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Current Volume - (118) 2006:
118(1):
THE VALUE OF SWEET CHESTNUT CASTANEA SATIVA AS A FOODPLANT FOR LEPIDOPTERA
1 MARK S. PARSONS AND 2 NICK GREATOREX-DAVIES 1 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP 2 Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2LS
Abstract
Sweet Chestnut is a non-native tree in Britain and is considered to have a low biodiversity value. However, over seventy species of Lepidoptera have now been recorded utilizing Sweet Chestnut as a foodplant, demonstrating it to be an under-valued and important hostplant.
EUCHROMIUS CAMBRIDGEI (ZELLER, 1867) (LEP.: PYRALIDAE, CRAMBINAE) AN ADVENTIVE SPECIES NEW TO BRITAIN
1 P. D. SHARPE AND 2 D.V. MANNING 1 41 Julian Way, Kingsthorpe, Northampton NN2 8AA. 2 27 Glebe Rise, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1JB.
Abstract
The first occurrence of Euchromius cambridgei (Zeller, 1867) (Lep.: Pyralidae, Crambinae) in Britain is documented and the moth is illustrated in colour.
DICHELIA HISTRIONANA (FRÖLICH, 1828) (LEP: TORTRICIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
1 PHILIP H. STERLING AND 2 MARCELASHBY 1 Environmental Services, Dorset County Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ, U.K.2 30a Alexandra Road, London N8
Abstract
The discovery of Dichelia histrionana (Fr.lich, 1828) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) new to the British Isles in Middlesex (VC21) is reported.
LEPIDOPTERA OF ABERDEENSHIRE, KINCARDINESHIRE AND BANFFSHIRE – 10th APPENDIX
1 R. M. PALMER, 2 M. R. YOUNG AND 3 R. LEVERTON 1 Greenburn Cottage, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9UA (bob@bobpalmer.freeserve.co.uk) 2 Culterty Field Station, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen,Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA (m.young@abdn.ac.uk) 3 Whitewells, Ordiquhill, Cornhill, Banffshire AB45 2HS
Abstract
Nineteen species are added to the list of Lepidotera of north-east Scotland. Data on 7 other species for which there have been no records for many years, or which have expanded their range dramatically, are included.
THE RARE BRITISH SHIELDBUG CARPOCORIS PURPUREIPENNIS(DEGEER) (HET.:PENTATOMIDAE) FROM PORTLAND BILL, DORSET
1 ANDREW R. COLLINS AND 2 BERNARD S. NAU 1 228 Kathleen Road, Sholing, Southampton SO19 8GY (E-mail: arc@soton.ac.uk) 2 15 Park Hill, Toddington, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 6AW (E-mail: nau.bs@btinternet.com)
Abstract
A recent record of Carpocoris purpureipennis (DeGeer) (Het.: Pentatomidae) from southern Britain is reported. Previous British records are discussed and pointers for the recognition of the species are given.
118(2):
OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF ACANTHOPSYCHE ATRA L. (LEP.: PSYCHIDAE)
PHIL STERLING Environmental Services, Dorset County Council, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ.
Abstract
Observations on rearing Acanthopsyche atra L. (Lep.: Psychidae) from ova, and of adult behaviour, are presented. The species exhibits strong protogyny, a behavioural mechanism believed to prevent inbreeding, as might be expected in a species with poor ability to disperse. The moth is considered to be overlooked rather than a genuine rarity. The cases, and male and female adults are illustrated in colour.
A SURVEY AND ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SQUARE-SPOTTED CLAY XESTIA RHOMBOIDEA (ESPER.) IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND ESSEX WITH ADDITIONAL RESULTS FROM SCOTLAND AND WALES
1 R.G. FIELD AND 2 P. WARING 1 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton, NN2 8TE, 01604-844972 (E-mail: rfield8633@aol.com). 2 CERA, Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chemsford, CM1 3RR.
Abstract
The behaviour of the Square-spotted clay Xestia rhomboidea, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan moth species, was investigated in Cambridgeshire and Essex during a three year period. Larvae were found on 30 different occasions at 16 sites; larvae wre also discovered at two sites in Scotland. The main larval foodplants were Common nettle Urtica dioica, DogÕs mercury Mercurialis perennis, Oxlip Primula elatior and Primrose Primula vulgare. The larvae were observed in the wild between the 10 January and the 12 April and could be found from dusk onwards feeding at the top of the larval foodplants. Adults were observed nectaring around dusk and later caught in light traps around dawn, mainly in August. The woodlands between Cambridge and St Neots seem to be a stronghold of this species which was found on ride and woodland edges of not only ancient woodlands, but also in secondary woodland, recent plantations and shelterbelts.
