Current Volume - (119) 2007:

119(1):

THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2003
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 2003 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered species full information is given; for the immigrants recorded most commonly in 2003, a selection and analysis of the available records is presented.

119(2):

BUTTERFLIES ON FARMLAND: THE FIRST 10 YEARS OF RECORDING AT WRITTLE COLLEGE
1 R. G FIELD AND 2 T. GARDINER
1 Butterfly Conservation, Cambridgeshire & Essex Branch, 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton, NN2 8TE, rfield8633@aol.com 2 Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RR
Abstract
Butterflies were monitored over a 10 year period on two transects at Writtle College, Essex, UK. The transects were established in 1996 using the criteria established for the National Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS). Numbers of butterflies observed have varied from a high of 2875 in 1997 to a low of 1215 in 2002. Overall 10 species (42%) are in decline, three (12.5%) are increasing, eight (33%) are stable while three species (12.5%) have been lost. Reasons suggested for these changes are varied and complex. An overall downward trend in abundance has occurred even though the College estate joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in October 1996, had a Woodland Grant Scheme agreement on certain sections and several areas of wildflower meadow had also been created.

URESIPHITA REVERSALIS (GUENE´E, 1854) (LEP.: PYRALIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN AND EUROPE
1 TONY DAVIS AND 2 DOUG MILLER 1 Timber Tops, Marley Common, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3PT 2 Broadstone House, 1 Broadstone, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater,Somerset TA7 0EW
Abstract
Uresiphita reveralis Guenée (Lep.: Pyralidae) is added to the British fauna on the basis of a specimen taken in Somerset during September 2006; evidence suggests that this species has not previously been reported in Europe. The adult moth is illustrated in colour and details
of its life history and distribution are given. The likely origin of the Somerset specimen is discussed.

NINETA PALLIDA (SCHNEIDER, 1846) (NEU.: CHRYSOPIDAE), A LACEWING NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES 1 MARTIN C. HARVEY AND 2 COLIN W. PLANT
1 Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre, Tring Road, Halton, Aylesbury HP22 5PN (email: charvey@buckscc.gov.uk) 2 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3QP (email: cpauk1@ntlworld.com)
Abstract
The discovery of Nineta pallida (Schneider, 1846) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in Britain is reported and discussed. A revised key to the identification of adult Nineta species is presented along with drawings of the male terminalia.

RHAPHIUM NASUTUM (DIPTERA: DOLICHOPODIDAE), PHERBELLIA ROZKOSNYI& TETANOCERA MONTANA (DIP.:SCIOMYZIDAE),
INSECTS NEW TO IRELAND AND GEOMYZA BALACHOWSKI (DIP.: OPOMYZIDAE), PRESENCE IN IRELAND CONFIRMED
MARTIN C. D. SPEIGHT Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. (E-mail: speightm@gmail.com)
Abstract
The species Pherbellia rozkosnyi, Rhaphium nasutum and Tetanocera montana are added to the Irish list of Diptera and the presence of Geomyza balachowski in Ireland is confirmed. Notes are provided on the identification of these species and their known biology. Points of potential biogeographical interest are discussed.

119(3):

WATER BETONY SHARGACUCULLIA SCROPHULARIAE (D. & S.) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) NEW TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
PHILIP H. STERLING1 AND PETER D. M. COSTEN2
1Environmental Services, Dorset County Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ. 2La Broderie, La Claire Mare, St Peters, Guernsey GY7 9QA.
Abstract
The discovery of Water Betony Shargacucullia scrophulariae (D. & S.) (Lep.: Noctuidae) new to the Channel Islands (VC 113) is reported.

THE DWARF FORM OF SILVER Y AUTOGRAPHA GAMMA (L.) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE)
ROY LEVERTON
Whitewells, Ordiquhill, Cornhill, Banffshire AB45 2HS.
Abstract
In late August 2006, dwarf individuals of Silver Y Autographa gamma predominated in NE Scotland, but very few were reported from more drought-stricken parts of the British Isles.
This conflicts with the generally accepted ‘starvation form’ hypothesis. Instead, a pathological factor is suggested.

