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116(1):
THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH
ISLES IN 2000
BERNARD SKINNER1 AND GRAHAM A. COLLINS2 1 5 Rawlins Close, South Croydon, Surrey
CR2 8JS. 2 15 Hurst Way, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7AP.
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British
Isles and the Channel Islands during the year 2000 are listed and discussed.
For less frequently encountered species full information is given; for common
immigrants a selection of the more noteworthy records is presented.
UNUSUAL
PARTIAL SECOND BROODS OF LEPIDOPTERA IN NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND DURING
2003
ROY LEVERTON Whitewells, Ordiquhill, Cornhill, Banffshire AB45 2HS.
Abstract
Many moths that are normally univoltine in north-east Scotland produced partial
second generations during the hot summer and autumn of 2003. Details are provided
for 34 species. For some of these, records of second brood individuals in the
region are unprecedented; in several cases they would be unusual even in the
south of England. The possible influence of global warming is discussed. The
data also provides evidence that the normally univoltine Scottish Diarsia species
is D. rubi and not D. florida.
116(2):
ON THE EARLY STAGES OF THE REED LEOPARD MOTH PHRAGMATAECIA
CASTANEAE HB. (LEP.: COSSIDAE)
DAVID WILSON Lark Rise, Dunwich Road, Blythburgh, Suffolk IP19 9LT.
Abstract
Observations on the larval and pupal stages of Phragmataecia castaneae (Hb.)
are presented.
THE
GREEN VEGETABLE BUG NEZARA VIRIDULA (L., 1758) (HEM.: PENTATOMIDAE)
NEW TO BRITAIN
M. V. L. BARCLAY Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London
SW7 5BD.
Abstract
Nymphs of the exotic shield bug Nezara viridula (L.) (Pentatomidae) were collected
outdoors in London in August 2003. This cosmopolitan pest is regularly imported
to the Britain with produce, but it was assumed in the past that it was unable
to establish here. As 2003 had an exceptionally hot summer, it is not clear
whether this species will continue to breed in the British Isles. Identification
notes and a figure of adult N. viridula are provided
THE
UTILISATION OF TWO METRE COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP FIELD SCHEME GRASS
MARGINS BY MEADOW BROWN MANIOLA JURTINA (L.) (LEP.: NYMPHALIDAE)
R.G.FIELD1 AND C.F. MASON 2 1 Centre for Environment and Rural Affairs (CERA),Writtle
College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR (E-mail: rgf@writtle.ac.uk)
2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester,
Essex CO4 3SQ
Abstract
The utilisation of two-metre grass margins around arable fields by the Meadow
Brown butterfly Maniola jurtina (L.) was investigated at three farms in Essex
between 1997 and 2000. There was a significantly greater abundance of M. jurtina
on the two metre grass margins than on the control sections (field edges without
grass margins) but this abundance varied depending on the position of the margin
and the initial seed mixture used. Two-metre grass margins could be improved
as habitats for M. jurtina if they were established using a mixture containing
a diverse range of grasses and nectar sources.
STURMIA
BELLA (MEIGEN) (DIPT.: TACHINIDAE). NEW TO WALES
EDDIE JOHN Davies Cottage, Penllyn, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7RQ.
(E-mail: eddie@grayling.dircon.co.uk)
Abstract
Of 15 Aglais urticae (L.) (Lep.: Nymphalidae) pupae collected from garden sites,
12 (80%) were parasitised. One of these was taken by a predator before the
identity of the parasitoid could be confirmed, three were parasitised by Pteromalus
puparum (L.) (Hym.: Pteromalidae) and eight by Sturmia bella (Dipt.: Tachinidae),
a species new to Wales.
MORE
ABERRATIONS OF COLIAS ELECTO ELECTO L. (LEP.: PIERIDAE) FROM THE CAPE,
SOUTH AFRICA
LEONARD MCLEOD 22 Maris Green, Great Shelford, Cambridge CB2 SEE.
