to Frances Murphy for spending several open days cataloguing
the fossil collection received from Ted Wild; her manuscript list has been placed with
the collection.
In general there has been steady progress in a number of areas and the controlled
environment at Dinton Pastures appears to have been beneficial despite some minor
and one or two major fluctuations. We have, however, suffered from the remarkably
hard water in the area, which is affecting the humidifying component of the air
conditioning system, and water softening for this system is now under consideration.
A few Anthrenus larvae were found to have survived in the Bretherton collection
and one instance of damage to specimens of the hornet was discovered but it is believed
that we are currently free of such infestations.
PETER CHANDLER
EDITOR’S REPORT
As usual, the journal appeared four times in 1993, it contained 192 pages of text
and five colour plates. The fifth colour plate, illustrating moths of the family
Epermeniidae and the genus Caryocolum was actually printed in 1987, but held over
until accompanying text was completed. It is one of several colour plates illustrating
papers on the microlepidoptera which will eventually be published together in
book form.
The indexes for 1991 and 1992 were published at the end of the year and publication
of the journal has continued more or less as usual. There were, however, a few changes
which I hope did not pass unnoticed.
We are now using a higher quality of paper, allowing even better reproduction
of black and white line illustrations and half-tone figures and the cover is now printed
on a stiff card. The redesign of the cover also allows a black and white half-tone
picture to ornament it. To date most of these pictures have been supplied by the editor.
However, all members are invited to submit photographs for reproduction on the
journal’s covers. The subject matter is open, with an emphasis on aesthetic value
rather than scientific novelty and can be in the form of colour or black and white
prints or colour transparencies.
RICHARD A. JONES
118 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
FIELDWORK AT DINTON PASTURES TO THE END OF 1993
PETER CHANDLER
There were three field meetings and several workshop meetings involving some
fieldwork at Dinton Pastures from the completion of the society’s building in
1992 and additional fieldwork was done on the Diptera throughout 1993. Information
on the insect fauna of the Park was thus accumulating although much remained to
be done.
The meeting on 20.ix.1992 was the inaugural open day at the building and a minority
of those attending attempted fieldwork although a good start was made in several
orders. There had been light trapping near the building by John Muggleton on the
previous night and the weather was good for daytime collecting. A surprising range
of species was recorded although the park showed evidence of the recent years of
drought, with Mungell’s Pond significantly lower than it was throughout 1993.
The two field meetings in 1993 were affected by variable weather conditions and
less well attended but the daytime meetings were enjoyed by those who came. On
15.v despite predictions of bad weather the morning was fine although windy but
sufficient shelter was found behind the hedges on the west side of Black Swan Lake.
After a short shower in early afternoon, the sun broke through to illuminate afternoon
collecting by the river Loddon. It rained again later and the evening was cold and
windy, so that any idea of light trapping had to be abandoned.
The meeting on 18.ix enjoyed reasonable weather during the day. Most of the
morning was spent by Mungell’s Pond but an afternoon circuit reached Middle Marsh
and Sandford Lake. The sky was clear and the evening cold so conditions were far
from ideal although better than on many nights in the preceding weeks; it was,
nevertheless, decided to try light trapping and David Young ran two lights in the fields
adjacent to the Country Park Office until 11.30 pm and a few moths were recorded
at the security lights around the buildings; he also tried sugaring trees in the vicinity
but this attracted only earwigs.
The findings on these meetings and other useful records obtained on other occasions
are detailed under the relevant order so that some idea can be given on the progress
made in each group.
Lepidoptera. A booklet produced by the Local Authority in 1985 (on sale at the
Country Park Office) included a list of 30 species of butterfly which had by then
been reported from the park, several of them single sightings. Only eight species of
butterfly were observed in 1993, although it was a poor year for them generally.
Bill Parker has periodically run light traps near the buildings over several years,
but his records were lodged with the park authorities and except for one September
visit have unfortunately been mislaid. Thus there are three lists now available for
that month. The 1992 field meeting recorded 28 species, but in 1993 only 17 species
were noted, 12 of them in common.
Fortunately there had been a field meeting of the Reading and District Natural History
Society at the Park on 13.vii.1990 when lights were run near Mungell’s Pond and
48 species were recorded (communicated to me by Brian Baker). A few other species
have been recorded on day visits and Colonel A. M. Emmet reported 18 species, mostly
““micros’’, on the occasion of the opening ceremony on 27.vii.1993. The latter included
Caloptilia rufipennella (Hiibn.) (vacated mines and tenanted cones on sycamore),
believed to be new to Berkshire. Ron Parfitt has recorded Nephopterix angustella
Hiibn., which he reared on 29.vi from larvae mining berries of spindle tree. Caterpillars
of Tyria jacobaeae L. were much in evidence on ragwort during the summer.
1994
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Knowledge of the Lepidoptera is thus still at an early stage with little more than
100 species of moth so far recorded. Light trapping was thus arranged for several
field meetings in 1994 to cover different parts of the Park and further investigation
of the ‘‘micros’’ would also be welcomed.
Diptera. On the September 1992 field meeting Ian McLean concentrated attention
in the vicinity of Mungell’s Pond and found several species of interest, especially
Dolichopodidae and Sciomyzidae, which he exhibited at the 1992 annual exhibition.
On the same day I investigated the hedges and riverbanks for fungus feeders; I was
surprised to find 36 species of fungus gnats including the very local Megophtalmidia
crassicornis Curt. in two areas, and four species of Platypezidae. Macquartia grisea
(Fall.) (Tachinidae), a parasite of chrysomelid beetles, was frequent, and two other
species of the genus with similar habits have subsequently been found in the Park.
The Diptera Workshop on 8.v.93 preceded the first field meeting by a week, and
morning fieldwork was productive, the most surprising find being Meligramma
euchroma (Kowarz) (Syrphidae), which Alan Stubbs spotted on oak foliage; it is
decidedly uncommon with larvae feeding on tree aphids. On the 15.v meeting about
150 species of Diptera were recorded, including 34 species of hoverfly and 14 species
of cranefly. The cow parsley flowers near the river were attracting a good range of
species including Cheilosia vulpina (Meig.) and Parhelophilus frutetorum (F.), while
Ron Boyce was able to photograph P. versicolor (F.) sitting on foliage further along
the river. Several other Cheilosia species were about including C. honesta Rond. and
Epistrophe nitidicollis (Meig.) was found on oak foliage by the river. Gavin Boyd
recorded Xanthogramma pedissequum (Harris) near Tufty’s Corner. Several of the
larger Tachinidae were seen including Gymnocheta viridis (Fall.) on tree trunks,
Tachina fera (L.) and Pelatachina tibialis (Fall.) on foliage; the scarce species Wagneria
gagatea R.-D. was found on both these May visits.
On 18.ix about 125 species of Diptera were recorded, with calypterates especially
frequent and 11 species of Sciomyzidae were found; Dichetophora obliterata (F.) was
in numbers in the lane between the south end of the lakes and Andrew Halstead found
Tlione lineata (Fall.), which specializes in the freshwater bivalves, near Mungell’s Pond.
This, with his find of Euthycera fumigata (Scop.) by Sandford Lake on the same
day, brought the list of ‘‘snail-killing flies’’ (Sciomyzidae) for the Park to 30 (45%
of the British species; the other 28 were exhibited by me at the 1993 Annual
Exhibition). A few late syrphids on this occasion included Cheilosia pagana (Meig.)
and C. vernalis (Fall.).
Much fieldwork was carried out on the Diptera on 26 other dates during 1993 and
with the assistance of specialists in several families, most of the material has now
been identified, enabling 975 species to be recorded. Both higher plant and fungus
feeders are well represented. Among these were 11 currently afforded Red Data Book
status and a further 43 ‘‘notable’’ species; a range of these as well as some species
new to Britain were exhibited at the 1993 Annual Exhibition and are listed in the
Exhibition report. Only a few other species are therefore mentioned here.
A dolichopodid Nematoproctus distendens (Meig.), which is found by woodland
streams in the New Forest and otherwise recorded in Britain only from one site in
Glos., was found in June and July around a muddy creek (Fig. 5) in Sandford Copse.
Eustalomyia hilaris (Fall.) (Anthomyiidae), associated with Sphecidae nesting in rotten
wood, was found in the carr at the south end of Mortimer’s Meadow; most British
records are from the Thames valley. Volucella inanis (L.) (Syrphidae) was observed
in several areas during August. The aquatic Stratiomyidae have not been found but
we know that Stratiomys potamida (L.) has occurred, as it was photographed by Ron
Boyce on umbels near White Swan Lake on 30.vii.1985; it may have disappeared
during the drought years.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 2. Mungell’s Pond.
Fig. 3. West shore of Black Swan Lake, with old oaks in hedge behind.
122 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Hymenoptera. The sawflies were well worked, mainly by Andrew Halstead, with
52 species already recorded. On 18.ix larvae of Caliroa cerasi (L.) were found on
Pyracantha planted by the Society’s building; on 20.xi.92 larvae had been found on
the more regular foodplant cherry. The alder wood wasp, Xiphydria camelus (L.)
was found on 23.v, near alders by the lakes, and Hartigia xanthostoma (Evers.), which
mines meadowsweet stems as a larva, on 5.vi.
Little attention was given to the Aculeata in 1993, with only 25 species so far
recorded, but queens of Dolichovespula media (Retz.) were noted between Mungell’s
Pond and the hedge south of Black Swan Lake on 8.v (when one was caught by Roger
Leeke) and again by me on 23.v. Most other species were determined by John Felton;
these included three ‘‘notable’’ species: Priocnemis hyalinata (F.) (Pompilidae) and
Lestiphorus bicinctus (Rossi) (Sphecidae) were found on Mortimer’s Meadow on 31.vii,
Lasioglossum malachura (Kirby) (Halictidae) near Mungell’s Pond on 13.ix.
Seven species of gall wasp (two on rose, five on oak) were recorded on 20.ix by
Ron Boyce and Andrew Halstead.
Neuroptera. Nine species were recorded, all determined by Colin Plant. Micromus
variegatus (L.), a local grassland and scrub species has been recorded on both September
field meetings and in July. Sisyra fuscata (F.) was found near Middle Marsh on 18.ix.
Homoptera. A nymph of Ledra aurita (L.) was found by the river on 20.ix by Roger
Hawkins. Cercopis vulnerata Ill. was frequent in the park on 15.v.
Heteroptera. There are records of 31 species, mostly recorded by Roger Hawkins
on 20.ix. Seven species of shield bug have been found including Eysarcoris fabricii
(Kirkaldy) near White Swan Lake on 23.v and Aelia acuminata (L.) is frequent in
the less disturbed areas of grassland. Coreus marginatus (L.) is often frequent on
coarse herbage from July to September.
Odonata. There is a list of 22 species found in the park in the 1985 booklet. Eight
species were recorded on the field meetings; the weather was wet on the day of the
dragonfly workshop but observation of settled specimens nevertheless took place.
Calopteryx splendens (Harris) was conspicuous by the river on 15.v. Aeshna mixta
Lat. was frequent by the lakes during the September meetings.
Orthoptera. Five species have been recorded, including Tetrix subulata (L.) by
Mungell’s Pond on 20.ix and Pholidoptera griseoaptera (De Geer) elsewhere on the
same day.
Coleoptera. There are still relatively few beetle records, although some species of
interest occurred. Anthocomus rufus (Herbst) (Melyridae) was found by Mungell’s
Pond on the September meetings. The cardinal beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis (Scop.)
was frequent on the riverbank on the May meeting. A Platycis species (Lycidae) was
noted on low foliage in the hedge south of Black Swan Lake on 17.vi, the date suggests
the little known P. cosnardi but this will require confirmation. Several species of
Cerambycidae were noted, including Phytoecia cylindrica (L.), which develops in
umbel stems, found on cow parsley flowers near the river on 15.v and other parts
of the park later in May, and Leptura livida F. was generally frequent at umbels in
June. Andrew Halstead observed exit holes of Agrilus pannonicus P. & M.
(Buprestidae) in a moribund oak on Mortimer’s Meadow on 13.vi and he also
recorded the weevil Notaris scirpi F. by White Swan Lake and Mungell’s Pond in
June and August.
Araneae. Martin Askins recorded adults of 20 species and less determinate
immatures of several others on 20.ix.92. A further 10 species were added in 1993
but knowledge of the spiders is still at a very early stage.
Habitats in the park. The accompanying map (Fig. 1) indicates the distribution
of the principal habitat types (the areas described below are indicated by numbers
on the map). The park is dominated today by a series of lakes which are
ENT. NAT. HIS
Fig. 5. Sandford Copse, Nematoproctus creek (parallel with river at north end).
124 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 7. Mortimer’s Meadows, near river at south end, looking north west to wooded area.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 125
flooded gravel pits, but there are a number of older features, principally the river
Loddon with many old alders on its banks and the hedges between the lakes which
include many mature oaks. Most parts of the park have produced some insects of
interest but several areas have been identified as of particular significance.
Mungell’s Pond, which is the nearest wetland area to the society’s building, supports
a larger variety of insects than any area of comparable extent in the park. The open
pond margins are dominated by Typha beds but there is a good range of marsh plants
and an adjacent area of sallow carr grading into drier scrub and grassland. This area
has been recently colonized but provides a valuable link to the hedges south of Black
Swan Lake. Mungell’s Meadow (2) is an adjoining enclosed area grazed by sheep,
which was dominated by ox-eye daisy in the summer of 1993.
The mature hedges south of Black Swan Lake (3) and to a lesser extent those between
the lakes (4) (Fig. 3) comprise two hedgebanks separated by a largely overgrown
trackway (Mortimer’s Way) and provide excellent shelter for shade-loving species
and those associated with dead wood and fungi. Their continued existence has
undoubtedly enabled many species to survive since before the days of gravel extraction,
and a good number of woodland species have been found in these areas.
The several lakes have a great variety of marginal vegetation and have been colonized
by many aquatic and plant-feeding species of insects, but relatively few ‘‘notable’’
species have been found by comparison with Mungell’s Pond, suggesting that its
wetland habitats are more ancient in origin. The reedbeds at the north end of White
Swan Lake are, however, of some interest. Sandford Lake and Lavell’s Lake at the
north end of the Park are conservation areas for waterfowl.
Middle Marsh (5) is an area of tall mixed marsh vegetation with grass tussocks,
surrounded by carr and hedges and bordering a small pond. Again few ‘‘notable”’
species have been found and much of the area was mown in September 1993
with the intention of encouraging the marsh orchids which otherwise occur in the
park only around Mungell’s Pond.
South of Sandford Lake (6) is an area of varied scrub and grassland habitats with
arich flora and a good range of insects requiring drier grassland have been found there.
The banks of the River Loddon (Fig. 4) are fringed by mature trees along the greater
part of both banks and there are some broader areas of woodland, on the east side
near Heron’s Water (7) where a good concentration of dead wood and fungus feeding
species has been found, and more especially on the west side where there is an area
of carr at the south end and the more extensive Sandford Copse at the north end.
Sandford Copse (Fig. 5) comprises alderwood (8) near the river, including an area
(outside the park boundary, near Sandford Mill) with SSSI status because of its large
stand of loddon lily (Leucojum aestivum L.) (Fig. 6), and hazel coppice (9) dominated
by bluebells in the spring on the higher ground near Bader Way. Bader Way Copse
(10) on the other side of the road is a more extensive area of uncoppiced hazel; most
of the hazel in Sandford Copse was coppiced during 1993. The alderwood areas have
proved productive of uncommon Diptera especially near the river where a good amount
of dead wood is present.
The entire area west of the river south of Sandford Copse is described as Mortimer’s
Meadows but is quite diverse. There is a field at the north end which develops tall
marsh vegetation during the summer but has been extensively invaded by nettles, due
to the lowering of the water table in the area following the construction of the housing
estate on the other side of Bader Way. This field produced some good species early
in the year but was mown in September 1993.
Where the river is closest to Bader Way there are some areas of herb rich grassland
between a hedge and the road, where a high diversity of insects is present in a relatively
126 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
small area (12). The central areas include some planted copses of sallows and other
trees and provide shelter for many insects. The greater part of the open areas was
mown for hay in July 1993 and has produced little of interest, but an unmown fringe
(14) dominated by thistles near the river supports a good number of insects.
At the south end of Mortimer’s Meadows, between the small area of carr and drier
woodland (15) and the river, there is an area of varied tall marsh vegetation, which
has a diverse flora (16) (Fig. 7). Although this area too becomes dry in the summer,
it has retained a good range of insects from the time when all the fields adjoining
the river were grazed watermeadows and the adjoining carr provides shelter for
woodland species.
The higher plants of the park were surveyed in 1993, augmenting an earlier list
drawn up 10 years ago and there are plant lists for all the different areas, about 300
species having been recorded altogether. This remarkable diversity of habitats has
enabled the large number of Diptera species found to survive despite all the changes
in land use and the public pressure that is currently inevitable. The Country Park
authorities agreed to take invertebrate conservation into account in the management
plan being drawn up during 1994 and it is hoped that the next few years will see
knowledge of all groups of insects in the area significantly increasing.
BENHS FIELD MEETING
Dinton Pastures, Berkshire, 21 May 1994
Leader: David Young. No doubt the meteorological records for 1994 will record
yet another cold and wet spring, which was typified by the date chosen for this field
meeting. Perversely the heavy rain and strong wind both stopped during the early
evening and, with the temperature not unreasonable, five m.v. traps were run in the
general area of the fishermen’s car park on the western side of the country park.
Unfortunately heavy and persistent rain returned soon after dark and the three
members, and two guests, present had to work hard for the modest list of Lepidoptera
species recorded.
Despite soaking wet foliage an attempt was made to beat for larvae. This effort
quickly produced a fully grown larva of Strymonidia w-album (Knoch) beaten from
hedgerow elm (U/mus sp.), an interesting record both in terms of species recorded
at Dinton Pastures and in view of the article by Peter Baker on the status of this
species in north-west Surrey (Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1994; 7: 25). Other larvae recorded
included Operophtera brumata (L.), Apocheima pilosaria (D. & S.), Erannis defoliaria
(Cl.) and Cosmia trapezina (L.).
Moths recorded at m.v. light were: Hepialus lupulinus (L.), Adela reaumurella (L.),
Elachista argentella (C\.), Esperia sulphurella (F.), Syndemis musculana (Hibn.),
Olethreutes lacunana (D. & S), Epiblema cynosbatella (L.), Xanthorhoe spadicearia
(D. & S), Xanthorhoe ferrugata (Cl.), Xanthorhoe montanata (D. & S.), Chloroclysta
truncata (Hufn.), Thera obeliscata (Hiibn.), Plagodis dolabraria (L.), Opisthograptis
luteolata (L.), Biston betularia (L.), Cabera exanthemata (Scop.), Lomographa-
temerata (D. & S.), Mimas tiliae (L.), Laothoe populi (L.), Furcula furcula (C1.),
Pterostoma palpina (Cl.), Agrotis puta (Hiibn.), Ochropleura plecta (L.), Diarsia
rubi (View), Charancyca trigrammica (Hufn.).
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 127
THE 1992 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS—PART 1. REPORT
JOHN MUGGLETON
30 Penton Road, Staines, Middlesex TW18 2LD.
My predecessor welcomed me to the chair with the words that the post of president
was much less arduous than that of the honorary secretary. I can confirm that he
was correct and, indeed, I now look forward to the even less arduous post of vice-
president and, for the first time in many years, to be able to attend council meetings
without having to say anything or take notes. Of course the work of the president
is made much easier not only by those officials we have just re-elected, but also by
the unelected officers whose names do not appear on the annual general meeting notice
but who have some difficult jobs—Geoff Burton, the assistant treasurer; Andrew
Godfrey, the membership secretary; David Young, the distribution secretary; lan
McLean, the indoor meetings secretary and Roger Morris, the field meetings
secretary. All have important jobs, I would ask you to express our appreciation in
the usual manner.
I now have the sad task of mentioning those of our members who have passed
away during the year. The deaths of seven members and one former member have
been brought to our attention during the year.
Mr I. BOLT joined the Society in 1990; he was an active lepidopterist who did much
to found the Somerset Moth Group.
Mr L. E. COUCHMAN was, at the time of his death, the ‘‘father of the society’’,
having joined on 12 January 1922. He was a lepidopterist and lived at Hampstead
at the time he joined the society. He attended the society’s meetings and was an
occasional exhibitor. By 1947 he had moved to Tasmania where he remained until
his death. Alas, I have been unable to find out any more about him.
Mr L. A. CRAM had been a member of the society for only a month when he died
in February 1992.
Mr K. G. W. EVANS joined the Society in 1969 and will be remembered by many
members for his work as exhibition secretary. He was an enthusiastic lepidopterist
who was particularly interested in the macrolepidoptera of the Croydon area and
who, with his son Laurie, published A survey of the macrolepidoptera of Croydon
and north-east Surrey in 1973. He was an active member of the Croydon Natural
History Society and was their president from 1975 to 1977. He published a number
of notes in our Proceedings and in the Entomologist’s Record.
Mr. J. A. C. GREENWOOD joined the society in 1958 and was president in 1966.
He was a lepidopterist who was also interested in general natural history and was
a regular exhibitor at indoor meetings. He also led field meetings for the society.
He will be remembered by many as a regular contributor, with his wife Dorothy,
to the Entomologist’s Record with notes and accounts of collecting trips in Europe
(and elsewhere) from the early 1960s to the 1980s. He was, at the time of his retirement,
chief general manager of the Sun Alliance Insurance Group and gave the society much
useful advice on financial and insurance matters. He was a member of the society’s
finance committee at the time he died.
Mr D. A. NEAL joined the society in 1990 and was interested in the lepidoptera.
I am afraid I have not been able to find out any more about him.
Mr L. H. NEWMAN was not a member at the time he died but was a member from
1926 to 1936 and from 1945 to the early 1960s. He will be remembered as the
proprietor, in succession to his father L. W. Newman, of the butterfly farm at Bexley
in Kent, and by my generation for his participation in the BBC children’s hour
128 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
programme Nature Parliament under the chairmanship of Derek McCulloch (Uncle
Mac). He wrote many popular books and articles on butterflies, moths and natural
history and an autobiography, Living with butterflies. He retired from the butterfly
farm in 1966.
Mr E. H. WILD first joined the society in 1946 and was a member of the society’s
council from 1949 to 1951. After a lapse in membership he rejoined the society in 1971
and was honorary secretary from 1978 to 1980. Starting out as a macrolepidopterist
he turned his attention to the microlepidoptera in the late 1970s and was able to record
a species new to Britain, Elachista littoricola. He published many entomological notes
and his great sense of humour led him to publish a short series in the Entomologist’s
Record on ‘‘mothmanship”’ in 1989 and 1990.
The year 1992 was the 121st of the society’s existence and an annus mirabilis. For
the first time in its history the society has a permanent base for its library and
collections. Accommodation or, more correctly, its termination has always been a
worry to the society’s council; we can now relax and plan ahead for the next 70 years.
It is inevitable that the society will change as a result, but change, properly managed,
is no bad thing. New traditions can now be set up and the best of the old retained.
To this end I have volunteered in my ‘‘retirement’’ to redraft the society’s bye-laws
with particular reference to the section on membership. This is a very difficult society
to join!
The first indications are that the move to Dinton Pastures has been a success. An
initial field meeting at an unpromising time in the autumn produced an above average
species list and the weekend openings are attracting a good attendance, including
members from further afield who we otherwise used only to see at the annual
exhibition. Both the librarian and curator are already complaining of lack of space;
with foresight a larger building would have been possible. Alas the roof space is taken
up with a problematic air conditioning plant which is still adding to the curator’s
worries. As you will remember the building was made possible by a generous bequest
from our late member Edward Pelham-Clinton, 10th Duke of Newcastle. The building
will be named the Pelham-Clinton Building in his memory and a plaque will be
mounted inside to record his bequest and the several others that have helped to put
the society on a firm financial footing.
Our thanks must go to our present treasurer and his predecessor, Col. D. H. Sterling,
for their excellent management of the society’s finances and investments. As you will
have heard from the treasurer’s report the society is now in a firm financial position.
When the council agonized over whether to proceed with the Pelham-Clinton building
some saw financial ruin ahead and all of us had our doubts. However the economic
depression, which has brought hardship to many, has benefited the society which
had a large sum of money to invest at a time when interest rates were high. A
consequence of this is that the society must now decide how best to use its surplus
funds for the benefit of entomology, something which, as a charity, we must consider
very seriously indeed. I hope that future councils will rise to this challenge.
The society’s journal under the stewardship of our editor, Richard Jones, who has
occasionally boldly dared to go where no Editor before him has gone, has become
an excellent publication. It remains our only link with many members and their
continuing membership is a sign of its value. It is also an excellent ambassador for
the society in the entomological world. I wish it and the society continuing success.
BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS
General. Contributions must be double-spaced on one side only on A4 paper with 3-cm margins
either side to facilitate marking up. Layout should follow that of the journal, but apart from
underlining scientific names, no marks should be made to define typeface.
Two copies of typescripts and figures are required, the second copy can be a photocopy. Authors
who have prepared their article on word processor are invited to supply a disk also.
Nomenclature. Use the most up-to-date nomenclature available. After first use of a specific
Latin name give the author’s name; use parentheses only if required according to the rules of
nomenclature. This should apply not only to insect names, but also to the names of plants,
non-insect invertebrates and other animals.
Figures and tables. Line figures and half-tones are accepted. Size of lettering, thickness of
lines and density of shading, stippling and hatching must take into account likely reduction
in size to fit appropriately into the journal page size. Illustrations must be of good quality,
however lettering can be typeset if necessary; indicate requirements on a duplicate figure. Colour
illustrations may be available, please contact the editor. Tables should be prepared on separate
sheets; avoid vertical rules, use horizontal rules sparingly.
References. In the text, references should give author and year, (e.g. Allan, 1947); multiple
references (e.g. Kendall, 1982; Smith, 1989; Baker, 1994) should be listed in date order. But
references should be listed in alphabet order at the end of the article. Book titles take only an
initial capital letter. Journal titles are abbreviated in the style of the World List, but with each
word taking an initial capital. Examples:
Allan, P. B. M. 1947. A moth-hunter’s gossip. 2nd edn, Watkins and Doncaster, London, p. 149.
Baker, P. 1994. The modified status of Strymonidia w-album (Knoch) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in north west Surrey.
Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 7: 25-26.
Kendall, P. 1982. Bromius obscurus (L.) in Britain (Col., Chrysomelidae). Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 117 (1981): 233-234.
Pratt, C. R. & Emmet, A. M. 1989. Polygonia. In: Emmet, A. M. & Heath, J. (Eds). The moths and butterflies
of Great Britain and Ireland. Harley Books, Colchester, Vol. 7, Part 1, pp. 212-215.
Smith, K. G. V. 1989. An introduction to the immature stages of British flies: Diptera larvae, with notes on eggs,
puparia and pupae. Handbk Ident. Br. Insects 10(14): 1-280
Stubbs, A. E. 1987. Oxycera dives. In: Shirt, D. B. (Ed.). British red data books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy
Council, Peterborough, pp. 304-305.
Stubbs, A. E. & Falk, S. J. 1983. British hoverflies: an illustrated identification guide. BENHS, London, pp. 191-192.
West, B. K. 1994. The time of appearance of Lacanobia oleracea L. (Lep.: Noctuidae) in the British Isles.
Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 106: 81-84.
Offprints. Authors of main articles receive 25 free offprints taken directly from the journal.
These may contain extraneous matter such as short communications or book reviews used as
‘fillers’. Extra copies may be ordered when proofs are returned.
THE PROFESSOR HERING MEMORIAL RESEARCH FUND
The British Entomological and Natural History Society announces that awards may be made
from this fund for the promotion of entomological research with particular emphasis on:
(a) leaf-miners
(b) Diptera, particularly Tephritidae and Agromyzidae
(c) Lepidoptera, particularly Microlepidoptera
(d) general entomology
in the above order of preference having regard to the suitability of applicants and the plan of
work proposed.
Awards may be made to assist travelling and other expenses necessary to fieldwork, for the
study of collections, for attendance at conferences, or, exceptionally, for the costs of publication
of finished work. In total they are unlikely to exceed £600 in 1994/95.
Applicants should send six copies, if possible, of a statement of their qualifications, of their
plan of work, and of the precise objects and amount for which an award is sought, to Dr M.
J. Scoble, Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London
SW7 SDB, as soon as possible and not later than 30 September 1994.
Applications are also invited from persons wishing to borrow the Wild M3 stereomiscroscope
and fibre optics illuminator bequeathed to the fund by the late Edward Pelham-Clinton, 10th
Duke of Newcastle. Loan of this equipment will be made for a period of up to six months in
the first instance.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
VOLUME 7, PART 3, SEPTEMBER 1994
ARTICLES
Breeding Eurodryas aurinia Rott. Ab. virgata Tutt. R. BARRINGTON
Separation of some Eristalis species using abdominal colour pattern. G. J. HOLLOWAY
SHORT COMMUNICATION
The white-letter hairstreak in south-east London. R. A. JONES
PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS
BENHS indoor meetings, 11 January to 10 May 1994
Officers’ reports for 1993
110 Council’s report 115 Librarian’s report
111 Treasurer’s report 116 Curator’s report
115 Prof. Hering fund report 117 Editor’s report
Fieldwork at Dinton Pastures to the end of 1993. P. CHANDLER
BENHS field meeting
The 1992 presidential address—part 1. Report. J. MUGGLETON
ANNOUNCEMENTS
101 Librarian needed
109 Dead caterpillars wanted
OCTOBER 1994 ISSN 0952-7583 Vol. 7, Part 4
BRITISH JOURNAL OF
ENTOMOLOGY
AND NATURAL HISTORY
Published by the British
Entomological and Natural History
Society and incorporating its
Proceedings and Transactions
Price: £6.00
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
Editor:
Richard A. Jones, B.Sc., F.R.E.S., F.L.S.
13 Bellwood Road
Nunhead
London SE15 3DE
(Tel: 071 732 2440)
(Fax: 071 277 8725)
Editorial Committee:
Rev. D. J. L. Agassiz, M.A. T. G. Howarth, B.E.M., F.R.E.S.
R. D. G. Barrington, B.Sc. I. F. G. McLean, Ph.D., F.R.E.S.
E. S. Bradford Mrs F. M. Murphy, B.Sc.
P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. M. J. ye M.Sc.
B. Goater, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. ieask= Sone K.B., D:Sc:, E-RCE-S:
A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. Re Wo . Uffen, M.Sc., F. R. ELS.
R. D. Hawkins B. K. on B.Ed.
P. J. Hodge
British Journal of Entomology and Natural History is published by the British
Entomological and Natural History Society, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street,
Hurst, Reading, Berkshire RG10 OTH, UK. Tel: 0734-321402.
The Journal is distributed free to BENHS members.
©1994 British Entomological and Natural History Society.
Typeset by Dobbie Typesetting Limited, Tavistock, Devon.
Printed in England by Henry Ling Ltd, Dorchester, Dorset.
BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Registered charity number: 213149
Meetings of the Society are held regularly in London, at the rooms of the Royal
Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 and the well-known ANNUAL
EXHIBITION is planned for 22 October 1994 at Imperial College, London SW7. Frequent
Field Meetings are held at weekends in the summer. Visitors are welcome at all meetings.
The current Programme Card can be had on application to the Secretary, R. F. McCormick,
at the address given below.
The Society maintains a library, and collections at its headquarters in Dinton Pastures,
which are open to members on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, telephone
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Applications for membership to the Membership Secretary: A. Godfrey, 10 Moorlea Drive,
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BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
tY
©
MCZ
FACTORS AFFECTING HABITAT PREFERENCES ¥
IN THE LEPIDOPTERA
MICHAEL MAJERUS, ANNE-LISA GRIGG, CARYS JONBE, (FIG BSAMON,
ANDREW STRATHDEE AND NICHOLAS DEARNALEY
Department of Genetics, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB
RAYVARD
N IVERSITY
It is well known that many species of Lepidoptera have specific habitat requirements,
and that their geographic distribution, at least in part, reflects the availability of
favourable habitats. Habitat favourability may depend on presence of larval or adult
food resources, appropriate adult roosting sites, suitable conditions for flight and
so on. However, little comparative work has been done to address several questions.
Are habitat biases active or passive? Do Lepidoptera actively seek and then stay in
favourable habitats, or do those in favourable habitats survive and reproduce while
those in other habitats die? What factors affect habitat preferences? How strong may
habitat preferences be?
Results of a single night’s light trapping in 1984 suggested that in some species,
preferences could be active and strong. Two Heath moth traps, operated 50 yards
apart, one in a Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel)) plantation, the other
in mixed deciduous woodland, produced quite different catches. For example, all
Hylaea fasciaria were taken in the conifer plantation trap. Conversely, all Diarsia
mendica were taken in the deciduous woodland trap. Furthermore, of polymorphic
species, such as Semiothisa liturata and Alcis repandata, significant differences were
found in the frequencies of forms in the two habitats (Kearns & Majerus, 1987). Other
workers have found similar results in respect of a number of polymorphic species
(Jones et al., 1993; Aldridge et al., 1993; Fraiers ef a/., in press).