A COMMENTARY ON RECENT CHANGES TO BUTTERFLY DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE LONDON AREA
1 RICHARD FOX AND 2 LESLIEWILLIAMS 1 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5QP (Email: rfox@butterfly-conservation.org) 2 London Natural History Society, 34 Christchurch Avenue, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 8NJ
Abstract
Changes in the distribution of butterfly species are presented from the London area for the period 1980-2000. Most species (65%) became more widespread, including some habitat specialist butterflies, but a few show substantial declines in distribution. Although incomplete data prevent a systematic assessment of the biasing effects of recording effort variation, other data are presented (e.g. from abundance monitoring, national distribution trends and site colonisations) to suggest that the distribution changes are genuine. Some of the possible causes of these patterns are discussed.
118(3):
THE
STRIPED LYCHNIS MOTH SHARGACUCLLIA LYCHNITIS (RAMBUR) (LEP.:NOCTUIDAE): A
REVIEW OF ITS DISTRIBUTION IN
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE (VC 24) DURING 2005
1 PETER HALL, 2 ANDREW MCVEIGH, 3 MARTIN ALBERTINI 1 Melanthia, Chiltern Road,
Ballinger Common, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 9LH. (E-mail: peat.hall@virgin.net)
2 Bucks County Council Countryside Initiatives Team, County Hall, Aylesbury,
Bucks HP20 1UY. 3 11 Hargrave Road, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 6JR.
Abstract
The results of a larval count for the Buckinghamshire population of the moth
Striped Lychnis Shargacucullia lychnitis (Rambur) during 2005 is summarised.
A total of 5,075 larvae was found on 37,710 Dark Mullein Verbascum nigrum plants.
Results are split into habitat types.
Current and historical distribution are discussed as are current and future
conservation measures.
CHANGES
IN THE BEHAVIOUR OF DOUBLE-BROODED MACRO MOTHS IN YORKSHIRE
CHARLES H. FLETCHER The Forge, Hutton Conyers, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5EB.
(E-mail: chfletcher@btinternet.com)
Abstract
Current literature suggests that many species of Lepidoptera are bivoltine
in the south and univoltine in northern England. A list is given of 36 species
of macro moths where flight times in Yorkshire contradict published sources.
Some of the most dramatic recent changes are
illustrated by histograms. Climate warming is likely to be the main factor
driving these changes.
ARMYWORMS
(DIP: SCIARIDAE) IN WEST SCOTLAND IN 2005
1J. C. A. CRAIK, 2P. WORMELL AND 3S. AUSTIN 1 Scottish Association for Marine
Science, Dunstaffnage, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA.
2 Hallival, Letterwalton, Oban, Argyll PA37 ISA. 3 Scottish Natural Heritage,
Glencruitten Road, Oban, Argyll PA34 4DN.
Abstract
Two-hundred and three moving columns of larvae of Sciara militaris Nowacki
(Dip.: Sciaridae) were observed at Barcaldine, Argyll, between 19 July and
6 August 2005, the second year of their appearance at this site. The longest
column measured 398 cm and the greatest
number of columns present at one time was 22. Estimates of the numbers of thousands
of larvae present in four columns of different sizes were about 5, 8, 16 and
26; and the highest total present at any one time was about 110,000 - 220,000
larvae. Column fronts moved at 1-2 cm/min, but larvae on the upper surface
of columns moved 3-4 times faster. Columns were most numerous in the mornings.
Two unbroken rings of marching larvae were seen, one lasting for more than
24 hours. A few huge linear deposits of frass were found that must have been
caused by intense synchronised defaecation by larvae in a column. Individual
larvae measured during the study varied between 3 and 11 mm in length. From
20 July - 4 August, mean larval length increased from 6.3 to 8.4 mm and mean
mass from 3.7 to 5.9 mg, although on any day there were large variations in
both quantities between columns and between larvae. Possible reasons for column
formation by these larvae are considered.
A SIGNIFICANT INTERCEPTION OF THE GREEN VEGETABLE BUG,
NEZARA VIRIDULA (LINNAEUS) (HEMIPTERA:PENTATOMIDAE) IN THE UK
SHARON
REID Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ. (e-mail: s.reid@csl.gov.uk)
Abstract
The green vegetable bug, Nezara viridula, is an important agricultural pest
and is expanding its
geographical range northward in Europe. In February 2005, 132 adults were intercepted
at a
nursery in Devon on terracotta pots imported from Italy. The potential for
this interception to have established a breeding colony, and the risk to protected
agriculture in the UK is discussed.