Abstract
Three new aberrations of the African Clouded Yellow, Colias electo electo L.
are described from the South-Western Cape Province of South Africa. Ab. inconstantis
ab. nov., ab. pallidula ab. nov. and ab. memorabilis ab. nov. all involve scale
deformation and/or pigment deficiency. Speciation of butterflies in The Cape
is briefly discussed.
116(3):
RESIDENT AND REGULAR MIGRANT BUTTERFLIES ON
THE ISLES OF SCILLY
IAN C. BEAVIS 104 St James’ Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2HH.
Abstract
The butterfly fauna of the Isles of Scilly is reviewed on the basis of regular
recording since 1975 and with reference to earlier published lists. The history
and current status of the species are discussed.
THE UTILISATION OF SIX METRE COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP
SCHEME GRASS MARGINS BY THE GATEKEEPER PYRONIA TITHONUS (L.) (LEP.:
NYMPHALIDAE)
R.G.FIELD1 AND C.F. MASON 2 1 Centre for Environment and Rural Affairs (CERA),
Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR. (E-mail:
rgf@writtle.ac.uk) 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex,
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ.
Abstract
The utilisation of six metre Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) grass margins
by Pyronia tithonus (L.) (Lep.: Nymphalidae) was investigated at two farms
in Essex between 1997 and 2000. At Writtle, significantly more P. tithonus
were seen on the control section than on the six metre grass margins, while
at Greenstead Green P. tithonus abundance was greater on the six metre grass
margins. Overall P. tithonus abundance significantly increased between 1997
and 2000, but there was no significant difference in P. tithonus abundance
between establishment methods. It is suggested that to produce six metre grass
margins suitable for P. tithonus they should be sown with a range of wildflowers
and fine leaved grasses, managed by cutting the outer four metre width (adjacent
to the crop) in autumn and leaving the inner two metres (adjacent to the hedge)
uncut. They should be connected to other semi-natural habitats to allow for
P tithonus minimum habitat requirement of one to two hectares.
THE LARVAL HABITS OF SNAKEFLIES (RAPHIDIOPTERA:
RAPHIDIIDAE)
K. N. A. ALEXANDER 59 Sweetbrier Lane, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 3AQ.
Abstract
Field observations and laboratory rearing have revealed that existing data
on tree associations within the British Raphidioptera are incorrect. Some valid
associations are presented.
116(4):
ECTOEDEMIA HANNOVERELLA (GLITZ, 1872)
(LEP.: NEPTICULIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
A. W. PRICHARD1 AND J. CLIFTON2 1 3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JR.2
Kestrel Cottage, Station Road, Hindolveston, Norfolk NR20 5DE.
Abstract
The first occurrence in Britain of Ectoedemia hannoverella (Glitz, 1872) (Lep.:
Nepticulidae) is documented.
DIASEMIA ACCALIS (WALKER, 1859) (LEP.: PYRALIDAE)
AN ADVENTIVE SPECIES NEW TO BRITAIN
DAVID J. L. AGASSIZ The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.
Abstract
The first occurrence of Diasemia accalis (Walker, 1859) (Lep.: Pyraloidea:
Spilomeninae) in Britain is documented and the moth is illustrated in colour.
LUNULATION
AND GENETIC ANALYSIS IN ARICIA BUTTERFLIES
BILL SMYLLIE 164 Dobcfoft Road, Sheffield S11 9LH.
Abstract
Lunulation in Aricia species (Lep.: Lycaenidae) was studied in Durham and Hampshire
during 2003. Data from this fieldwork, as well as existing data from sites
in the Peak District and Yorkshire, are discussed. Comparisons are drawn with
European data. Previous conclusions drawn from Peak District data are confirmed.
The status of a Yorkshire population and the nomenclatural aspects of all the
studied populations is discussed with reference to the overall Aricia picture.