Waring (1989) has published results of a more extensive trapping run. During 1984
and 1985 he operated Heath traps one night a week in three contrasting woodland
habitats in Bernwood Forest; conifer plantation, overgrown coppice broad-leaf and
newly coppiced broad-leaf. Taking account of the differences of shading at trap sites,
following Bowden (1982), he compared the catches of moths in overgrown coppiced
broad-leaf woodland with those in conifer plantation and newly coppiced broad-leaf.
Of 50 species of moth taken in sufficient numbers to allow analysis, only one, Agriopis
aurantaria was shown to have no significant preference in either comparison for
both years. More preferences were for the overgrown coppice than for the more
man-managed habitats, but it is interesting to note that for each of the ten species
shown to have a preference for conifer plantation, the preference was consistent
between years.
Waring’s data transformation, based on Bowden’s formula of trapping efficiency
being correlated to background illumination, is open to criticism. Recently, Dearnaley
et al. (in prep.), have shown that the trapping efficiency of moth traps depends not
only on degree of shading, but also on bulb strength, bulb height, trap design and
the height of the trap above the ground. However, for many species, Waring’s
statistical findings are robust, even if the data are not transformed.
Waring (1989) interprets his results primarily in the light of larval foodplants and
adult roosting sites. The habitat preferences shown by many, but not all, species make
sense in terms of what is known about these factors. However, microclimatic factors
such as temperature, humidity, windspeed etc., which may affect flight, are not
considered. This may be because Waring considered that such factors would not differ
significantly between his trapping sites, all being in woodland of one sort or another.
130 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
In this paper we present data obtained by running paired moth traps, within sight
of each other, either side of a sharp habitat boundary between dense woodland and
open grassland. The results are discussed in relation to the factors which may affect
habitat specialization, including larval foodplants, roosting sites and microclimatic
differences between trap sites which may affect flight.
METHODS
Trapping was carried out using paired light traps between 16 and 30 June, 1989
and between 28 June and 6 July 1990, in Juniper Bottom, Box Hill, Surrey. Juniper
Bottom is an east-west running valley. The vegetation in the bottom of the valley
is chalk grassland, close-cropped by rabbits, with a few standard broad-leaf trees
and patches of mixed broad-leaf scrub. It is very rich in terms of number of plant
species. Conversely, large areas of both sides of the valley are covered by mature
yew woodland. The canopy of this woodland is extremely dense, and the under canopy
is dark with virtually no ground vegetation except beneath occasional deciduous trees,
such as whitebeam, and below breaks in the canopy caused by the 1987 October gales.
The boundary between these yew-covered slopes and the bottom of the valley is sharply
defined, consisting of a rather impenetrable natural mixed broad-leaf hedge. The site
was chosen for this study because of the contrast between the habitats either side
of the hedge. The extreme paucity of the ground vegetation under the yew, large
parts of the yew woodland effectively being a natural monoculture, provide a sharp
contrast to the species richness of the chalk grassland. A list of the identified species
of plants growing within 5 m of the traps in the two habitats is given in Table 1.
Up to three pairs of traps were run on a night. Three types of trap were used; 125-W
Robinson traps; 100-W ‘dustbin’ traps and 12-W Heath traps, both traps of a pair
being the same type. Robinson and dustbin traps were powered by E650 Honda
generators. Heath traps were powered by 12-V car batteries. One trap of each pair
was set up approximately 10m inside the yew woodland, the other being placed
approximately 10 m outside the yew wood in the chalk grassland. In 1989, the positions
of pairs of traps along Juniper Bottom varied between nights. In 1990, three pairs of
trapping sites were occupied each night, the types of trap at each site varying between
nights. Traps were run for 3—4h between 9.30 p.m. and 1.30 a.m.
When trapping was terminated for a night, the traps were stoppered and transported
to Juniper Hall Field Studies Centre, where the catches were scored the following
morning. All macrolepidoptera were identified except the pugs (excluded due to time
constraints and the inexperience of the scorers with this group).
In 1990, measurements of windspeed, temperature and humidity were taken, at
each trap site, at intervals throughout the trapping period. Windspeed was measured
over 10-min periods using a cup anemometer. Temperature and humidity were
measured using a whirling hydrometer. Readings of light intensity at different sites
in each habitat were taken using a photographic light meter.
Table 1. Plant species within five metres of (a) the traps inside the yew woodland and
(b) the traps in the chalk grassland.
(a) yew, mosses, dogs mercury, whitebeam, lichens.
(b) silverweed, nettles, thistles, hawthorn, dogs mercury, hairy saint john’s wort, bramble,
hogweed, speedwell, bedstraws, dark mullein, marjoram, thyme, ribbed melilot, convolvulus,
dead-nettle, docks, plantains, buttercups, beech, fine-leaved sandwort, mouse ear, clovers,
dogwood, wood sage, hazel, beaked hawk’s-beard, bugle, crosswort.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 13}
RESULTS
The total number of individuals taken in the yew woodland and the chalk grassland
habitats, for each species, over the two trapping periods combined, are given in
Table 2. The species are named and ordered following Skinner (1984).
Because only one anemometer was available, windspeed could only be assessed
in one habitat at a time, so the two habitats could not be monitored concurrently.
The data, while showing windspeed to be generally lower in the yew woodland than
outside it, are not strictly comparable. However, further work in Juniper Bottom,
in 1991 and 1992, using paired anemometers, has shown that the mean windspeed
is markedly lower in the yew woodland than outside it (Fraiers & Cox, pers. comm.).
In 1990, and subsequent years, the temperature inside the yew woodland was generally
the same as, or slightly lower than, that in the grassland when trapping began each
night, but declined less rapidly, so that by the end of trapping it was fairly consistently
0.5-1.5°C higher inside the yew woodland.
The background light intensity, measured during the day, was substantially higher
in the grassland than in the yew, the mean ratio being 32.2:1.
ANALYSIS
For species taken in reasonable numbers (more than 10) over the 2 years, the number
of moths taken inside and outside the woodland was compared using the chi-squared
test (a statistical test which estimates the probability of any bias in the actual result,
away from the expected result, being due to chance alone, i.e. sampling error). Initially
tests were performed using the simple expectation that there was an equal probability
of a moth being caught in either habitat: i.e. an expected ratio of 0.5:0.5 for a species
in the two habitats. The normal level of statistical significance, that there is less than
a 5% probability of any deviation in the observed data away from expectation being
due to chance sampling error alone, is used. The results of these analyses are given
in Table 3.
Of course, these tests may be unreliable were traps in one habitat much more
efficient in attracting and catching macrolepidoptera than those in the other habitat.
The total number of moths of all species recorded in each habitat (1624 in the yew
wood, 883 in the grassland) show that this might be the case. One method of
circumventing this problem would be to bias the chi-squared expectations by the ratio
of total moths captured in each type of habitat. This would give an expectation
ratio of 0.648:0.352. The results of repeating the chi-squared tests with these
transformed expectations are also given in Table 3.
This statistical recourse could also be criticized because the greater number of moths
taken in the yew woodland traps, compared to the grassland traps, is primarily a
consequence of four common species, Jdaea aversata, Peribatodes rhomboidaria,
A. repandata and Campaea margaritata, which all show significant bias towards the
yew woodland, with either expectation ratio. If the data for these four species are
removed from the catch totals for each habitat, these are reduced to 699 for yew
woodland and 652 for chalk grassland.
It is notable that there is general tendency for geometrid species to be taken in
larger numbers in the yew woodland and noctuid species to be taken in larger
numbers in the grassland. This may result from differences in windspeed in the two
habitats. The windspeed in woodland is generally lower than in open habitats. This
has been confirmed for the two habitats in question. The yew woodland may
thus provide sheltered conditions that would be more conducive to flight for
132 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Table 2. Total number of moths caught in yew woodland and chalk grassland. The class of build of each
species used in statistical analysis (see text) is given: D=delicate, R=robust, ? = uncertain.
Species Build In yew wood In grassland Total
Hepialus lupulinus L.
Drepana falcataria L.
Thyatira batis L.
Habrosyne pyritoides Hufn.
Ochropacha duplaris L.
Hemithea aestivaria Hibn.
Cyclophora linearia Hibn.
Timandra griseata Petersen
Idaea biselata Hufn.
Idaea dimidiata Hufn.
Idaea trigeminata Haw.
Idaea aversata L.
Xanthorhoe fluctuata L.
Scotopteryx bipunctaria D. & S.
Epirrhoe alternata Miller
Epirrhoe rivata Hubn.
Camptogramma bilineata L.
Cosmorhoe ocellata L.
Ecliptopera silaceata D. & S.
Chloroclysta truncata Hufn.
Cidaria fulvata Forster
Plemyria rubiginata D. & S.
Thera obeliscata Hubn.
Thera sp.
Electrophaes corylata Thunb.
Colostygia pectinataria Knoch
Aydriomena furcata Thunb.
Horisme vitalbata D. & S.
Horisme tersata D. & S.
Melanthia procellata D. & S.
Philereme vetulata D. & S.
Philereme transversata Hufn.
Perizoma flavofasciata Thunb.
Hydrelia flammeolaria Hufn.
Lomaspilis marginata L.
Ligdia adustata D. & S.
Semiothisa notata L.
Semiothisa liturata Clerck
Plagodis dolabraria L.
Opisthograptis luteolata L.
Crocallis elinguaria L.
Ourapteryx sambucaria L.
Biston betularia L.
Peribatodes rhomboidaria D. & S.
Deileptenia ribeata Clerck
Alcis repandata L.
Boarmia robararia D. & S.
Serraca punctinalis Scop.
Ectropis bistortata Goeze
Ectropis crepuscularia D. & S.
Paradarisa extersaria Hiibn.
Cabera pusaria L.
Cabera exanthemata Scop.
Lomographa temerata D. & S.
Campaea margaritata L.
Hylaea fasciaria L.
Sphinx ligustri L.
Hyloicus pinastri L.
Phalera bucephala L.
Stauropus fagi L.
Notodonta dromedarius L.
Pheosia gnoma F.
Ptilodon capucina L.
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BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Table 2. (cont.).
Species
Build ©
Lymantria monacha L.
Eilema griseola Hubn.
Eilema deplana Esper
Eilema lurideola Zincken
Spilosoma lubricipeda L.
Spilosoma luteum Hufn.
Nola confusalis H.-S.
Agrotis segetum D. & S.
Agrotis clavis Hufn.
Agrotis exclamationis L.
Agrotis puta Hiibn.
Axylia putris L.
Ochropleura plecta L.
Noctua pronuba L.
Lycophotia porphyrea D. & S.
Diarsia mendica F.
Diarsia brunnea D. & S.
Diarsia rubi Vieweg
Xestia c-nigrum L.
Xestia triangulum Hufn.
Anaplectoides prasina D. & S.
Hada nana Hufn.
Polia nebulosa Hufn.
Melanchra persicariae L.
Lacanobia thalassina Hufn.
Lacanobia oleracea L.
Hecatera bicolorata Hufn.
Hadena bicruris Hufn.
Mythimna ferrago F.
Mythimna impura Hubn.
Mythimna pallens L.
Mythimna comma Hibn.
Acronicta rumicis L.
Craniophora ligustri D. & S.
Dypterygia scabriuscula L.
Rusina ferruginea Esper
Euplexia lucipara L.
Phlogophora meticulosa L.
Apamea monoglypha Hufn.
Apamea lithoxylaea D. & S.
Apamea sublustris Esper
Apamea crenata Hufn.
Apamea epomidion Haw.
Apamea anceps D. & S.
Oligia spp.
Mesapamea secalis L.
Charanyca trigrammica Hufn.
Hoplodrina alsines Brahm
Hoplodrina blanda D. & S.
Caradrina morpheus Hufn.
Lithacodia pygarga Hufn.
Diachrysia chrysitis L.
Autographa gamma L.
Autographa pulchrina Haw.
Autographa jota L.
Abrostola triplasia L.
Lygephila pastinum Treits.
Phytometra viridaria Clerck
Laspeyria flexula D. & S.
Rivula sericealis Scop.
Hypena proboscidalis L.
Pechipogo strigilata L.
Herminia nemoralis F .
Total
DOOM OM APA AAA RA AA AA AAA A AAA AA AA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAAAAAAAARARAARAOURARXAYY YD
In yew wood
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—
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134
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Table 3. Chi-squared analysis comparing the number of moths of each species in yew wood-
land and chalk grassland. Criterion for inclusion: more than 10 moths taken. Two series
of tests using different expected ratios are given. In the first (A) the expected likelihoods
of a moth being caught in either habitat are equal. In the second (B) the probability of
being caught in a particular habitat is weighted by the number of all moths caught in that
habitat as a proportion of all moths in both habitats i.e. 0.648 for yew woodland, and 0.352
for chalk grassland. The direction of significant biases are given, with probability confidence limits
(ns means non-significant, i.e. the bias could be due to chance sampling error. Degrees of freedom = 1
throughout).
Species Chi-squared (x) analysis
A B
x’; p; bias x’; p; bias
Hemithea aestivaria ns ns
Cyclophora linearia ns 11.89; <0.001; grass
Idaea biselata
Idaea aversata
Cosmorhoe ocellata
Chloroclysta truncata
Thera obeliscata
Colostygia pectinataria
Hydriomena furcata
Horisme tersata
Melanthia procellata
Philereme vetulata
Semiothisa liturata
Opisthograptis luteolata
Ourapteryx sambucaria
Peribatodes rhomboidaria
Deileptenia ribeata
Alcis repandata
Ectropis bistortata
Ectropis crepuscularia
Cabera pusaria
Cabera exanthemata
Campaea margaritata
Hylaea fasciaria
Agrotis clavis
Agrotis exclamationis
Axylia putris
Ochropleura plecta
Noctua pronuba
Anaplectoides prasina
Hada nana
Mythimna pallens
Rusina ferruginea
Apamea monoglypha
Apamea sublustris
Oligia spp.
Caradrina morpheus
Lithacodia pygarga
Diachrysia chrysitis
Autographa pulchrina
Abrostola triplasia
Laspeyria flexula
Rivula sericealis
Hypena proboscidalis
Pechipogo strigilata
Herminia nemoralis
10.71; <0.005; yew
36.03; <0.001; yew
6.23; <0.05; yew
ns
ns
4.12; <0.05; grass
ns
4.67; <0.05; yew
ns
ns
3.85; <0.05; yew
7.35; <0.01; yew
9.31; <0.005; yew
88.09; <0.001; yew
11.00; <0.001; yew
261.02; <0.001; yew
8.33; <0.005; yew
ns
5.76; <0.05; yew
4.45; <0.05; yew
33.99; <0.001; yew
4.57; <0.05; yew
ns
4.61; <0.05; grass
ns
4.57; <0.05; yew
ns
ns
ns
9.78; <0.005; grass
7.14; <0.01; grass
ns
ns
ns
ns
7.12; <0.01; grass
ns
ns
8.33; <0.005; yew
ns
ns
11.65; <0.001; yew
11.00; <0.001; yew
8.07; <0.005; yew
4.04; <0.05; yew
7.13; <0.01; yew
ns
ns
ns
17.0; <0.001; grass
6.64; <0.01; grass
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
4.18; <0.05; yew
20.9; <0.001; yew
5.40*; <0.05; yew
81.80; <0.001; yew
ns
ns
ns
ns
10.11; <0.005; yew
ns
6.51; <0.01; grass
39.56; <0.001; grass
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
22.64; <0.001; grass
15.67; <0.001; grass
ns
10.49; <0.005; grass
3.94; <0.05; grass
5.19; <0.05; grass
16.60; <0.001; grass
5.41*; <0.05; grass
15.67; <0.001; grass
ns :
ns
7.80; <0.01; grass
ns
5.40*; <0.05; yew
ns
*Yates’ correction used for low expected values.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 135
Table 4. Comparison of numbers of ‘delicate’ compared to ‘robust’ moths taken in yew woodland
and chalk grassland. Only data from those species which did not give a significant result in
the analyses given in Table 3 are included.
Yew Woodland Chalk Grassland Totals
Delicate 129 85 214
Robust 149 194 342
Totals ti 279 556
Heterogeneity Chi-squared = 15.24; d.f.=1; P<0.001.
light-bodied, large-wing-area species, as characterized by the geometrids. On the other
hand, for the more robust build characteristic of many noctuids, shelter from wind
may not be of such great importance. Of course, not all geometrids are ‘delicate’ and
not all noctuids ‘robust’. To consider this further, all species were categorized as either
delicate (D) or robust (R). The categories are given in Table 2. In a small number
of cases the category that a species should be placed in was not obvious, and these
species have been omitted from the analysis. The number of moths of species
which showed no significant bias to either habitat in either of the analyses given in
Table 3, and all those taken that were not analysed due to insufficient numbers taken,
were totalled under the assigned classes D and R for each habitat. The results are
given in Table 4. A heterogeneity chi-squared test, comparing the ratios of the classes
between the two habitats shows that overall the ‘delicate’ species are taken in
significantly higher numbers in the yew woodland than the grassland, the reverse being
the case for the ‘robust’ species.
DISCUSSION
Consideration of the species taken in large enough numbers for individual analysis,
suggests that, with some exceptions, those species with large wing area to body weight
ratios, i.e. the more delicate species, tend to be caught more commonly inside the
yew woodland than in the grassland. The reverse is true for the more robust species.
These deductions are endorsed by the general comparison between delicate and
robust moths (Table 4). One interpretation of these findings is that delicate, less
strongly flying species may habitually seek shelter from the wind in dense woodland
such as the yew woodland in this study. However, that is not to say avoidance of
wind buffeting is the only factor producing the biases observed, and it is pertinent
to consider each species, showing a significant bias to one habitat or the other,
individually. This is done in Table 5 in which, for each of the relevant species, the
type of habitat bias, whether they are classed as delicate or robust, their larval food
plant, their roosting behaviour, and a tentative deduction of the principal factor
influencing the habitat bias they show, is given.
In the majority of cases seemingly sensible reasons for the habitat preferences
observed can be given. In some cases, such as P. rhomboidaria, Deileptenia ribeata
and _A. repandata it is probable that all three factors under consideration contribute
to the behaviour. For the majority of the ‘delicate’ species, using the yew woodland
as a Sheltered flight corridor is probably the principal cause of the observations, and
in many cases over-rides larval foodplant. There are three species which buck this
trend. It is possible that in each of the three, Cyclophora linearia, Colostygia pectinataria
and Hydriomena furcata, proximity to larval foodplants takes precedence. This
is almost certain in the case of C. /inearia, for it was taken most often in a trap
136 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Table 5. The habitat bias, build, larval foodplant and roosting sites for each of the species showing
a Statistically significant habitat bias. The most important factor determining this bias is tentatively
proposed for each species.
R. ferruginea
A. sublustris
Oligia spp.
C. morpheus
L. pygarga
D. chrysitis
A, pulchrina
A. triplasia
R. sericealis
H. proboscidalis
P. strigilata
Species Habitat Build Larval food
bias
C. linearia G D Beech
I. biselata WC D Various plants
I. aversata ay D Various low plants
C. ocellata Y D Bedstraws
C. pectinataria G D Bedstraws
H. furcata G D Sallows, various
bushes
H. tersata ay D Traveller’s joy
S. liturata W D Needled conifers
O. luteolata W D Various broad-leaf
trees
O. sambucaria Y D Various trees,
shrubs
P. rhomboidaria Y D Various trees inc.
yew
D. ribeata Y D Various trees inc.
yew
A. repandata aYG D Various trees inc.
yew
E. bistortata Y D Various broad-leaf
trees
C. pusaria W D Various broad-leaf
trees
C. exanthemata Y D Sallows, aspen
C. margaritata Ww D Various broad-leaf
trees
H. fasciaria W D Needled conifers
A. clavis G R Various low plants
A. exclamationis G R Various low plants
O. plecta WW R Various low plants
M. pallens G R Various grasses
G R
G R
G R
G R
G R
G R
G R
We R
G ?
WC D
We D
Y D
H. nemoralis
Various low plants
? Various grasses
Various grasses
Low growing
plants
Various grasses
Low growing plants
Various low plants
Nettle
Various grasses
Nettle
? Withered broad-
leaf leaves
Oak, alder
Roosting sites
Foliage
Foliage
Foliage
Foliage
Foliage
Bark and foliage
? Foliage
Bark, conifer
foliage
Foliage
Foliage
Bark
Bark
Bark
Bark
Foliage
Foliage of
foodplant
Foliage
Bark, conifer
foliage
Low vegetation,
litter
Low vegetation,
litter
Low vegetation
Low vegetation
Unknown
Low vegetation
Bark, low
vegetation
Low vegetation,
litter
Unknown
Low vegetation
Vegetation
? Bark, foliage
Low vegetation
Bark, foliage, low
vegetation
Bark, foliage
Bark foliage
Principal factor
Fdpt.
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
? Fdpt.
? Fdpt.
Sh. fl.
Fdpt.
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Fdpt., roost, Sh. fl.
Fdpt., roost, Sh. fl.
Fdpt., roost, Sh. fl.
Roost, Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Fdpt., roost, Sh. fl.
Fdpt., roost
Fdpt., roost
9
Fdpt., roost
? Fdpt.
Roost, ? Fdpt.
Fdpt.
Fdpt., roost
Fdpt.
Fdpt., roost
Fdpt., roost
? Roost
Fdpt., roost
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Sh. fl.
Abbreviations: G grass, Y yew, D delicate, R robust, Fdpt. foodplant, Sh. fl. sheltered flight.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
on the chalk grassland adjacent to a mature beech and larch plantation. For the other
two species, although their larval foodplants grow closer to the grassland traps than
the yew traps, the same could be said of many of the other ‘delicate’ species, and
it is not so obvious why these two species buck the trend.
Among the robust species, the need for a sheltered flight corridor would not be
expected to be an important factor contributing to flight behaviour. In these species,
larval foodplants and roosting sites take precedence, and as none of the species feeds
on yew, the expectation is that these species should be trapped most frequently in
the grassland habitat. In the majority of cases where a bias is seen, this is the case,
but again there are exceptions, both Ochropleura plecta and Abrostola triplasia
apparently preferring the woodland habitat. In the latter species, finding a roosting
site may be a contributing factor, but this suggestion is very tentative. For O. plecta,
no convincing case can be made on the basis of any of the factors under consideration.
The results contained herein broadly endorse Waring’s (1989) findings that many
species of moth show habitat flight preferences. They suggest that for geometrid-like
species, but not for the more robust noctuid-like species, dense woodland may provide
a sheltered flight corridor, a factor alluded to by Waring in respect of /daea biselata
and J. aversata. In the majority of cases, a sensible interpretation of the habitat biases
seen, based on current knowledge of the species in question, can be made.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to express our thanks to the National Trust for permitting us to trap in
Juniper Bottom, and John Bebbington, the staff at Juniper Hall Field Studies Centre,
and the Field Studies Council, for providing facilities at Juniper Hall. Joanne Griffiths
typed the manuscript. Tamsin Majerus corrected the manuscript. Carys Jones was
supported by an SERC Quota Award. Michael Majerus is the recipient of an
NERC grant.
REFERENCES
Aldridge, D., Jones, C. W., Mahar, E. & Majerus, M. E. N. 1993. Differential habitat selection
in polymorphic Lepidoptera in the Forest of Dean. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 105: 203-214.
Bowden, J. 1982. An analysis of factors affecting catches of insects in light traps. Bull. Ent.
Res. 72: 535-556.
Dearnaley, N., Grigg, E. A., Jones, C. W. & Majerus, M. E. N. The relative efficacies of three
types of moth trap. (in prep.)
Fraiers, T., Boyles, T., Jones, C. W. & Majerus, M. E. N. 1994. Short distance form frequency
differences in melanic Lepidoptera across habitat boundaries. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 7: 47-52.
Jones, C. W., Majerus, M. E. N. & Timmins, R. 1993. Differential habitat selection in
polymorphic Lepidoptera. Entomologist 112: 118-126.
Kearns, P. W. E. & Majerus, M. E. N. 1987. Differential habitat selection in the Lepidoptera:
a note on deciduous versus coniferous woodland habitats. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 99:
103-106.
Skinner, B. 1984. Colour identification guide to moths of the British Isles, pp. 267, Viking.
Waring, P. 1989. Comparison of light-trap catches in deciduous and coniferous woodland
habitats. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 101: 1-10.
138 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
BOOK REVIEW
The butterflies of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire by J. Asher. Newbury,
Pisces Publications, 1994, viii+136 pages, £18.95, hardback.—This beautifully
illustrated atlas, presenting the results of one of the most intensive local butterfly
surveys ever undertaken, will be welcomed by all ardent butterfly conservationists.
The foreword by the chairman of the Upper Thames branch of Butterfly
Conservation is followed by acknowledgements and then the introduction. This has
sections on what are butterflies?; life cycle of the butterfly; the key features of the
three counties; and a detailed description of the origin and development of the national
organization, Butterfly Conservation. As befits the planning and undertaking of such
an intensive survey, which embodies over 90 000 sightings made by over 350 people,
there is a full description of the Upper Thames butterfly atlas project.
The main part of the book (pages 17 to 102) consists of a description of each species,
its behaviour and conservation status. Each species description is headed with a coloured
flight season chart, the deepest colour thereon indicating when butterflies were seen in
every year of the 1987-1992 survey, and a paler colour when they were seen in some years
but not in others. Each species distribution map also has its tetrads colour coded, yellow
indicating one record, brown, two to nine and red ten plus records. The work of
processing all this data and the final production of the maps must have been enormous,
but if the data only related to adult butterflies (as presumably such a time-consuming
task must have done) without any allowance for larval numbers, a misleading picture
can sometimes result. For example, red is not used on the map relating to that very local
and elusive species, the brown hairstreak, yet, when this reviewer worked Hell Coppice
in the early 1940s, it was not difficult to find 25 larvae of betulae upon the stunted little
blackthorns, but only twice was the adult butterfly ever seen there! Much useful
information is given relating to each of the 48 butterfly species known from the three
counties, though when speaking of that currently absent species, the large tortoiseshell,
this reviewer would not agree with the ending of Mr Asher’s statement . . . ‘while it is
possible that it may stage a recovery from the continent, it is also increasingly uncommon
there now, which makes the chances of a resurgence in numbers seem remote’.
The sections following the species descriptions are headed: sightings of unusual
vagrant species; predators and parasites; managing habitats to conserve butterflies;
and when and where to see butterflies. The management section is lengthy (pages
105 to 125) and, relating as it does to famous localities well known to this reviewer,
made fascinating reading. When woodland management is being discussed Bernwood,
long known nationally as an important place for butterflies, receives special mention.
It would be appropriate to have included here a mention of the pioneering work of
the late Dr Roger Clarke, formerly Oxfordshire County Secretary of BBONT who,
in addition to organizing conservation tasks, collected eggs of purple emperors from
the wild, bred them through to adult butterflies, and then delighted many visitors
to his annual ‘emperor releases’.
The final pages contain a glossary; species check list; check list of foodplants;
bibliography; and conservation organizations. The atlas is well bound, clearly printed
and, at £18.95, not unreasonably priced, when considering the high quality colour
work therein. Jim Asher is to be congratulated, not only for his photographic skills,
but for seeing his mammoth task through to completion. However, he has set a difficult
precedent to follow for, as David Redhead says in his foreword ‘this achievement
should be seen only as the start . . . the recording effort must continue to enable
an up-to-date picture to be kept available’.
BRIAN R. BAKER
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
ANTS FEEDING DIRECTLY ON PLANT SAP
RICHARD A. JONES
13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SEI5 3DE.
In my small front garden, the large coltsfoot-shaped leaves of Ligularia dentata
(Gray) Hara (Asteraceae, = formerly Compositae) became slightly damaged through
being knocked by the wind against the adjacent garden wall. Some of the leaves showed
small tears a few centimetres long, which quickly became browned along the ragged
edges. The leaves of this large garden ragwort are tough and leathery, the damage
was minor and the large yellow flowers were unharmed, so | ignored the insignificant
cuts on a few of the leaves.
However, during several warm days in June, July and August 1993, I noticed that
ants were congregating along the edges of these cuts. They were foraging workers
of the extremely common ‘pavement ant’, Lasius niger (L.) and they appeared
to be biting at the edges of the tears in the leaves. Each of several leaf abrasions
had two or three ants, seeming to focus their attentions on particular points. Some
of the longer tears (10 cm or so) had perhaps five or six ants both above and below
the leaf surface, biting at particular points along the very edge of the leaf tear.
Examination of the leaf lacerations under a hand lens showed that when fresh,
sap oozed from cut edges. A day later, a tear would be browned, and the sap
appeared to have crystallized, giving the edge a glinting sugary appearance. The
ants appeared to be feeding on this crystallized sap. It is possible that their feeding
Fig. 1. Three ants (Lasius niger) intent on a particular spot along a tear in the leaf of Ligularia
dentata, where they appear to be feeding on the crystallized sap of the plant. Photo: R. A. Jones.
140 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
points were associated with vein endings, as possibly shown in the photograph, and
that they were feeding on flowing rather than crystallized sap.
That ants feed on plant secretions, in the form of nectar from flowers and extrafloral
nectaries, is well known as is their indirect feeding on sap which has passed through
the digestive tract of aphids and excreted in the form of honeydew (Kirby & Spence,
1818; Westwood, 1840; Brian, 1977; Collingwood, 1979; Gauld & Bolton, 1988).
However, I am unable to find any reference to ants feeding directly on plant sap.
Mr A. J. Halstead informs me that there is a photograph in the archives of the
R. H. S. Garden at Wisley showing an unnamed yellowish-brown ant damaging
the leaf margins and petals of a glasshouse plant, Cathyranthus roseus, and he
tells me that he has also seen large numbers of the ant Lasius fuliginosus (Latr.)
nibbling the edge of flower petals on Rosa ‘Maigold’ at Wisley on 2.vii.1976.
Interestingly, he found similar damage being caused to another specimen of this rose
variety by the wasp Vespula vulgaris (L.) on 26.ix.1974, so it may have particularly
sweet petals.
Ants are by no means unknown as herbivores (in the widest sense): in the New
World, leaf-cutter ants (tribe Attini) eat the fungus that they culture on the cut leaves
with which they stock their nests, and in the Old World, harvester ants (Messor spp.)
feed on seeds. I am surprised, therefore, to find no reference to this behaviour
anywhere in the literature, given that Lasius niger is so commmon a garden species
and that horticulturalists are so aware of other minor pests on their plants.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank Mr A. J. Halstead for commenting on a draft of this paper and for allowing
me to quote his very interesting observations.
REFERENCES
Brian, M. V. 1977. Ants. The new naturalist. London, Collins, pp. 48-70.
Coilingwood, C. A. 1979. The Formicidae (Hymenoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark. Fauna
Ent. Scand. 8: 17.
Gauld, I. & Bolton, B. 1988. The Hymenoptera. London, NHM & OUP, p. 240.
Kirby, W. & Spence, W. 1818. An introduction to entomology: or elements of the natural history
of insects. London, Longman et al., Vol. 2, pp. 88-95.
Westwood, J. O. 1840. An introduction to the modern classification of insects; founded on
the natural habits and corresponding organisation of the different families. London,
Longman et al., Vol. 2, p. 229.
BOOK NOTICE
The bee genera of North and Central America (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) by C. D.
Michener, R. J. McGinley and B. N. Danforth. Smithsonian Institution Press,
Washington and London, 1994, viii+210pp, £34.95 ($53.95), hardback.—A highly
illustrated book with bilingual (English and Spanish) text comprising mainly diagnostic
keys and short descriptions. Generic check list and extensive references complete this
very thorough taxonomic study. It is a shame that more biological and ecological
details are not given.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 14)
EDITORIAL
LONG SERIES NOT WELCOME
Members will have noticed that for some years the following statement has appeared
on the Society’s Annual Exhibition Notice:
Long series of rare or endangered
insects will not be welcome.
The idea that entomologists are like stamp collectors, displaying drawer after drawer
of pristine specimens as if striving for a complete set, is not a notion which we, as
modern naturalists, enjoy. The common misconception that entomologists are mindless
collectors is an impression we should not be encouraging.
For the 1993 notice another sentence was added:
Long series of any insect taken from
the same locality will not be welcome.
For the sake of saving embarrassment to individual members and to the Society,
the Council has discussed what its policy should be with regard to exhibits of
“‘threatened’’ or ‘‘scarce’’ insects, and exactly how long a long series is.
The Annual Exhibition is the Society’s largest, most popular, and most public event.
We must be aware not only of the opportunity it gives for the Society to advertise
its work, but also the opportunity it gives to everyone to scrutinize the Society’s
activities.
Today the Society enjoys a reputation as Britain’s foremost field entomological
society. Its voice is heard in governmental and non-governmental organizations
through its contacts with Wildlife Link. Its opinions are sought out by national and
local conservation groups. Its members are widely active throughout the country in
a variety of special interest groups and recording schemes. The Society must anticipate
and counter any disquiet, real or imagined, felt by the general public who may view
collecting with anything from mild interest and humorous derision to suspicion and
outright disgust.
