Current Volume - (122) 2010:
122(1):

PLUMBEOUS SPRUCE TORTRIX CYMOLOMIA HARTIGIANA (SAXESEN, 1840) (LEP: TORTRICIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
1 MATTHEW J. DEANS AND 2 JON CLIFTON
1 49C Oak Hill, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3JY.
2 Kestrel Cottage, Station Road, Hindolveston, Norfolk NR20 5DE.
Abstract
The first occurrence of Cymolomia hartigiana (Saxesen, 1840) (Lep.: Tortricidae) in the British Isles is reported from Suffolk.

THE CHANGING MOTH AND BUTTERFLY FAUNA OF BRITAIN - THE FIRST DECADE OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY (2000-2009)
MARK PARSONS
Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP.
Abstract
Broad changes to the British Lepidoptera fauna are summarised, covering those species that have recently colonised the country and those species that may have become extinct. These broad changes are briefly compared with those of the previous century.

BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY FROM A SEQUENTIAL SURVEY
ROBERT MYLER AND LAURENCE M. COOK
Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT (E-mail: lcook@manchester.ac.uk)
Abstract
A method is described for using sequential observations to estimate diversity in butterfly communities. Results from a survey in Amazonian rainforest show that it may have potential as a quick way of evaluating habitat quality.

AN INITIAL STUDY OF THE FEEDING AND EGG-LAYING PREFERENCES OF BARK DWELLING PSOCIDS (PSOCOPTERA) USING COMPOSITE BARK BLOCKS
ROBERT E. SAVILLE
20 (2F3) Downfield Place, Edinburgh EH11 2EL (E-mail: bob.saville@blueyonder.co.uk)
Abstract
In vitro studies on the feeding and egg-laying preferences of a selection of species of Psocoptera were undertaken. It was discovered that Loensia variegata (Latreille), Psocidae, is capable of eating alga (probably mainly Apatococcus lobatus) and the lichen Xanthoria parietina. It did not feed on any of the crustose lichens offered to it or two other foliose lichens. A sample of bare bark showed signs of having been eaten. Eggs were laid primarily on foliose lichens (Parmelia sulcata and Melanelia subaurifera) but also on one of the crustose lichens (Cliostomum griffithii). Trichadenotecnum sexpunctatum (L.), Psocidae, fed upon alga (probably mainly Apatococcus lobatus), the crustose lichen Cliostomum griffithii and the foliose lichens Parmelia sulcata and Xanthoria parietina. No eggs were laid. Pteroxanium kelloggi (Ribaga), Lepisopscocidae, was only found to eat alga (probably mainly Apatococcus lobatus). No eggs were laid. Result of the study using Reuterella helvimacula (Enderlein), Elipsocidae, was inconclusive.

TWO CHANGES IN NOMENCLATURE WITHIN THE GENUS ACROTRICHIS MOTSCHULSKY (COL.: PTILIIDAE) FROM SRI LANKA AND PANAMA
COLIN JOHNSON
17 Peaknaze Close, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 6UN (E-mail: colin.johnson17@virgin.net)
Abstract
Two new nomenclatural changes within the genus Acrotrichis (Coleoptera, Ptiliidae) are reported.

122(2):

CELYPHA WOODIANA (BARRETT) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE)– AN UPDATE
MARK PARSONS 1AND JAMES MCGILL 2
1 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP (mparsons@butterfly-conservation.org)
2 13 Cresswell Avenue, Staplegorve, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6LS (j.a.mcgill@btinternet.com)
Abstract
A survey for Celypha woodiana, coordinated by Butterfly Conservation, was undertaken during 2009, finding the species at new sites and providing additional insights into the ecology of the species as well as identifying some potential threats.

GORGYRA STEWARTI SP. NOV. – A SURPRISING NEW SKIPPER BUTTERFLY FROM CAMEROUN AND THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (LEP.: HESPERIIDAE)
TORBEN B. LARSEN
Jacobys alle 2, 1806 Frederiksberg C, Denmark (E-mail: torbenlarsen@btinternet.com)
Abstract
As part of preparatory work for a monograph on the skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae) of the Afrotropical Region a remarkably distinctive new species from Cameroun and the democratic Republic of Congo was discovered and is here described as Gorgyra stewarti sp.nov. Its closest relative is Gorgyra subflavidus Holland, 1896 from the coastal forests of East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), a distinct biogeographical subregion.

PERCHING AND PATROLLING CONTINUUM AT FAVOURED HILLTOP SITES ON A RIDGE: A MATE LOCATION STRATEGY BY THE PURPLE EMPEROR BUTTERFLY APATURA IRIS
R. J. C. PAGE
11, White Cottage Close, Farnham, Surrey GU9 0NL.
Abstract
One of the mate location strategies of the Purple Emperor butterfly Apatura iris Linnaeus includes the daily aggregation of males at favoured landmark sites from approximately midday. The flight behaviour of male A. iris was studied at two sites supporting daily aggregations
of males, along a ridge in a predominately broadleaved woodland during the flight period in 2007 & 2008. Flight behaviour consisted mainly of conspecific and patrol flights within the continuum from perching to patrolling. Thirty-nine percent of the observed flights were timed
and the mean duration used to provide an approximation of activity. Male–male encounters in conspecific flights lasted longer with a mean of 54.07 seconds, but were less frequent than patrol flights, which had a mean duration of 14.87 seconds without encounters. Rain and
overcast skies reduced activity whereas wind and temperature alone had less effect.

