Current Volume - (135) 2023:

135 (1):

SIXTH UPDATE TO A CHECKLIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE BRITISH ISLES, 2013 ON ACCOUNT OF SUBSEQUENTLY PUBLISHED DATA
1 DAVID J. L. AGASSIZ, 2 S. D. BEAVAN & 1 R. J. HECKFORD
1Insects Division, Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
2The Hayes, Zeal Monachorum, Devon EX17 6DF
Abstract
This update incorporates information published before 1 January 2023 into A Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles, 2013.

DIALECTICA SCALARIELLA (ZELLER, 1850) (LEP.: GRACILLARIIDAE) AT DUNGENESS, KENT: THE FIRST BRITISH BREEDING RECORD
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3QF. will.langdon12@gmail.com
Abstract
Dialectica scalariella (zeller, 1850) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is reported breeding at Dungeness, East kent, in September 2022. Mines were found on Viper’s Bugloss Echium vulgare L. in a small area near Dungeness Bird observatory and adults reared.
This is the third British record and first evidence of breeding here. This discovery is discussed, along with a summary of the species’ biology, previous British records and recent range expansion in Europe.

FIRST RECORD OF ZIMMERMANNIA AMANI SVENSSON (LEP.: NEPTICULIDAE) IN WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE (VC34)
AND A REVIEW OF UK RECORDS
SEB BUCKTON
5a Kings Road, Rodborough, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3SE
Abstract
Individuals of Zimmermannia amani Svensson were found in Worcestershire and Buckinghamshire in 2021 and in Gloucestershire in 2022. Prior to these records, the species was last reported in Britain in Bedfordshire in 2010 (one site) and at a well-known site in Huntingdonshire in 2005. Uk records of are reviewed.
Keywords: Zimmermannia amani, England.

135 (2):

HOW TO FIND THE MINES OF PHYLLONORYCTER ULICICOLELLA (STAINTON, 1851) (LEP.: GRACILLARIIDAE)
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QF will.langdon12@gmail.com
Abstract
Successful searches for the mines of Phyllonorycter ulicicolella (Stainton, 1851) during the winters of 2020, 2021 and 2022, suggest that the species is widespread, though very under-recorded, in a variety of habitats in the south of England. Data on mine distribution collected at two sites in oxfordshire suggest that less vigorous bushes with thinner stems are preferred by the moth.
Keywords: Lepidoptera; Phyllonorycter ulicicolella; Gracillariidae; leaf mine.

SOME MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA NEW TO BERKSHIRE (VC22) WITH NOTES ON THEIR STATUS AND IDENTIFICATION
FINLEY N. HUTCHINSON
40 College Road, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1QB (finleynhut@gmail.com)
Abstract
Several species of micro-Lepidoptera recorded in Berkshire for the first time are listed. Details are presented along with notes on their status with particular reference to Berkshire.

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE COLOUR FORMS OF THE BOX-TREE MOTH CYDALIMA PERSPECTALIS (WALKER, 1859) (LEP.: CRAMBIDAE)
1 LAURENCE M. COOK AND 2 JOHN MUGGLETON
1 2 York Road, Netley Abbey, Hampshire, SO31 5DD, UK and Department of Entomology, The Manchester Museum, University of Manchester M13 9PL. Email: lcook@manchester.ac.uk
2 17 Chantry Road, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0LT. Email: jmuggleton@aol.com
Abstract
Frequencies of melanic forms of Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) are discussed in relation to its recent spread in Britain and Europe, providing an opportunity to follow the dynamics of a melanic polymorphism as it becomes established.
Keywords: Box-tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, polymorphism, melanism.

THE CADDISFLY SETODES ARGENTIPUNCTELLUS McLACHLAN, 1877 (TRICHOPTERA: LEPTOCERIDAE) DISCOVERED IN
THE WEST OF IRELAND
1 RUTH LITTLE, 2 HUGH B. FEELEY AND 3 JAMES P. O’CONNOR
1 Environmental Protection Agency, Inniscarra, Co. Cork, P31 VX59, Ireland. r.little@epa.ie
2 Environmental Protection Agency, McCumiskey House, Richview, Clonskeagh Road, Dublin 14, D14 YR62, Ireland. h.feeley@epa.ie
3 Emeritus Entomologist, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland. joconnor@museum.ie
Abstract
A population of the caddisfly Setodes argentipunctellus McLachlan, 1877 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) is reported from the West of Ireland at Ross Lake, Co. Galway. The species was previously known only from two lakes in the Killarney district in the south-west of the island.
Key words: Caddisfly, Trichoptera, Setodes argentipunctellus, Ireland, new locality.