The need for collecting insects is not in doubt, the arguments in its favour are
forceful and well-founded. For the majority of insects, collecting is necessary to ensure
correct identification. Frequently, a reference collection is the only means of achieving
this correct identification. Surveys require the retention of voucher specimens.
Collecting can harm only a handful of recognized and nominated species regarded
as being exceptionally vulnerable.
What is at issue is the image of the BENHS, an image which we should seek to
sustain as a society of concerned and responsible entomologists who demonstrate
respect for nature and respect for conservation.
How rare is rare?
In current jargon ‘‘rare’? means having red data book (RDB) status. RDB3 is
officially designated as ‘‘rare’’, and since RDB2 (‘‘vulnerable’’?) and RDB!
(‘‘endangered’’) are even rarer than ‘‘rare’’ they too must be included in a general
definition. A list of RDB1, 2 and 3 macrolepidoptera is appended below.
142 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
How long is long?
The ‘‘code for insect collecting’’, first drawn up by the Joint Committee for the
Conservation of British Insects (now Invertebrates), JCCBI, in 1972 is fully endorsed
by the BENHS. It has been widely publicized, and appears in the insect volume of
British red data books and elsewhere. The appropriate section on collecting rare and
endangered macrolepidoptera species (paragraph 2.1) states ““As a guide the Committee
suggests that a pair of specimens is sufficient, but those species in the greatest danger
should not be collected at all’’. The code specifies macrolepidoptera in this context,
however collectors of all orders might like to consider how such restraint could apply
more broadly.
The code also suggests (paragraph 1.3) ‘‘The same species should not be taken in
numbers year after year from the same locality’’. There is sometimes a good and
valid argument for collecting more of certain species, from the same locality, over
a number of years. Analysis of regional variation, genetic forms, population studies
and the like can only be carried out by collection and examination of numerous
specimens. The killing of captive-bred specimens further clouds the issue, as the habitat
and environment are obviously not affected.
In these cases the length of a series is analogous to the length of a piece of string.
Entomologists must act by their own restraint. However, to avert confusion and
embarrassment, Council suggests that as a general ‘‘rule of thumb’’, six specimens
ought to be enough to demonstrate in an exhibit a particular local form or variety
or variation spectrum. If it is thought that more than this number are required in
an exhibit, Council is pleased to be approached by potential exhibitors.
Breaking new ground
Another source of possible disquiet follows the discovery of a rare insect in a novel
locality. It duly appears in an exhibit one year only to appear in several exhibits the
next—all from that same locality. Some entomologists have been encouraged to keep
important records secret for fear of a new locality being over-run by collectors! This
needlessly continues to fuel the fire of concern amongst the anti-collecting fraternity.
Annual Exhibition
It is not possible, or indeed desirable, for the Society to police its members’ collecting
habits. However, it is desirable to support a vision of the BENHS as a society of
responsible and sensible naturalists in pursuit of a laudable and important aim—the
furtherance of entomological knowledge.
Members will not, therefore, be surprised to find the following announcement given
full prominence on the Society’s 1994 Annual Exhibition notice:
Long series of threatened or scarce insects
will not be welcome. The code for insect collecting,
endorsed by the BENHS, suggests that a pair of
specimens of such species is sufficient.
Similarly, long series of any insect taken
from the same locality will not be welcome
without prior approach to the Council.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
APPENDIX. BRITISH RED DATA BOOK MACRO-MOTHS (REVISED DECEMBER 1993)
(from Waring, in prep.)
Reed leopard
Phragmataecia castaneae, RDB2
Scotch burnet
Zygaena exulans subochracea, RDB3&5
Slender Scotch burnet
Zygaena loti scotica, RDB3&5
New Forest burnet
Zygaena viciae argyllensis, RDB1
Talisker narrow-bordered five spot burnet
Zygaena lonicerae jocelynae, RDB3
Transparent burnet
Zygaena purpuralis segontii, RDB1
Triangle
Heterogenea asella, RDB3
Welsh clearwing
Synanthedon scoliaeformis, RDB3
Fiery clearwing
Bembecia chrysidiformis, RDB1
Ground lackey
Malacosoma castrensis, RDB3
Scarce hook-tip
Sabra harpagula, RDB3
Rest harrow
Aplasta ononaria, RDB3
Essex emerald
Thetidia smaragdaria maritima, RDB1&5
Sussex emerald
Thalera fimbrialis, RDB1
Dingy mocha
Cyclophora pendularia,RDB3
Sub-angled wave
Scopula nigropunctata, RDB2
Tawny wave
Scopula rubiginata, RDB3
Bright wave
Idaea ochrata cantiata, RDB2
Silky wave
Idaea dilutaria, RDB3
Portland ribbon wave
Idaea degeneraria, RDB3
Netted carpet
Eustroma reticulata, RDB2
Slender-striped rufous
Coenocalpe lapidata, RDB3
Barberry carpet
Pareulype berberata, RDB1
Pauper pug
Eupithecia egenaria, RDB3
Goosefoot pug
Eupithecia sinuosaria, RDBK
Scarce pug
Eupithecia extensaria occidua, RDB3
Grey carpet
Lithostege griseata, RDB3
Netted mountain moth
Semiothisa carbonaria, RDB3
Dark bordered beauty
Epione paralellaria, RDB3
Belted beauty
Lycia zonaria britannica, RDB3
Black-veined moth
Siona lineata, RDBI
Straw belle
Aspitates gilvaria gilvaria, RDB3
Scarce chocolate-tip
Clostera anachoreta, RDBI
Scarce vapourer
Orgyia recens, RDB3
Dotted footman
Pelosia muscerda, RDB3
Small dotted footman
Pelosia obtusa, RDB2
Pigmy footman
Eilema pygmaeola pygmaeola, RDB3
Pigmy footman
Eilema pygmaeola pallifrons, RDB|
Northern footman
Eilema sericea, RDB2
Speckled footman
Coscinia cribraria bivittata, RDB2
Rosy marsh moth
Eugraphe subrosea, RDB2
Cousin German
Paradiarsia sobrina, RDB3
Northern dart
Xestia alpicola alpina, Na (?RDB3)
Broad-bordered white underwing
Anarta melanopa, RDB3
Viper’s bugloss
Hadena irregularis,
RDBI (?extinct 1978)
White spot
Hadena albimacula, RDB2
Grey
Hadena caesia mananii, RDB3
Silurian
Eriopygodes imbecilla, RDB2
Cudweed
Cucullia gnaphalii occidentalis,
RDBI1/?extinct
Toadflax brocade
Calophasia lunula, RDB3
Beautiful gothic
Leucochlaena oditis, RDB3
Rannoch sprawler
Brachionycha nubeculosa, RDB3
Orange upperwing
Jodia croceago, RDB2
Southern chestnut
Agrochola haematidea, RDBK
Scarce merveille du jour
Moma alpium, RDB3
Heart moth
Dicycla 00, RDB3
White-spotted pinion
Cosmia diffinis, Na/RDB3
The exile
Apamea zeta marmorata, Na/?RDB3
Least minor
Photedes captiuncula, RDB3/?Na
144
Motrris’s wainscot
Photedes morrisii morrisii, RDB1
Bond’s wainscot
Photedes morrisii bondii, RDB1/?extinct
Concolorous
Photedes extrema, RDB3
Fenn’s wainscot
Photedes brevilinea, RDB3
Sandhill rustic
Luperina nickerlii nickerlii, Na
Sandhill rustic
Luperina nickerlii leechi, RDB1
Sandhill rustic
Luperina nickerlii gueneei, RDB2
Marsh mallow moth
HAydraecia osseola hucherardi, RDB1
Fisher’s estuarine moth
Gortyna borelii lunata, RDB2
Rush wainscot
Archanara algae, RDB3
White-mantled wainscot
Archanara neurica, RDB3
Marsh moth
Athetis pallustris, RDB3
Reddish buff
Acosmetia caliginosa, RDB1
Marbled clover
Heliothis viriplaca, RDB3
Shoulder-striped clover
Heliothis maritima warneckei, RDB3
Silver barred
Deltote bankiana, RDB3
Light crimson underwing
Catocala promissa, RDB3
Dark crimson underwing
Catocala sponsa, RDB2
Four-spotted
Tyta luctuosa, RDB3, even Na
Scarce blackneck
Lygephila craccae, RDB3
Lesser belle
Colobochyla salicalis, RDB1/?extinct
Bloxworth snout
Hypena obsitalis, RDBK
Autumnal snout
Schrankia intermedialis, RDBK
Shaded fan-foot
Herminia tarsicrinalis, RDB3
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Olive crescent
Trisateles emortualis, RDB3
RDB Macro-moths considered extinct as
residents:
New Forest burnet
Zygaena viciae ytenensis, Extinct
Small lappet
Phyllodesma ilicifolia, ?Extinct
Lewes wave
Scopula immorata,Extinct
Ochraceous wave
Idaea serpentata,Extinct
Isle of Wight wave
Idaea humiliata, ?Extinct
Many-lined
Costaconvexa polygrammata, Extinct
Frosted yellow
Isturgia limbaria,Extinct
Speckled beauty
Fagivorina arenaria,Extinct
White prominent
Leucodonta bicoloria, Extinct
Gypsy moth
Lymantria dispar, Extinct/Migrant
Scarce black arches
Nola aerugula, Extinct/Migrant
Feathered ear
Pachetra sagittigera britannica, Extinct
Small ranunculus
Hecatera dysodea, Extinct
Conformist
Lithophane furcifera suffusa, ?Extinct
Marsh dagger
Acronicta strigosa, Extinct
Blair’s wainscot
Sedina buettneri,?Extinct/Migrant
Spotted sulphur
Emmelia trabealis,Extinct
Macro-moths which would qualify for RDB
status if the larval foodplants were not
alien to Britain:
Cloaked pug
Eupithecia abietaria, Uncommon/alien
foodplant
Feathered beauty
Peribatodes secundaria, Uncommon/alien
foodplant
ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1993
Plate I.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 145
1993 ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Imperial College, London SW7—30 October 1993
The following account of exhibits has been compiled by R. D. G. Barrington (British
Butterflies), B. K. West (British Macrolepidoptera), J. M. Chalmers-Hunt (British
Microlepidoptera), B. Goater (Foreign Lepidoptera), P. J. Chandler (Diptera),
P. J. Hodge (Coleoptera), P. Kirby (Hemiptera), A. J. Halstead (Hymenoptera and
other orders) and R. Dyke (Illustrations). The photographs for the two colour plates
were taken by D. E. Wilson.
BRITISH BUTTERFLIES
BAILEY, K. E. J.—(1)A series of Pararge aegeria L. ab. cockaynei Goodson with
heavily smudged markings, bred in i-ii.1993, included some extreme forms. This
aberration has an environmental rather than genetic basis, occurring when
overwintering larvae complete their development early. An example of the aberration
was illustrated in Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1991; 4: Plate I. A range of aberrations from
the exhibitor’s continuing work with the effects of temperature and photoperiod shocks
to late larvae and early pupae. Included were extreme melanic forms of Polygonia
c-album L. ab. reichstettensis Fettig, Aglais urticae L. ab. semiichneusoides Pronin,
Vanessa atalanta L. ab. klemensiewicsi Schille and Nymphalis polychloros L. ab.
testudo Esper. One specimen of testudo was of a very unusual form with greatly
reduced dark markings. Minor forms of Argynnis adippe D.& S. had the hindwing
marginal spots confluent (extreme cold of — 14°C was required at the pupal stage
to induce this variation).
A wild-captured Boloria selene D.& S. ab. pittionii Nitsche from which ova were
obtained, and a captured aberration of Boloria euphrosyne L. with confluent
hindwings. After years of trying, Mr Bailey has succeeded in producing aberrations
of B. euphrosyne. These occurred when the larvae were photoperiod-stressed, and
the pupae were then cold-shocked. One specimen was an extreme form with the
underside obsolete and with heavy silver markings.
(2) A quite beautiful series of extreme forms of Eurodryas aurinia Rott. ab. sebaldus
Schultz (Plate I, Fig. 5). These were the result of cold-shocked pupae that were bred
Plate |. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1993
1: Lysandra coridon ab. discreta-postradiata, Dorset, 30.vii.1993,
S. J. Rook. 2: Po/yommatus icarus melanic underside, bred, 1993,
L. D. Young. 3: Po/yommatus icarus ab. radiata, bred, R. Revels.
4: Thymelicus sylvestris ab. intermedia, 7.vii. 1992, M. Callow. 5:
Eurodryas aurinia ab. seba/dus, bred (cold shock), K. E. J. Bailey.
6: Polyommatus icarus melanic ab., Isle of Skye, 27.vi.1993, W.
G. Tremewan. 7: Quercusia quercus ab. /atefasciata, bred
27.vi.1993, A. M. Jones. 8: Acinia corniculata, Chailey Common
19.viii.1993, P. J. Hodge. 9: Maniola jurtina ab. excessa, bred
Dorset, 1993, R. D. G. Barrington. 10 & 11: Victrix agenjoi
Valladolid, Spain, B. Goater; 10 male, 11 female. 12 & 13: New
dudgeonid species, Borneo, G. Ping & G. S. Robinson; 12 male
13 female. 14: Sataspes infernalis, Hong Kong, 1993, P. Waring.
15: Lymantria dispar, bilateral gynandromorph, bred US Dept.
Agric., R. D. G. Barrington.
Photo: D. E. Wilson
146 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
from aberrant parents also produced from cold-shocked pupae. The present brood
contained specimens considerably more aberrant than the parents (perhaps suggesting
that selection for a strain more receptive to cold-shocks is possible). They compared
with some very extreme wild-captured forms from Devon in the 1940s, illustrated
in the Colour identification guide to butterflies of the British Isles, Viking, 1973.
BARRINGTON, R. D. G.—Two generations from a female Maniola jurtina L. ab.
excessa Leeds taken in Dorset, vii.1991. The original parent had two strong extra
black spots on each forewing below the apical spot. The F, of 31 insects was a graded
series from type to good examples of excessa. The F, generation (from F, excessa
parents) of 19 insects was again graded from type through to an extreme female
example of excessa having two very heavy extra pupilled spots on each forewing,
and a spot at the anal angle of the upperside hindwing (Plate I, Fig. 9). This is a
multifactorial/polygenic form (i.e. controlled by a number of genes having an additive
effect). Wild-captured aberrations included a male Lysandra coridon Poda ab.
ultrafowleri-margino B.&.L., Thymelicus sylvestris Poda ab. pallida Tutt, (a female
with white ground colour) and a female Anthocharis cardamines L. with a streaked
discal spot.
CALLOW M. A pair of Argynnis paphia L. ab. confluens Spuler (2 and 3.vii.1993)
and two extremes of Ladoga camilla L. ab. obliterae Robson & Gardner (vi/vii.1993).
A strongly marked male Lysandra coridon Poda ab. striata Tutt (Dorset, 1993) with
a single streak from a submarginal spot through the discoidal spot to the basal spot
on each forewing. A good male 7. sylvestris ab. intermedia Frohawk (Plate I, Fig.
4) with yellow-white groundcolour taken on 7.vii.1992 from among many hundreds
observed.
DENNIS, R. C.—A breeding experiment with Pyronia tithonus L. from an original
parent transitional to ab. caeca Tutt (an example of caeca taken by the exhibitor was
illustrated in Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1991; 4: Plate I). The F, of 4 females and 39
males contained 22% aberrations. The F, of 15 females and 23 males contained 51%
aberrations. It is probable that this is a dominant form, although the ratios of
aberrations to type (the original parent being assumed to be heterozygous) fell short
of the expected (which would be 50% aberrations and 75% aberrations in the F, and
F, respectively). However, it is likely, given the shortage of females in both broods,
that the gene has a weakening effect, hence the reduced percentages of aberrations.
Also shown were a female Melanargia galathea L. with a black patch on the right
forewing (and deformed venation in this area), most likely caused by damage to the
pupa or disease, and a female with reduced and pale markings. Two females of
Lysandra coridon with darkened undersides and a male showing both ab. u/trafowleri
South and ab. caeca Courv. Two bleached specimens of M. jurtina and a female
example with the forewing fulvous very pale on the underside.
JONES, A. M.—A pair of melanic aberrations of Argynnis paphia, the male ab.
confluens Spuler and the female a very dark ab. ocellata Frings. Two extreme L.
camilla L. ab. nigrina Weymer and an example of the less extreme ab. obliterae Robson
and Gardner. All of these insects were in perfect condition. The exhibitor, having
noticed camilla pupating in the wild at a time of hot weather in early June 1993,
was encouraged to search for melanic forms of both species during the flight period,
with subsequent success. A fine and extreme aberration of Quercusia quercus L.,
a female bred from wild ova. The underside hindwings were ab. /atefasciata Courv.
(Plate I, Fig. 7) with broad white banding, and the dark forewings were tending
towards ab. infraobscura Goodson. A bred gynandromorph of Anthocharis
cardamines L. with orange on the underside of the forewings of an otherwise entirely
female insect. A bred example of Pararge aegeria L. ab. cockaynei Goodson, iii.1993.
BR, J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
PORTER, J.—Pieris napi L. ab. obsoleta Rober (lacking dark markings) and a dark
female from the Scottish Highlands. /nachis io L. ab. brunnea Reuss bred from a
brood of 100 adults. A good L. camilla ab. nigrina.
Plebejus argus L. from five different colonies including the chalk soil of Portland,
Dorset (pale undersides and thin black borders on the upperside of the males), Great
Orme, North Wales (the famous ssp. caernensis Thompson) and from heathland,
including an intersex, ab. inaequalis Cockayne—a female insect with strong blue scaling
on the right wings. A female Pyronia tithonus L. ab. crassiexcessa Leeds.
Coenonympha tullia Mill. ssp. scotica Staud abs pallida Osthelder and obsoleta Tutt
(entirely lacking spots). Two female Polyommatus icarus Rott, one an extreme ab.
coerulea Fuchs from the North Downs, the other a Scottish female example with bright
whitish-blue hindwing margins.
REVELS, R. C.—(1) A female example of Pararge aegeria ab. saturatior Cromb.
from Herts., 1993, lacking pale markings on the hindwings and reduced on the
forewings. A very remarkable male Colias croceus Geoff. aberration bred by a
colleague from purchased pupae. The right forewing is completely melanic on both
surfaces (but with the original pattern visible) and the upper third of the right hindwing
is melanic on the underside only (figured in Bull. Amat. Entomologists’ Soc. 1993;
52: pl.T). A male P. icarus ab. radiata Courv. bred in the F, from a similar original
parent. Little else of note has appeared in the strain up to an F; of 150+ insects.
(2) A very impressive breeding experiment with Polyommatus icarus from an original
parent ab. discoelongata B.&.L. taken viii.1992 from a locality where ab. radiata
has occurred. The F, of 40 insects was mostly typical although a few specimens were
discoelongata on the forewings, and, in one male example, on all wings. This male
was paired with a discoelongata female producing an F, of 24 males and 26 females
in vii/viii.1993; 5 males and 9 females were radiata on all wings and another 5 of
each sex were transitional forms. The remainder of the brood was typical or nearly
so. Pairings between radiata adults produced an F; of 91 insects in ix.1993. This
contained a graded range of aberrations from type (3 of each sex), through transitional
forms (20 insects) to full radiata (Plate I, Fig. 3) (30 males and 35 females). Ova
have been obtained to continue the strain.
Breeding over many years by L. D. Young has shown that discoelongata is inherited
as a multifactorial/polygenic form and when inbred can produce radiata. The present
strain required many fewer generations to produce full radiata, and continued
inbreeding by the exhibitor will hopefully indicate whether a different gene system
is in operation.
(3) F, and F, broods from an extreme aberration of Pyronia tithonus L. with very
broad forewing borders and lacking the hindwing fulvous. This experiment has shown
this to be a dominant form with a weakening effect on the insects. This aberration
was figured in Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1985; 18: Plate 1.
ROBERTSON, T. S.—An unusual form of Ag/ais urticae L. Finchampstead, Berks.,
24.viii.1993, with the basal two forewing costal black markings joined. Usually in
aberrant urticae it is the sub-basal and distal costal markings that coalesce.
Rook, S. J.—Two aberrations of Lysandra coridon Poda from Dorset in 1993.
One was ab. discreta-postradiata B.&L. (Plate I, Fig. 1), the second a female with
strong blue scaling on the upperside of all wings, bearing similarities to ab.
semisyngrapha Tutt.
RusswurM, A. D. A. & MIDDLETON, H. G. M.—A female Maniola jurtina L.
with very bright markings and an enlarged apical spot, having the appearance
of an extreme form of ssp. cassiteridum Graves (Scilly Isles), from Boldre, Hants,
3.viii. 1993.
148 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
TEBBUT, P.—A range of aberrations of Aphantopus hyperantus L. showing
variation in spotting from ab. arete Muller to ab. /anceolata Shipp, and an unusual
female underside aberration with whitish scaling extending distally from all spots.
Pyronia tithonus L., males abs. antipallidula Leeds and antiparvipuncta Leeds. Two
bred M. jurtina L. were shown. One was a male ab. commaculo Leeds (ground colour
on the upperside marbled and pale markings—a scale defect) and a female ab. pauper
Verity (with reduced upperside fulvous). Aricia agestis D.& S. ab. pallidior Ober (pale
lunules). Two female aberrations of Pieris napi, one being ab. fasciata Tutt and
nigropunctata Lamb. and the other ab. deleta Strand and unimacula Dziursynski
(reduced markings).
TREMEWAN, W. G.—A fine aberration of P. icarus Rott. (Plate I, Fig. 6), from
the Isle of Skye (27.vi.1993). This was an extreme melanic male on both surfaces,
bearing a resemblance to the melanic male L. coridon exhibited at the 1992 Exhibition
by G. D. Trebilcock and illustrated in Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1993; 6: Plate II (although
this coridon form was a mosaic with type coloration also).
Tupss, R. S.—A drawer of aberrations of P. tithonus including a fine series of
ab. mincki Seebold (ground colour yellow-white) bred in the F, from an original
mincki parent taken in Wilts by R. C. Revels in 1981. It proved to be a recessive
form. Five F, specimens of the very dark aberration also exhibited by R. C. Revels,
and bred from ova supplied by him. Fifteen specimens of ab. excessa Leeds (extra
forewing spotting) from Minehead, 1952. R. C. Revels has shown this to be a
multifactorial/polygenic form as is the corresponding form in M. jurtina, as illustrated
in the exhibit of R. D. G. Barrington.
WARNE, B. J.—A male Maniola jurtina L. ab. partimtransformis Leeds having
the left side strongly bleached (I.o.W., 23.vi.1993) and a female QO. quercus taken
at m.v. light (I.o.W., 18.vii.1993).
WINOKUR, L.—A large exhibit of breeding experiments with Pararge aegeria L.
carried out at Reading University, funded by the Natural Environmental Research
Council (UK).
(1) Breeding experiments showed an increase in wing size from south to north
(using stocks from Salisbury, Wilts. (spp. tircis Godart), North Wales (spp. fircis)
and N-W Scotland (ssp. oblita Harrison)) when stock was reared under similar
conditions. Within each population, stock reared at lower temperatures produced
larger adults.
(2) An aberration from two North Wales localities with an extra forewing ocellus
in space 2. It is a recessive form.
(3) Breeding experiments involving colour forms similar to ab. cockaynei. One
conclusion was that this form can be produced artificially either by changes in
daylength or in temperature.
YOUNG M.—Lycaena phlaeas L. ab. alba Tutt (Rossie Moor, Angus,
4.vii.1993—donated to the exhibitor by Dr John Langmaid).
YOUNG, L. D.—A fine display of aberrations of Polyommatus icarus Rott. being
a condensed version of the huge breeding experiment with abs discoelongata B.&L.
and basielongata B.&L., the yearly results of which have been displayed at the Annual
Exhibition since 1985. The present exhibit showed four specimens from each generation-
after the two aberrations were crossed in 1986. The development through to ab.
antiradiata with enlarged hindwing spots in the later generations could be seen very
clearly. The abs retrojuncta B.&L. and limbojuncta Courv. have appeared at random
throughout the experiment. Also shown was a group of the most extreme female
upperside forms that have occurred, including some striking blue aberrations. Nine
specimens were shown from the last year’s breeding, including some very good
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 149
antiradiata with elongated hindwing spots, and a rare underside melanic form of the
male (Plate I, Fig. 2).
BRITISH MACROLEPIDOPTERA
AGASSIZ, D. J. L.—On behalf of J. Hale the second Athetis hospes Freyer
(Plate II, Fig. 4) for the British Isles, from St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, 14.ix.1993.
ALEXANDER, K. & FOSTER, A.—From Dolmelynllyn Woods, Mer.: Venusia
cambrica Curt. and Lampropteryx otregiata Metcalf; from Cregennen Bog, Mer.:
Xylena vetusta Huibn. bred from larva found on Myrica gale L.
BAKER, P.—Pseudopanthera macularia L. ab. with greatly reduced maculation
(Plate II, Fig. 15), Virginia Water, Surrey, 12.v.1993; Euproctis similis Fuess., with
submarginal spotting, Thorpe, Surrey, 13.vii.1990; Eupithecia virgaureata Doubl.,
Lizard, Cornwall, bred from larvae found commonly on ragwort, but scarce on
Solidago; a dark banded Crocallis elinguaria L., Thorpe, 22.vii.1993 and Thera
obeliscata Hiibn. with a diffuse median fascia and inner margin of reddish colour,
Thorpe, 9.v.1993.
BROTHERIDGE, D.—Exhibit included species rare in Wiltshire—Lampropteryx
otregiata Metc., Idaea vulpinaria H.-S., Amphipoea fucosa Freyer, Chiloroclysta
siterata Hufn., Moma alpium Osb., Coenobia rufa Haw., Heliothis armigera Hiibn.,
H. viriplaca Hufn. and Trichoplusia ni Hiibn.
CLANCY, S.—Migrants taken at Dungeness, Kent, in 1993 included the second
British record of Harpyia milhauseri F. 24.v; Hyles euphorbiae L., 12.viii; Nola
aerugula Hiibn., 2.vii; Photedes extrema Hiibn., the second and third county records,
1.vi and 10.vi; Ochropleura leucogaster Freyer, the fourth British record, 11.x; Agrotis
trux Hiibn, first county record, 10.ix; Trigonophora flammea Esp. 12.x;
Macdunnoughia confusa Steph., 21.ix; and Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp. with enlarged
gamma mark (Plate II, Fig. 8), 19.viii. Aberrations from Dungeness in 1993 included
an albino Tyria jacobaeae L.; Hadena perplexa D.& S. with strong ante- and post-
median lines (Plate II, Fig. 10), 30.iv; Xanthorhoe montanata D.& S. with reduced
dark scaling on one forewing, 6.vi. From elsewhere, Euproctis similis Fuess. with
increased black markings on forewings (Plate II, Fig. 9), Tilshead, Wilts., 29.vii;
Ematurga atomaria L. with reduced markings, Ashdown Forest, Sussex, 22.v; a dark
female Lasiocampa quercus L. Hamstreet, Kent, 3.vii; an extreme melanic Acronicta
alni L., Beckley, Sussex, 12.v; a richly coloured Cosmia trapezina L. ab. rufa Tutt
from Hamstreet, 14.vii, and from the same locality two bred Colocasia coryli L.
without the basal dark area.
CLARKE, C. M.—About 13 000 back-cross larvae of Callimorpha dominula L.
(medionigra Cockayne x typical) were introduced from Cothill, Oxon. to the Wirral
Way, Merseyside in 1961. The colony was rediscovered in June 1988 when a male
bimacula Cockayne came to m.v. light, since when the colony has been studied, during
which time the proportions of the three forms—typical, medionigra and bimacula—
have remained in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with medionigra between 20 and 25%.
This contrasts with Cothill where this form is now only about 2%. Two sets of imagines
were exhibited, the first (1989) bred from last instar larvae from the Wirral Way,
together with broods using these as parents, the second imagines bred from 1993 last
instar larvae from the Wirral Way.
CLARKE, J. M.—The exhibit included specimens taken or bred in 1993: Cossus
cossus L., larvae found in birch, but reared on beetroot; bred Bembecia chrysidiformis
Esp. and bred from birch Synanthedon spheciformis D.& S., Bartley Heath, Hants;
an unusually pale female Macrothylacia rubi L. from Hoads Wood, Kent; a bred
150 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Lasiocampa quercus callunae Palmer ab. olivacea Tutt, Grantown-on-Spey,
Moray; bred Xestia rhomboidea Esp. from Levisham, Yorks.; Lomaspilis marginata
L. with brownish suffusion, Lingfield, Surrey; Diarsia mendica F. with enlarged and
joined stigmata, East Grinstead, Sussex, and Lycia zonaria D.& S. from larvae found
on Iona.
COLENUTT, S.—From Chale Green, J.o.W., Lymantria dispar L., 4.ix.1993 and
a very dark Agrotis clavis Hufn.
COLLINS, G.—Series of Eilema complana L. from Surrey and Suffolk, and E.
sericea Gregson from Shropshire for comparison; also other species of footman to
show variation, including E. griseola Hiibn and f. stramineola Doubl.; E. deplana
Esp. ab. plumbea Cockayne; Miltochrysta miniata Forst. ab. flava Bigneau; Cybosia
mesomella L. ab. flava de Graaf.
Cook, R.—Included were bred series of Hypena obsitalis Hibn., Torbay, 1993;
Paradarisa consonaria Hiibn. ab. waiensis Richardson, a bred series from Cinderford,
Forest of Dean; Lycia zonaria D.& S. bred from Iona, and Synanthedon scoliaeformis
Borkh. bred from Rannoch, Perthshire, 1993.
CORLEY, M.—From Bladon Heath, Oxon. 22.vii.1993 Eupithecia expallidata
Doubl., a new county record; Solidago is absent from the site, but Senecio jacobaea
L. plentiful. Amphipyra berbera Rungs, a curious ab. lacking the copper colour on
hindwings, 22.vii.1993.
DYER, J.—Noctua janthe Borkh. from Britain and Spain, and N. janthina D.& S.
from Cyprus and Spain for comparison.
ELLIOTT, B.—1993 specimens included a bred series of Agrochola haematidea
Dup. from Sussex; Hypena obsitalis Hiibn. from S. Devon; Acronicta euphorbiae
myricae Guen. from Co. Galway; Hadena caesia mananii Gregson from Co. Clare;
Euphyia biangulata Haw. from Dorset; Eupithecia fraxinata Crewe from Derbyshire
and Eumichtis lichenea scillonea Richardson from the Scilly Isles.
FORDER, P.—Odontognophos dumetata Treits., the original two specimens of
subspecies hibernica Forder taken in Co. Clare, vii.1991 (Plate II, Fig. 12).
Photographs of the moth in natural surroundings showed how well camouflaged it
is when resting on the local limestone. Colour photographs of continental specimens,
which are brown, not grey, were also exhibited.
HACKETT, D.—Synanthedon vespiformis (L.) reared from oak bark samples taken
5.v.1993. Queen’s Woods, N. London, em. 16.vii.1993.
HALL, N.—Specimens of Euxoa tritici L. from Dorset which had been investigated
to determine if any of them were E. crypta Dadd, a species with a known range from
Spain to Finland, but without positive conclusion.
HART, C.—From Buckland, Surrey, rarities included Scotopteryx rubidata D.&S..,
29.vi.1992; Chloroclysta siterata Hufn., 27.ix.1992 and 27.x.1993; Chesias rufata F.,
24.iv.1993; Xestia rhomboidea Esp., 19.viii.92; Abrostola trigemina Werneb., 22.vi.93;
Macdunnoughia confusa Steph., 20.viii.92, and Hepialus fusconebulosa de Geer,
8.vi.1993. From elsewhere moths included Orthonama obstipata F., Gunwalloe,
Cornwall, 14.ix.1993; Mythimna loreyi Dup. and Trichoplusia ni Hiibn. from St
Keverne, Cornwall, 17.ix.1992.
HAYWARD, R.—Agrotis trux lunigera Steph., Slough, 18.vii.1992, a most unusual .
record for so far inland. A female Diaphora mendica Clerck taken at m.v. light,
Slough, 7.v.1993. At Slough, and other places to the immediate west of London some
species are darker than usual. From Slough the following species were shown to
illustrate this—Cyclophora punctaria L., Idaea seriata Schr., Hydriomena impluviata
D.&S., Eupithecia assimilata Doubl., Menophra abruptaria Thunb., Peribatodes
rhomboidaria D.& S. ab. perfumaria Newman, Pterostoma palpina Clerck, Xestia
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
sexstrigata Haw., Lithophane leautieri Boisd., Apamea anceps D.&S. and
Dryobotodes eremita F. ab. nigra Cockayne.
HENWOOD, B.—A minute Epirrhoe alternata Mill. from Devon.
HOLLAND, N.—Eupithecia simpliciata Haw. from I.o0.W.
JENKINS, A.—From the Breckland: Cyclophora porata L., Lithostege griseata
D.&S. and Sesia apiformis Clerck. From the Lake District: Eustroma reticulata
D.&S.; from South Wales: Eriopygodes imbecilla F. and from North Wales: Lycia
zonaria D.&S.
