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Current Volume - (136) 2024:
136
(1):
BRITISH ISLES, 2013 ON ACCOUNT OF SUBSEQUENTLY PUBLISHED
AND RECEIVED DATA
DAVID J. L. AGASSIZ, S. D. BEAVAn & R. J. HECKFORD
Insects Division, Department of Science, Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Abstract
This update incorporates information published before 1 January 2024 into
A Checklist
of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles, 2013.
STIGMELLA
ZELLERIELLA (SNELLEN, 1875) (LEP.: NEPTICULIDAE) DISCOVERED AT DUNGENESS,
KENT. A SECOND BRITISH SITE
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset,
TA4 3QF
will.langdon12@gmail.com
Abstract
Stigmella zelleriella (Snellen, 1875) (Lepidoptera: nepticulidae) is
reported breeding
at Dungeness, East Kent in 2022. Mines were found on Salix repens L.
var. argentea
(Sm.) Wimm. et Grab. across the peninsula and adults reared to confirm
the
identification. The identification and biology of this species in the
UK are considered
and the significance of this find for the species’ conservation
is discussed.
Keywords: Stigmella zelleriella, Dungeness, leaf-mines,
nepticulidae, Lepidoptera,
Salix repens, Kent.
DNA-BASED FAUNISTICS – EXEMPLIFIED
BY SURVEYS OF
LEPIDOPTERA IN GREECE
PETER HUEMER
Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsges.m.b.H, Naturwissenschaften, Sammlungs-
und
Forschungszentrum, Krajnc-Str. 1, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
E-Mail: p.huemer@tiroler-landesmuseen.at
Abstract
The meaning of DNA barcoding is documented and discussed through faunistic
surveys
in Greece. Eight species of Lepidoptera are reported for Greece for the
first time.
Keywords: DNA barcoding, Greece, Lepidoptera, new country
records
ACALYPTRIS PLATANI
(MÜLLER-RUTZ, 1934)
(LEP.: NEPTICULIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
NIGEL G. J. RICHARDS
Logie House, Logie Easter, Kildary, Ross-shire IV18 0NZ
ngjr@btinternet.com
Abstract
Acalyptris platani (Müller-Rutz, 1934) (Lepidoptera: nepticulidae)
is reported new
to the British Isles from Middlesex (London) in October 2023.
Keywords: Acalyptris platani, British Lepidoptera fauna, Middlesex.
THE DISCOVERY
OF SPINY HOOK-TIP WATSONALLA UNCINULA (BORKHAUSEN, 1790) (LEP.: DREPANIDAE)
IN GUERNSEY,
CHANNEL ISLANDS
1 P. H. STERLING, 2 T. N. D. PEET, & 3 D. J. L. AGASSIZ
1 28 East Wyld Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0RP
2 Le Chêne, Forest, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY8 0BB
3 Garden House, Stafford Place, Weston-super-Mare BS23 2QZ
Abstract
The discovery of Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula (Borkhausen, 1790)
in
Guernsey, Channel Islands in July 2023 is reported. The species is believed
to be
resident on the island and may have been so for several years. The adult
moth is
very similar to Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria (Hufnagel, 1767) and
comparative features are described. Larvae of the two species appear
indistinguishable.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Spiny Hook-tip, Watsonalla
uncinula, Oak
Hook-tip, Watsonalla binaria, larvae, Guernsey, Channel Islands.
SPINY HOOK-TIP
WATSONALLA UNCINULA (BORKHAUSEN, 1790) (LEP.: DREPANIDAE) FIRST CONFIRMED
RECORDS FROM BRITAIN
S. T. BUCKTON 1 AND G. M. TORDOFF 2
1 5a Kings Road, Rodborough, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3SE
2 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP
Abstract
Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula (Borkhausen, 1790) is confirmed as
a British
species from Gloucestershire, Glamorgan and Somerset in 2023. Previous
photographic
evidence suggests the species may have been present in Britain since
at least 2021.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Spiny Hook-tip, Watsonalla
uncinula, Oak
Hook-tip, Watsonalla binaria, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan, Somerset.
THE MILLET SKIPPER PELOPIDAS THRAX (HÜBNER,
[1821]) (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE) NEW TO THE GREEK ISLAND OF
KERKYRA (CORFU)
1 DAN (G. W.) DANAHAR AND 2 ANNE F. SORDINAS
1 35 Coldean Lane, Brighton, BN1 9GD
dan@corfubutterflyconservation.org
2 Aghia Marina, Kalafationes, Corfu, Greece
anne@corfubutterflyconservation.org
Abstract
The Millet Skipper butterfly Pelopidas thrax(Hübner) (Hesperiidae)
is added to the
Lepidoptera fauna of Corfu (Kerkyra).