SIGNIFICANT MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES IN THE PUPAE OF TWO SIMILAR MELITAEA (MELLICTA) SPECIES (NYMPHALIDAE)
1 JAMES A. PATEMAN AND 2 PETER J. C. RUSSELL
1 53 Garland Square, Tangmere, West Sussex PO20 2JF j_pateman@btinternet.com
2 Oakmeadow, Wessex Avenue, East Wittering, West Sussex PO20 8NP peterjcrussell82@yahoo.com
Abstract
Significant morphological differences between the pupae of Melitaea aurelia and M. britomartis are demonstrated. Some details of the rearing of these two species from caged females are provided.
Keywords: Nymphalidae, Mellicta, Melitaea aurelia, M. britomartis, rearing experiments, pupae.

135 (3):

LARVAL SEARCHES OF THE ENDANGERED MACRO-MOTH LEAST MINOR PHOTEDES CAPTIUNCULA (TREITSCHKE, 1825)
(LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN THE MORECAMBE BAY LIMESTONE AREA, LANCASHIRE 2022
JUSTINE PATTON
5A Lindeth Close, Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 0TU mothsinlancs@outlook.com
Abstract
Re-assessment of the conservation status of Least Minor Photedes captiuncula (Tr.) has resulted in an updated status to Nationally Rare with a threat risk of Endangered. The Lancashire limestone area has been identified as a stronghold for P. captiuncula, highlighting the need for a detailed survey. Larval surveys were conducted between late-April and mid-May 2022 within suitable habitat containing the larval foodplants, Blue Moor-grass Sesleria caerulea and Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca. Seven P. captiuncula larvae were found feeding on S. caerulea, of which four were successfully reared through to adults, confirming larval feeding for the first time in the UK. Recommendations are made regarding monitoring of known sites and surveying new sites, along with suggestions for habitat management.
Keywords: Photedes captiuncula, larva, Sesleria caerulea, limestone grassland.

MONOCHROA NIPHOGNATHA (GOZMÁNY, 1953) (LEP.: GELECHIIDAE): DISCOVERY OF THE LARVA IN THE BRITISH ISLES
¹ S. D. BEAVAN & ² R. J. HECKFORD
¹ The Hayes, Zeal Monachorum, Devon EX17 6DF
² 67 Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4AW
Abstract
An account is given of the discovery in the British Isles of the larva of Monochroa niphognatha (Gozmány, 1953) feeding in the stems of Persicaria amphibia (L.) Delarbre (Polygonaceae). Attention is drawn to the fact that the larva of Rhinoncus perpendicularis (Reich, 1797), a species of Coleoptera, also feeds in the stems of this plant and care must be taken before determining any part of the stem that has frass
but no larva as evidence of M. niphognatha.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Monochroa niphognatha, larva, Persicaria amphibia, frass, Rhinoncus perpendicularis

LEPIDOPTERA RECORDED IN ALBANIA DURING TWO VISITS, 2009 AND 2014
KEN BOND
7 Horgan’s Buildings, Magazine Road, Cork T12 P2R5 Ireland
Abstract
During visits to Albania in September 2009 and July 2014, 126 species of Lepidoptera were recorded. of these, there appear to be no previously published records fromAlbania of Stigmella paliurella, Phyllonorycter platani, Phyllonorycter corylifoliella, Phyllonorycter leucographella, Phyllonorycter platani, Pleurota proteella, Coleophora texanella and Cyclophora linearia.

135 (4):

THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2019
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 2019 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/frequent immigrant species recorded during the season, annual summaries and a selectionof the more important records are presented in Annex 2.

135 (5):

COLEOPHORA CORONILLAE ZELLER, 1849 (COLEOPHORIDAE). NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
RAYMOND A. WATSON
The House of Eden, Alderton Road, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3RH E-mail: raweden@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
The moth Coleophora coronillae Zeller, 1849 (Coleophoridae) is reported new to the British fauna from Suffolk during 2023.
Keywords: Coleophora coronillae, British Lepidopteran fauna, Suffolk.