A history for the genus is reiterated.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE SLENDER-STRIPED RUFOUS
MOTH COENOCALPE LAPIDATA (HB.) (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE)
PAULWARING Reader, Writtle College. Address for correspondence: Windmill View,
1366 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 6LS (e-mail: paul_waring@btinternet.com)
Abstract
Observations on the Slender-striped Rufous moth Coenocalpe lapidata (Hb.),
a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species, are presented. To facilitate recording,
colour photographs of both the larva and the larval habitat are presented.
EXPERIENCES FROM BREEDING APATURA IRIS (L.)
NYMPHALIDAE IN SWITZERLAND FROM 1982 TO 2002
DENNIS DELL 8 Viney Lane, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 7GR.
Abstract
Details are described of the breeding protocol, seasonal distribution of early
stages, parasitism and pattern of emergence of Apatura iris (L.) in the neighbourhood
of Basel, Switzerland from 1982 to 2002. Early stages are most readily found
in the first three weeks of August. Eggs are laid between the leaf edges and
the midrib. Males emerged significantly earlier than females. Emergence dates
are related to spring temperatures; emergences have occurred earlier in the
season year on year correlating with increasingly warmer springs. There was
a gradual decrease in the numbers of imagines observed in the wild over the
21 years, possibly due to a decrease in the numbers of Salix caprea plants.
Parasitism by Psilomastax pyramidalis Tischbein 1868 (Ichneumonidae), is discussed.
116(5):
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2003
J. R. LANGMAID1 AND M. R. YOUNG2 1 Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea ,Hampshire
PO4 0NY. (john@langmaidj.freeserve.co.uk) 2 Culterty Field Station, Department
of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh,Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA. (m.young@abdn.ac.uk)
Abstract
Noteworthy records of microlepidoptera, including some new to the British Isles
and new vice county records, made during 2003 are listed and discussed.
116(6):
AN ANALYSIS OF MOTH WINGS FOUND AT THE FEEDING PERCH
OF A BROWN LONG-EARED BAT PLECOTUS AURITUS (L.) (CHIROPTERA: VESPERTILIONIDAE)
IN BLUNTISHAM, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, FROM 1980-1983
J. NICK GREATOREX-DAVIES1, EDDIE JOHN2 AND HENRY R. ARNOLD3 1 CEH Monks
Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2LS. 2 Davies Cottage,
Penllyn, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7RQ. 3 Windyridge, Shillow Hill, Bury,
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE26 2LS.
Abstract
The wing remains of a total of 2,039 moths were collected from underneath the
feeding perch of a Brown Long-eared Bat during 1980-83. Approximately 96% of
the moths were of the family Noctuidae. The majority of the moth species identified
are widespread and common in suburban habitats and probably reflected local
conditions. Fifty-six percent were of just four species: the Dotted Rustic
Rhyacia simulans (Hufn.), the Mouse Moth Amphipyra tragopoginis (Cl.), the
Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis agg. and the Stout Dart Spaelotis ravida (D.& S.).
Of these, the Dotted Rustic was experiencing a population explosion in eastern
England at the time of the survey and the Stout Dart had also been increasing
in previous years. Both these species and the Mouse Moth, aestivate or roost
in sheds, outbuildings, under bark etc. The predominance of these species in
the prey is discussed and it is suggested that these bats may be able to locate
and exploit collections of aestivating or roosting Lepidoptera. Comparisons
are made with several other similar British surveys. Only six species were
common to all surveys.
ARASCHNIA LEVANA (L., 1758), A NEW SPECIES FOR THE
MACEDONIAN BUTTERFLY FAUNA (LEP. : NYMPHALIDAE)
DIME MELOVSKI Biology Student’s Research Society, Institute of Biology,
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, P.O. box 162, 1000 Skopje (e-mail:
melovskidime@yahoo.com)
Abstract
Araschnia
levana (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera: Nymphalidae) is recorded for the first
time in the fauna of the Republic of Macedonia from Shar Planina Mountains,
Skopje region, Jakupica Mountains, Ograzhden Mountains, Galichica Mountains,
Kavadarci and Kratovo region. Records are mapped for Macedonia and the flight
periods are discussed.