SERICOMYIA HISPANICA PERIS, A LITTLE-KNOWN EUROPEAN HOVERFLY (DIP.: SYRPHIDAE) RECORDED FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM THE FRENCH PYRENEES
MARTIN C. D. SPEIGHT
Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland (E-mail: speightm@gmail.com)
Abstract
The occurrence of Sericomyia hispanica Peris, 1962 (Diptera: Syrphidae) is reported for the first time in France, from the Pyrenees. A key is provided to separate this species from existing British species.

THE DOUBLE LINE MYTHIMNA TURCA (L.) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE): NOTES ON ITS HABITATS, FOODPLANTS AND SUGGESTED
MANAGEMENT IN ENGLAND AND WALES
WOLTON, R. J.1, SPALDING, A.2 AND HENWOOD, B. P.3
1 Locks Park Farm, Hatherleigh, Devon. EX20 3LZ, 2 Tremayne Farm Cottage, Praze-an-Beeble, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 9PH,
3 6, Lakeland, Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot, Devon. TQ12 5YF
Abstract
The association of Mythimna turca (L.) (Lep.: Noctuidae) with open willow scrub, bracken scrub and Rhôs pasture or Culm grasslands is discussed. Larval foodplants are listed, including previously unpublished data, and associations with the different vegetation communities are described. Management recommendations are provided, with the aim of creating or restoring tussocky swards (perhaps through light cattle grazing) closely interspersed with areas of short turf.

119(4):

THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2004
SEAN CLANCY
1 Myrtle Villas, Sussex Road, New Romney, Kent. TN28 8DY. (E-mail: trapsite@ukonline.co.uk)
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British Isles during the year 2004 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered species full information is given in Annex 1, presented in vice-county order, the individual localities then listed
alphabetically for each VC. For the more regular immigrant species, annual summaries and a selection of the more important records are presented in Annex 2.

THE RISE OF THE SCARCE BORDERED STRAWHELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (HÜBNER) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE)
M.S. PARSONS & P. DAVEY
Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP. 1 New Barn Cottage, Park Lane, Shapwick, Blandford, Dorset DT11 9JP.
Abstract
The immigration records of the Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (Hb.) (Lep.: Noctuidae) are analysed for Britain from 1969 onwards with comparison made to the numbers of recorders and the number of inland records. The occurrence of this potential pest species
was found to be increasing, with the moth penetrating inland more frequently. The most likely explanation for this increase is considered to be climate change.

119(5):

BUCCULATRIX ULMIFOLIAE M. HERING, 1931 (LEP. : BUCCULATRICIDAE) RESIDENT IN ENGLAND
1 JOHN R. LANGMAID, 2 JIM PORTER AND 3 GRAHAM A. COLLINS
1 Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire PO4 0NY (johnlangmaid@btinternet.com) 2 4 Orchard Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1AN (jim.porter@gmb.org.uk) 3 15 Hurst Way, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7AP (stigmella.aurella@tiscali.co.uk)
Abstract
Bucculatrix ulmifoliae M. Hering, 1931 (Lep.: Bucculatricidae), is added to the British list of Lepidoptera. The moth, leaf-mine, larva and cocoon are described and illustrated in colour; the male genitalia are illustrated; the life history is outlined and discussed. Comparison is made with B. ulmella Zeller whose adult, in colour, and male genitalia are illustrated and with B.albedinella Zeller whose adult, larva and leaf-mine are illustrated in colour.

THE DISTRIBUTION, ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE LUNAR YELLOW UNDERWING NOCTUA ORBONA (HUFNAGEL) IN THE BRECK DISTRICT OF NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK
1 M. S. PARSONS & 2 G.M. HAGGETT
1 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP. 2 Meadows End, Northacre, Caston, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 1DG.
Abstract
Noctua orbona (Hufn.) (Lep.: Noctuidae) was studied in the Brecks district of Norfolk and Suffolk from 2000 to 2006. The moth was present in eight 10-kilometre map squares; this represents nearly 25% of the UK population. Other threatened Breckland moth species are also
able to thrive in sites affected by N. orbona and the conservation of this species is probably beneficial to the wider Breckland assemblage. Observations are made on future management of sites for this species.