136
(2):
DIALECTICA
HEDEMANNI (REBEL, 1896) (LEP.: GRACILLARIIDAE: ACROCERCOPINAE) NEW
TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITS
ORIGIN ACCORDING TO DNA BARCODING
MARTIN C. TOWNSEND¹, PETER R. HALL², MARK J. STERLING³ & DAVID
C. LEES³
¹ 26 Bartholomew Road, Oxford OX4 3QQ
² Easter Craiglands, Rosemarkie, Fortrose IV10 8SJ
³ Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington,
London SW7 5BD
Address for correspondence: martin.townsend4@ntlworld.com
Abstract
Dialectica hedemanni (Rebel, 1896) (Gracillariidae) is reported new to
the UK from
Middlesex (vice-county vC21) – a female was collected on 7 June
2018. the
species is normally resident in Macaronesia. the identification is confirmed
by
genital morphology and by DnA barcoding. A 100% match in the DNA barcode
ties its origin to Spain (e.g. Canary Islands: La Palma) rather than
Portugal
(Madeira), according to available COI-5P sequences on BOLD. It is unknown
if
this specimen was an adventive or is breeding on Malvaceae species locally.
We
discuss its relationships with and separation from other Dialectica species.
D.
hedemanni is quite divergent from the other two Dialectica species now
confirmed
to be breeding on species of Boraginaceae in the UK.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Dialectica hedemanni, DnA barcoding,
Boraginaceae, Adventive, Canary Islands.
A FURTHER
RECORD OF BACTRA VENOSANA (ZELLER, 1847) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE: OLETHREUTINAE:
BACTRINI) FOR GREAT
BRITAIN AND IRELAND AND SOME DIAGNOSTIC NOTES
MARK STERLING
Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Email: M.Sterling@nhm.ac.uk
Abstract
A fourth specimen of Bactra venosana (Zeller, 1847) is recorded for Great
Britain
and Ireland and diagnostic notes for distinguishing B. venosana from
other UK
species of Bactra are presented.
Keywords: Immigrant moths, Lepidoptera, Bactra.
WOOD BARLEY
HORDELYMUS EUROPAEUS (L.) JESS. EX HARZ: A FOODPLANT FOR ELACHISTA
APICIPUNCTELLA (STAINTON,
1849), ELACHISTA LUTICOMELLA (ZELLER, 1839) AND ELACHISTA
OBLIQUELLA (STAINTON, 1854) (LEP.: ELACHISTIDAE)
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset,
TA4 3QF
Abstract
Elachista apicipunctella (Stainton, 1849), Elachista luticomella (Zeller,
1839) and
Elachista obliquella (Stainton, 1854) were all reared from mines found
on
Hordelymus europaeus (L.) Jess. ex Harz at Aston Rowant nnR (VC23
Oxfordshire) in February 2023. this appears to be the first UK record
of E.
obliquella on this host and perhaps the first anywhere of E. apicipunctella
and E.
luticomella which were both very frequent on it, suggesting that where
this rather
local grass occurs, it may be a favoured foodplant for these species.
Keywords: Elachista, larval foodplants, Hordelymus europaeus,
Elachista apicipunctella, Elachista obliquella, Elachista luticomella.
THE MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA
OF PARK FARM, KIDLINGTON, OXFORDSHIRE, 1976-2000
PAUL WARING
Shire, Tydd Bank, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 9XE
e-mail: paul_waring@btinternet.com
Abstract
Records of 316 species of macro-moths and 21 species of butterflies at
Park Farm,
Kidlington, Oxfordshire, from 1976 to 2000 are reviewed. Species of particular
interest are discussed.
Key words: Faunistics, moths, Park Farm, Kidlington, Oxfordshire
136
(3):
PSEUDOZARBA
BIPARTITA (HERRICH-SCHAFFER, [1850]), (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) RECORDED IN
BRITAIN
DAVID WALLACE
10 Chartwell Close, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire PO14 4RD.
wallacehome@hotmail.com
Abstract
The noctuid moth Pseudozarba bipartita (Herrich-Schaffer, [1850]), is
formally
added to the British Lepidoptera fauna.
Keywords: Pseudozarba bipartita, British Lepidoptera fauna.
COLEOPHORA
HYDROLAPATHELLA (HERING, 1921) (LEP.: COLEOPHORIDAE) BREEDING ON RUMEX
CRISPUS L.
IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset
TA4 3QF will.langdon12@gmail.com
Abstract
Coleophora hydrolapathella (Hering, 1921) is reported breeding on Curled
Dock
(Rumex crispus L.) at Rye Harbour NNR (East Sussex) and Dungeness (East
Kent)
where it is also using Great Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum L.). These
are the
first records for both vice counties, and appear to be the first of this
rare species
feeding on anything other than R. hydrolapathum. Differences in the biology
of C.
hydrolapathella on the two hosts and its status in the UK are discussed.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Coleophora hydrolapathella,
Rumex crispus, Rumex hydrolapathum, Kent, Sussex, Dungeness, Rye Harbour.
CONISTRA
GALLICA (LEDERER) – A
NEW SPECIES FOR ITALY
(LEP.: NOCTUIDAE)
PETER HUEMER
Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsges.m.b.H, Naturwissenschaften, Sammlungs-
und
Forschungszentrum, Krajnc-Str. 1, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
E-Mail: p.huemer@tiroler-landesmuseen.at
Abstract
Conistra gallica (Lederer) (Noctuidae) which is distributed in the AtlantoMediterranean
region, is reported for the first time in Italy (Cottian Alps).
Identifications were conducted phenotypically and confirmed using DNA
barcodes.
Keywords: Cottian Alps, DNA barcoding, macrolepidoptera, new national
record
MACROMOTH
SPECIES ACCUMULATION OVER TIME IN A SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN: RECORDING
METHOD
CONTRIBUTIONS, INFERRED ORIGINS AND WIDER CONTEXT
CHRIS TYLER-SMITH & YALI XUE
14 High Street, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4HS
E-Mail: ylxcts@gmail.com
Abstract
We report the results of a second six-year study of the macromoths in
a village edge garden in southern England. 121 additional species were
recorded, mainly by
light trapping, but also by daytime recording (including pheromones)
or early stages.
One-third were likely to be residents nearby and a few were migrants
from overseas,
but the majority were considered likely wanderers from more distant locations
in
England. Species previously identified as expanding or declining nationally
generally showed similar patterns in our garden, but with a few striking
exceptions.
The rate of species addition with time showed no sign of levelling off
and trapping
when the night-time maximum temperature exceeded 20°C was identified
as the
most effective way to record low-frequency wanderers and thus add further
species.
Keywords: macromoth species numbers, Robinson and Skinner
light traps, residents, wanderers, migrants, night temperature.
VARIATION
IN POST-MATING BEHAVIOUR IN CAPNIAATRA MORTON, 1896 (PLECOPTERA: CAPNIIDAE)
OBSERVED IN
BRITISH AND IRISH POPULATIONS
HUGH B. FEELEY 1 & CRAIG R. MACADAM 2
1.Environmental Protection Agency, McCumiskey House, Richview, Clonskeagh
Road, Dublin 14,
D14 YR62, Ireland; email: h.feeley@epa.ie
2.
Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London,
SW7 5BD
Abstract
Stoneflies (Plecoptera) have complex mating behaviour, but little is
known about
the species Capnia atra, which is considered rare in both Britain and
Ireland given
its optimal range in the circumpolar region. Observations of post mating
behaviour
in non-receptive females, which only mate once, and their conspecific
males, was
found to differ between British and Irish populations. In the British
population nonreceptive females were able to communicate effectively
with the male, ensuring
secondary mating did not occur. In contrast, Irish male C. atra actively
attempted
to mate with the non-receptive female resulting in a ‘rolling ball’ as
the female
manoeuvred her abdomen constantly to avoid copulation. Phenological and
ecological variation, previously noted for the species, has likely enabled
it to survive
well outside its optimal circumpolar range.
Keywords: Plecoptera, reproduction, defensive behaviour.
136
(4):
COCHYLIMORPHA
WOLINIANA (SCHLEICH, 1868) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN FROM
WORMWOOD
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM IN SOUTH ESSEX
1 MARK G. TELFER AND 2 PETER R. HALL
1 Heatherstone, Whitwell Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1LJ. mark.g.telfer@btinternet.com
2 Easter Craiglands, Rosemarkie, Fortrose, Ross-shire IV10 8SJ. peter.hall018@gmail.com
Abstract
The tortricid moth Cochylimorpha woliniana (Schleich, 1868) was discovered
new
to Britain from Tilbury Ashfields, South Essex, during 2022, breeding
in the stems
of Wormwood Artemisia absinthium. Images of the adult and of the male
and female
genitalia are provided. It is hypothesised that Cochylimorpha woliniana
has a long
history of establishment in Britain but has been overlooked until this
discovery
Keywords: Tortricidae, Cochylimorpha woliniana, new to Britain.
THE BIOLOGY
AND NOMENCLATURE OF SCROBIPALPA FREYII (SCOTT, 1859) SP. REV., COMB.