KNILL-JONES, S.—A comprehensive exhibit of mainly scarce species taken in the
I.o.W. in 1993; also several aberrations. From Freshwater: Euplagia quadripunctaria
Poda, 19.viii; Chilodes maritimus Tausch., 5.vii; Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. ab.
punctella Strand; a uniformly dark brown Diarsia rubi View., 4.ix; Agrotis cinerea
D.&S. 24.v; Acronicta alni L. 28.v; Spaelotis ravida D.&S. 13.vii; Cucullia
chamomillae D.&S. and a pale yellow Selenia dentaria F. 4.vii. From Grasmore:
Lycia hirtaria Clerck, 23.iv; Serraca punctinalis Scop. 26.v; Odontosia carmelita
Esp.(3) 22.iv, a new vice-county record; Drymonia dodonaea D.&S. 12.v; Tethea
or D.&S. 12.v; Philereme vetulata D.& S. 1.vii and 2.vii; Semiothisa alternaria Hiibn.
and an extreme ab. of Trichopteryx carpinata Borkh. From elsewhere, a bred series
of Lithophane semibrunnea Haw. from Binstead; Plagodis pulveraria L. from
Havenstreet, 10.v. and 12.v and Euchoeca nebulata Scop. Arreton, 23.v.
KOLAJ, A.—Exhibit included, from Coventry, yellow forms of Cryphia domestica
Hufn.; Noctua comes Hiubn. ab. sagittifer Cockayne, 30.vii.1992; Agriopus marginaria
F. ab. fuscata Mosley; an aberration of Lomographa temerata D.& S. and Odontopera
bidentata Clerck ab. nigra Prout. From West Sussex: Heliothis peltigera D.& S. bred
from larvae found on Senecio viscosus L.; Lycia zonaria D.& S. from Conway, North
Wales and Drymonia ruficornis Hufn. with extra white markings from Grendon, War.
LANGMAID, J. R.—Zygaena lonicerae Schev. ab. centripuncta Tutt, Browndown,
Hants, 18.vi.1993; Opisthograptis luteolata L. ab. ruficosta Lempke, Southsea, Hants,
30.vii.1993 and Autographa gamma L. ab. with ‘Y’ mark obsolete on right forewing,
and replaced with small curved dash on left forewing, Southsea, 17.v.1993.
LANGMAID, J. R. & AGASSIZ, D.—From St Martins, the Scilly Isles: Agrotis puta
insula Rich., 21.ix.1993; Eumichtis lichenea scillonea Rich., 20.ix and Thalpophila
matura Hufn. F. trescoensis Rich., 18.ix.1993.
MACNULTY, B.—A selection of moths from the Gower Peninsula of which the
most noteworthy was Lasiocampa trifolii D.&S. Other species included Furcula
bicuspis Borkh., F. bifida Brahm, L. quercus L., Philudoria potatoria L., Polyploca
ridens F. and Cymatophorima diluta D.&S.
McCormick, R. & PENNEY, C.—Species taken in Derbyshire, late August 1993
included Antitype chi L., both ab. olivacea Steph. and ab. nigrescens Tutt, Amphipoea
lucens Freyer, Standfussiana lucernea L. and Epirrita filigrammaria H.-S. Drepana
curvatula Borkh. from Pagham, Sussex; Pelosia obtusa H.-S. from Catfield, Norfolk;
a pink form of Orthosia gracilis D.& S. from Mull and Xanthorhoe fluctuata L. f.
thules Prout from Chelmsford, Essex.
MENZIES, I.—Three species of Acherontia—A. atropos L. from Braunton, Devon,
viii.1944, and for comparison: A. lachesis F. from South India and A. styx Westw.
from Qatar.
MIDDLETON, H. & SCANES, J.—From the Norfolk Broads: Photedes brevilinea
Fenn, P. pygmina Haw. Pelosia obtusa H.-S., P. muscerda Hufn., Coenobia rufa
Haw. and Phragmataecia castaneae Hiibn. From the Norfolk coast: Photedes elymi
Treits. and Mythimna litoralis Curt. and from north Surrey: Dicycla oo L., including
ab. renago Haw. All were taken in 1993.
152 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM—Two display boards describing the scope and origins
of the Rothschild-Cockayne-Kettlewell Collection and the National Collection of
Lepidoptera. The Cockayne Trust and the Cockayne Research Fellowship were
explained. Several drawers of the National Collection were exhibited.
OwEN, D.—Part of a random sample of Callimorpha dominula L. from Cothill,
Oxon. in 1992, when there was a population explosion. It included no bimacula
Cockayne (none seen since 1959), one medionigra Cockayne (heterozygote) and two
approaching this, and the remainder homozygous dominula. Recent experimental work
has shown that the expression of medionigra is affected by temperature, many more
medionigra being produced in high, constant temperatures, making Ford’s predictions
invalid. Also shown was a photograph of a C. dominula larva feeding on a spore-
bearing cone of Equisetum telmateia; apparently there being only one previous record
of the larva of a moth feeding on Equisetum in Britain.
PARSONS, M.—Mythimna turca L. from Richmond Park, Surrey, 3.vii.1993. Also
a dark Lymantria monacha L. from the same locality, 16.vii.1993.
PARTRIDGE, R.—Species taken near Ely which are uncommon in East Cambs.;
they included Cossus cossus L.; Synanthedon formicaeformis Esp., 14.viii.1993 on
flowers of Mentha x rotundifolia (L.) Hudson; Hydriomena impluviata D.&S.,
10.vii.1993; Rheumaptera cervinalis Scop., 11.iv.1991; Semiothisa wauaria L.,
16.vii.1993; Hyloicus pinastri L., 17.vii.1993; Rhyacia simulans Hufn., 26.ix.1991;
Lithophane semibrunnea Haw., 5.x.1991; L. ornitopus Hufn., 7.x.90; Dryobotodes
eremita F., 2.ix.1992; Chilodes maritimus Tausch., 29.vi.1992; Heliothis viriplaca
Hufn., 15.viii.1993, possibly a first county record; Earias clorana L., 25.v.1992 and
Nycteola revayana Scop., 17.11.1992.
PEACH, D.—Scopula marginepuncta Goeze from Ryde, I.o.W., 22.v.1993, with
two transverse black lines on a pale yellow background (Plate II, Fig. 7), and from
Havenstreet, I.o.W., 16.vii.1993, I[daea biselata Hufn. ab. fimbriolata Steph.
PHILLIPS, J.—Taken in 1993, Photedes brevilinea Fenn ab. sinelinea Farn from
Barton Broad, Norfolk; Eilema pygmaeola Doubl., Winterton Dunes, Norfolk; Polia
bombycina Hufn., Tilshead, Wilts. and Adscita statices L. from Odiham Common,
Hants.
PICKLES, A. J. & C. T.—Acronicta psi L. ab. virga Tutt from Cradley Heath,
Staffs., 2.vii.1993.
PORTER, J.—The first British specimen of Athetis hospes Freyer (Plate II,
Fig. 5), Lizard, Cornwall, 26.vili.1978; Hylaea fasciaria L. ab. grisearia Fuchs; a pale
Drymonia dodonaea D.&S.; Arctia villica L. ab. ursula Schultz from Dungeness,
13.vi.1980; Ochropleura plecta L. with a scale defect and Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.
with black V-shaped markings.
ROUSE, T.—Unexpected species found in Reinden Wood, Kent, in
1992/93—Hydrelia sylvata D.& S., Hepialus fusconebulosa De Geer, Anaplectoides
prasina D.& S. and Ptilophora plumigera D.& S. Synanthedon vespiformis L. from
Blean Woods, Kent; S. formicaeformis Esp. from Romney, Kent and; S.
anthraciniformis Esp. from the downs and the Warren, Folkestone, Kent.
RUsSSWURM, A. D. & MIDDLETON, H.—Sphinx ligustri L. ab. albescens Tutt (Plate
II, Fig. 11), Brockenhurst, 28.vi.1993. The aberration also occurred there in 1976 ©
and 1985.
SHARPE, P.—Aberrations of Deilephila elpenor L., Mimas tiliae L., Laothoe
populi L., Lomaspilis marginata L. (Plate II, Fig. 1) and Ennomos erosaria D.&S.
Trigonophora flammea Esp., Dorset, 10.x.1993, and from larvae found in imported
lettuce Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. and Heliothis armigera Hibn.
SIMMONS, M.—An aberration of Xanthorhoe fluctuata L. with the dark median
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
fascia reduced to a triangle on the costa with its apex just beyond the discal spot,
an enlarged subterminal fascia, darker than usual hindwings and all other markings
less well defined.
SIMSON, E. C.—Examples of phaeism, usually due to aberration, sometimes to
geographical variation.
SKINNER, B.—A series of Agrochola haematidea Dup. bred from collected larvae,
Sussex, vi.1993; also photographs of larvae, pupae and live adults. Hadena perplexa
capsophila Dup. from larvae, Inisheer, Aran Islands, viii.1992; Standfussiana lucernea
L. from Folkestone, 7.vii.1993; Meganola strigula D.& S., Silchester, Hants, 2.vii.1993
and Agrotis exclamationis L. ab. ostrovichi Diosz. from Addington, Surrey, 16.vi.1993
(orbicular of forewing absent).
SKINNER, B. & ELLIOTT, B.—Odontognophos dumetata Treits. from larvae
collected in the Burren, Co. Clare in v.1993; photographs of all stages were exhibited,
also of a parasite.
STERLING, M. & P.—Hippotion celerio L. found in a greenhouse in Coombe
Keynes, Dorset, 14.x.1993 by Mr A. Johnson. Pelosia obtusa H.-S. from Norfolk,
28.vii.1993 and Euxoa cursoria Hufn., Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk, 28.vii.1993. The
first British specimen of Pardasena virgulana Mab. (Plate II, Fig. 3), a tropical African
species, taken at light, Thorpe-le-Soken, 27.ix.1992.
TOWNSEND, M.—Aplocera efformata Guen. ab. with first, third and fourth cross
lines absent, Oxford, 11.viii.1993; Chloroclysta miata L. two specimens with pinkish-
brown streaks, Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeenshire, x.1986; Biston betularia L., Harpenden,
Herts., 10.vii.1991, ab. with forewings typical and hindwings intermediate; Orthosia
gracilis D.& S. from Newtown, Powys, iv.1988, both pinkish and dark forms with
especially dark hindwings from lowland beside the River Severn where Myrica is
absent. An asymmetrical ab. of Orthosia cruda D.&S.; the first county record of
Spargania luctuata D.& S. taken at Harpenden, 31.v.1992 and Rhyacia simulans Hufn.
bred from female taken at Harpenden, 8.ix.1992, the only imago from 200 first-instar
larvae, the larva fed on false oat grass when small, on dandelion in final instar.
WARING, P., on behalf of Butterfly Conservation and the Joint Committee for
the Conservation of British Invertebrates.—A display explaining the national survey
of Cossus cossus L., and requesting post-1979 records. Display included photograph
of larva, also samples of worked timber, an extruded pupal case and an up-to-date
distribution map from the forthcoming atlas of the rarer macro-moths of Great Britain.
WARNE, B.—A melanic Drymonia ruficornis Hufn. from Binstead, l.o.W.,
15.iv.1992; Callistege mi Clerck, Ashey, I.o.W., 26.v.1993, ab. An ab. with pale
forewings and dark yellow hindwings of Pseudopanthera macularia L., Havenstreet,
I.o.W.
WEST, B. K.—Ligdia adustata D.& S. ab. plumbea Cockayne (Plate II, Fig. 2)
from Brockenhurst, Hants, 29.v.1987, only the second recorded specimen; from
Dartford, Kent: Crocallis elinguaria L. ab. obviaria Ljungdahl, 22.vii.1977 and ab.
nigrolineata Lempke, 4.viii.1988; Ennomos alniaria L. ab. concolor Lempke,
18.ix.1985 and ab. destrigaria Cockayne, 21.viii.1990, apparently the second recorded
specimen; Ennomos fuscantaria Haw. ab. juncta Wize, 9.ix.1988 and ab. perfuscata
Rebel, 4.ix.1988.
WINTER, P.—From North-east Yorkshire (VC62) the first vice-county record of
Eupithecia abietaria Goeze, North York Moors, 30.vi.1993. From South-east
Yorkshire (VC61) Eupithecia pimpinellata Hiibn., bred from larva on Pimpinella
saxifraga L. at Muston, 21.ix.1992; a bilateral gynandromorph of Agrotis
exclamationis L. (Plate II, Fig. 13), Muston, 30.vi.1993; Lygephila pastinum Treits.,
Muston; Rhyacia simulans Hufn. and Apamea furva D.&S., Flamborough,
154 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
10. viii. 1993; Photedes fluxa Hiibn. and Coenobia rufa Haw. from Kirkham Abbey,
16.vii.1993.
BRITISH MICROLEPIDOPTERA
ALEXANDER, K. N. A. & FOSTER, A. P.—Epischnia bankesiella Richardson, first
north Wales record, 12.vii.1993, Lleyn Peninsula, Caer., adult swept in vicinity of
Inula crithmoides L.
BAKER, P.—Sclerocona acutella Evers., Thorpe, Surrey, i13.vi.1989; this is only
the second recorded British specimen. A short note will appear in the journal in due
course.
BEAUMONT, H. E.—Luffia ferchaultella (Steph.), cases common among lichen
growing on a grave memorial at Collingham churchyard, Wetherby, Yorks. (VC64),
25.vi.1993 (D. H. Smith), many female moths reared, first Yorkshire record.
Phyllonorycter cerasicolella (H.-S.), larval mines fairly common in leaves of cherry
at Edlington Wood, Doncaster, Yorks, (VC63) 11.x.1992, moths reared mid-March
1993. It is exactly one hundred years ago that this moth was first found in Britain
at nearby Wheatley Wood (now destroyed), still the most northerly British locality.
There have only been two further Yorkshire records in the intervening years.
Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Thunb.), two moths were reared in April 1993 from larvae
in blotch mines of sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides L.) at Spurn, Yorks. (VC61),
26.1x.1992, an unrecorded foodplant. Stathmopoda pedella (L.), three previous single
records suggested that this moth may be resident in Yorkshire. At Bolton-on-Dearne,
Yorks. (VC63), moths were disturbed commonly from alders on 30.iv.1993 and a
single moth occurred among alder near West Melton, Yorks. (VC63) on 2.vii.1993.
Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (H.-S.), Ecclesall Wood, Sheffield, Yorks. (VC63),
3.vii.1993. First VC63 and second Yorkshire record, (previous record from VC61
in 1992). Lozotaeniodes formosanus (Gey.) at m.v. light, West Melton, Rotherham,
Yorks. (VC63), 8.vii.1993. First VC63 record (previous Yorkshire records were of
single moths at three localities in VC61 in 1992). Epiblema grandaevana (Lien. &
Zell.) Taken in the R.I.S. trap at Spurn, Yorks. (VC61), 9.vi.1993 (B. R. Spence),
first VC61 record and the first in Yorkshire since 1909. The date of capture appeared
to be very early as previous dated Yorkshire records were all of moths taken in July;
however it accords with the dates of moths recorded in Northamptonshire in 1992
(Gardiner & Hilliard, Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 105: 239-40). Crambus uliginosellus
Zell., a few moths were in a boggy area of Skipwith Common, Yorks. (VC61),
17.vii.1993. A previous record from this locality in 1895 and a single moth at Hatfield
Moor (VC63) in 1967 are the only other Yorkshire records. Evergestis pallidata
(Hufn.), Skipwith Common, Yorks. (VC61), 17.vii.1993. This moth is showing signs
of becoming established in Yorkshire with other recent records from Spurn (VC61)
and three localities in VC63 in the last two years.
BLAND, K. P.—Elachista alpinella Staint. from southern Scotland to show range
of variation in intensity of markings and in the size. E. eskoi Kyrki & Karvonen,
superficially like a large E. kilmunella Staint., but has a characteristic smooth grey
coloration. It is now known to be quite widespread in Scotland, being recorded from
VCs 79,80,81,83,88,95 & 96. The examples were from Camghouran, Rannoch, ©
19.vi.1977, NN 5656, VC88; Whitelaw Moss, Selks., 3.vii.1981, NT 5028, VC79;
Auchencorth, Midloth., 11.vi.1992, NT 2057, VC83 (original British locality). Cydia
tenebrosana Dup.., taken at light 2/3.vii.1993 at Haughend, Angus (NO 5774, VC90);
a very local species in Scotland. Cydia molesta Busck, reared from larva in a French
apple purchased in Edinburgh, Midloth. (VC83), imago emerged 7.vi.1993.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
BRADFORD, E. S.—(1) From Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, all at light traps:
Yponomeuta sedella Treits., viii.1993; Oinophila v-flava Haw., 17.v.1993: Thisanotia
chrysonuchella Scop., 26.v.1993; Hypochalcia ahenella D.&S., 17.vi.1993: Chilo
Phragmitella Hiibn., 8.ix.1993; Anerastia lotella Hiibn., 7.vii.1993; Pediasia
contaminella Hiibn., 31.vii.1993; Mellisoblaptes zelleri Joann., 26.vi.1993; Olethreutes
lacunana D.&S., 25.vi.1993; Nyctegretis lineana Scop., 26.vi.1993.
(2) From other localities: Phycitodes maritima Tengst., 5.vii.1993, Pean Hill,
Whitstable, Kent; Pexicopia malvella Hiibn., 27.vii.1993, Pean Hill; Monochroa
moyses Uffen, 27.vi.1993, Pean Hill, Stigmella samiatella Zell., 24.v.1992, Pean Hill:
Monochroa moyses Uffen, 3.vii.1971, Mucking, Essex; M. lucidella Steph., 4.vii.1993,
Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent; Adela croesella Scop., 6.vi.1993, Chilham Down, Kent.
BROTHERIDGE, D.—Specimens nationally rare or new to Wiltshire. Denisia
albimaculea Haw., 28.vi.1993, Marlborough Downs, VC7, new to county. Aplota
palpella Haw., 28.vii.1993, Lover, VC8, new to VC. Acanthophila alacella Zell.,
4.vili.1991, Lover, VC8, new to county. Epiphyas postvittana Walk., 21.viii.1993,
Wroughton, VC7. Eucosma conterminana H.-S., 20.vii.1993, Wroughton, VC7, new
to county. Pediasia aridella Thunb., 25.vi.1992, Pound Bottom, VC8, new to county.
Pyralis lienigialis Zell., Wootton Bassett, VC7, 14.vili.1991; near Minety, VC7,
9.vili.1992. Ancylosis oblitella Zell., Wroughton, VC7, 10.viii.1992. Phycitodes
saxicola Vaugh., Wroughton, VC7, 25.vii.1993.
CLANCY, S. P.—Included in the exhibit were six species of Pyralidae: Eudonia
alpina Curtis, taken at Coylum Bridge, Inv., late May 1993. These are of interest
because of the early date involved, the Caledonian Forest habitat from which they
were taken and the low altitude at which they occurred (c. 250 m). Sitochroa palealis
D.&S., a female, perhaps of Continental origin, taken at Dungeness, Kent, 7.vii.1993.
Sciota adelphella F. R., a short series bred from a female taken New Romney, Kent,
18.vii.1992; this appears to be a species now established in the Dungeness/ Lydd/ New
Romney area. Agriphila geniculea Haw., a specimen taken at Lydd, 10.ix.1993,
showing dark shading between the median and subterminal fasciae; Scoparia pyralella
D.&S., a specimen approaching f. purbeckensis Bankes from Dungeness on
21.vi.1993; Homoeosoma sinuella F., a specimen with the cross-lines unusually
juxtaposed, and the area between them shaded with dark scaling, Lydd, 31.vii.1993.
CORLEY, M. F. W.—Interesting Lepidoptera from Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
Bohemannia auriciliella Joannis (Ectoedemia bradfordi Emmet), Lover (VC8),
24.vi.1993; the third British specimen; otherwise known only from single examples
in Brittany and the Netherlands. Elachista unifasciella Haw., Knap Hill (VC7),
14.viii.1993. Caryocolum viscariellum Staint., Bladon Heath, Woodstock (VC23),
22.vii.1993, new to Oxfordshire. Acanthophila alacella Zell., Lover (VC8), 28.vii.1993.
Exapate congelatella Clerck, Pucketty Farm, Faringdon (VC22), 4.i.1993; thought
to have been introduced to the site with trees from a Shropshire nursery. Hypsopygia
costalis F. ab., Pucketty Farm, Faringdon (VC22), 18.viii.1993.
HARPER, M.—Mompha bradleyi Reidl, a species new to Britain. Specimens of this
moth were bred from small green galls on Epilobium hirsutum L. during late summer
of 1991 from several sites in Herefordshire. At the time it was considered to be a
new pabulum for the closely related M. divisella H.-S., also a gall-feeder on other
Epilobium species, e.g. E. montanum L., E. palustre L. and E. lanceolatum Sebast.
& Mauri. Mompha bradleyi, known from central and western Europe had not been
recognized as a British species until 1991, although it is likely that specimens exist
unrecognized in collections. Galls are seen usually on lateral side shoots just below
the flowers, in August and early September. Moths appear in September from pupae
within the gall and then hibernate until the following spring and early summer.
156 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Hibernated moths have been seen on the wing in the middle of June, and so far these
have all proved to be females. M. divisella is probably univoltine; the imagines
appearing earlier in July and August and then hibernating through to the following
spring. It is difficult to separate the adults of either species on macroscopic criteria
reliably, and even the female genitalia of both are very similar and variable. The male
genitalia however do show reliable and consistent features separating the two species.
Mr J. C. Koster of the Netherlands, suggested that these bred moths might be M.
bradley Reidl and confirmed their identity.
HECKFORD, R. J.—Stigmella auromarginella Rich., Portland, Dorset (VC9), bred
from Rubus fruticosus agg., 29.vi.1993 (with Dr J. R. Langmaid). Coleophora
siccifolia Staint., Great Plantation, Devon (VC3), bred from Sorbus aucuparia L.,
16-22.v.1993, new to Devon. C. orbitella Zell., Haldon Hill, Devon (VC3), 23.vii.1993.
Anarsia lineatella Zell., local shop, Lizard, Cornwall (VC1), bred from nectarine,
14.ix.1993. Batrachedra parvulipunctella Chret., Cadgwith, Cornwall (VC1),
18.viii.1991, new to Britain; otherwise known only from Tunisia and Sicily (B.
pinicolella Zell. shown for comparison). Acleris umbrana Hiibn., Heybrook Bay,
Devon (VC3), bred from Prunus spinosa L., 25.x.1992 and 4.vii.1993, new to Devon,
and first record of two broods. Agriphila geniculea Haw., Kennack Sands, Cornwall
(VC1), 26.vili.1993, a form with forewings chocolate brown except the area between
the cross lines which was grey (Plate II, Fig. 14). Homoeosoma nimbella Dup., St
Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall (VC1), 4.vi.1993.
HENWOOD, B.—Cydia prunivorana Rag., Colyton, Devon, at m.v. light,
3.vii.1993. Previously known in Britain only from five specimens from Kent, and
a few from Plympton and Colyton, Devon.
HOARE, R. J. B.—(1) From Branscombe, S. Devon. Stigmella auromarginella
Rich., mines on Rubus fruticosus agg. collected 11.x.1992, moths produced early
November 1992, new to Devon. Ectoedemia erythrogenella Joann., mines on Rubus
fruticosus collected 11.x.1992, moths produced July 1993, new to Devon. Trifurcula
subnitidella Dup., two flying near Lotus corniculatus L. at about 8 p.m., 7.viii.1993.
Leucoptera lathyrifoliella Staint., three bred from Lathyrus sylvestris L. (mines
collected 7.viii.1993), compared with two dwarf specimens bred from Lathyrus
pratensis L. (mines collected 7.viii.1993). The mines on L. pratensis were adjacent
to heavily-attacked L. sylvestris.
(2) Moths from Portland, Dorset. Cochylis roseana Haw., two flying 1.viii.1993.
C. hybridella Hiibn., one flying 29.viii.1993. Eucosma pupillana Clerck, one resting
on Artemisia absinthium L., 1.viii.1993. Acroclita subsequana H.-S., two flying
29.vilil.1993. Collicularia microgrammana Guen., two flying 3.vi.1993. Capperia
britanniodactyla Greg., three bred from larvae on Teucrium scorodonia L. collected
3.vi.1993. Leioptilus carphodactyla Hiibn, four of many bred from pupae in flower-
heads of Inula conyza (Griess.) Meikle, collected 15.viii.1993.
(3) Moths from other localities in Devon. Instow (VC4): Stigmella anomalella Goeze,
two small black-headed specimens bred from larvae on Rosa pimpinellifolia L.
collected 15.vi.1993. From unimproved grassland near Exeter University campus:
Isophrictis striatella D.&S., Nemophora minimella D.&S. and Dichrorampha
consortana Steph., all taken in the evening, 26.vii.1993. Northernhay Gardens, Exeter: |
Glyphipteryx linneella Clerck, a male and female from lime trunks, 28.vii.1993. Bicton
Common, Woodbury (VC3): Buckleria paludum Zell., three flying at about 8-8.30
p.m., 3.viii.1993 over boggy heathland.
KNILL-JONES, S. A.—The following all taken at m.v. light at Freshwater, Isle of
Wight, unless stated otherwise. Zelleria hepariella Staint., 14.vii.1987, new vice-county
record. Crocidosema plebejana Zell., 18.xi.1990, new vice-county record. Pammene
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
aurantiana Staud., 27.vii.1992. P. regiana Zell., 11.vii.1992. Udea fulvalis Hiibn.,
8 & 11.viii.1993. Hedya salicella L., Cranmore, | & 2.vii.1993. Apotomis turbidana
Hiibn., Cranmore, 30.vi.1993. Acleris cristana D.& S., 30.i & 31.iii.1993. A. literana
L., Cranmore, two, 21.iv.1993. Phycita roborella D.&S., Cranmore, 1|.vii.1993.
Hypochalcia ahenella D.&S., Compton Down, two, 24.vi.1993; Cranmore,
29.vi.1993. Acrobasis repandana F., Cranmore, 31.vi.1993. A consociella Hiibn.,
Cranmore, 30.vi & 2.vii.1993. Capperia britanniodactyla Greg., Cranmore, 2.vii.1993.
Dwarf examples of the following (sizes are wing-spans): Aphomia sociella L.,
14.vii.1993, 21 mm, Myelois cribrella Hiibn., 9.vii.1993, 22 mm. Agriphila straminella
D.&S., 28.vii.1993, 13mm. Hypsopygia costalis F., 2.viii.1993, 12 mm.
LANGMAID, J. R.—Stigmella auromarginella Rich., two bred from Rubus
fruticosus agg. from Overcombe, and one from Portland, Dorset; mines found 12.vi.93
with R. J. Heckford. Oinophila v-flava Haw., St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly, one taken
indoors, 18.ix.1993, with D. J. L. Agassiz. Caloptilia leucapennella Steph., a series
bred from Quercus ilex L. from Tresco, Isles of Scilly, larvae found 20.ix.1993, with
D. J. L. Agassiz. Calybites phasianipennella Hiibn., a series bred from Rumex acetosa
L., St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, mines found 18.ix.1993, with D. J. L. Agassiz.
Phyllonorycter viminiella Sirc., a series bred from Populus tremula L. (a previously
unrecorded foodplant), Havant Thicket, Hants., 11.ix.1992, when mines abundant.
Glyphipterix schoenicolella Boyd, a series bred from Juncus bufonius L., a previously
unrecorded foodplant, Hartland Moor, Dorset; foodplant gathered 26.vii.1993; with
R. J. Heckford and P. H. Sterling. Digitivalva perlepidella Staint., a specimen taken
near Steep, Hants., 21.v.1993, new to Hampshire. Epermenia chaerophyllella Goeze,
two specimens of a very dark form, bred from Daucus carota L., Grays, Essex, larvae
found 18.vii.1993, with D. J. L. Agassiz. Coleophora deviella Zell., one taken
Gibraltar Point, Lincs., 22.vi.1993, with P. H. Sterling, new to Lincolnshire. C.
murinipennella Dup., a series bred from Luzula multiflora (Ehrh.) Lej., Laggan, Inv.,
cases found 27.vi.1992, cases also exhibited. A gonopterix atomella D.& S., one bred
from Genista tinctoria L., North Walney, Cumbria, larva found 26.vi.1993.
Eulamprotes wilkella L., one taken with the aid of a bee-smoker, Saltfleetby-
Theddlethorpe, Lincs., 23.vi.1993, with P. H. Sterling. Pseuwdotelphusa scalella Scop.,
one taken at m.v. light, Southsea, Hants., 6.vi.1993. Bryotropha galbanella Zell.,
one taken at Glen Quoich, Aber., 1.vii.1993, with R. M. Palmer & M. R. Young.
Gelechia hippophaella Schrank, one of a series bred from Hippophaé rhamnoides
L., Gibraltar Point, Lincs, larva found 22.vi.1993, with P. H. Sterling. Mompha
langiella Hiibn., series bred from Circaea lutetiana L., Ashurst, Hants., 12.vii.1993,
plus a pressed sprig from a large stand of the foodplant all of which was blanched
by the larval mines, giving the appearance of the whole area having been sprayed
with herbicide. Olethreutes metallicana Hiibn., series taken at Glen Quoich, Aber.,
where the moth was abundant on 1.vii.1993, with R. M. Palmer & M. R. Young.
O. lacunana D.& S., a specimen of the reddish form which is endemic to the Isles
of Scilly, St Mary’s, 18.ix.1993, with D. J. L. Agassiz. Epinotia signatana Dougl.,
a specimen taken at Botley Wood, Hants., 17.vi.1993. Epiblema cnicicolana Zell.,
a specimen taken at Portland, Dorset, 12.vi.1993, with R. J. Heckford. Cydia
cognatana Barr., a specimen taken at Glen Quoich, Aber., 1.vii.1993, with R. M.
Palmer & M. R. Young, first confirmed Aberdeenshire record. Dichrorampha
montanana Dup., two of a series disturbed from a clump of Tanacetum yulgare L.,
Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe, Lincs., 23-24.vi.1993, with P. H. Sterling. Plodia
interpunctella Hiibn., a specimen taken at m.v. light, Southsea, Hants., 2.ix. 1993.
MANNING, D. V.—Moths new to Northamptonshire exhibited by D. V. Manning,
collected by C. Gardiner: Parachronistis albiceps Zell., Collyweston Great Wood,
158 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
10.vii.1992; Platytes alpinella Hibn., Easton Hornstocks NNR, 7.vii.1992. Spatalistis
bifasciana Hibn., Collyweston Great Wood NNR, 31.v.1992. Metzneria aprilella H.-
S., Barnack Hills & Holes NNR, 24.vi.1992. Coleophora sp.(?), with unusual
ornamented abdomen, Easton Hornstocks NNR, 24.v.1992.
McCormick, R. & PENNEY, C.—Schoenobius gigantella D.&S. from Stoke
Saltings, Kent, 30.vii.1993, (Plate II, Fig. 6).
O’KEEFFE, D.—Gelechia senticetella Staud., the second British specimen, taken
at Petts Wood, Kent, 23.vii.1992, see Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 105: 176. Caloptilia
falconipennella Hiibn., Bexley, Kent, six specimens bred ix. 1993—a second Kentish
locality for this species. Nemapogon ruricolella Staint., Faggs Wood, Ham Street,
Kent, a series bred from a small quantity of dead oak sticks collected from the
woodland floor, 15.v.1994. Pammene obscurana Steph., Dartford Heath, Kent,
6.v.1993, three specimens beaten from birch, with specimens of P. agnotana Reb.
for comparison.
PARSONS, M. S.—(1) From East Kent: Coleophora otitae Zell., Hythe Ranges,
6.vil. 1993; C. saturatella Staint., Dungeness, 6.vii.1993; Pempeliella ornatella D.& S..,
Folkestone Warren, 7.vii.1993; Melissoblaptes zelleri Joannis, Greatstone Dunes,
7.vil.1993; Sciota adelphella F. R., Dungeness, 24. v.1993; Capperia britanniodactyla
Greg., Shakespeare Cliff, 27.v.1993. (2) From Richmond Park, Surrey: Coleophora
hemerobiella Scop., bred 8.vii.1993; Stathmopoda pedella L., 25.vi.1993; Athrips
rancidella H.-S. 23.vii.1993. (3) From Mount Caburn NNR, E. Sussex, Pempelia
obductella Zell., 8.viii.1993.
PICKLES, A. J. & C. T.—Donacaula forficella Thunb., a varied series from the
New Forest bogs and showing the dark form described by Fassnidge from this locality.
Pediasia contaminella Hiibn. ab. sticheli Constant, a series from the Norfolk Coast
where this dark form was found to be frequent this year. Anerastia lotella Hibn.,
a series from the Norfolk Coast including specimens with distinct black dusting on
the nervures, similar to those described by Barrett as being taken by G. F. Matthew
on the East Coast.