EUPEODES GOELDLINI (DIP.: SYRPHIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN, FRANCE AND IRELAND, WITH A KEY TO SEPARATE IT FROM RELATED ATLANTIC ZONE SPECIES
1 MARTIN C. D.SPEIGHT, 2 JEAN-PIERRE SARTHOU AND 3 DAVID A. LEVY 1 Dept. of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland (E-mail: speightm@gmail.com) 2 UMR Dynafor Inra/Ensat, BP 32607, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan cedex, France 3 9 Chilton Grove, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 4AN, England
Abstract
The hoverfly Eupeodes goeldlini Mazánek, Láska & Bi?cík, 1999 (Diptera: Syrphidae) is added to the lists for Britain, France and Ireland. Records of this species are provided, together with notes on its determination and biology and a key to the identification of the Eupeodes species known from Atlantic parts of Europe.

PARNA APICALIS (BRISCHKE, 1888) (SYMPHYTA: TENTHREDINIDAE), A LEAF-MINING SAWFLY NEW TO GREAT BRITAIN
1 ROB EDMUNDS, 2 STEVE HIND, 3 ANDREW LISTON AND 4 KEITH PALMER
1 32 Woodcote Green, Calthorpe Park, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4EY (E-mail: r.edmunds@ntlworld.com) 2 32 Carleton Road, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 1TL (E-mail: Steve@hind1.fsnet.co.uk) 3 Amselweg 84, 84160 Frontenhausen, Germany (e-mail: andrew.liston@t-online.de) 4 Toronto Cottage, 11 St.Peter’s Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN2 4UX (E-mail: keith@ethical.me.uk)
Abstract
The first records of Parna apicalis (Brischke, 1888)(Symphyta: Tenthredinidae) in the British
Isles are presented, based on leaf mines collected in England.

PINE-TREE LAPPET DENDROLIMUS PINI (L.) (LEP.: LASIOCAMPIDAE) POSSIBLY RESIDENT IN SCOTLAND
ROGER KIDDIE
20 Whitehill Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 5PG.
Abstract
The discovery of Pine-tree Lappet Dendrolimus pini (L.) (Lep.: Lasiocampidae) apparently resident Scotland (VC 96) is reported.

CLEPSIS CORIACANA (REBEL, 1894) (LEP: TORTRICIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN
DAVID MANNING
27 Glebe Rise, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1JB.
Abstract
Clepsis coriacana (Rebel) (Lep: Tortricidae) is added to the British fauna on the basis of a specimen taken in Bedfordshire during August/September 2006. The male genitalia of the specimen is illustrated. The female genitalia and the adult moth from other sources.

119(6):

MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2006
1 J. R. LANGMAID AND 2 M. R. YOUNG
1 Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire PO4 0NY (johnlangmaid@btinternet.com) 2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ (m.young@abdn.ac.uk)
Abstract
Noteworthy records of microlepidoptera collected during 2006 are summarised, including nine
species new to the British Isles and many new vice-county records.

RESTING POSTURES OF LARGE YELLOW UNDERWING NOCTUA PRONUBA ([L.], LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) FINAL INSTARS
MICHAEL A. DOCKERY
60 Railway Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 0XT
Abstract
The frequency of occurrence of the daytime resting postures of Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba ([L.], Lep.: Noctuidae) final instars is reported. A coiled resting posture was most frequently observed, but there was no evidence of asymmetric bias in coiling clockwise
or anticlockwise, at either the population or the individual level. Asymmetric bias was also lacking in another resting posture class. A significant relationship was found between the number of runs of similar resting posture and time, so final instars do not have a persistent
daytime resting posture. The absence of any asymmetrical bias in their resting behaviour is discussed.