BLASTOBASIS GLANDULELLA (RILEY, 1871) (BLASTOBASIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
PETER J. HODGE
8 Harvard Road, Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 5HJ E-mail: peterhodge2@gmail.com
Abstract
Blastobasis glandulella (Riley, 1871) (Lepidoptera: Blastobasidae) is reported new to the British Isles from Sussex in June 2023.
Keywords: Blastobasis glandulella, British Lepidoptera fauna, East Sussex.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LARVA, PUPA AND COCOON OF ZELLERIA HEPARIELLA STAINTON, 1849 (LEP.: YPONOMEUTIDAE)
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
An account is provided, with images, of the larva, pupa and cocoon of Zelleria hepariella Stainton, 1849. These are compared to descriptions and illustrations provided by previous authors.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Zelleria hepariella, larva, pupa, cocoon, description

OBSERVATIONS ON THE STAGES OF SCYTHRIS INSPERSELLA
(HÜBNER, 1817) (LEP.: SCYTHRIDIDAE)
ROB EDMUNDS Embankment House, Farthing Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0AF robdedmunds@gmail.com
Abstract
The development of Scythris inspersella (Hb.) from the early larval stage to adult is recorded and illustrated in colour.
Keywords: Scythris inspersella larva, life history,

CLEPSIS PERITANA (CLEMENS, 1860) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
DAVID W. EMLEY 23 Leacroft, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8GF E-mail: mothrecorder@staffsmoths.org.uk
KARL STOCKTON 28 (B) Vale View, Porthill, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire. ST5 0AF. E-mail: karlstockton70@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
Clepsis peritana (Clemens, 1860) (Lep.: Tortricidae) is reported as a new species for Britain from Staffordshire. The adult is illustrated in colour.
Keywords: Clepsis peritana, Tortricidae, Britain.

TACHYSTOLA MULLIGANAE SP. NOV. (LEP.: OECOPHORIDAE), A WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SPECIES ADVENTIVE IN WEST LONDON
MARK J. STERLING1, COLIN W. PLANT 2, BEN W. PRICE 1, PIOTR CUBER 1, ANDIE HALL1,
JORDAN BEASLEY1 AND DAVID C. LEES 1
1 Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK; M.Sterling@nhm.ac.uk, B.Price@nhm.ac.uk, P.Cuber@nhm.ac.uk, A.Hall@nhm.ac.uk, jordan.beasley@nhm.ac.uk, david.lees@nhm.ac.uk
2 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3QP; colinwplant@gmail.com
https://zoobank.org:pub:039920EC-580D-465C-B351-88A5F5273C81
Abstract
We describe here a new species of oecophorid moth from specimens found in West London and Western Australia. This taxon is part of the Tachystola hemisema (Meyrick, 1885) DNA barcode complex, which consists of at least five different clusters, each with a distinct Barcode Index Number (BIN) on the Barcode Database of Life (BOLD). Illumina sequencing and bioinformatic processing techniques were applied to the lectotype of T. hemisema (collected in 1884) and the designated holotype of the new taxon (collected in 1886) and all 13 mitochondrial protein coding genes were recovered. Recent specimens from West London were DNA barcoded and compared to the BOLD clusters. The morphology of these secimens was compared to the extent possible (both historical specimens lack abdomens). The pairwise distance between typical T. hemisema and the new taxon measures 3.65% for CoI-5P, while there are some amino acid differences in CoI-3P and eight other genes. We also identify morphological differences for the new taxon. The generic placement of the new taxon and T. hemisema
with respect to Tachystola acroxantha (Meyrick, 1885) is also considered.
Key Words. New species to UK, DNA barcodes, Sanger sequencing, Next-generation sequencing, Third-generation sequencing, museomics, citizen science.

THE AUTUMN STAGE OF MONOCHROA CONSPERSELLA (HERRICHSCHÄFFER, 1854) (LEP.: GELECHIIDAE) – A LEAF MINER OF
LYSIMACHIA VULGARIS (L.)
ROB EDMUNDS
Embankment House, Farthing Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0AF robdedmunds@gmail.com
Abstract
The autumn stage of the Nationally vulnerable gelechiid moth Monochroa conspersella (H.-S., 1854) is described and illustrated.
Keywords: Gelechiidae, Monochroa conspersella, Lysimachia vulgaris, Phragmites australis, Cladium mariscus, fen

MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2022
A.M. DAVIS AND G.M. TORDOFF
Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP (tdavis@butterfly-conservation.org)
(gtordoff@butterfly-conservation.org)
Abstract
Noteworthy records of microlepidoptera obtained in the British Isles during 2022 are summarised. This includes three species new to the British Isles, one of which is already breeding. Numerous new vice-county records are detailed, with notable
observations of 464 species in total.