PORTER. J.—Moths exhibited by J. Porter, collected by S. H. Church. An example
of the darker New Forest form of Elophila nymphaeata L. Also, the rare migrant
Maruca testulalis Geyer, Swanage, Dorset, 31.viii.1991.
SIMMONS, M. J.—(1) Some pyralid moths from Crowborough, East Sussex.
Agriphila selasella Hiibn., 1.viii.1993; Evergestis pallidata Hufn., 31.vii.1992,
1.viii. 1993; Udea prunalis D.& S., melanic form, 25.vi.1993; Orthopygia glaucinalis
L., 21.vui.1993; Pyralis farinalis L., 12.vii.1992; Galleria mellonella L., 14.1x.1991,
31.vii.1992; Pempelia palumbella D.&S., 3.vii.1993; Phycita roborella D.&S.,
6.vii.1993; Dioryctria abietella D.&S., 5.vii.1991, 8.vii.1993; D. mutatella Fuchs,
fuscous form, 25.vi.1992; Acrobasis consociella Hiibn., 31.vii.1993. (2) Some pyralid
moths from Norman Bay, East Sussex. Chilo phragmitella Hiibn., 23.vii.1992;
Cynaeda dentalis D.&S., 19.vii.1992, 20.vii.1993; Sitochroa palealis D.&S.,
25.vii.1992; Ostrinia nubilalis Hiibn., 23.vii.1992; Ebulea crocealis Hiibn., 25.vii.1993;
Dolicharthria punctalis D.&S., 19.vi.1993; Synaphe punctalis F., 17.vii.1993,
29.vii.1993; Homoeosoma sinuella F., 19.vi.1993, 17.vii.1993; Phycitodes maritima
Tengst., 22.vii.1993.
SKINNER, B.—(1) A specimen of Sciota adelphella F. R., bred from a larva taken
on white willow (Salix alba L.) at Greatstone, Kent, 23.viii.1992; and two others bred
from a female taken at New Romney, Kent, in July 1992 by K. Redshaw. Photographs
of the egg, larva, pupa, cocoon and live adult were included in the display. (2) A
selection of local or aberrant Pyralidae taken during 1993: An extreme melanic
Scoparia ambigualis Treits., Ham Street, Kent, 19.vi (Plate II, Fig. 16). One male
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 "%y
and two female melanic Donacaula forficella Thunb., New Forest, Hants, 3.viii. Short
series of Pempeliella ornatella D.& S., Folkestone Warren, Kent, 7.vii. A short variable
series of Scoparia pyralella D.& S. which included the whitish forms a/ha Tutt and
ingratella Zell. all netted at dusk at Dungeness, Kent, 9.vi. An extreme melanic male
Synaphe punctalis F., Dungeness, Kent, 9.vi. A female Acrobasis tumidana D.&S..,
Pagham, Sussex, 14.viii. A male and female example of the dark fuscous form of
Phycita roborella D.& S., St Martha’s Hill, Surrey, 21.vii. Two melanic specimens
of Elophila nymphaeata L., New Forest, Hants, 3.vii. Three male and one female
Anerastia lotella Hiibn. showing variable degrees of grey dusting and dark subcostal!
streak on the forewing, Yarmouth district, Norfolk, 1.viii.
STERLING, D. H., M. J. & P. H.—Opostega auritella Hiibn., taken at m.v. light,
Barton Broad, Norfolk, 29.vii.1993. Glyphipterix schoenicolella Boyd, Arne, Dorset,
bred in numbers from seeds of Juncus bufonius L., not related closely to its only
known foodplant, Schoenus nigricans L. Acrolepiopsis assectella Zel\., Barton Broad,
Norfolk, 29.vii.1993. Coleophora serpylletorum Her., bred from Thymus, Gt Orme
Head, North Wales, coll. 17.iv.1993. Bryotropha umbrosella Zell., Merritown Heath,
Hurn, Dorset, coll. 27.vii.1993. Cochylis pallidana Zell., Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk,
coll. 27.vii.1993. Cnephasia genitalana P.&M., Winchester VCI11, 28.vii.1990;
originally misidentified as C. pasiuana. Acleris logiana Clerck, two bred from Betula
spinnings from Botley Wood, Hants., VC11, 20.ix.1992. Pediasia fascelinella Hiibn.,
Winterton, Norfolk, 28.vii.1993. Mecyna flavalis D.& S., three at garden m.yv. light,
Winchester, 1993, the first post-war record for VC11; this follows first recent VC12
specimen exhibited 1988, since when there have been one or two each year. Homoesoma
nimbella Dup., Winterton, Norfolk, 27.vii.1993, gen. det. Cnaemidophorus
rhododactyla D.& S., bred from larvae on Rosa canina L., collected May/June 1993
in Epping Forest. Coleophora deviella Zell., Gibraltar Point NNR, Lines., 22.vi.1993.
Eulamprotes wilkella L., Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, 23.vi.1993. Monochroa
tetragonella Staint., Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, bred from root of Glaux
maritima L. coll. 26.vi.1993. Bryotropha sp.; considered to be forms of B. mundella
Dougl., Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, Lincs., 23.vi.1993; also included were two
from Winterton, Norfolk, 27.vii.1993. Gelechia hippophaella Schrank, Gibraltar Pt
NNR, Lincs., from larvae on Hippophaé rhamnoides L., coll. 22.vi.1993. Olethreutes
lacunana D.&.S., an extreme melanic form, Fir Hill Quarry NR. Dichrorampha
montanana Dup. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, examples on 23.vi.1993.
Tuck, K. R. & YOUNG, M. R.—A record of Cydia injectiva Heinrich, from North
Aberdeenshire (VC93), exhibited, together with an example of C. piperana Kearfott,
which has a very similar biology. See Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 7: 1-2; 1994.
YOUNG, M. R.—Scarce Scottish Lepidoptera: Parornix alpicola Wocke (P.
leucostola Pel.-Clin.) Invernaver NNR, Sutherland, 1.vi.1993. Elachista argentella
Clerck, Longhaven, Aber., 4 & 5.viii.1993. Amphisbatis incongruella Staint., Dinnet
Muir NNR, Aber., 16.iv.1993. Xystophora pulveratella H.-S., Tulloch, Strathspey,
5.vi.1993. Bryotropha galbanella Zell., Glen Quoich, Aber., 1.viii. 1993. Olethreutes
metallicana Hiibn., Glen Quoich, Aber., 1.vii.1993.
FOREIGN LEPIDOPTERA
BARRINGTON, R.—Gipsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., a bilateral gynandromorph
(Plate 1, Fig. 15), bred in 1993 at the United States Department of Agriculture Mass
Rearing Station at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The gipsy moth was introduced into
the USA from France in 1888/9 and has become a major forest pest in eastern USA,
causing millions of dollars worth of damage each year. The Cape Cod Station has
160 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
the capacity to rear half a million moths every six weeks, raised on artificial diet.
They are bred to produce a virus which is used as a biological pesticide to control
wild populations.
CorLeEY, M. F. W.—Recent additions to the Lepidoptera of Portugal: Zygaena
rhadamanthus guichardi Tremewan, first found in 1985 by K. M. Guichard and
described by Tremewan in 1991 (Naumann & Tremewan, Entomologist’s Gaz. 42:
85-88); it flies in March on a small area of dunes on the west coast of the Algarve.
Cucullia calendulae Treits. (= C. wredowi Costa) were first collected by B. Goater in
1989. The remaining 14 species were all first recorded by the exhibitor, with the exception
of Cupido lorquinii H.-S., which has been reported in the past, but according to Gomez
Bustillo and Arroyo Varela, 1981, Catalogo sistematico de los Lepidopteros ibericos,
all Portuguese records are referable to C. osiris Meig. ssp. pseudolorquinii Vty.
Although Idaea fractilineata Zell. is recorded for Spain by both Culot and Staudinger
& Rebel, it does not appear in Gomez Bustillo & Arroyo Varela, even as a synonym.
I. fractilineata, Euxoa psimmythiosa Boursin, Agrotis sabulosa Ramb., Mythimna
jJoannisi Boursin & Rungs and Clytie sancta Stdgr were all taken on sand dunes.
Afriberina terraria Bang-Haas has been taken on dunes, but also on rocky coasts;
it is probably associated with Juniperus phoenicea L. Bryonicta pineti Stdgr occurs
in coastal pine woods. Eupithecia limbata Stdgr, Acasis viretata Hibn. and Nola
cicatricalis Treits. are found in the cork oak woods. Euxoa temera Stdgr, Cucullia
calendulae Treits., Idaea predotaria Hartig and Eupithecia dodoneata Guen. were
all taken in inhabited areas with orchards, gardens and cultivated ground mixed with
patches of semi-natural vegetation.
EDMUNDS, H. A.—A small but very interesting collection of Heterocera from the
lights of a hotel in Drushia, Cyprus, during a ten-day period in October 1993.
Provisional determinations made by B. Goater, pending more critical examination
in the future. Syntomidae: Dysauxes famula Freyer; Pyralidae: Agriphila tolli Bles.
2 males, gen. det. There are several eastern Mediterranean species of the A. geniculea
group which must be dissected before a proper identification can be made.
Ancylolomia palpella D.&S.; A. tentaculella Hibn.; Duponchelia fovealis Zell.;
Endotricha flammealis D.& S.; Lamoria anella D.& S.; Lasiocampidae: Lasiocampa
sp. close to L. trifoliiD.&S. but differing in several respects, particularly in underside
pattern: nothing in de Freina & Witt, Die Bombyces und Sphinges der Westpalaearktis
quite resembles it; Geometridae: three species of Jdaea, all of which require critical
examination; Scopula imitaria Hubn., f. syriacaria Culot; two puzzling species of
Ennominae of uncertain genera; Dyscia c.f. raunaria Freyer; Aspitates ochrearia Rossi;
Thaumetopaeidae: Thaumetopaea solitaria Freyer; Arctiidae: Eilema c.f. morosina
H.-S.; E. c.f. muscula Stdgr; Noctuidae: Euxoa temera Hiibn.; Agrotis trux Hibn.;
A. crassa Hibn.; Xestia xanthographa D.& S.; Mythimna punctosa Treits.; M. scirpi
Dup.; two, possibly three, species of Episema, a single specimen resembling E.
korsakovi Christ., a male and four females comparable to E. /ederi Christ. and another
male of perhaps a third species; Lewcochlaena sp. resembling an un-named species
illustrated in Hacker, Die Noctuidae Griechenlands; Polymixis canescens Dup.; P.
serpentina Treits.; Atethmia ambusta D.&S.; Xanthia cypreago Hamps.;
Polyphaenis subsericata H.-S.; Luperina dumerilii Dup.; Spodoptera cilium Guen.;
Chrysodeixis chalcites Esper; Trichoplusia circumscripta Freyer; Acontia lucida Hufn..
ELSTON, H. V.—Two drawers of butterflies taken during a ten-day visit to the
Alpes Maritimes in France during the period 12-23.vi.1993. Fourteen species of
fritillary were shown, including Fabriciana niobe L., Issoria lathonia L., Brenthis
hecate D.&S., Mellicta athalia Rott., which was abundant, M. deione Gey. and M.
parthenoides Kef. The commonest butterfly was probably Aporia crataegi L.,
especially at higher altitudes.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 16!
GOATER, B.—(a) A series of the reputedly extremely rare noctuid Victrix agenjoi
Fernandez from Prov. Valladolid, Spain. Over 200 males (Plate 1, Fig. 10) were seen
at light and resting on grass stems at night in three localities in which the stony ground
was covered with a dense growth of lichens; they were very variable. By searching
with a lantern, two brachypterous females (Plate I, Fig. 11) were discovered on grass
stems, attended by one or more males. It is believed that the female was previously
unknown.
(b) A selection of moths taken during June and July 1993 in the southern half of
Sweden and in Denmark, including the following: Zygaenidae.: Zygaena osterodensis
Reiss, including an orange specimen, Z. viciae D.&S., Z. exulans Hochen. and
Z. filipendulae L. from Sweden and Z. minos D.&S. from Denmark; Sesiidae:
Pennisetia hylaeformis Lasp. bred from raspberry from several localities in both
countries; Tortricidae, including Cochylimorpha hilarana H.-S., Olethreutes
bipunctana F., O. metallicana Hibn., O. olivana Treits., Apotomis infida Hein.;
Pyralidae, including Crambus alienellus Germ. & Kaul., which was abundant on all
the bogs, Agriphila biarmica Tengst. and Pediasia truncatella Zett., both very local
in boggy areas, Catoptria maculalis Zett. and Udea hamalis Thunb. from spruce forest,
U. decrepitalis D.&S. from ferny stream-banks and Eudonia aequalis Kyrki &
Svensson, which was described in 1985 and of which very few specimens are as yet
known; Lasiocampidae: Cosmotriche lunigera Esp. from spruce forest; Sphingidae:
HAyles gallii Rott. taken at light in the middle of a dense spruce thicket; Geometridae
including Chloroclysta infuscata Tengst. and C. /atefasciata Stdgr, Thera serraria
Lien. & Zell., Rheumaptera subhastata Nolck. and R. hastata L., Perizoma taeniatum
Steph., Eupithecia analoga Djakanov and E. abietaria Goeze for comparison,
Arichanna melanaria L. which was abundant in July in boggy woodland where Ledum
palustre L. grew, and Parietaria vittaria Thunb.; Noctuidae, including very dark
Agrotis vestigialis Hufn., Epipsilia grisescens F. ssp. septentrionalis Fibiger, Spaelotis
clandestina Harris, Cucullia argentea Hufn., several of which were found at rest on
shoots of Artemisia campestris L. in Denmark, Eublemma minutata F., also from
Denmark, and Sympistis funebris Hiibn. and S. heliophila Payk., which fly by day
like Anarta spp. in the Swedish mountains when the sun shines.
(c) Rare Noctuidae from Spain taken in 1993: Euxoa psimmythiosa Boursin (Huelva,
May), Agrotis chretieni Dumont (Segovia, May), Agrotis turatii Standf. ssp.
eumetabola de Lajonquiere (Teruel, May), Xestia trifida F. R. (Valladolid, September),
Cucullia reisseri Boursin, ex larvis on Verbascum (Segovia, em. June), Criophasia
albolineata Blachier (Almeria, May), Eremochlaena orana Lucas (Alicante & Almeria,
October), Agrochola pistacinoides d’Aubuisson (Burgos, September), Aferfhmia
algirica Culot (Burgos, September), Cirrhia aurago D.& S., a series showing extreme
variation (Sierra de la Demanda, Burgos, September), Apamea sicula Turati
(Zaragoza), with A. monoglypha Hufn. for comparison, and all five Spanish species
of Pseudohadena—P. commoda Stdgr. (Huesca), P. mariana de Lajonquiere
(Almeria), P. roseonitens Oberth. (Almeria), P. Aalimi Mill. (Huesca) and P.
chenopodiphaga Ramb. (Huesca).
HALL, N.—(a) Pyralidae from Spain: Actenia vulpecalis Rag., two specimens from
Puerto de la Mora, Granada, 12-13.vii.1991, apparently new to Europe; Scirpophaga
praelata Scop., two specimens from the Ebro Delta, Tarragona, 7—8.ix.1992. The
exhibitor was grateful to Mr Michael Shaffer for the identifications.
(b) Moths from France and Spain, as follows: Phyllonorycter comparella Dup.,
bred from mines on white, grey and black poplar, July 1988 and July 1993, at Collias,
Gard, France, emerging in August of the same year. Esperia oliviella F., St Laurent-
du-Pape, Ardéche, France, July 1993. Paracorsia repandalis D.& S., bred from mullein
162 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
collected Sept. 1992 at Valdevecar, Albarracin, Teruel, Spain, emerged June, 1993.
Conistra erythrocephala D.&S., ab ovis two gravid females taken at Arlanzon,
Burgos, Spain, May 1993, emerged September.
(c) Moths taken in France in July, 1993. From Col de Vars, Alpes-de-Haute-
Provence: Rhyacia latens Hibn., Eurois occulta L., Apamea rubrirena Treits. From
Esteng, Alpes Maritimes: Udea maurinalis W. P. Curtis (=itysalis Walk.), Zygaena
viciae D.&S., Z. loti D.&S., Ochropleura celsicola Bell., O. signifera D.&S.,
Chersotis alpestris Boisd., C. oreina Dufay, C. anatolica Draudt, Rhyacia latens,
Eurois occulta, Apamea rubrirena, Syngrapha ain Hochenwarth. From St Laurent-
du-Pape, Ardeéche: Pyrois effusa Boisd. From Collias, Gard: Parahypopta caestrum
Hiibn., Harpyia milhauseri F., Hadena luteocincta Ramb., Cryphia algae F. From
Forét de Tavel, Gard: Parahypopta caestrum, Hadena luteocincta, Calophasia opalina
Esp. (=casta Borkh.). From Grotte de Baumes, Gorges du Gardon, Gard: Apopestes
spectrum Esp. From Camp des Rochilles, Savoie: Zygaena exulans Hochen., Arctia
flavia Fuess., Euxoa culminicola Stdgr., Chersotis anatolica, C. ocellina D.&S., C.
alpestris, Rhyacia latens, R. grisescens F., Xestia ochreago Hubn., Polia serratilinea
Treits.
(d) From Arlanzon, Burgos, Spain, May 1993: Jodea croceago D.& S., Lithophane
ornitopus Hufn. (a very dark form).
(e) A display showing variation in Noctua janthe Borkh. and N. janthina D.&S..,
the former being the species known to occur in Britain. The two species can be
separated fairly confidently on external features, both upperside and underside, but
a critical examination of the genitalia is essential to be absolutely certain. A note
discussing the value of the various features for distinguishing the two species was
provided with the exhibit. Six British, two French and two Spanish specimens were
shown.
Hoare, R. J. B.—A selection of microlepidoptera, including Pyralidae and
Pterophoridae, collected during an Exeter University field trip to Bourg St Pierre,
Valais, Switzerland, 25.vi—8.vii.1993. The species exhibited were as follows.
Incurvariidae: Lampronia rupella D.&S., Bourg, by day, 1.vii; Nematopogon
robertella Clerck, Valsorey, 3.vii. Psychidae: Pseudobankesia alpestrella Hein., male
bred from cases collected on a rock-face, Bourg, 27.vi; Bijugis bombycella D.&S..,
male caught at dusk, Bourg, 27.vi. Bucculatricidae: Bucculatrix(?) absinthii Gartner,
two of several seen flying round Artemisia absinthium L., Bourg, 1.vii. Epermeniidae:
Ochromolopis ictella Hibn., Bourg, two by day, 27.vi; Cataplectica devotella Heyd.,
Bourg, two by day, 27.vi; Epermenia scurella H.-S., Bourg, one by day, 27.vi.
Oecophoridae: Schiffermuelleria similella Hiibn., a light and a dark specimen, Bourg,
at m.v. light, 27.vi; Depressaria silesiaca Hein., two of six bred from larvae on
Artemisia absinthium, Bourg; Ethmia funerella F., two second-brood specimens from
larvae on Symphytum officinale L., collected at Delle, near Belfort, France, 7.vii.
Gelechiidae: Eulamprotes libertinella Zell., Bourg, two at dusk, 1.vii; Teleiopsis
bagriotella Dup., Valsorey, by day, 3.vii; Chionodes perpetuella H.-S., Bourg, at
m.v. light, 3-4.vii; Caryocolum interalbicella H.-S., Valsorey, by day, 3.vii; Sophronia
semicostella Hiibn., Valsorey, by day, 3.vii; S. humerella D.& S., Valsorey, by day,
3.vil; Acompsia tripunctella D.&S., Bourg, afternoon, 27.vi. Cosmopterigidae:
Pancalia latreillella Curt., Valsorey, by day, 3.vii. Scythrididae: Enolmis acanthella’
Godart (sens. /at.), one at rest on a wall, Chaumont, France, 7.vii. Tortricidae:
Sparganothis pilleriana D.& S., Sion, by day, 2.vii; Kana penziana Thunb. & Beck.,
male taken on a rock-face, Bourg, 1.vii, female at m.v. light, 28.vi; E. argentana
Clerck, two by day, 26.vi: this species was abundant around Bourg; Apotomis sauciana
grevillana Curt., Bourg, by day, 26.vi; Gypsonoma nitidulana Lien. & Zell., Valsorey,
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 163
by day, 3.vii; Cydia gemmiferana Treits., Bourg, at dusk, 25.vi; C. medicaginis
Kuznetsov, Langres, France, by day, 25.vi; C. succedana D.&S. F. asseclana Hiibn..
Valsorey, by day, 3.vii. Pyralidae: Catoptria speculalis Hibn., Bourg, at m.v. light,
27.vi; C. margaritella D.&S., Bourg, at m.v. light, 1-2.vii; Gesneria centuriella
D.&S., male by day, 1.vi, female at m.v. light, Bourg, 4.vii; Eudonia sudetica Zell.,
male and female, Bourg, 25-26.vi; E. valesialis Dup., Valsorey, taken in afternoon
on glacial moraine, 3.vii; Metaxmeste phrygialis Hiibn., Bourg, by day, 27.vi and
Valsorey, by day, 3.vii; Pempeliella ornatella D.& S., Bourg, at m.v. light, 26.vi;
Catastia marginea D.& S., Bourg, by day, 27.vi; Asarta aethiopella Dup., Valsorey,
by day on glacial moraine, 3.vii; Panstegia aerealis Hiibn., Bourg, by day and
at m.v. light; Sitochroa verticalis L., Sion, by day, 2.vii; Anania funebris Strém,
Bourg, by day, 27.vi; Udea alpinalis D.& S., Bourg, 25 & 29.vi, at dusk and at m.v.
light; U. nebulalis Hibn., Bourg, at m.v. light, 26.vi; U. rhododendronalis Dup.,
Valsorey, 3.vii. Pterophoridae: Platyptilia tesseradactyla D.& S., Bourg, at m.v. light,
26.vi.
HOLLINGWORTH, T. S.—A selection of moths taken in southern France, the
Pyrenees and Corsica, including several microlepidoptera as yet unidentified. Nearly
all were caught in coastal or mountain habitats.
LUCKENS, C.—A selection of butterflies from Europe, captured or bred in 1992
and 1993. (i) Butterflies collected in the Cevennes, Hautes Pyrenees and Drome in
late July 1993, including the local species Agrodiaetus dolus vittatus Oberth. (Cevennes)
and Agriades pyrenaicus Boisd. (Pyrenees).
(ii) Three Cretan endemics: Kretania psylorita Freyer, Coenonympha thyrsis Freyer
and Zerynthia cretica Rebel, all encountered during a week spent on the island in
June 1993, at 1600m on Mt Ida.
(iii) Black-veined white, Aporia crataegi L.: four specimens of the original Kentish
butterflies; specimens from different localities in Europe, from low levels in Spain
to 1500 m in Switzerland; a series of eight specimens reared from two batches of eggs
found on Crataegus at c. 1400 m on Mt Chelmos, Peloponnese, Greece. The young
larvae were overwintered in an unheated greenhouse but otherwise kept outdoors
throughout. The resulting imagines were much larger than normal.
PARSONS, M. R.—A selection of Pyralidae from the Greek island of Paxos, taken
in late August 1993, including Agriphila inquinatella D.& S., Ancylolomia tentaculella
Hiibn., Hellula undalis F., Pyrausta purpuralis L., P. sanguinalis L., Anania
verbascalis D.& S., Udea numeralis Hiibn., Palpita unionalis Hiibn., Dolicharthria
punctalis D.& S., D. bruguieralis Dup., Hypsopygia costalis F., Pyralis regalis D.&S.,
Therapne obsoletalis Mann., Endotricha flammealis D.& S., Lamoria anella D.&S.
and Ephestia? elutella Hiibn.
PING, G. & ROBINSON, G. S.—Dudgeonidae from Borneo. Dudgeonidae is a small
family comprising the single genus Dudgeonea with nine species. Currently placed
in the Cossoidea, dudgeonids resemble cossids but possess an abdominal tympanal
organ. The genus is already known from Africa, Madagascar, NE India, W Malaysia,
New Guinea and northern Australia, and has now been discovered in Borneo. Little
is known of the biology of the group, but the Australian species Dudgeonea actinias
was reared by F. P. Dodd and his findings were reported by Turner when describing
the species. The larvae are stem-borers in Canthium attenuatum (Rubiaceae); just
before pupation the larva excavates a tunnel to the outside bark, leaving only a thin
layer of bark to cover the emergence hole. The pupa is protruded from the emergence
hole through this operculum prior to emergence of the adult. Dudgeonids are generally
extremely rare in collections. The species exhibited (Plate I, Figs 12 & 13) was collected
by Glenn Ping at m.v. light at the edge of mangrove (Rhizophora) forest on the
164 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
northern shore of the Brunei River, north Borneo. The female is considerably larger
than the male. The species is new to science and is closely related to D. actinias Turner
from Queensland.
REVELL, R. J.—A selection of moths captured in Europe and Africa, the majority
on the British List as rare residents, occasional migrants or species of dubious status.
Ctenuchidae: Syntomis phegea L. and Dysauxes ancilla L. from Slovenia.
Geometridae: Scopula immorata L. from Valais, Switzerland, S. nigropunctata Hufn.
from France, Peribatodes secundaria Esp. and Siona lineata Scop. from Valais.
Lasiocampidae: Malacosoma castrensis L. from French Pyrenees. Nolidae: Nola
chlamitulalis Hiibn. from SW France. Noctuidae: Pachetra sagittigera Hufn.,
Eriopygodes imbecilla F., Syngrapha interrogationis L. from Valais; Athetis hospes
Freyer, Eublemma purpurina D.&S., Acontia lucida Hufn., Dysgonia algira L. from
SW France; Trachea atriplicis L. and Valeria jaspidea de Vill. from France;
Helicoverpa armigera Hiibn. from Namibia.
ROBINSON, G. S., TRUCK, K. R. & SHAFFER, M.—A poster display depicting the
compilation of material for a forthcoming Field guide to the smaller moths of South-
East Asia, to be published in Malaysia by the Malaysian Nature Society early in 1994.
The display included samples of text and of the colour and half-tone illustrations.
Between 1981 and 1993, collections were made in Nepal, Thailand, W. Malaysia,
Borneo (Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak), Sulawesi, Seram and New Guinea by members
of staff of the British Museum (Natural History). More than 30,000 specimens were
collected and details of host-plants, geographical and altitudinal range, morphology
and variation were thus obtained. From over 7000 species obtained, a representative
selection of 650 was made to include pest species, common and conspicuous species,
representatives of the more diverse genera, and species for which information on life
history was available.
Using modern desk-top publishing methods and high-quality camera-ready copy,
the book will be made available in SE Asia at an affordable price. It will open up
new areas of study in insect diversity by specialists and non-specialists in developing
countries and will contribute substantially to awareness of small moths as an important
component of tropical ecosystems.
WARING, P.—Two drawers of Sphingidae recorded between January 1981
and March 1983 at Nyany camp, Jonglei Province, southern Sudan. Nyany is an old
Dinka cattle-camp some 80km north of Bor and 10km east of Jonglei village.
It is an area of open grassland about 11 km east of the permanent swamp system
of the Sudd, scattered with termite mounds. The few trees and shrubs present are
mainly confined to the termitaria. A standard Robinson moth trap with 125 W m.yv.
bulb was operated most nights from dusk to around 2300 hrs, and nectariferous
flowers were searched by day and at dusk. The exhibitor expressed his gratitude
to Dr I. J. Kitching of the Natural History Museum, London for help in
checking identifications and current nomenclature. The following species were shown.
Agrius convolvuli L., Acherontia atropos L., Xanthopan morgani Walk.,
Polyptychoides niloticus niloticus Jordan, Cephonodes hylas virescens Wallengren,
Daphnis nerii L., Nephele vau Walk., N. comma Hopffer including F. derasa
Rothschild & Jordan, N. peneus Cram. (only seen in Juba, capital city of southern —
Sudan), N. accentifera Palisot de Beauvois, Hyles livornica Esp., Basiothia medea
F., Euchloron megaera L., Hippotion osiris Dalman, H. celerio L., H. eson Cram.,
Hi. balsaminae Walk., H. rebeli Rothschild & Jordan, Macroglossum trochilus Hibn
(seen near Gilo in the Imatong Mts), Sataspes infernalis Westw., a carpenter bee mimic
(Plate I, Fig. 14).
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 As
DIPTERA
ALEXANDER, K. N. A. & FOSTER, A. P.—A< selection of flies found during the
National Trust’s biological survey of North Wales in 1993. Oxycera morrisii Curt.,
Pistyll Farm, Lleyn, 27.vii; O. nigricornis Ol., Erddig, 28.vi, new to Wales; O.
pygmaea (Fall.), Mynydd Bychestyn, Lleyn, 13.vii; O. rara (Scop.), Big Wood, Erddig,
24.vi; O. trilineata (F.), Porth Gwylan, Lleyn, 15.vii; Vanoyia tenuicornis (Macq.),
Big Wood, Erddig, 24.vi, new to Wales (above all Stratiomyidae); Dioctria oelandica
(L.) (Asilidae), Dolmelynllyn, Merioneth, 10.vi; Scenopinus niger (Deg.)
(Scenopinidae), Big Wood, Erddig, 24.vi; Microdon mutabilis (L.) (Syrphidae),
Dolmelynllyn, 9.vi; Oxyna nebulosa (Wied.) (Tephritidae), Penmachno, Caerns..,
22.vii; Herina lugubris (Meig.) (Otitidae), moist soft rock cliffs on Lleyn; Pelidnoptera
Juscipennis (Meig.) (Phaeomyiidae), various woodland sites; Dictya umbrarum (L.)
(Sciomyzidae), Cregennan, 21.vi; Tetanocera punctifrons Rond. (Sciomyzidae),
Cregennan, 21.vi.
BALL, S. & Morris, R.—An exhibit describing the current state of progress in the
Hoverfly Recording Scheme (Syrphidae). The database contains 181,000 records from
1992 10 km squares (out of 2850 containing land in Britain). A provisional atlas is
expected to be published by the Biological Records Centre in 1996. Examples of maps,
phenology and selected species accounts were shown, illustrated by photographs of
flies and their habitats.
BLAND, K. P.—(a) Cerodontha luzulae (Groschke) (Agromyzidae), recently
recognized as new to Britain, but proving widespread on Luzula sylvatica (Hudson)
Gaudin: Portmore, Peebles, collected 26.iii.1988, emerged 31.v.1988; Aikieside Wood,
Ber., collected 3.i11.1990, emerged 6.vi.1990.
(b) Botanophila depressa (Stein) (= Pegohylemyia oraria Collin), Malaclete, North
Uist, reared from Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. collected 13.vii.1992, emerged
9-17.v.1993.
CHANDLER, P. J.—(a) A selection of flies collected in 1993 at Dinton Pastures
Country Park, with a map of the Park to show the main habitats. Nigrotipula nigra
(L.) (Tipulidae), remnant water meadow at south end of Mortimer’s Meadow, 26.vi;
Sphaeromias fasciatus (Meig.) (Ceratopogonidae), common around lakes, v—vi;
Macrocera crassicornis Winn. (Keroplatidae), hedge south of Black Swan Lake, 21.ix;
Megophtalmidia crassicornis (Curt.) (Mycetophilidae), on young alders, Tufty’s
Corner, 23.v; Chorisops nagatomii Rozkosny (Stratiomyidae), on oaks south of Black
Swan Lake, 21.viii; Rhamphomyia lamellata Collin (Empididae), Sandford Copse,
31.vii; Epistrophe diaphana (Zett.) (Syrphidae), south end of Mortimer’s Meadow,
26.vi; Euphranta toxoneura (Loew) (Tephritidae), on sallows in Sandford Copse, 8.v.
and by River Loddon, 8.vi; Oxyna parietina (L.) (Tephritidae), between lakes 13.vi,
and the scarcer O. nebulosa (Wied.), same area, 22.vi.1983; Trigonometopus frontalis
(Meig.) (Lauxaniidae), Mortimer’s Meadow, 8.v; Astiosoma rufifrons Duda
(Asteiidae), at cold bonfire ash at edge of Sandford Copse, 26.vi; Agromyza
ferruginosa Wulp (Agromyzidae), Mortimer’s Meadow, 31.vii; Gaurax fascipes
(Becker) (Chloropidae), by river Loddon, 26.vi, 8.viii; Norellia spinipes (Meig.)
(Scathophagidae), on sallows, Mortimer’s Meadow, 7.vii; although its food plant
(Narcissus) is absent from the area; Piezura boletorum (Rond.) (Fanniidae), carr at
south end of Mortimer’s Meadow, 17.vi; P. graminicola (Zett.), Sandford Copse,
31.vii, for comparison; Myopina myopina (Fall.) (Anthomyiidae), margin of Sandford
Lake, 15.viii; Botanophila gnava (Meig.) (Anthomyiidae), the lettuce seed fly, frequent
in Mortimer’s Meadow, vi-vii, where Lactuca serriola L. is a possible food
plant.