NOV. (LEP.: GELECHIIDAE),
PREVIOUSLY S. PAUPERELLA (HEINEMANN, 1870) SYN. NOV., AND
COMPARISON OF THE LARVA, PUPA, ADULT AND GENITALIA WITH
THOSE OF SCROBIPALPA ACUMINATELLA (SIRCOM, 1850)
S. D. BEAVAN & R. J. HECKFORD
Department of Life Sciences, Terrestrial Invertebrates Division, Natural
History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
(Correspondence address: The Hayes, Zeal Monachorum, Devon EX17 6DF)
Abstract
The species formerly known as Scrobipalpa pauperella (Heinemann, 1870)
is hereby
revised to Scrobipalpa freyii (Scott, 1859). An account is given of the
discovery in
the British Isles of the larva mining the leaves of Centaurea scabiosa
L. (Asteraceae).
The larva, pupa, adult and genitalia of both sexes are compared with
those of
Scrobipalpa acuminatella (Sircom, 1850). Images are provided of both
species.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Scrobipalpa freyii,
S. pauperella, S.
acuminatella, larva, comparisons
PALLIFRONTANA
LIENIG & ZELLER 1846 (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE)
IN
CAMBRIDGESHIRE (VC29) AND SURROUNDING AREAS
CHRIS TYLER-SMITH & YALI XUE
14 High St., Linton, Cambs. CB21 4HS
Email: ylxcts@gmail.com
Abstract
The past and present status of Grapholita pallifrontana in Cambridgeshire
has been
investigated. The species was discovered in Cambridgeshire by William
Warren,
most likely in 1887; the next published record was in 2021. Its sole
larval foodplant,
Wild Liquorice Astragalus glycyphyllos has been well-documented by botanists
since 1660. We visited the 15 monads with post-1985 records and relocated
plants
in 11 of them, plus one new adjacent monad. We subsequently revisited
these 12
monads during the season when larvae are detectable within the seedpods,
and found
G. pallifrontana in six of the monads, concentrated in the southeast
and southwest
of VC29. The botanical history of these sites suggests that Wild Liquorice
has
probably only been present in these locations for the last half-century,
and that both
foodplant and moth must therefore be quite mobile. Records from adjacent
vicecounties
demonstrate an overall L-shaped G. pallifrontana distribution, with the
Cambridgeshire colonies at its eastern extremity, and raise the question
of whether
most may belong to a single meta-population.
Keywords: Grapholita pallifrontana, Cambridgeshire,
Astragalus glycyphyllos. larval surveys, changing distribution.
SOME OBSERVATIONS
ON THE PAUCITY OF RECORDS OF COLIAS CROCEUS FORM CREMONAEHELICE RUSSELL
ET AL., 2003
(LEP.: PIERIDAE)
PETER J. C. RUSSELL
Oakmeadow, Wessex Avenue, East Wittering, West Sussex PO20 8NP
E-mail: peterjcrussell82@yahoo.com
Abstract
The only published records of Colias croceus form cremonaehelice Russell
et al.,
2003 (the alba ? form of cremonae) appear to be from the island of Faial,
Azores
Archipelago. Many records of f. cremonae are erroneous due to inaccurate
illustrations representing this form. It is acknowledged that the multitude
of names
of forms and aberrations of C. croceus makes for nomenclatural confusion.
This
article gives a descriptive comparison of C. croceus f. cremonaehelice
and C.
croceus f. helice (the alba ? form of croceus). A specimen of C. croceus
f.
cremonaehelice from Beirut, Lebanon is illustrated; the only location
other than the
Azores where this form has been recorded reliably.
Keywords: Colias croceus, cremonae, helice, cremonaehelice,
alba ?, Azores, Portugal, Beirut, Lebanon.
136
(5):
THE EARLY
STAGES OF MICROPTERIX CALTHELLA (LINNAEUS) LEPIDOPTERA, MICROPTERIGIDAE
ADRIAN SPALDING
Sunny Bank Cottage, The Terrace, Chacewater, Truro TR4 8LT. E mail:
A.Spalding@spaldingassociates.co.uk
Abstract
Rearing experiments are reported for Micropterix calthella (L.). Eggs
and early instar
larvae were observed, measured and photographed; larvae were video recorded.
Potential larval foodplants are discussed.
THE IMMIGRATION
OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2020
SEAN P. CLANCY
1 Myrtle Villas, Sussex Road, New Romney, Kent. TN28 8DY. E-mail: trapsite@vfast.co.uk
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British
Isles
during the year 2020 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. For the more regular/frequent
immigrant
species recorded, annual summaries and a selection of the more important
records are
presented in Annex 2.
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