118(4):
THE
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2002
SEAN CLANCY1 AND BERNARD SKINNER2 1 1 Myrtle Villas, Sussex Road, New Romney,
Kent TN28 8DY 2 5 Rawlins Close, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 8JS
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British
Isles during the year 2002 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered
species full information is given; for the commoner immigrants recorded during
the season, a selection of the more
significant records is presented.
SCARLET MALACHITE BEETLE MALACHIUS AENEUS (L.) (COL.:
MELYRIDAE): STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE UK
ROB COLEMAN University of East Anglia, School of Continuing Education, Norwich,
NR4 7TJ (E-mail: robert.coleman@uea.ac.uk)
Abstract
Malachius aeneus (Linn.) is a beetle listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Recent survey work accompanied by a popular media appeal has highlighted the
current status of this species in the UK. These new data are presented with
a review of existing historical records. The
validity of reports garnered by the appeal is discussed.
118(5):
EMMELINA
ARGOTELES (MEYRICK, 1922) (LEP: PTEROPHORIDAE)– A NEWLY RECOGNISED
BRITISH PLUME MOTH
JEFF B. HIGGOTT 42 Valleyiew Drive, Rushmere St. Andrew, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4
5UW.
Abstract
The plume moth Emmelina argoteles (Meyrick) (Lep.: Pterophoridae) is recorded
new to the British fauna from Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire in 2005 and 2006.
The overseas distribution of argoteles and differentiation from Emmelina monodactyla
are discussed.
THE EARLY STAGES OF ELACHISTA NOBILELLA ZELLER
(LEP.: ELACHISTIDAE)
G. A. COLLINS 15 Hurst Way, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7AP (stigmella.aurella@tiscali.co.uk)
Abstract
The mine, larva and pupa of Elachista nobilella are described.
TRICHOPSOMYIA
LUCIDA (DIPTERA: SYRPHIDAE): AN ADDITION TO THE BRITISH LIST, AND ITS SEGREGATION
FROM RELATED SPECIES
MARTIN C. D. SPEIGHT 49 Mount Eagle View, Dublin 18, Ireland. (E-mail: speightm@indigo.ie)
Abstract
Trichopsomyia lucida (Diptera: Syrphidae) is added to the British list, based
on a recent specimen collected in London. A key is provided for its segregation
from other European Trichopsomyia species. Available information about T. lucida
is summarised.
A
SUPPLEMENT TO “TYPES OF BALKAN BUTTERFLIES IN THE COLLECTION OF NATURAL
HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON”
(LEPIDOPTERA: PAPILIONOIDEA)
STANISLAV P. ABADJIEV 81 Lyuben Karavelov Street, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria. (E-mail:
stas@abadjiev.net)
Abstract
Some type specimens of Balkan butterflies that are housed at the British Museum
(Natural History) in London are listed.
118(6):
MICROLEPIDOPTERA
REVIEW OF 2005
1 J. R. LANGMAID and 2 M. R. YOUNG 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 made in the British Isles during 2005
are summarised. These include Dichelia histrionana (Fröl.), Euchromius
cambridgei (Zell.), Sciota rhenella (Zinck.), Stenoptila annadactyla Sutter
and Emmelina argoteles (Meyr.) new to the British
Isles and several new vice-county records.
A COMPARISON OF MOTHS RECORDED AT THE WRITTLE COLLEGE
ROTHAMSTED TRAP 1968-1993 AND 2000-2004 WITH THE NATIONALLY COLLECTED DATA
1 R.G FIELD, 2 T. GARDINER AND 2 M. J. HEYWOOD 1 Butterfly Conservation, Cambridgeshire
and Essex Branch, 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton, NN2 8TE, 01604-844927,
rfield8633@aol.com 2 Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex,
CM1 3RR
Abstract
Moth trapping using a Rothamsted trap has taken place on the Writtle College
estate in Essex since 1968. Over the period 1968 to 1993 moth species richness
and abundance was generally on the increase, but trapping ceased in 1993. It
was restarted in 2000 and over this second period moth species richness had
fallen by 21%, but catch abundance has increased by 25% when compared to the
first period. This was not in line with national data, as overall Rothamsted
catches have fallen by nearly one third. Results from 2000 to 2004 for the
17 most numerous species caught at Writtle between 1968 and 1993,revealed that
11 have now reduced in number, five have increased whilst one is stable.