166 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
(b) 28 species of snail-killing flies (Sciomyzidae) found at Dinton Pastures, with
comments on their biology. In addition to the 3 notable species exhibited by Ian
McLean in 1992, Pherbellia griseola (Fall.), Colobaea bifasciella (Fall.) and Pteromicra
pectorosa (Hendel) were found in 1993; all 6 notable species were found by Mungell’s
Pond which supports at least 13 species of the family.
(c) Homoneura biumbrata (Lowe) (Lauxaniidae), new to Britain from Dinton
Pastures: male, 23.v and both sexes, 31.vii, on sallows of small copses on Mortimer’s
Meadow (females had been found at Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, 22.vi.1991 but
hitherto confused with H. tesquae); also shown HA. subnotata Papp and H.
thalhammeri Papp collected with it on 31.vii; larvae of this genus mine decaying leaves
of trees, especially sallows and poplars.
(d) Sphaeromias pictus (Meig.) (Ceratopogonidae), new to Britain from Old Slade
woods, Bucks., 4.vili.1977 and Old Buckenham Fen, Norfolk, 11.vii.1993; also found
at Runnymede ponds, Surrey. The two known British species also exhibited.
(e) Dynatosoma thoracicum Zett. sensu Landrock (Mycetophilidae), second British
specimen, female from Bucklebury Common, Berks., 6.vi.1993; a male was found
at the same site by Alan Stubbs, 12.vii.1989; it is very distinctive, entirely orange-
bodied with brown-banded wings, but species group needs revision before formal
admission to British list.
GODFREY, A.—A selection of uncommon flies collected in 1993. Ctenophora
flaveolata (F.) (Tipulidae), Bix Bottom, Oxon, 13.iv, male on beech trunk;
Odontomyia angulata (Panz.), Stratiomys singularior (Harris) (Stratiomyidae) and
Eutolmus rufibarbis (Meig.) (Asilidae), Thompson Common, Norfolk, 6.vii;
Hybomitra expollicata (Pand.) (Tabanidae), Iwade Marshes, Kent, 24.vi; Villa modesta
(Meig.) (Bombyliidae), Holkham dunes, Norfolk, 8.vii; Lejops vittata (Meig.)
(Syrphidae), Iwade Marshes, 24.vi; Myopites eximia Séguy (Tephritidae), The Swale,
Isle of Sheppey, Kent, 25.vi; Geomyza breviseta (Czerny) (Opomyzidae), in tussocky
grassland at Dunstable, Beds., 6.x; Stenomicra delicata (Collin) (Aulacigastridae),
on Carex paniculata L., Barnby Marshes, Suffolk, 7.vii; Aecothea praecox Loew
(Heleomyzidae), in rabbit holes at several sites, shown from Risby Warren, Lincs.,
29.vi; Siphonella oscinina (Fall.) (Chloropidae), Brentwood, Essex, 16.viii; Dicraeus
scibilis Collin (Chloropidae), The Swale, Isle of Sheppey, 25.vi, frequent in brackish
ditches in 1993; Trixoscelis marginella (Fall.) (Trixoscelidae), inland sandy path,
Rauceby Warren, Lincs., 20.vi.
HALSTEAD, A.—Some local species found in 1993: Oxycera morrisii Curt.
(Stratiomyidae), wet meadow at Hoe Rough, near Beetley, Norfolk, 6.vii; Atylotus
latistriatus (Brauer) (Tabanidae), sand dunes, Holkham Bay, Norfolk, 7.vii; Ogcodes
pallipes Lat. (Acroceridae), edge of meadows north of Calthorpe Broad, Norfolk,
8.vii; Xylophagus ater Meig. (Xylophagidae), in copula on beech trunk, Abinger
Rough, Surrey, 12.vi; Choerades marginata (L.) (Asilidae), Foxley Wood, Norfolk,
6.vii; Myopa tessellatipennis Mots. (Conopidae), ride of chalk woodland at Therfield
Heath, near Royston, Herts., 4.v.; Melieria picta (Meig.) (Otitidae), saltmarsh near
Titchwell RSPB Reserve, Norfolk, 7.vii; [cterica westermanni (Meig.) (Tephritidae),
Sandford Lake, Dinton Pastures, Berks., 25.vii; Urophora solstitialis (L.) (Tephritidae),
on Carduus nutans L. near Hopton Fen, Suffolk, 11.vii; Pherbellia griseola (Fall.) .
(Sciomyzidae), Upton Broad Fen, Norfolk, 10.vii; Sciomyza simplex Fall., Catfield
Fen, Norfolk, 8.vii; Dichetophora finlandica Verbeke (Sciomyzidae), near fresh water
lake on Kenfig Burrows, Glam., 27.iv; Ornithomyia avicularia (L.) (Hippoboscidae),
on collector’s arm, Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Wisley, Surrey, 23.vi.
HopceE, P. J.—Flies found in Sussex in 1993: Pelecocera tricincta Meig.
(Syrphidae), St Leonard’s Forest, West Sussex, 31.vii, swept off Molinia in heathy
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 167
woodland ride, new county record; Rhingia rostrata (.) (Syrphidae), Streatfield Wood
near Brede, East Sussex, 27.vili., one female; Acinia corniculata (Zett.) (Plate |, Fig.
8) (Tephritidae), Chailey Common, East Sussex, 19.viii, two females swept off
Centaurea nigra L. in tiny area of unimproved grassland at edge of common (currently
known from 3 sites in East Anglia with a few old records scattered in southern
England).
MILES, S. R.—Asilus crabroniformis L. (Asilidae), from a new site in west Hants.:
Caliprobola speciosa (Rossi), hovering around very crumbly base of an old beech
tree at Bishopsgate in eastern part of Windsor Forest, Berks.
PLANT, C. W.—WNephrocerus scutellatus Macq. (Pipunculidae), from M25
Motorway southern embankment, TQ3652, Surrey, Malaise trap, 27.v—13.vi.1993,
which produced 1 male and 170 females; another trap 1 km west produced 26 females.
Both traps were near areas of oak scrub which it is known to frequent in Europe
where it is thought to parasitize froghoppers of the genus Mesembrius; only two
previous British records of the fly, King’s Park Wood, Sussex and Selborne Common,
Hants. (both Alan Stubbs), accounting for its RDB 1 status, queried by the exhibitor
as many European records were from Malaise traps and it was also possibly nocturnal.
COLEOPTERA
ALEXANDER, K. N. A.—Three rare beetles taken in Gloucestershire during summer
1993; all are new localities. Lissodema cursor (Gyll.), one from ash woodland on
Sedbury Cliff, 15.viii.1993, 2nd county record; Osphya bipunctata (F.), one from
hawthorn blossom, Chedworth Woods, 31.v.1993; Grammoptera ustulata (Schall.),
one beaten from oak foliage, Coombe Hill Canal, 15.v.1993.
ALEXANDER, K. N. A. & FOSTER, A. P.—A selection of the more interesting
beetles found during the National Trust’s Biological Survey 1993 visit to North Wales.
The Border parks of Erddig and Chirk Castle, Denbighshire, and also the seacliffs
on the Lleyn Peninsula, Caernarvonshire, feature strongly. Those species believed
to be new to Wales are marked with an asterisk. Agabus affinis (Payk.), Dolmelynilyn
Estate, Mer., 9.vi.1993; Quedius ventralis (Aragona), from sap-run on horse chestnut,
Erddig Park, 28.vi.1993; Geotrupes vernalis (L.), one on coastal heathland, Mynydd-
y-Graig, Lleyn, 16.vii.1993; Amphimallon ochraceus (Knoch), frequent at Pen-y-Cil,
Lleyn, 14.vii.1993, and noted elsewhere on the Peninsula; Prionocyphon serricornis
(Miller, P. W. J.), swept in Big Wood, Erddig, 24.vi.1993, new to N. Wales; Sericus
brunneus (L.), Dolmelynllyn, 9.vi.1993; Malthinus frontalis (Marsh.), swept in Big
Wood, Erddig, 24.vi.1993, the 3rd Welsh record; *Dorcatoma serra Panz., one tapped
from Jnonotus dryadeus bracket fungus on old oak at Chirk, 19.vii.1993; Thymalus
limbatus (F.), from pasture-woodland, Dolmelynilyn Estate, Mer. 9.vi.1993;
*Cryptarcha strigata (F.), Chirk, 19.vii.1993; Eledona agricola (Herbst), abundant
in Laetiporus sulphureus bracket fungus on old oak, Chirk, 19.vii.1993, new to N.
Wales; *Prionychus ater (F.), Chirk and Erddig; *Abdera quadrifasciata (Curt.), one
from dead lower limb of old oak at Chirk, 19.vii.1993; Donacia thalassina Germ..,
Llynnau Cregennan, Mer., 22.vi.1993; Cryptocephalus aureolus Suff., from seacliff
grassland, Trwyn y Ffosle, Lleyn, 8.vii.1993; Sibinia arenariae Steph., from rock-
spurrey, Mynydd Bychestyn, Lleyn, 13.vii.1993, new to N. Wales.
BooTH, R. G.—Longitarsus longiseta Weise from a heathy woodland clearing in
East Sussex. A single female was swept in 1992; in 1993 numerous examples were
found on common speedwell, Veronica officinalis L. which is undoubtably the host
plant at this site. Formerly known as British from a single male collected in Kent
in 1951 by Mr A. A. Allen who described it in 1967 as Longitarsus clarus.
168 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
COLLIER, M.—(1) Some notable Norfolk Coleoptera, including four new county
records (*). Acupalpus consputus (Duft.), Stanford MOD, 22.ix.1993. *Perigona
nigriceps (Dej.), Rockland St Peter, 23.ix.1993, in garden compost heap. *Scydmaenus
rufus M.& K. and *Scraptia testacea Allen, Santon Downham, adults found emerged
on 29.vi.1993 from rotten alder collected 6.11.1993. Tachinus flavolimbatus Pand.,
Caudlesprings, Watton, 10.ix.1993, sieving fen/meadow cuttings. Soronia
punctatissima (Ill.), Surlingham, 4.vii.1993, first modern county record. *Uleiota
planata (L.), Stanford MOD, 22.1x.1993, under bark of birch log. Tetratoma
desmaresti (Lat.), Stanford MOD, 10.iv.1992, beating branches of dead standing oak,
first modern county record. Tropiphorus terricola (Newm.), Stanford MOD, 5.vi.1993,
evening sweeping. Hypera dauci (Ol.), Stanford MOD, 16.v.1992, pair in cop crawling
outside rabbit burrow, near Erodium..
(2) French specimens of beetles now considered very rare or extinct in Britain.
Diachromus germanus (L.) and Brachinus sclopeta (F.), Burcin, 18.v.1993, in wet
meadow beside reed fen., Platycerus caraboides (L.), Forét de la Cantiniére, 19.v.1993,
on umbel in forest meadow. Trichodes alvearius (F.), Charnay, 14.v.1993, common
on roadside umbels. Hippodamia 13-punctata (L.), Etang Fontain, St Eloi, 10.ix.1991,
sweeping lakeside vegetation. Acmaeops collaris (L.), Forét de la Cantiniére, 19.v.1993,
on hawthorn blossom in forest clearing. Agelastica alni (L.),Grenoble, 17.v.1993,
crawling up trunk of poplar.
COPESTAKE, D. R.—Some interesting beetles found during 1993. Elaphrus
uliginosus F., Luccombe Chine, I.o.W., 24.iv.1993; Bembidion obliquum Sturm,
Powdermill Reservoir, East Sussex, 21.ix.1993; Platyderus ruficollis (Marsh.), Horsell
Common, Surrey, 11.viii.1993, under log; Harpalus melleti Heer and dH.
schaubergerianus Puel, near Cheam Golf Course, Surrey, 11.viii.1993, in moss;
Badister bullatus (Schr.), B. meridionalis Puel and B. unipustulatus Bon., Otmoor,
Oxfordshire, 27.x.1993, all three species in same grass tussock; Odacantha melanura
(L.), Pevensey Level, East Sussex, 15.iv.1993, in reed litter; Lacon querceus (Herbst),
Windsor, Berkshire, 21.viii. 1993, beating oak; Ampedus cardinalis (Schidd.), Windsor,
Berkshire, vi.1993, bred; A. pomorum (Herbst), Brocton Coppice, Staffordshire,
24.ii1.1993, in birch log; A. nigerrimus (Lac.), Windsor, Berkshire, 20.ii.1993, in red-
rotten oak log; Ischnodes sanguinicollis (Panz.), and Procraerus tibialis (Boisd. &
Lac.), Windsor, Berkshire, 17.v.1993, on hawthorn blossom; Megapenthes lugens
(Redt.), Windsor, Berkshire, 17.v.1993, in baited trap; Ischnomera sanguinicollis (F.)
and Grammoptera ustulata (Schall.), Windsor, Berkshire, 17.v.1993, on hawthorn
blossom; Chrysolina sanguinolenta (L.), near Cheam Golf Course, Surrey,
11.viii. 1993, in moss; Platystomos albinus (L.), Crump’s Wood, Little Horsted, East
Sussex, 16.iv.1993, in moss; Brachytarsus nebulosus (Forst.), Windsor, Berkshire,
3.vi.1993, beating oak; Otiorhynchus raucus (F.), near Cheam Golf Course, Surrey,
11.viii. 1993, in moss; Cathormiocerus myrmecophilus (Seidlitz), Ecclesbourne Cliff,
Hastings, East Sussex, 14.iv.1993; C. socius Boh. Red Cliff, Sandown, I.o.W.,
24.iv.1993; Brachysomus echinatus (Bons.), Oakley Wood, Cirencester,
Gloucestershire, 23.v.1993, swept; Cneorhinus plumbeus (Marsh.) and Tanymecus
palliatus (F.), Eype Mouth, Dorset, 12.vi.1993, swept; Limobius borealis (Payk.),
Huish, Wiltshire, 6.vi.1993, on Geranium pratense L.; Magdalis barbicornis (Lat.), .
near Waterperry Wood, Oxfordshire, 8.vi.1993; Trachodes hispidus (L.), Crump’s
Wood, Little Horsted, East Sussex, 16.iv.1993, in moss; Cryptorhynchus lapathi (L.),
Merthyr Mawr Warren, Glamorgan, 21.v.1993, on poplar; Acalles roboris Curt.,
Crump’s Wood, Little Horsted, East Sussex, 16.iv.1993, in moss; Bagaus collignensis
(Herbst), Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst, South Hampshire, 7.vi.1993, on muddy pond
bank; B. glabrirostris (Herbst), Pevensey Level, East Sussex, 15.iv.1993, in reed litter;
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 169
Procas granulicollis Walton, near Rhyader, Radnorshire, 21.iii. 1993, in bracken litter:
Orthochaetes insignis (Aubé), The Crumbles, Eastbourne, East Sussex, 15.iv.1993:
Rhinoncus albicinctus Gyll., Powdermill Reservoir, East Sussex, 21.ix.1993, sweeping
Polygonum; Tapinotus sellatus (F.), Virginia Water, Berkshire, 3.vi.1993:
Ceutorhynchus hirtulus Germ., Merthyr Mawr Warren, Glamorgan, 21.v.1993;
Calosirus terminatus (Herbst), and Trichosirocalus barnevillei (Gren.), near Cheam
Golf Course, Surrey, 11.viii.1993, in moss; Sibinia potentillae Germ., Great Ovens
Hill near Wareham, Dorset, 6.vi.1993; S. sodalis Germ., Gilkicker Point near Gosport,
South Hampshire, 12.v.1993; Taphrorychus bicolor (Herbst), Knole Park near
Sevenoaks, West Kent, 20.11.1993, under beech bark.
HACKETT, D.—(1) A detailed record of new sites for Agrilus pannonicus (Pill. &
Mitt.) discovered in North London during 1993, including a sketch map. Unless
otherwise stated the following records are for sightings of emergence holes in oak
bark: Hampstead Heath, TQ276863, TQ272876, TQ261874; Queen’s Woods,
TQ295886, on >25 trees (+ adults); Highgate Wood, TQ283887, on >6 trees
(4+ adult); Cherry Tree Wood, TQ276891, on >3 trees; Alexandra Palace
Park, TQ300900, on >3 trees; Coldfall Wood, TQ277903, on >3 trees; Arnos Park,
TQ296927, on 3 trees; Broomfield Park, TQ305928, on 1 tree; Grovelands Park,
TQ308944, on >2 trees; Trent Park, TQ290975, on >1 tree; Monken Hadley
Common, TQ262972, on > 1 tree; Totteridge Green, TQ250938, on | tree. Specimens
exhibited were as follows: larva from an oak stump created by coppicing in February
1992 in Queen’s Woods, emergence holes were observed in July 1993; Highgate Wood,
27.1v.1993, dead adult from emergence hole; Richmond Park, Surrey, 3.vii.1993, two
adults from oak trunks; Queen’s Woods, 5.v.1993, four adults reared from bark
samples from an oak stump; Queen’s Woods, 28.ii.1993, oak bark sample with three
emergence holes; Queen’s Woods, 25.x.1993, oak trunk rubbing after removal of
bark, showing larval galleries.
(2) New site records for Agrilus sinuatus (Ol.), mainly from North London. All
but one of the following records are based on observations of emergence holes in
bark of Crataegus species: Tottenham Cemetery, TQ334911, on C. x /evaillei (hybrid)
on 6 trees (+adult); Hampstead Heath, TQ276863, TQ261874; Primrose Hill,
TQ276838, on 1 tree; junction of Wellesley Road/Chaseley Drive, Chiswick,
TQ197783. Specimens exhibited were as follows: Tottenham Cemetery, 5.vii.1993,
small branch and bark samples of C. x /evallei (hybrid) showing larval mines and
emergence holes, also a dead adult from an emergence hole; Richmond Park, Surrey,
3.vii.1993, adult beaten off Crataegus spp. by M. S. Parsons; bark samples from
Crataegus spp. at Bookham Common, Surrey and Wellesley Road, Chiswick were
also exhibited.
(3) Prionychus ater (F.), Richmond Park, Surrey, 3.vii.1993, on damaged hawthorn;
Phloiotrya vaudoueri Muls., Coldfall Wood, North London, 18.vii.1993, under dead
oak bark.
HALSTEAD, A. J.—Some local Coleoptera taken in 1993. Lampyris noctiluca (L.),
Woodbastwick Fen., East Norfolk, 7-9.vii.1993, malaise trap; Hyperaspis
pseudopustulata Muls., Horton, South Gower coast, Glamorgan, 24.iv.1993, swept
off cliff-top vegetation; Cteniopus sulphureus (L.), East Wretham Heath, West Norfolk,
4.vii.1993, swept; Meloé proscarabaeus L., Horton, south Gower coast, Glamorgan,
24.iv.1993, crawling on cliff-top turf; Phytoecia cylindrica (L.), Sandford Lake, Dinton
Pastures Country Park, Winnersh, Berkshire, 19.vi.1993, swept from lakeside
vegetation; Plateumaris braccata (Scop.), Upton Broad Fen, East Norfolk, 10.vii.1993,
swept off Phragmites; Podagrica fuscicornis (L.), Royston, Hertfordshire, 3.vii. 1993,
eating garden hollyhock leaves; Notaris scirpi (F.), White Swan Lake, Dinton Pastures
170 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Country Park, Winnersh, Berkshire, 5.vi.1993, swept from lakeside vegetation; Grypus
equiseti (F.), Whiteford Burrows, Gower Peninsula, Glamorgan, 23.iv.1993, swept
in boggy meadow; Hadroplontus trimaculatus (F.), East Wretham Heath, West
Norfolk, 11.vii.1993, on Carduus nutans L.; Xyleborus dispar (F.), Whatlington,
East Sussex, 2.ix.1993, in dead branch of Elaeagnus angustifolia.
HAWKINS, R. D.—Two species of Coleoptera taken in Surrey during 1993.
Malthinus balteatus Suff., Nonsuch Park, Cheam, Surrey, 4.vii.1993, beaten from
oak; Nephus quadrimaculatus (Herbst), Egham, Surrey, 5.ix.1993, one specimen
beaten from a roadside oak.
HEAL, N. F.—36 species of British Coleoptera, mostly from Kent, taken between
1984 and 1993. New species for Kent are indicated with an asterisk (*). Bembidion
octomaculatum (Goeze), Powdermill Reservoir, E. Sussex, TQ7920, 3.ix.1993; Tachys
bistriatus (Duft.), Aldington, E. Kent, TR0638, 15.x.1993; T. parvulus Dej.,
Canterbury, E. Kent, TR1559, 8.vi.1985; T. scutellaris Steph., Chetney Marshes, E.
Kent, TQ8869, 20.iv.1992; Perigona nigriceps (Dej.), Epsom Downs, Surrey, TQ2157,
5.x.1993; Coelambus nigrolineatus (von Steven), Aldington, E. Kent, TR0737,
28.x1.1990; *Acrulia inflata (Gyll.), Lamberhurst, W. Kent, TQ6737, 26.i1x.1991;
Carpelimus foveolatus (Sahl.), Oare Marshes, E. Kent, TR0164, 5.iii.1993; *C.
lindrothi Palm, Tonbridge, W. Kent, TQ5645, 4.11.1990; Achenium humile (Nico.),
Wittersham, E. Kent, TQ8728, 14/19.1.1993; *Trichiusa immigrata Lohse, Higham
Marshes, W. Kent, TQ7075, 3.v.1992, first British record; Wittersham, E. Kent,
TQ8728, 14.1.1993; Faversham, E. Kent, TR0260, 13.vi.1993; Epsom Downs, Surrey,
TQ2157, 6.ix.1993; Ilyobates nigricollis (Payk.), Brede, E. Sussex, TQ7920, 3.ix.1993;
Homoeusa acuminata (Mark.), Bredhurst, E. Kent, TQ8061, 26.iv.1990; Aphodius
lividus (Ol.), Hoo, W. Kent, TQ8173, 29.vi.1987; Agrilus sinuatus (Ol.), Darenth,
W. Kent, TQ5672, 6.vili.91/15.vii.1992; Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Aylesford, W.
Kent, TQ7459, 1.x.1991/7.11.1992, bred, ex. rice bran; Tenebroides mauritanicus (L.),
Faversham, East Kent, TRO161, 22.x/6.xi.1990, 25.iv/8.ix.1991, bred; Epuraea
distincta (Grim.), Ham Fen, E. Kent, TR3355, 9.vi.1991; Uleiota planata (L.), Strood,
W. Kent, TQ7368, 11.vii.1988; Leybourne, W. Kent, TQ6959, 8.x.1991; *Atomaria
scutellaris Mots., Aldington, E. Kent, TR0737, 28.xi.1990; Northbourne, E. Kent,
TR3458, 20.vii.1991; Wittersham, E. Kent, TQ8728, 16.xii.1992; Triplax lacordairii
Crotch, Ham Street, E. Kent, TQ9835, 30.vi.1990; Nephus quadrimaculatus (Herbst),
Darenth, W. Kent, TQ5672, 17.i1x.1991, 29.vii/14.viii.1992; West Malling, W. Kent,
TQ6857, 26.ix.1992; Platynaspis luteorubra (Goeze), Darenth, W. Kent, TQ5772,
14.viii.1991; Corticeus linearis (F.), Oxshott Common, Surrey, 12.vii.1993;
Mordellistena nanuloides Ermisch, Hoo Saltmarsh, W. Kent, TQ7971, 21.vi.1989;
Anthicus bifasciatus (Rossi), Grain, W. Kent, TQ8975, 14.v.91; Choragus sheppardi
Kirby, Darenth, W. Kent, TQ5672, 6.viii/30.ix.1991; Brachysomus hirtus (Boh.),
Boxley, E. Kent, TQ7560, 25.11.1987; Lyminge Forest, E. Kent, TR1051, 20.iv.1990;
*Sitona puberulus Reitt., Lamberhurst, W. Kent, TQ6638, 4.x.1991/13.x.1992; *Lixus
scabricollis Boh., Grain, W. Kent, TQ8975, 16.viii/13.ix.1987, first British record;
Magdalis memnonia (Gyll.), Oxshott Common, Surrey, TQ1461, 12.vii.1993;
Cossonus parallelepipedus (Herbst), Chetney Marshes, E. Kent, TQ8869, 22.v.1991;
Gymnetron villosulum Gyll., Newington, E. Kent, TQ8665, 22.v.1990; Barnes Cray, |
W. Kent, TQ5274, 30.viii.1993; Rhynchaenus populi (F.), Stodmarsh, E. Kent,
TR2260, 14.x.1984; Graveney, E. Kent, TR0363, 6.vii.1986; Lower Halstow, E. Kent,
TQ8567, 23.v.1993; *R. pseudostigma Temperé, Chiddingstone, W. Kent, TQ5147,
18.vii.1993; R. testaceus (Miller, O. F.), Ham Fen, E. Kent, TR3355, 9.vi.1991.
HOARE, D. I. B.—(1) Seven species of Longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) taken in
Britain during 1992 and 1993. Rhagium bifasciatum F. var. ictericum Schleicher
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
(=var. andreae Vill.), New Forest, South Hampshire, 3.vi.1992, on beech log;
Grammoptera variegata (Germ.), Brockenhurst, South Hampshire, 20.vi.1993, swept
in woodland ride; Leptura fulva Deg., Totton, South Hampshire, 18.vii.1992, on
Cirsium flower; L. sexguttata F., Brockenhurst, South Hampshire, 20.vi.1993, on
Galium sp. in woodland; Anaglyptus mysticus (L.), Lower Ashton, South Devon,
12.vi.1993, on Allium ursinum L.; Acanthocinus aedilis (L.), Abernethy Forest
Sawmill, Easterness, 27.v.1992; Phytoecia cylindrica (L.), Tiverton, South Devon,
1.v.1993, on umbellifer stem.
(2) Four species of Longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) taken in France or Switzerland
in summer 1993. Oxymirus cursor (L.), Bourg-St-Pierre, Switzerland, 30.vi.1993, in
coniferous woodland; Gaurotes virginea (L.), Bourg-St-Pierre, Switzerland, 29.vi.1993,
on flower; Monochamus sutor (L.), Bourg-St-Pierre, Switzerland, vii.1993, in flight:
Oberia oculata (L.), Langres, France, 25.vi.1993, on Salix sp.
HopcE, P. J.—Eleven species of British Coleoptera taken during 1993. Species
new to the county of Sussex are prefixed with an asterisk (*). *//ybius aenescens
Thoms., North Park Wood, W. Sussex, TQ0515, 21.viii.1993, in acidic pond;
*Limnebius crinifer Rey, near Bexhill, E. Sussex, TQ71, 24.vii.1993, the second British
site; Gauropterus fulgidus (F.), Epsom Downs, Surrey, TQ2257, 6.ix.1993, in old
straw; Philonthus corvinus Er., Bure Marshes NNR, E. Norfolk, TG3316, 5.vii.1993;
*Trichiusa immigrata Lohse, Lancing, W. Sussex, TQ1906, 15.v.1993, in cut grass
in an old chalk-pit, a recent immigrant now established in south-east England;
Malthodes crassicornis (Maklin), Ashtead Common, Surrey, TQ1659, 22.v.1993;
*Mordellistena humeralis (L.), Copthorne Common, E. Sussex, TQ3239, 17.viii.1993,
one on Angelica umbel; Synchita humeralis (F.), Holme Fen, Cambridgeshire, TL2089,
29.vi.1993, one beaten from dead alder twigs; *Apion rubiginosum Grill, Chapel
Common, W. Sussex, SU8228, 14.viii.1993, swept off short herbage; Sitona
waterhousei Walton, Chapel Common, W. Sussex, SU8228m, 14.viii. 1993, swept off
short herbage; *Mogulones euphorbiae (Bris.), Chapel Common, W. Sussex, SU8228,
14.viii.1993, two males swept off short herbage.
JAMES, T. J.—A selection of Coleoptera from Hertfordshire, including several
species which appear previously unrecorded from the county; these are prefixed with
an asterisk (*). Hydrochus angustatus Germ., Broxbourne Wood, 8.viii.1993, in pond;
Cercyon terminatus (Marsh.), Ashwell, 14.ii.1993, in compost; *Ac/ypea opaca (L.),
Tingley Wood, Pirton, 11.vi.1993, on ground; Scydmaenus rufus Miller, P. W. J.
& Kunze, Panshanger Park, 7.vi.1992, in rotten pine log; *Carpelimus zealandicus
(Sharp), Amwell Quarry, 5.viii.1987, in detritus by lake; Anotylus insecatus (Grav.),
Ashwell, 11.vii.1988, in house; *Stenus niveus Fauv., Croxley Moor, 19.vii. 1992, taken
by R. Gade; Quedius scitus (Grav.), Panshanger Park, 17.vi.1990, on old oak; *Q.
xanthopus Er., Ashwell, 23.iv.1987, in house; *Sepedophilus testaceus (F.),
Nuthampstead, 19.v.1986, on rotten beech log; Chaetophora spinosa (Rossi), Oxshott
Hill, Benington, 2.vii.1990, at roots of mignonette; A grilus /aticornis (Ill.), Broxbourne
Woods, 4.viii.1991, on young oak; A. pannonicus (Pill. & Mitt.), Cowheath Wood,
21.vi.1992, one of several recent Herts. records; *Hemicoelus nitidus (Herbst),
Danemead, Broxbourne Woods, 4.viii.1991, beaten from scrub; Ti//us elongatus (L.),
Broxbourne Common, 21.vi.1992, on old oak; *Pocadius lanuginosus Franz,
Panshanger Park, 20.x.1991, in fungus; *Dienerella filiformis (Gyll.), Baldock,
5.xii.1985, in building; *Al/phitobius diaperinus (Panz.), Ashwell, 14.viii.1990, in
house; Lissodema cursor (Gyll.), Chapmore End, 30.vi.1988, on ground by roadside
hedge; Mordellistena humeralis (L.), Whippendell Wood, 29.vii.1990, on hogweed;
Ischnomera cyanea (F.), Northey Wood, Anstey, 28.v.1992, on guelder rose flower;
Phytodecta olivacea (Forst.), Hertford Heath, 26.vi.1988, on broom; *£pitrix
172 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
pubescens (Koch), Frogmore Gravel-pit, Aston, 25.vii.1986, swept; Rhynchites
longiceps Thoms., Broxbourne Wood, 21.vi.1992, in flight; Byctiscus populi (L.),
Broxbourne Wood, 21.vi.1992, on young aspen; *Apion rubiginosum Grill, Croxley
Moor, 19.vii.1992, on sheep’s sorrel; *A. immune Kirby, Croxley Moor, 19.vii.1992,
on broom; A. gyllenhali Kirby, Fox Covert, Therfield, 14.vii.1992, on burdock near
chalk grassland; Hypera adspersa (F.), Frogmore Gravel-pit, Aston, 10.v.1989, swept;
* Trachodes hispidus (L.), Danemead, Broxbourne Woods, 4.viii.1991, on bushes;
Microplontus campestris (Gyll.), Frogmore Gravel-pit, Aston, 29.v.1987, swept;
Platypus cylindrus (F.), Cowheath Wood, 21.vi.1992, on oak log.
MENZIES, I. S.—Six species of British Coleoptera. Clitostethus arcuatus (Rossi),
Bookham Common, Surrey, TQ1255, 29.11.1992, one example by beating holly beneath
oak; 14.viii.1992, one beaten from ivy growing on oak trunk; (single examples also
taken by Dr R. G. Booth on 7.111.1992 and 6.i11.1993); Hylotrupes bajulus (L.),
Ockham Common, Surrey, TQ0858, 3.vii.1993, adult ovipositing on stump of recently
felled Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L., a colour print of the beetle was also shown;
Stenostola dubia (Laich.), Burton Mill-pond, W. Sussex, SU9717, 22.v.1992, adult
beaten from an alder; Macroplea appendiculata (Panz.), Talkin Tarn, Cumberland,
NY5458, 6.vi.1992, adults on alternate-flowered water milfoil, Myriophyllum
alterniflorum DC., colour prints of the beetle were also shown; Altica brevicollis
Foud., Stockbridge Down, North Hampshire, SU3834, 18.vi.1993, beaten from hazel;
the parasitic fly Medina luctuosa (Meig), which was bred from about one-third of
the stock of Altica kept alive for ovipositing, was also exhibited, fully grown larvae
emerged from the dorsal abdominal surface of the adult beetle and the flies emerged
within ten days of pupation; Platystomos albinus (L.), Wisley Common, Surrey,
TQ0659, 1.viii.1993, one example beaten from a sapling birch.
Morris, M. G.—Specimens of Apion (Helianthemapion) aciculare (Germ.)
discovered by A. P. Fowles in 1992 on the coast of North Wales, (Fowles and Morris,
in press, Entomologist’s Mon. Mag.). It is a flightless species which breeds in the
stems of common rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Miller) and has not
previously been recorded from the British Isles.