BRITISH DISTRIBUTION OF ARICIA LEP: LYCAENIDAE
BILL SMYLLIE
164 Dobcroft Road, Sheffield S11 9LH.
Abstract
The genus Aricia in Britain is represented by three taxa, Brown Argus, Aricia agestis (d.& S. 1775), Northern Brown Argus, Aricia artaxerxes (Fabricius, 1793) and Brown Argus hybrids (Aricia agestis ?? artaxerxes). It is necessary to decide on boundaries between these three ‘races’ so that any locality where the butterfly occurs can be adequately categorised in order to construct a national distribution map. Parts of the large lunulation data bank are used to provide figures which allow any colony or area to be classified into one of the above
three taxa. Where relevant, broad similarities between information via genetic analysis and male upper forewing lunulation are mentioned.

TORTRICID MOTHS NEW TO THE BULGARIAN AND EUROPEAN FAUNA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)
1 BOYAN ZLATKOV & 2 YURIY BUDASHKIN
1 Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Biology, Dept. of Zoology and Anthropology, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., BG-1164 Sofia, Bulgaria (E-mail: bzlatkov@gmail.com) 2 Karadagh Nature Reserve, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Kurortnoye, Feodosia, Crimea, 98188, Ukraine (E-mail: budashkin@ukr.net)
Abstract
Dichrorampha inconspiqua (danilevsky, 1948) (= inconspicua misspelling) is reported for the first time for Europe and Phtheochroa reisseri (Razowski, 1970), Cnephasia heringi Razowski, 1958, Cydia intexta (Vl. Kuznetzov, 1962), C. conjunctana (Möschler, 1866) and Pammene querceti (Gozmany, 1957) are reported as new for the Bulgarian fauna, from several dry rocky localities in the valley of the Struma River. Information about their habitats is given. Some peculiar characters of the Bulgarian specimens of D. inconspiqua are commented upon and illustrated and the correct spelling of the specific epithet inconspiqua is briefly discussed.

122(3):

NOTES ON THE EARLY STAGES OF THE TRIANGLE HETEROGENEA ASELLA ([D. & S.], 1775) (LEP.: LIMACODIDAE)
1 R. J. HECKFORD, 2 B. P. HENWOOd & 3 S. D. BEAVAN
1 67 Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4AW. 2 6 Lakeland, Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5YF. 3 The Hayes, Zeal Monachorum, Devon EX17 6DF.
Abstract
Observations were made on the larva of Heterogenea asella ([d.& S.], 1775), in Devon, England, including descriptions of the first instar, feeding signs and other larval evidence as well as cocoon formation and incidence of parasitism.

PONERA TESTACEA (EMERY, 1895) (HYM.: FORMICIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN FROM DUNGENESS, EAST KENT
¹ P. J. ATTEWELL, ² C. A. COLLINGWOOD AND³ A. GODFREY
¹ 69 Thornbury Gardens, Boreham Wood, Herts, WD6 1RD, UK email: philattewell@aol.com² 18, Milton Street, Skipton, N. Yorks, BD23 2ED, UK³ 90 Bence Lane, Darton, Barnsley, S. Yorks, S75 5DA, UK
Abstract
Ponera testacea (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is recorded from Britain for the first time. Its determination by morphology and morphometrics from specimens collected at Dungeness, East Kent is discussed and its currently known European status is summarised.
Keywords: Ponera testacea, Britain, East Kent, dungeness, morphometrics.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF WING-MARKINGS AND GENITALIA TO DISTINGUISH DARK-BARRED TWIN-SPOT CARPET
XANTHORHOE FERRUGATA (CL.) AND RED TWIN-SPOT CARPET X. SPADICEARIA ([D. & S.]). (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) AND ON THE
IMPLICATIONS FOR RECORDING THESE SPECIES
MARTIN TOWNSEND 26 Bartholomew Road, Oxford OX4 3QQ. (email: martin.townsend4@ntlworld.com)
Abstract
Differences in wing markings between Xanthorhoe ferrugata (Cl.) and X. spadicearia [(d.& S.)] (Geometridae) are discussed. Examination of a long series of male genitalia confirm that presence of a notch in the inner edge of the central forewing fascia near the costa, is an
unreliable determining feature. Approximately one third of X. spadicearia and two-thirds of X. ferrugata are notched. The degree of contrast between the pale post-median fascia and the terminal and sub-terminal areas, and other features of banding are useful indicators, and
can in combination be used to safely identify many specimens. The red-banded and darkbanded forms in spadicearia form a continuum and are not clearly distinct as in the blackbanded and red-banded forms of ferrugata. Examples with bold underside markings are likely to be spadicearia. Recording bias created by use of the notch is likely to favour ferrugata and would therefore have partly masked any decline in ferrugata. The 92% decline in ferrugata, as recorded in long term light trap data, is unlikely to have been affected by any bias. The apparent scarcity of the typical form of ferrugata (with red median forewing fascia) would appear to be genuine.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE STATUS OF DIACHRYSIA STENOCHRYSIS (WARREN, 1913) AND ITS POSSIBLE OCCURRENCE IN BRITAIN AS A SIBLING OF D. CHRYSITIS (L.) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE)
COLIN W. PLANT 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3QP. (E-mail: cpauk1@ntlworld.com)
Abstract
The status of the taxon Diachrysia stenochrysis (Warren, 1913) is discussed. British examples of the forma juncta Tutt, 1892 (= Diachrysia tutti Kostrowicki, 1961) of the Burnished Brass moth Diachrysia chrysitis (L., 1758) are, according to European authors,
referable to this taxon. This paper reviews the evidence for whether the two should be regarded as full species or as subspecies and calls for research into distribution, phenology and ecology of British populations to complement that already undertaken elsewhere, as well as specific DNA studies to determine the true status of this taxon.