OwEN, J. A.—Some uncommon British beetles. Agonum lugens (Duft.), Loch
Gash, Co. Clare, v.1993, in vegetation at the edge of turlough; Colon angulare Er.,
Braemar, South Aberdeen, vi.1993, swept off grass in a garden; Thanatophilus dispar
(Herbst) and Aclypea opaca (L.), Dromore NNR, Co. Clare, v.1993, under stone;
Stenus glabellus Thom. Scragh Bog, Co. Westmeath, v.1993, in wet moss; S.
kiesenwetteri Rosen., Caragh Lough, Co. Kerry, v.1993, in sphagnum at edge of lough;
Ochthephilum fracticorne (Payk.) and O. jacquelini (Boield.), Thornham, West
Norfolk, iv.82, in tidal debris; Philonthus furcifer Renk. and P. micans (Grav.),
Portumna, Co. Galway, v.1993, in heap of recently cut long grass on the bank of
the R. Shannon; Gabronthus thermarum (Aubé), Epsom Downs, Surrey, viii.1993,
from heap of cut grass; Atheta (Acrotona) benicki Allen, Berrow, North Somerset,
iv.1993, from vegetation flooded by high tide; Gyrophaena williamsi Strand, A.,
Wisley, Surrey, ix.1993, in agaric fungus on the ground, ? Russula sp., Selatosomus
melancholicus (F.), Belmullet, Co. North Mayo, v.1993, sandy area on coastal turf;
Atomaria rubricollis Bris., near Tatsfield, Surrey, xii.1991, shaken out of cut foliage ©
on chalky slope, another example was taken at the same site in i.1993; Psylliodes
luteola (Miller, O. F.), near Wimborne, Dorset, viii.1993, several swept from the
edge of a cornfield; Crypturgus subcribrosus Eggers, Hog Wood, West Sussex, xi.1992,
from bark of fallen spruce tree.
PARSONS, M. S.—13 species of Coleoptera taken in southern Britain during 1993.
Badister unipustulatus Bon., Magor Marsh, Glam., 3.ii.1993; Hydrochus angustatus
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Germ., Richmond Park, Surrey, 30.iv.1993, netted in flight; Hypocaccus metallicus
(Herbst) and Baeckmanniolus dimidiatus (Ill.), Camber, E. Sussex, 30.v.1993; Trox
scaber (L.), Richmond Park, Surrey, 9.vi.1993, attracted to actinic light; Cetonia
aurata (L.), Folkestone Warren, E. Kent, 8.vii.1993; Cresias serra (F.), Richmond
Park, Surrey, 1.vi.1993, adult at base of old oak; Lymexylon navale (L.), Richmond
Park, Surrey, 10.vi.1993; Prionychus ater (F.), Richmond Park, Surrey, bred from
larvae found in red-rotten oak, adult emerged 1.vi.1993; Mycetochara humeralis (F.),
Richmond Park, Surrey, 21.v.1993, under hawthorn log; Phloiotrya vaudoueri Muls.,
Richmond Park, Surrey, 10.vi.1993; Prionus coriarius (L.), Richmond Park, Surrey,
15.vili.1993, found dead under oak log; Judolia cerambyciformis (Schr.), Fingle
Bridge, Devon, 13.vi.1993.
PLANT, C. W. & WILLIAMS, S. A.—A single example of the very rare histerid
beetle Paralister obscurus (Kug.), formerly known as Hister stercorarius Hoffmann,
J., collected by C. W. Plant from a pitfall trap, near Shillingford, North Devon,
set between 30.iv.1993 and 5.vi.1993. The trap was set in a gently sloping bare soil
site and the beetle was probably attracted by the smell of decomposing insects in the
pot, which contained 424 beetles. The last recorded specimen in Britain is from
Colyton, South Devon in 1947. A record for London requires confirmation.
SALMON, M.—A specimen of Drypta dentata (Rossi), taken in moss alongside a
freshwater rill on the undercliff at Eype Mouth, Dorset, in May 1983.
WHITTON, P.—Ten species of ground beetles taken in North Somerset during the
1970s. Blethisa multipunctata (L.), Shapwick, ST419411, 21.iv.1976, at the edge of
water on soft peat; Elaphrus uliginosus F., Shapwick, ST424408, 9.viii.1971, running
in sunshine on bank of drainage ditch; Amara curta Dej. and A. praetermissa (Sahl.),
Emborough, ST619505, 17.viii.1976, under stone in limestone quarry; Anisodactylus
binotatus (F.), Shapwick, ST465451, 23.viii.1976, under lump of peat on dry ground;
Bradycellus sharpi Joy, Priddy, ST544513, 19.ii.1977, under dead vegetation;
Stenolophus skrimshiranus Steph., Westhay Moor, ST44, 21.iv.1976, amongst
vegetation at the edge of a ditch; Licinus depressus (Payk.), Priddy, ST545507,
11.viii.1971 and 2.ix.1976, under stones in grass near old lead mines; L. punctatulus
(F.), Gurney Slade, ST64, 25.viii.1976, under stone in disused quarry; Oodes
helopioides (F.), Shapwick, ST419411, 21.iv.1976, on damp peat beside water; and
Westhay Moor, ST44, 23.viii.1976, in damp dried-up ditch.
HEMIPTERA
ALEXANDER, K. N. A.—Two bugs found at Porthysgo, Lleyn Peninsula, Caer.,
15.vii.1993: Enoplops scapha (F.) (Coreidae) and Chartoscirta cocksi (Curt.)
(Saldidae).
HAWKINS, R. D.—(1) Significant finds of 1993. Adelphocoris seticornis (F.)
(Miridae), Llangloffan Fen, near Mathry, Pembrokeshire, 10.ix.1993, ungrazed
marshy field by river, reserve of Dyfed Wildlife Trust; second record for VC45.
Miridius quadrivirgatus (Costa) (Miridae), Milford, Surrey, 30.viii.1993, roadside bank
of narrow lane, by bridge over new road; an inland record of a normally coastal bug.
(2) Nonsuch Park survey, 1993. This large urban park near Cheam, Surrey, is fringed
by derelict farmland under threat of development, and has varied habitats. Recording
in 1993 produced a number of local species: Legnotus limbosus (Geoffroy) (Cydnidae),
29.viii.1993; Stygnocoris rusticus (Fallén) (Lygaeidae), 29.viii.1993; Deraeocoris
olivaceus (F.) (Miridae), 13.vi.1993, beaten from hawthorn; Orthocephalus coriaceus
(F.), 4.vii.1993; Orthocephalus saltator (Hahn) (Miridae), 23.viii.1993.
174 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
HopcE, P. J.—Seven species of Heteroptera found in Sussex during 1992 and
1993. Nysius senecionis (Schilling) (Lygaeidae), Holman Wood, near Brede, E. Sussex,
TQ7920, 20.ix.1992, one male and one female swept in a heathy woodland clearing;
the first British record. Hallodapus rufescens (Burmeister) (Miridae), The Coombe,
Lewes, E. Sussex, TQ4210, 9.iv.1993, one macropterous male swept off very short
downland turf. Strongylocoris leucocephalus (L.) (Miridae), Cissbury Ring, W. Sussex,
TQ1307, 3.vi.1993, two swept off very short downland turf. Globiceps juniperi Reuter
(Miridae), St Leonard’s Forest, W. Sussex, TQ2130, 31.vii.1993, one female swept
from Molinia in a heathy woodland ride. Microvelia pygmaea (Duf.) (Veliidae), Heath
Patch, near Storrington, W. Sussex, SU7822, 1.viii.1993, one example in pond in
large sand pit. Sigara semistriata (Fieb.) (Corixidae), North Park Wood, near
Storrington, W. Sussex, TQ0515, 27.vi.1993, in acidic pond.
JONES, R. A.—Three species of rhododendron-feeding bug from Dulwich Park,
London SE21 (VC 17, ‘Surrey’). Kleidocerys resedae (Panz.) (Lygaeidae), 9.ix.1993;
Stepanitis rhododendri Horvath (Tingidae), 23.vii and 9.ix.1993, and Placotettix
taeniatifrons (Kirschbaum) (Cicadellidae), 9.ix.1993.
KIRBY, P.—A selection of interesting Hemiptera taken in 1991 and 1992. Aradus
betulae (L.) (Aradidae), Strathfarrar, VC96, 22.vii.1992. Eurydema oleraceum (L.)
(Pentatomidae), Kennack Sands and Cadgwith, W. Cornwall, ix.1992.
Dicranocephalus agilis (Scop.) (Stenocephalidae), Loe Bar, W. Cornwall, 4.ix.1992.
Dicranocephalus medius (Muls. & Rey) (Stenocephalidae), Folkestone Warren, E.
Kent, 21.v.1991. Orsillus depressus (Dallas) (Lygaeidae), Gidea Park, S. Essex,
27.ix.1992, new to Essex. Megalonotus antennatus (Schilling) (Lygaeidae), Dogsthorpe
Star Brickpit, VC32, v.1992. Megalonotus dilatatus (H.-S.) (Lygaeidae), Dungeness,
E. Kent, 23.v.1991. Megalonotus sabulicola (Thom.) (Lygaeidae), Oxney Road,
Peterborough, 7.vii.1992; Bainton Pits, Northants., 9.viii.1992; new to VC32.
Eremocoris podagricus (F.) (Lygaeidae), Dogsthorpe Star Brickpit, VC32, 24.vii.1992.
Eremocoris plebejus (Fall.) (Lygaeidae), Strathfarrar, VC96, 22.vii.1993; Tomfat
Wood, VC96, 24.vii.1992. Aphanus rolandri (L.) (Lygaeidae), Dungeness, E. Kent,
31.v.1991. Tropistethus holosericeus (Scholtz) (Lygaeidae), Dungeness, E. Kent,
3.v.1991. Himacerus apterus (F.) (Nabidae), macropterous female, Ouse Washes,
Welches Dam, Cambs., 4.vili.1992. Acalypta nigrina (Fall.) (Tingidae), Tomfat Wood,
VC96, 24.vii.1992. Lasiacantha capucina Germ. (Tingidae), Predannack, W.
Cornwall, 20.ix.1992. Chlamydatus pulicarius (Fall.) (Miridae), Strathfarrar, VC96,
22.vii.1992. Orthotylus rubidus (Fieb.) (Miridae), Brancaster, E. Norfolk, 7.ix.1991.
Globiceps cruciatus Reuter (Miridae), Pembrey Forest, Carm., 9.viii.1991. Lygus
punctatus (Zett.) (Miridae), Fasnakyle, VC96, 20.vii.1992. Capsus wagneri Remane
(Miridae), Frays Farm, Middx, 26.vii.1991; Langholm, Dumf., 24.vi.1992; Kielder
Water, Northumb., 16.vi.1992; all appear to be new county records. Teratocoris caricis
Kirkaldy (Miridae), Kielder Water, Northumb., 15.vi.1992, new to Northumberland.
Saldula arenicola (Scholtz) (Saldidae), Dungeness, E. Kent, 21.v.1991. Saldula opacula
(Zett.) (Saldidae), Cliffe Marshes, W. Kent, 27.vii.1991; Ouse Washes, Cambs.,
5.vii.1992. Hebrus pusillus (Fall.) (Hebridae), Higham Marshes, W. Kent, 28.vii.1991.
Microvelia pygmaea (Duf.) (Veliidae), Dartford Marshes, W. Kent, 1.ix.1991. Agallia
brachyptera (Boh.) (Cicadellidae), Bainton Pits, Northants., 31.vii.1992. Doratura .
impudica Horvath (Cicadellidae), Brancaster, W. Norfolk, 7.ix.1991. Sagatus
punctifrons (Fall.) (Cicadellidae), Ouse Washes, Cambs., 3.viii.1992, new to
Cambridgeshire and the third British record. Macrosteles frontalis (Scott)
(Cicadellidae), Maxey South Pits, Northants., 9.viii.1992. Macrosteles
quadripunctulatus (Kirschbaum) (Cicadellidae), Thornhaugh Quarry, Northants.,
10.viii.1992; Snettisham, W. Norfolk, 7.ix.1991. Macrosteles fieberi (Edw.)
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
(Cicadellidae), Tomfat Wood, VC96, 24.vii.1992. Oliarus leporinus (1_.) (Cixiidae),
Machynys, Carm., 10.viii.1991. Trigonocranus emmeae Fieb. (Cixiidae), Brookfield
Plantation, Northants., 23.vii.1991, new to Northamptonshire. Ribautodelphax
pungens (Ribaut) (Delphacidae), Folkestone Warren, E. Kent, 21.v.1992.
Dicranotropis divergens Kirschbaum (Delphacidae), Strathfarrar, VC96, 22.vii.1992.
MENZIES, I.—Heteroptera from Surrey. Aelia acuminata (L.) (Pentatomidae),
examples swept or found in grassy areas on Bookham Common, 27.viii.1990;
Downside, Leatherhead, 22.1x.1991, and Epsom Common, 29. viii.1993. Eurydema
oleraceum (L.) (Pentatomidae), Bookham Common, 23.v.1992, and Ashtead
Common, 15.vi.1992: observed often in large numbers on both these commons in
recent years; though forms with yellow or red markings were most frequent, examples
with white markings were also seen. Favoured foodplants were yellow rocket and
white garlic mustard. Sehirus luctuosus Muls. & Rey (Cydnidae), White Hill,
Mickleham, Surrey, 3.v.1992, found in numbers on the ground under plants of forget-
me-not on the south of the hill. Thyreocoris scarabaeoides (L.) (Cydnidae), White
Hill, Mickleham, Surrey, 3.v.1992, found crawling over low plants in a woodland
clearing on the south of the hill in company with S. /uctuosus. Sciocoris cursitans
(F.) (Scutelleridae), Howell Hill Nature Reserve, Cheam, Surrey, 14.iv.1991, large
numbers found congregating gregariously in moss growing amongst grass in a chalky
field. Cimex lectularius L. (Cimicidae), St Bartholomew’s Hospital, vi.1993, found
on an outpatient’s sleeve. Oeciacus hirundinis (Jenyns) (Cimicidae), Wallington,
Surrey, x.1993, found by Dr Roger Booth on a windowsill beneath a house martin’s
nest. Gonocerus acuteangulatus (Goeze) (Coreidae): previously found only in the
immediate vicinity of Box Hill, usually in small numbers on box, this bug has been
found in recent years on both Bookham and Epsom Commons, where box is unknown.
Bookham Common; one adult beaten from holly, Hill House Wood, 14.i.1990;
examples beaten from oak (one adult), yew (one adult) and hawthorn (two adults,
one nymph), Bayfield and Eastern Plain, 27.viii.1990; three nymphs and three adults
beaten from hawthorn, Bayfield Plain, 1.ix.1990; two adults beaten from holly beneath
mature oaks, Hill House Wood, 6.iv.1991; one adult beaten from aspen, Bayfield
Plain, 22.ix.1991; three nymphs, reared to check identity, beaten from hawthorn near
Merrit’s Cottage. Epsom Common: three adults found in the vicinity of the Wells,
two beaten from wild rose and one from hawthorn, 29.viii.1993. Colour prints of
adults and nymphs of G. acuteangulatus were exhibited.
HYMENOPTERA
ARCHER, M. E.—A black and white photograph of the early stage in the
construction of a social wasp nest by a queen Dolichovespula media (Retz.). The aerial
nest was about twice the height of a standard match box and was unusual in having
two tube-like entrances on its base.
CHANDLER, P. J.—A single male of the chalcid Spilochalcis xanthostigma Dalim.
collected by sweeping low vegetation in a woodland ride in the woodland fringe
bordering the pingo pool area at Foulden Common, Norf., during the Society’s field
meeting on 8.viii.1992. The only recent previous British record was from Tilford,
Surrey, in July 1965 (Fisher, J. P., 1965, Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 101: 115), with one
definite earlier record being known, from Kings Lynn, Norf., vii.1913. According to
Ferriére & Kerrich (1958, Handbk Ident. Br Insects 8(2a): 14), it is a parasite of sawfly
larvae of the genus Arge. The only other British Chalcidinae are three species of the
genus Chalcis, which parasitize larvae of soldier flies of the genus Sfratiomys. One
176 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
of these, Chalcis sispes (L.) collected at Cothill Fen, Berks, on 1.vii.1976, was shown
for comparison.
EDMUNDs, H. A.—An unidentified vespid wasp taken at hotel lights on Cyprus
on 14.x.1993.
ELSE, G. R. & ROBERTS, S. P. M.—Twenty-two species of aculeate wasps and bees
collected on Salisbury Plain, Wilts., in 1991-93. These included the solitary bees
Andrena simillima (F.), A. marginata F. and Nomada argentata H.-S., all recorded
during July 1993 at Figheldean Down as new to Wiltshire. Further details of the
aculeates recorded during this survey will appear in an article to be published shortly
in this journal.
GODFREY, A.—A specimen of Chalcis sispes (L.) (Chalcididae) taken at Neatscout
Marshes, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, on 25.vi.1993. This species parasitizes larvae of
Stratiomys spp. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).
HALSTEAD, A. J.—Some local sawflies and aculeate wasps taken during 1993.
Cimbicidae: male Abia candens Konow collected by M. Howe, 10.vii, at Kenninghall
Fen SSSI, Norf. This is the less common of the two British Abia spp. and males of
A. candens are extremely scarce. Tenthredinidae: female Dolerus taeniatus Zaddach,
swept near a brackish stream, 27.iv, at the north end of Kenfig Burrows, near Port
Talbot, Glam.; male & female Empria candidata (Fall.), swept from birch, 15.iv,
Wisley Common, Surrey; Allantus truncatus (Klug), male 7.viii, The Sheepleas, near
West Horsley, female 26.vi, White Downs, near Westcott, both swept from chalk
grassland in Surrey; female Pareophora pruni (L.), on blackthorn flower, 30.iv, river
bank at RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey; Parna tenella (Klug), male 4.v and female 29.v,
both swept from Tilia cordata Miller at Therfield Heath, Royston, Herts; female
Pristiphora quercus (Hartig) and female Nematinus acuminatus (Thom.), both swept
from birch scrub, 20.vi, Chobham Common, Surrey; female Amauronematus crispus
Benson and female A. mundus Konow, both swept from Salix repens L., 17.iv, Horsell
Birch, near Woking, Surrey; A. histrio (Lep.) male on Salix catkin, 4.iv, Horsell
Common, Surrey; female swept 18.iv, Middle Marsh, Dinton Pastures, near Winnersh,
Plate Il. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1993
1: Lomaspilis marginata, Horton, Northants, vi.1990, P. Sharpe.
2: Ligdia adustata ab. plumbea, Brockenhurst, Hants, 29.v.1987,
B. K. West. 3: Pardasena virgulana, Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex,
27.ix.1992, M. J. Sterling. 4: Athetis hospes, St Agnes, Isles of
Scilly, 14.ix.1993, J. Hale. 5: A. hospes, Lizard, Cornwall,
26/27.viii.1978, J. Porter. 6: Schoenobius gigantella, Stoke
Saltings, Kent, 30.vii.1993, R. F. McCormick. 7: Scopula
U2 hs marginepunctata, Ryde, Isle of Wight, 22.v.1993, D. Peach. 8:
14 15 16 Chrysodeixis chalcites, Dungeness, Kent, 19.viii. 1993, S. Clancy.
9: Euproctis similis, Vilshead, Wilts., 29.vii.1993, S. Clancy. 10:
Hadena perplexa, Dungeness, Kent, 30.iv.1993, S. Clancy. 11:
Sphinx ligustri ab. albescens, Brockenhurst, Hants., 28.vi.1993,
A. Russwurm and H. Middleton. 12: Odontognophos dumetata
hibernica, Co. Clare, viil.1991, P. Forder. 13: Agrotis exclamationis, .
bilateral gynandromorph, Muston, S. E. Yorks., 30.vi.1993, P. Q.
Winter. 14: Agriphila geniculea, Kennack Sands, Cornwall, 26.viili,
1993, R. J. Heckford. 15: Pseudopanthera macularia, Virginia
Water, Surrey, 12.v.1993, P. Baker. 16: Scoparia ambigualis,
Hamstreet, Kent, 19.vi.1993, B. Skinner.
Photo: D. E. Wilson
Plate Il. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1993
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 177
Berks. Sapygidae: male Sapyga quinquepunctata (F.), on sandy ground, 24.iv, Horton,
Gower Peninsula, Glam. Sphecidae: female Philanthus triangulum F., at its nest
site in a sandy bank, 8.viii, Horsell Common, near Woking, Surrey. This is believed
to be the first Surrey record this century for this species. It preys on honeybees and
has become more widely distributed in southern and eastern England during the last
10 years.
HopcE, P. J.—A specimen of the local pompilid wasp Aporus unicolor Spin.
taken 15.viii.1993 at Ambersham Common, W. Sussex, SU9119. This species develops
as a parasitoid of the purse-web spider, Atypus affinis Eichwald, which it locates
and paralyses within the spider’s characteristic silken burrow.
MILEs, S. R.—Some scarce aculeate Hymenoptera taken in southern England in
recent years. Chrysididae: Chrysis fulgida L., 25.vi.1988, Aldershot, Hants. When
taken in 1988 this was the first UK record for 40 years. It was captured beside nest
holes of other aculeates, some of which were being visited by sphecid wasps of the
genus 7rypoxylon, in a young but rotten oak tree on the edge of heathland. Sphecidae:
Crossocerus binotatus Lep. & Brulle, 9.viii.1991, taken in the eastern, and probably
less well recorded, part of Windsor Great Park, Berks. Halictidae: Halictus confusus
Smith, 10.vii.1991, north west of Aldershot, Hants; Lasioglossum xanthopum (Kirby),
6.vi.1991, taken on Brassica flowers growing on an old rubbish dump about | mile
inland at St Merryn, Cornwall. Anthophoridae: Nomada argentata H.-S., 9.viii.1986,
on field scabious flowers at Croxton Heath, Norfolk. This species is a nest parasite
of the bee Andrena marginata F, which is frequent at this site. Megachilidae: Sfelis
punctulatissima (Kirby), 4.viii.1990, swept from the herbage along the former railway
line in a military training area at Longmoor, near Liss, Hants. This species is a nest
parasite of the solitary bee Anthidium manicatum (L.)
ORAM, R.—Some aculeate Hymenoptera collected in a Leatherhead, Surrey,
garden during 1993. In addition to some unidentified material these were Vespidae:
Vespula germanica (F.), V. vulgaris (L.); Sphecidae: Ectemnius continuus (F.), Cerceris
rybyensis (L.); Andrenidae: Andrena fulva (Miller), female and larvae, A. scotica
Perkins, A. pubescens Ol.; Halictidae: Halictus rubicundus (Christ); Megachilidae:
Osmia rufa (L.); Anthophoridae: Nomada flava Panz., N. marshamella (Kirby).
PLANT, C. W.—A specimen of Nomada xanthosticta (Kirby) (Anthophoridae)
collected by the exhibitor (det. P. Harvey) 17.iv.1987 at Brandon, Suffolk. This rare
bee is a cleptoparasite of the mining bee Andrena praecox (Scop.), a relatively
widespread species associated with sallow, Salix spp. on which it is dependent for
pollen. The only other recent records for N. xanthosticta are Dungeness, Kent 1988;
Swindon, Wilts., 1989 and Burbage, Wilts., 1990. Prior to this it was found in
Oxfordshire in 1949. The only previous Suffolk record was a single sighting in the
previous century. The only record for the adjacent county of Norfolk was also in
the last century.
UFFEN, R. W. J.—Some aculeate bees and wasps collected in Hertfordshire
1992-93. Probable first county records collected from sand bunkers on golf courses:
male Andrena barbilabris (Kirby), 24.v.1993, male Sphecodes pellucidus Smith
27.vii.1992 at Therfield Heath, Royston; female A. barbilabris (Kirby), worker
Lasioglossum malachura (Kirby) and female S. pellucidus Smith, all 5.vii.1993 at
Watford; L. malachura (Kirby) was also taken at Letchworth, 28.viii.1993, while a
sphecid wasp, female Cerceris arenaria (L.) was taken 4.vii.1993 at Watford. Probable
first county records from other artificial sandy sites are Anoplius concinnus (Dahl.)
(Pompilidae), both sexes from a deep sand pit beneath boulder clay, 21-28.viii.1993,
Holwell, Hitchin; male Crossocerus wesmaeli (V. d. Lind) (Sphecidae), 5.viii.1993,
from a quarry spoil bank of pure sand at Parkbury, St Albans. Probable first county
178 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
records from gravel heaths are Andrena fuscipes (Kirby), both sexes Nomansland
Common, Wheathampstead, 18.viti.1992 and Berkhamsted Common golf course (no
sand bunkers there), 17.viii.1993. Also shown were examples of the social wasp
Dolichovespula media (Retz.), male 20.viii.1993, Watton-at-Stone, light and dark
workers 15.vii.1993, Welwyn, queen 16.ix.1992 sitting on an empty nest, Nomansland;
a male Anthidium manicatum (L.) (Megachilidae) taken 15.viii.1993 by Enid Evans
in her Berkhamsted garden, apparently the only record in Herts. since 1933.
WALKER, D. H.—A series of a chafer wasp, Campsomeriella thoracica F.
(Scoliidae), collected in Saudi Arabia, showing both males and females. The latter
are about twice the size of the males and differ markedly in appearance. The sexes
also differ in their habits; the males frequent flowers while the females patrol areas
of short turf. The females somehow locate chafer beetle larvae under the turf and
then lay a single egg on the grub. The wasp larva feeds as an ectoparasite on the
chafer grub.
ORTHOPTERA
CRONIN, A. R.—Three unidentified grasshoppers collected February 1993 in San
Pablo in the Phillipines.
MENZIES, I.—Some recently observed sites for the cone-head crickets in north-east
Surrey. The short-winged cone-head, Conocephalus dorsalis (Lat.): 12.viii.1992
colonies found at three separate sites on Bookham Common; 19.viii.1993 a large
colony seen in a relatively dry grassy area on Epsom Common; 22.vii.1990 a small
colony observed in a grassy area with Juncus and bracken alongside Penn Pond,
Richmond Park. The long-winged cone-head, Conocephalus discolor (Thunb.):
12.viii. 1990 a male observed in grass near Merrit’s Cottage, Bookham Common, also
a colony has been found on the Western Plain and noted to be thriving in the summer
of 1993; 22.ix.1991 a colony at Downside, south of Leatherhead; 21.viii.1993 a small
colony in a grassy clearing of Caen Wood, Ashtead Common; 30.viii.1993, a single
adult male found amongst grass at Howell Hill Nature Reserve, Cheam; 26.viii.1993
a single adult male in a grassy area of Warren Farm field, Nonsuch Park, Cheam.
NEUROPTERA
HALSTEAD, A. J.—A single specimen of the widespread but scarce lacewing
Drepanepteryx phalaenoides (L.) (Hemerobiidae). This was swept at the margin of
deciduous woodland and chalk meadow at The Sheepleas, near West Horsley, Surrey,
on 7.vili.1993.
REPTILIA
WALKER, D. H.—A desiccated specimen of a hatchling hawk-billed turtle,
Eremochelys imbricata, found dead in sand dunes at Rastanura, Saudi Arabia, in 1986.
ILLUSTRATIONS
CLARKE, J.—A series of photographs of an attempt to breed Bembecia
chrysidiformis (Esp.), including adults, eggs, larvae and pupae. Moths were artificially
fed on sugar solution each morning then placed in a cage containing a mature great
water dock and the cage placed in direct sunshine. The female began calling as soon
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 179
as the sun came out, the male responded to this by frantic waving of antennae and
approaches to the female. It took two days before a pairing occurred and they only
remained in copula for between one and two hours. The female began laying mostly
on the dorsum of the leaves, close to the midrib, some were also laid on the stem
of the inflorescence. Only two larvae were observed to hatch although many of the
other ova had clearly hatched, probably unobserved overnight. These two crawled
down to the base of the plant and vanished, hopefully into the rootstock. There is
at present no evidence of the presence of the larvae in the now overwintering rootstock
of the dock. Only time will determine the success of this project.
CoopER, K.—A selection of colour prints, mainly 12” x 16”. The following three
prints were from Kodachrome slides taken in Lanzarote. Diachrysia orichalcea (F.),
the slender burnished brass, Hyles lineata (F.), the striped hawk-moth and Colias
croceus (Geoff.). The remainder were taken at Abbeywood House, Nottinghamshire.
Hypsopygia costalis (F.), Dioryctria mutatella (Fuchs), Orthopygia glaucinalis (L.),
Lozotaeniodes formosanus (Gey.), Pandemis corylana (F.), Crambus lathoniellus
(Zinck), Agriphila tristella (D.&S.), Agriphila inquinatella (D.&S.), Rhyacionia
pinicolana (Doubl.), Catoptria pinella (L.), Udea ferrugalis (Hiibn.), and Platyptilia
gonodactyla (D.&S.).
JONES, R. A.—Various photographs and accompanying text. An aberration of the
comma butterfly, Polygonia c-album (L.), in which the white comma mark was
developed into the shape of a ‘p’. The pupa of the tortoise beetle Cassida viridis L.,
allegedly showing its resemblance to a lace-wing. Ants, Lasius niger (L.), apparently
feeding directly on plant sap oozing from the damaged leaves of the garden plant
Ligularia dentata (Gray) Hara. The ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata L. which
had somehow been induced to form bilobed inflorescences. A congregation of
unidentified creatures which might be insect larvae, resembling flattened millipedes,
found under a rotten log in Guatemala, Central America.
LEWINGTON, R.—Original paintings from forthcoming books on Lepidoptera; The
moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland (MBGBI) Vol. 3 plate
2— Yponomeutinae, Harley Books, 1994; MBGBI Vol. 3—larval cases of
Coleophoridae, C. lixella Zell., C. albidella (D.&S.), C. bernoulliella Goeze, C.
currucipennella Zell. and C. ibipennella Zell.; The butterflies of the West Indies and
South Florida, Plate 7—Nymphalidae, OUP, 1994; A field guide to the butterflies
of Britain and Europe, plate 16—Pieridae, Colias libanotica, C. balcanica and C.
myrmidone, Collins 1995.
Morris, R.—Two boards presenting details of progress on the Surrey Hoverfly
Scheme, including tetrad maps of Cheilosia nigripes (Meig.), C. soror (Zett.), and
Episyrphus balteatus (Deg.).
PORTER, J., SKINNER, B., COLLINS, G. & CHURCH, S. H.—The provisional text
pages and type of plates to be used in the hopefully forthcoming publication of an
illustrated guide to the caterpillars of the British Isles, supported by photographs of
over 840 different larvae that will be used in the book. A series of views of the triangle
moth, Heterogenea asella (D.&S.) larva, with notes on its life-cycle.
REVELS, R.—A selection of photographs of British butterflies and other wild life
from the extensive library of this well known wild life photographer.
UFFEN, R. W. J.—Photographs of Metriotes lutarea (Haw.) on a flower of its
foodplant, Stellaria holostea L. and of larvae with their cases consisting of empty
seedheads, from Belhus Wood, Aveley, Essex. Cases appeared 10/15.vi.1993.
WALKER, D. H.—Entitled ‘‘The fight for survival’’, a photograph of the breeding
ground in Saudi Arabia of the hawk-billed turtle, Eretmocheyls imbricata. Another
photograph showed an oil refinery. The female turtle lays up to 500 eggs in the sand
180 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
dunes. The large number permits a few young turtles to successfully run the gauntlet
of predators and adverse weather conditions to reach the sea. Man’s love of the
motorcar has added yet another burden by loss of habitat. The National Commission
for Wildlife Conservation and Development have taken active steps to help wildlife
in the kingdom.
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Pandivirilia (Psilocephala) melaleuca (Loew) (Diptera: Therevidae) new to
Gloucestershire.—A therevid larva was found while searching through cuboidal red-
rotten heartwood in a fallen oak trunk in Hailey Wood, Cirencester Park, Glos.,
(SO962003), on 26.i1i.1993. The only therevid known to breed in this situation in
Britain is Pandivirilia melaleuca. The red-rot was extensively galleried but little else
was found other than a few beetles—Cis pygmaeus (Marsh.) and Mycetophagus piceus
(F.), species which are well-known to breed in this situation. The fungal agency is
likely to have been Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull. ex Fr.).
This fly has mainly been recorded from the Windsor Forest area, but Allen (1981)
has reported finding a larva in Greenwich Park in March 1980, also in red-rot in
an old oak. At Windsor, it mainly breeds in red-rotten oak, but has occasionally been
found in rotten beech and once in ash (Owen, 1993).
In addition to my own, I am aware of a number of other recent records of therevid
larvae from rotten heartwood: Richmond Park, Surrey, in very dry powdery rotten
oak exposed after the 1987 gale (Owen, 1993); one in a fallen oak in Bushy Park,
Middlesex, J. A. Owen and P. J. Hodge (in Owen, 1993); one in a moribund pollard
ash at a Worcestershire locality, 11.iii1.1989 (P. F. Whitehead, pers. comm.), and A.
P. Fowles (pers. comm.) has found what also appears to be a therevid larva within
red-rot in an oak at a locality in Cardiganshire. It begins to seem that this rare relict
old forest species actually occurs across a large area of southern Britain. The recent
spate of records perhaps reflects an increased interest in Diptera by coleopterists—the
larval habitat is one more likely to be investigated for beetles than for flies!
I would like to record my thanks to Alan Stubbs for his comments on my
larva, to Martin Drake for information from the Larger Brachycera Recording
Scheme, and to Paul Whitehead and Adrian Fowles for permission to mention their
records.—K. N. A. Alexander, 14 Partridge Way, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
GL7 1BQ.
REFERENCES
Allen, A. A. 1981. Psilocephala melaleuca (Loew) (Dipt., Therevidae) apparently surviving in
S.E. London. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 117: 256.
Owen, J. A. 1993. Rearing Psilocephala melaleuca (Loew) (Diptera: Therevidae) from larvae. ©
Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 105: 257-259.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
HAWK-MOTHS IN HONG KONG, APRIL 1993,
WITH ECOLOGICAL NOTES
P. WARING AND R. C. THOMAS
1366 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 6LS
AND K. H. K. LI
A5 2/F Jubilee Gardens, Tan Kwai Tsuen Road, Hung Shui Kiu,
Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong
Hong Kong and the New Territories have been much in the news recently because they
are due to revert to Chinese rule in 1997 and preparations for this are now underway.
The city skyscrapers in Hong Kong are famous. The large tracts of native vegetation,
though mostly secondary and greatly affected by man, hold much of interest
entomologically, but the existence of these areas is so little known outside the country
that it comes as a surprise to many that they exist at all. Some areas have been set aside
for nature conservation and it is to be hoped that these will not be adversely affected by
the change in administration. During annual leave in Hong Kong in April 1993, we were
able to visit some of these areas and see the wildlife they support, including the moths.
From 5 to 18 April 1993, we were able to operate a Robinson pattern 125-W mercury
vapour light trap on a total of ten nights at five sites within Hong Kong Island and the
New Territories. We recorded a great many species of moths and representative
specimens were collected, most of which will need to be set and even dissected before
they can be identified. Anticipating that this will take some time, this paper
concentrates on the hawk-moths (Sphingidae) that we encountered.
The hawk-moths of Hong Kong were reviewed recently by Tennent (1992) who
light-trapped in Hong Kong over a period of 18 months from June 1989 to November
1990, recording 63 species. We are able to contribute the following additional records.
In addition to light-trapping, we made brief searches for eggs and larvae. A total
of 16 species of hawk-moths was recorded during our visit and one new species is
added to the list published by Tennent. Hawk-moths were recorded from sites
additional to those covered by Tennent, including the mangrove swamps at Mai
Po and coastal scrub-land at Long Harbour in the New Territories. During our
visit we met up with Mr Kent Li who joined us for visits to Mai Po and the woodland
at Tai Po Kau. Kent has a mercury vapour light but no light trap. Since 1986 he has
paid a number of visits to outdoor lights in various locations in the New Territories
and has found and reared the early stages of a number of species. Drawing on this
experience he has kindly provided background material on the species we encountered
and this is included here.
REPULSE BAY, HONG KONG ISLAND
Our initial base on arrival in Hong Kong was a thirteenth-storey apartment in a
tower block overlooking Repulse Bay and backing on to a hill-side covered in native
scrub. The hill-side rose above the tower block and the vegetation was within 100 m
horizontally from the balcony of our apartment. The Robinson light trap was operated
on the balcony all night on the nights of 8 and 9 April. A number of different moth
species were seen amongst the scrub during day-time walks but only four moths reached
the light trap. These included a noctuid and a pyralid on 8 April and a geometrid
and a pyralid on 9 April. No hawk-moths were seen and no moths at all on 7 April
which was cool, wet and windy.
182 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
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LANTAU
ISLAND
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TAI PO KAU SPECIAL AREA, NEW TERRITORIES
On the nights of 10 and 18 April the light trap was operated from dusk onwards in
the woodland at Tai Po Kau (Fig. 2). This is widely considered the most well-developed
and species-rich woodland in Hong Kong in terms of native trees and shrubs (Thrower,
1984) and is designated a Special Conservation Area by the Government of Hong
Kong. Even this woodland is not primary forest however. The woodland has a long
history of management and large areas of the original tropical broad-leaved woodland,
dominated by oaks and laurels, were cleared and planted with crops of South China
pine, Pinus massoniana Lam., Eucalyptus and other introduced species in the 1940s
and 1950s. The conifers have largely failed and native broad-leaved trees have grown
up in their shelter in the meantime, some reaching in excess of 10m in height. On
both visits the light trap was operated in an area cleared as a picnic site among the
trees, about 100 m from the guard post at the entrance to the reserve. The weather
was mild and calm on both nights and moths began to arrive as soon as darkness
&
fell—about 19.15 hrs. There was greatest moth activity between dusk and 21.00 hrs .
after which there was a noticeable decrease in the rate at which new individuals arrived
at the trap. On the first night we packed up at 22.00 hrs, by which time activity had
dropped to a low ebb. On the second night we continued until 22.30 hrs, at which
time few moths were arriving, although new species were still being added. A total
of 33 individuals of five species of hawk-moths were recorded at the trap. The numbers
of each species are shown in the accompanying Table.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 2. Light trap in woodlands at Tai Po Kau, New Territories.
MIKE BASCOMBE’S GARDEN, HONG LOK YUEN, NEW TERRITORIES
The light trap was only operated here on the night of 10 April. We set the trap
up at 22.15 hrs after returning from our first trapping session at nearby Tai Po Kau.
The trap was operated till dawn and in the morning contained about 30 moths, mostly
pyralids, but including two hawk-moths. The garden was one of a large number on
a compound laid out much like a western housing estate. The gardens contain a mixture
of grass lawns, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees of a range of native and introduced
species. The gardens were predominantly open and heavily managed. Mike’s garden
contained a large specimen of the white orchid tree Michelia alba de Candolle which
probably originates from Malaysia but is now widely cultivated in private gardens
in Hong Kong.
WARDHAVEN BUNGALOW, EAST ARM, LONG HARBOUR,
SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK, NEW TERRITORIES
From 13 April to the morning of 16 April we stayed at Wardhaven, a private ba)
with a single bungalow and boat house on the coast, at the foot of a hillside largely
denuded of trees and shrubs but with a selection of both in the compound around
the bungalow. The light trap was operated all night on each of the three nights.
MAI PO MARSHES WWE NATURE RESERVE, NEW TERRITORIES
The light trap was operated on this nature reserve from before dusk until dawn
on the night of 16 April and from 20.45 hrs (2 hours after dusk) until dawn on
17 April. Mai Po is a nature reserve of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Hong
Kong) and is internationally important as a feeding ground for migrant birds on
184 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
passage between Siberia and Australasia. It consists of coastal mangrove swamp and
a system of man-made shrimp ponds or ‘geiwais’ and fishponds that have been
managed for several decades but are now largely abandoned (Irving & Morton, 1988).
It is the most extensive area of wetland in Hong Kong and the only substantial
area of mangroves remaining. The light trap was operated on a 50m cable from
outbuildings at the education centre adjacent both to reed beds of Phragmites australis
(Cav.) Steudel and a large block of mangrove trees, principally Kandelia candel (L.)
Druce.
RESULTS
The species, numbers of individuals recorded and their sites and dates are given
in the accompanying Table.
Table of results.
Date: April 7-9 10 10 13 14 15 16 17 18
Site RB We IBN — ILIel LH LH MP MP TPK
Cechenena aegrota — 12 — — — — — 15
Acosmeryx shervillii — 1 — — — D
1
Marumba dyras — — 1
Theretra suffusa — = —
Hippotion rosetta —_ = —
Leucophlebia lineata — = =
Theretra pallicosta — — =
Macroglossum fritzei ==— — — =
Clanis bilineata — = = = peas
Agrius convolvuli — = = == = _— = 1 EN
Theretra clotho — — — — = = a. 1 =
Theretra latreilli — _— — = = oe as = 1
Pergesa acteus _— — — = — = = = 1
Eupanacra mydon — = = — is = hes — 1
(larva)
Sataspes infernalis — — — = _— = ae = (eae
(ova)
Macroglossum corythus luteata—one at light on Victoria Peak 23 April (A. Galsworthy)
Site codes: RB = Repulse Bay; TPK = Tai Po Kau; HLY = Hong Lok Yuen; LH = Long Harbour;
MP = Mai Po.
OBSERVATIONS
The moths were all in generally good condition and appeared to be freshly emerged.
Early April in Hong Kong is usually the beginning of the early summer rains. January
and February are normally dry, rainfall is light in March but increases through the
months from April to October, in any of which from May to October there may be
typhoons and heavy rain. In 1993 the weather had been drier than usual, little rain
in March, a few showers in early April and we did not encounter heavy rain until ©
the last week of our stay.
Agrius convolyuli (L., 1758)
Norman Tong, a friend of Kent Li, has reared this species from larvae collected on
an Ipomoea sp. and has reared them in captivity on morning glory Ipomoea spp.
«
*
in
& : mh.
' (ae
a
* §
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 125
(K. L. comm.). One member of this plant genus was common and flowering in
profusion at Mai Po where we recorded our only sighting of this hawk-moth. The
moth was in very good condition, probably freshly emerged, and sitting within the
trap in the morning. Tennent (1992, 1993) found the moth fairly widespread but
sporadic in Hong Kong, with emergences also noted in October, and reports that
both Mike Bascombe and James Young have reared it from Jacquemontia paniculata
(Burm. f.) Hall. f. (Convolvulaceae).
Clanis bilineata bilineata (Walk., 1866)
Tennent made the interesting observation that this species generally comes to
light rather late in the night, mainly after midnight (some six hours after dusk
in Hong Kong) and that the moth was regularly seen flying between 04.00 hrs and
dawn. Our specimen from Long Harbour, Sai Kung, was taken in a light trap that
was operated all night. K. L. found a mating pair in copulation on Pueraria
lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Leguminosae), a common climber, on 19 April 1991 on an
open slope covered extensively with the larval foodplant, near the Outdoor Recreation
Centre, Sai Kung. Previously K. L. had found an adult on 5 May 1988 at the lights
of the toilet building at Hok Tau in woodland. K. L. was given a larva found by
Professor Shigerue A. Ae on 19 June 1993 on P. /obata at Ng Tung Chai. The larva
was feeding on a leaf when found and was 75 mm in length. It pupated on | July
after a pre-pupation period of seven days and the adult emerged at 20.00 hrs on
15 July 1993.
Leucophlebia lineata Westw., 1847
The singleton we recorded, in the light trap at Long Harbour, was extremely worn.
Tennent (1992) found the moth not at all common in Hong Kong, with adults in
April, May and August.
Marumba dyras dyras (Walk., 1856)
One of the commonest hawk-moths in Hong Kong (Plate III, Fig. 1), according
to Tennent, who reports it being found as an adult in every month from March
to October. K. L. found six larvae on the undersides of leaves on several trees of
Hibiscus mutabilis L. (Malvaceae) on 8 October 1988 on the Aberdeen Reservoir Road
and a larva 25 mm in length on Microcos paniculata L. (Tiliaceae) on 1 May 1991
at Pak Long Tsuen. The latter formed a pupa on | June and the adult emerged
on 24 June 1991. Young (in Tennent, 1992) has also reared larvae on both these
foodplants in Hong Kong. The moth turned up every night at Wardhaven, in fresh
condition, and was probably breeding nearby. We did not see it at Tai Po Kau, even
though Tennent (1992) had 61 individuals there and we had one at nearby Hong Lok
Yuen, so possibly it flies fairly late and is less likely to be recorded unless the trap
is operated most of the night.
Plate III.
Fig. 1. Marumba dyras, one of the commonest hawk-moths in Hong Kong. Fig. 2. Lary a of
Eupanacra mydon. Fig. 3. Theretra pallicosta at Long Harbour light trap, Sai Kung. Fig. 4.
Pergesa acteus from light of public lavatory at Tai Po Kau woodlands.
186 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 3. Paul Waring and Kent Li examining bush of Dalbergia benthami and finding the eggs
of the carpenter bee mimic Sataspes infernalis.
Sataspes infernalis Westw., 1848
Seven eggs which proved to be this species were collected by K. L. on our visit
together to the woodland at Tak Po Kau on 17 April 1993. We found about a dozen
in a short search and could undoubtedly have found others. Those not needed by
K. L. were left in situ. We had persuaded K. L. to deviate from his usual route through
the wood and climb further up the slopes. When we came upon a large bush of
Dalbergia benthami Prain (Leguminosae) growing on the edge of a surfaced forest
road (Fig. 3) K. L. showed us the technique he has used successfully to find the eggs
and larvae of S. tagalica which he had found in eleven separate locations up to that
point. He simply turns the leaves over one by one much as one would do for larvae
of the broad-bordered bee hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis (L., 1758) in Britain, and
the preferred situation of the larval foodplant growing in full sun is evidently
much the same. The large green eggs were found and assumed to be those of
S. tagalica, but on rearing by K. L. proved to be S. infernalis, the first time the species
has been recorded in Hong Kong. The first two larvae hatched on 21 April and the
rest on 22 April, pupation dates ranged from 26 May to 3 June, and the adults emerged
between 3 and 20 June 1993. K. L. has a series of photographs and notes of his
experience with this species and intends to publish the material in due course
(Li, in prep.).
S. infernalis was recorded by Mell (1922: 203), uncommonly, from the area around
Guangzhou, China, adjacent to Hong Kong, and there are specimens in the Natural
History Museum, London, from there. Although it was not seen in Hong Kong during
Tennent’s study, Tennent (1992) could see no reason why it should not occur there.
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 4. Rachel Thomas and Kent Li finding larva of Eupanacra mydon on underside of leaf
of Alocasia odora, Tai Po Kau woodlands.
Acosmeryx shervillii Boisd., 1875 form pseudonaga Butler, 1881
We only saw this moth at Tai Po Kau, where it turned up on both visits, but not
elsewhere on the dates in between. Tennent (1992) found it at three additional
localities and considered it common and widespread. It is shown in D’Abrera (1987)
as A. socrates form socrates Boisd. from which it is easily distinguished by the median
dark grey triangles on the underside of the abdomen (Kitching in Tennent, 1992).
Like those of Tennent, ours are of the dark form pseudonaga.
Eupanacra mydon mydon (Walk., 1856)
This species was not seen in numbers during Tennent’s light trapping but was noted
nectaring in the evening and after dawn, so it may well be under-represented at light.
K. L. considers the species common on the edges of densely wooded places, the borders
of the reservoirs and on abandoned farmland that has been encroached by woody
plants. Bascombe, Young and K. L. have found and reared the larva on A/ocasia
odora Koch (Araceae). K. L. finds that the eggs occur mainly on plants by roadsides
and other edges of woodland but not on plants within dense stands of trees or amongst
thick undergrowth. We found a larva in the woodland at Tai Po Kau by turning
over the large leaves of the known foodplant, which was growing on the bank
of a stream by a bridge, shaded overhead by mature trees. The larva was at rest
along the midrib near the tip of the leaf with its head just below the tip. We
photographed the larva and left it in situ (Plate III, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4). K. L. found
four eggs and a larva (19 mm in length) the previous year, on 4 July 1992, in woodland
by the Aberdeen Reservoir Road. One larva pupated on 15 July and the adult emerged
on 28 July 1992.
188 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Macroglossum fritzei Rothschild and Jordan, 1903
Tennent (1992) found that some Macroglossum species, such as M. fritzei, were
more frequently seen at light traps than nectaring at flowers. Others are seen in
numbers at dusk and dawn visiting flowers such as the golden tear-drop, Duranta
repens L., and the introduced Lantana camara L. (both Verbenaceae), the latter
of which was flowering in profusion during our visit. Both our specimens of M. fritzei
were recorded at light after dark, the one at Tai Po Kau flying in at 20.00 hrs,
but we saw none at Lantana.
Macroglossum corythus luteata (Butler, 1875)
M. corythus can be confused with M. sylvia (Boisd.) and M. semifasciata
(Hampson). However semifasciata has a rather obvious black spot near the base
of the forewing. The underside of the abdomen in M. corythus is light brown with
small white flecks at the side of the segments. In M. sylvia the underside of the
abdomen is dark chocolate brown with broad whitish or cream patches at the sides
(I. Kitching, pers. comm.).
Both Bascombe (in Tennent, 1992) and K. L. have found larvae in the wild on
Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. (Rubiaceae), commonly known as the chicken-manure
creeper, a vine with a distinctive purple and mauve flower, a foul smell, and a habit
of growing up over bushes in many habitats.
Hippotion rosetta (Swinhoe, 1892)
H. rosetta is shown in D’ Abrera (1987) as H. depictum Dupont, 1941, which was
synonymized by Holloway (1987). Tennent (1992) points out that it can be difficult
to distinguish H. rosetta from H. boerhaviae (F.) and H. rafflesii (Butler) and that
the latter is more common than H. rosetta in Hong Kong. Our single H. rosetta
taken at Long Harbour has been confirmed by Ian Kitching, who points out that
H. boerhaviae has longer thinner forewings, more contrast in the patterning of the
forewings, deeper red hindwings and a strong and rather obvious pinkish or white
line along the mid-line on the underside of the abdomen (shown in D’Abrera, 1987).
It is much less frequently found in degraded habitats than H. rosetta and has not
been recorded for certain from Hong Kong (Tennent, 1992). H. rafflesii can be
distinguished by the orange anal angle of its hindwing.
Theretra clotho clotho (Drury, 1773)
Tennent found this a common and widespread species with adults from April to
October and reports that the larva has been found and reared by Mike and Freida
Bascombe on Saurauia tristyla de Candolle (Actinidiaceae) in Hong Kong. K. L. has
also found the species commonly, with adults from April to November. K. L. informs
that Norman Tong found eggs on common grape Vitis vinifera L. at Luk Keng and
more recently on S. tristyla on 23 August 1992 at Ho Chung and reared these to adult.
Mr Tong also found a full-grown larva on S. tristyla on 1 August 1992 at Jubilee
Reservoir. This was reared to adult, pupating on 7 August and emerging on 21 August
1992. We only saw one individual, in good condition, at Mai Po on our penultimate
night of trapping, and suspect the emergence period was just beginning.
Theretra latreillii lucasii (Walk., 1856)
Tennent found this species to be common and widespread but does not give the
dates of appearance. K. L. has encountered singletons under lights at Tan Kwai Tsuen,
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 129
near Yuen Long in September 1987 and October 1988 and a third at Hok Tau
on 24 April 1988. K. L. found a second instar larva on Ludwigia caryophylla
(Lam.) Merr. & Metc. (Onagraceae) (plant det. confirmed by the herbalist
Mr Lee Ning Hong) on 2 May 1992 at Ho Chung in Sai Kung. The plants were
growing as weeds in wet muddy fields among rows of ginger-lily Hedychium
coronarium J. Koenig cultivated for its fragrant flowers. This larva was reared
and burrowed to pupate on 18 May, the adult emerging on 1 June 1992. On
5 October 1992 some eggs were found by K. L. on Columella corniculata (Benth.)
Merr. (Vitaceae) (plant det. confirmed by the Hong Kong herbarium) together
with a yellowish first instar larva 9mm in length found on the young reddish
leaves. As the larva grew it turned at first reddish and matched the leaves, then
turned brown in the third instar. The larva pupated on 7 November and emerged
on 22 November 1992. In addition larvae have been found and reared on Ampelopsis
brevipedunculata Koehne (Vitaceae) by Norman Tong. The latter plant is a very
common species. Bascombe (in Tennent, 1992) has also reared larvae on this plant
and several others.
Theretra suffusa (Walk., 1856)
We saw a Single fresh specimen of this species, at Long Harbour. Tennent (1992)
records 58 individuals at Pak Shak O, which, like Long Harbour, is on the Sai Kung
peninsula, but he only saw one or two at other localities.
Theretra pallicosta (Walk., 1856)
Tennent found this species to be widespread throughout Hong Kong, with adults
from April to September but never saw the insect in any numbers. K. L. has only
seen the adult once during several years of inspecting outdoor lights in a variety of
locations. His specimen was taken in Tan Kwai Tusen, Yuen Long, on | June 1987
at a fluorescent light in a garage. K. L. found a single larva on Aporusa chinensis
(Champ.) Merr. (Euphorbiaceae) in mid-May in the Fung Shui woodland of Pak Long
Tsuen, Lung Kwu Tan, and fourteen eggs on a small stand of the same species of
plant on 3 July 1993 on the Aberdeen Reservoir Road. These were reared and the
adults emerged in August. We saw only one adult (Plate III, Fig. 3) and on only
one of the three consecutive nights of trapping at Long Harbour. The specimen is
in good but not fresh condition although some of the wear may have been due to
activity within the confines of the trap.
Pergesa acteus (Cramer, 1779)
Tennent encountered only nine adults during his 18 month survey but found it in
a variety of habitats and sites including to the light of a block of flats. K. L. considers
the species widespread and has noted it at lights in habitats ranging from woodland
to abandoned agricultural land, including Tan Kwai Tsuen, near Yuen Long where
the moth has been noted at fluorescent lights in April, June and October. Both
M. Bascombe and K. L. have found and reared the larvae on A/ocasia odora (Araceae)
which is a fairly common plant that is often found by forest paths and the concreted
paths that run between villages, preferring shady, moist situations by trees. K. L.
found four larvae under leaves of a single plant by one such village path. The single
adult (Plate III, Fig. 4) that we saw was encountered not at the light trap but on
the lighted wall of the public lavatory by the roadside on the edge of the woodland
at Tai Po Kau (Fig. 5).
190 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
Fig. 5. Kent Li and Paul Waring collecting moths at night at lights of a public lavatory
at Tai Po Kau woodlands.
Cechenena aegrota (Butler, 1875)
Although the flight season of C. aegrota was obviously well underway at the
Tai Po Kau woodlands during the whole of our stay, it was interestng that it was
not seen at any of the other sites except nearby Hong Lok Yuen. Tennent (1992)
recorded it at seven widely scattered sites from the Sai Kung peninsula in the east
to Lantau island in the west but our total of 27 in two nights is almost equal to his
total of 33 for Tai Po Kau in 27 nights over an 18 month period. This suggests that
our visit coincided with the peak emergence of this species.
K. L. has collected adults in April and July at Tai Po Kau, Hok Tau and Sai Kung
Country Park. He found two eggs and two larvae in the woodlands at Tai Po Kau
on wild coffee, Psychotria rubra Poir. (Rubiaceae), a common shrub which grows
in shade on forest margins and paths at this site.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the following: John Tennent, for his helpful advice in
planning our trip; our main hosts and travelling companions Chris and Carole Baker
for all their help and hospitality which made our visit to Hong Kong so pleasant and
interesting; Mike and Freida Bascombe for their generous hospitality and the loan
of a light trap and generator; Tony and Jan Galsworthy for their hospitality, help
with logistics, loan of trapping equipment and assistance with identifications;
Dorothy Li for the hospitality at the family home; Lew Young and all the staff of
BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 191
WWE at Mai Po for enabling our work on the reserve and the Agriculture and Fisheries
Department of the Hong Kong Government for permission to collect in Tai Po Kau
and the Sai Kung country park. Back in the UK we would like to thank David Carter,
Martin Honey and Malcolm Scoble for access to the collections of the Natural History
Museum, London, and Ian Kitching for checking the identifications and current
nomenclature of difficult moth species. We are grateful to the library staff of the
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford and those of English Nature,
Peterborough, for assistance with the current nomenclature of the host-plants. Special
thanks are due to Kent Li, not only for his notes on the above species and for his
company in the field but also for providing insights into life and entomology in Hong
Kong, which we, as visitors, would otherwise have missed.
REFERENCES
D’Abrera, B. 1987. Sphingidae Mundi—Hawk moths of the World. Classey, Faringdon.
Holloway, J. D. 1987. The moths of Borneo. Part 3. London.
Irving, R. & Morton, B. 1988. A geography of the Mai Po Marshes. World Wide Fund for
Nature, Hong Kong.
Li, K. H. K. (in prep.) Some observations on the life history of Sataspes infernalis and S. tagalaca
(Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) reared in Hong Kong.
Mell, R. 1922. Beitrdge zur Fauna Sinica (II). Biologie und Systematik der stid-chinesischen
Sphingiden. Zugleich ein Versuch einer Biologie tropischer Lepidopteren tiberhaupt. Berlin.
(Translated excerpts provided by Kent Li.)
Tennent, W. J. 1992. The hawk-moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) of Hong Kong and south-east
China. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 104: 88-112, Spls.
Tennent, W. J. 1993. The hawk-moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) of Hong Kong and south-east
China. Corrigenda. Entomoglist’s Rec. J. Var. 105: 26.
Thrower, S. L. 1984. Hong Kong Country Parks. Government Information Services, Hong Kong.
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Some sawfly host plants not listed by Benson.—Robert Benson wrote the Royal
Entomological Society of London’s key to the Symphyta in the ‘‘Handbooks for the
Identification of British Insects’’ series. It was published as Volume VI part 2 in three
parts, section a (1951), section b (1952) and section c (1958). Section a has been
reprinted with minor revisions by J. Quinlan and I. D. Gauld in 1981. Benson’s key
listed the larval host plants that were known to him; the following additional records are
based on sawfly larvae collected and reared by the author, except where otherwise stated.
Athalia cornubiae Benson. Benson lists this as larva unknown in section b but adds
the host plant as Sedum album L. in a supplement to section c. This plant is thought
to be native in only a few places in the Malvern Hills and Somerset but is found widely
elsewhere on old walls and buildings. There are very few records of the sawfly. On
9.x.91 a specimen of a garden hybrid Sedum ‘coral carpet’ was received at the R.H.S.
Garden from a private garden in Pinner, Middx. The plant was being severely
defoliated by large numbers of greenish-grey larvae. These went down into the soil
in the rearing jar a few days later but no adults emerged in the following year. They
were of the Athalia type and there is little doubt that they were cornubiae.
Caliroa cerasi (L.) has black, slimy slug-like larvae that are commonly known as
pear and cherry slugworms. They can be found grazing away the upper leaf surface
of many woody plants in the Rosaceae family. Benson lists Pyrus and Prunus species
192 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994
as the main hosts, plus Amygdalus, Cydonia, Crataegus, Mespilus, Rosa, Rubus and
Sorbus species, with two non-Rosaceae genera, Quercus and Salix. To these can be
added the following records of larvae feeding on plants, all of which are in the
Rosaceae family: Amelanchier lamarckii at the R.H.S. Garden, Wisley, Surrey, on
15.ix.93; Pyracantha ‘Mohave’ planted outside the Pelham-Clinton building at Dinton
Pastures Country Park, Hurst, Berks., on 18.ix.93; Cotoneaster horizontalis in a
private garden at Royston, Herts., on 26.x.75.
Tenthredo zona Klug. Benson describes this as sparingly common south-east of
the Wash/Severn line, mainly on dry heaths and chalk downs, but gives no host plant.
On 2.vi.90 two larvae were found feeding on the foliage of perforate St John’s wort,
Hypericum perforatum L., growing in chalk grassland at White Downs, near
Westcott, Surrey. They went down into the soil on 4—5.vi.90 and a male adult emerged
on 24.iv.91.
Pachyprotasis antennata (Klug). Benson gives Filipendula and Fraxinus as host
plants. Females were reared on 3.vi.85 and 18.vi.85 from two larvae found on alder,
Alnus glutinosa L., growing on Wisley Common, Surrey, on 11.x.84. The larvae were
eating irregular-shaped holes in the margins and centres of the leaves.
Pachyprotasis rapae (L.). This is one of Britain’s most common sawflies and Benson
records it feeding on Betonica, Scrophularia, Solidago, Fraxinus and, added in the
section c supplement, Antirrhinum. On 22.vi.83 larvae were found on plants of Stachys
officinalis ‘rosea’ growing at the R.H.S. Garden, Wisley, Surrey. Nearby plants of
Stachys macrantha were unaffected. The larvae make irregular holes in the foliage,
mainly in the centre of the leaf rather than at the margins. A female emerged on 15.v.84.
Pachyprotasis variegata (Fallen). Benson gives the potato, Solanum tuberosum L.,
as a host plant and also notes that it has been found feeding on the Continent on
Digitalis lutea L. Larvae were found feeding on the foliage and flowers of rough
hawkbit, Leontodon hispidus L., growing at The Sheepleas, near West Horsley, Surrey
on 4.vii.81. A female emerged 29.iv.82. Larvae were also found at the same site on
3.vill.85 feeding on the flowers of ox-eye daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. A female
emerged 29.v.86. Like many other members of the subfamily Tenthredininae the adults
of P. variegata are predators of other small insects. One female readily ate the small
fly and a larva of the hawthorn webber moth, Scythropia crataegella (L.), that it
was offered.
Macrophya albicincta (Schrank). Benson included this species in his key but it was
later realized by Chevin, H. (Annis Soc. Ent. Fr.(N.S.) 1975; 11: 253-260) that this
was in fact two species, albicincta (Schrank) and alboannulata Costa. Benson gives
the host plants for his albicincta as Sambucus nigra L. and sometimes Valeriana
officinalis L. The food plants given for the split species are Sambucus species for
M. alboannulata and Sambucus species and Valeriana officinalis for M. albicincta.
On 21.vii.84 solitary larvae were found making rounded holes in the leaves of guelder
rose, Viburnum opulus L., in Baynes Wood, near Greenham Common, Berks.
Several males and females of Macrophya albicincta (Schrank) were reared between
24 and 30.iv.85.
Priophorus pallipes (Lep.). This common species is recorded by Benson as feeding
on various Rosaceae plants such as Crataegus, Fragaria, Prunus, Pyrus and Sorbus, -
and also on Betula. On 11.ix.92 plants of red chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia, on
sale at a garden centre at Mayford, near Woking, Surrey, were having their foliage
extensively holed by this sawfly. This North American plant is in the Rosaceae family.
A female emerged on 1.x.92; normally larvae found late in the year will overwinter
as prepupal larvae and adults emerge during May—June.—A. J. Halstead, R.H.S.
Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB.
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Allan, P. B. M. 1947. A moth-hunter’s gossip. 2nd edn, Watkins and Doncaster, London, p. 149.
Baker, P. 1994. The modified status of Strymonidia w-album (Knoch) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in north west Surrey.
Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 7: 25-26.
Jones, R. A. 1994. [Bilobed inflorescences of Plantago lanceolata L. Exhibit at BENHS Annual Exhibition 1993. }
Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 7: 179.
Kendall, P. 1982. Bromius obscurus (L.) in Britain (Col., Chrysomelidae). Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 117 (1981); 233-234.
Pratt, C. R. & Emmet, A. M. 1989. Polygonia. In: Emmet, A. M. & Heath, J. (Eds). The moths and butterflies
of Great Britain and Ireland. Harley Books, Colchester, Vol. 7, Part 1, pp. 212-215.
Smith, K. G. V. 1989. An introduction to the immature stages of British flies: Diptera larvae, with notes on eggs,
puparia and pupae. Handbk Ident. Br. Insects 10(14): 1-280
Stubbs, A. E. 1987. Oxycera dives. In: Shirt, D. B. (Ed.). British red data books: 2. Insects. Nature Conserv ancy
Council, Peterborough, pp. 304-305.
Stubbs, A. E. & Falk, S. J. 1983. British hoverflies: an illustrated identification guide. BENHS, London, pp. 191-192.
West, B. K. 1994. The time of appearance of Lacanobia oleracea L. (Lep.: Noctuidae) in the British Isles.
Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 106: 81-84.
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Part I deals with the practical aspects of collecting, curating and studying beetles. Part II consists
of chapters on each of the beetle families prepared by experts in each group. Part III considers
beetle associations—with plants, ants and stored foodstuffs. Beetle larvae are dealt with in Part
IV which describes and illustrates the morphology of family types, their habitats and methods
of rearing. Part V gives advice on recording methods and on the conservation of Coleoptera.
There is a detailed glossary and an index of genera referred to in the text. Each chapter has
details of appropriate books and papers of reference. Hardback, 294 pp. Price £14 including
postage and packing. To order please send cheque or postal order made payable to ‘““AES
Publications’’ at The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, COLCHESTER CO7 7JN.
Tel 0206 251600.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
VOLUME 7, PART 4, OCTOBER 1994
129
139
181
180
191
14
145
—
138
140 The bee genera of North and Central America (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
ARTICLES
Factors affecting habitat preferences in the Lepidoptera. M. MAJERuUS, A.-L. GRIGG,
C. JONES, F. SALMON, A. STRATHDEE AND N. DEARNALEY
Ants feeding directly on plant sap. R. A. JONES
Hawk-moths in Hong Kong, April 1993, with ecological notes. P. WARING, R. C. THOMAS
AND K. H. K. LI
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
Pandivirilia (Psilocephala) melaleuca (Loew) (Diptera: Therevidae) new to Gloucestershire.
K. N. A. ALEXANDER
Some sawfly host plants not listed by Benson. A. J. HALSTEAD
PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS
Editorial. Long series not welcome
1993 Annual Exhibition, Imperial College, London SW7—30 October 1993
145 British butterflies 165 Diptera 178 Orthoptera
149 British Macrolepidoptera 167 Coleoptera 178 Neuroptera
154 British Microlepidoptera 173 Hemiptera 178 Reptilia
159 Foreign Lepidoptera 175 Hymenoptera 178 Illustrations
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