abstracts
2003
Click here if you would like to subscribe to this journal or would like the back issue containing the abstract
115(1):
A BEHAVIOURAL STUDY OF SMALL SKIPPER THYMELICUS SYLVESTRIS PODA AND ESSEX SKIPPER THYMELICUS LINEOLA OCHS. BUTTERFLIES (LEP: HESPERIIDAE)
MICHELLE PYE, TIM GARDINER & ROBIN FIELD Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR.
Abstract
Most butterfly studies and monitoring programmes do not differentiate between Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Poda and Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Ochs. Therefore, combined information is predominantly presented and understanding of their behavioural activity is limited. This paper examines the behavioural patterns exhibited by the two species. Both primarily spent their time basking, resting and nectaring. Plant species used for nectaring purposes by T. sylvestris and T. lineola are listed.
PRIONUS CORIARIUS (L., 1758) (COL.: CERAMBYCIDAE) REARED FROM MONTEREY CYPRESS CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA HARTWEG EX GORDON (CUPRESSACEAE), AND SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE BEETLE’S BIOLOGY, STATUS AND UK DISTRIBUTION
MAXWELL V. L. BARCLAY AND JUDITH A. MARSHALL Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD.
Abstract
The Tanner Beetle Prionus coriarius (L.) (Cerambycidae) is recorded developing in Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa Hartweg ex Gordon (Cupressaceae), a new host record for this polyphagous beetle. Further records of the beetle, and a summary of its published UK distribution, are provided. Aspects of its biology, especially those that may have led to its being under-recorded in the UK, are discussed.
ORCHESELLA QUINQUEFASCIATA (BOURLET, 1843) (COLLEMBOLA: ENTOMOBRYIDAE) FROM CHALK GRASSLAND IN THE SOUTH DOWNS
P. J. A. SHAW1, M. P. BERG2 & J. HIGGINS1
1University of Surrey Roehampton, Whitelands College, West Hill, London SW15 3SN. 2Institute of Ecological Sciences, Dept.Animal Ecology, De Boelelaan 1087,1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Abstract
The Collembolan Orchesella quinquefasciata, which has not previously been reliably recorded in the UK, has been collected from long grass at the edge of yew forest in Kingley Vale, Sussex. It was found to co-occur with a similar community of other Collembola in Kingley vale as it does in grasslands in the Netherlands. Its density increased significantly away from the path edge.
115(2):
THE CHANGING MOTH AND BUTTERFLY FAUNA OF BRITAIN DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
MARK PARSONS Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5QP.
Abstract
This paper attempts to identify those species of Lepidoptera that have colonised Britain and those that have may have become extinct during the twentieth century. Reasons for these changes are discussed and changes in the Lepidoptera fauna in relation to native and non-native plants, along with regional changes, are briefly examined.
THE BUTTERFLY FAUNA OF CENTRAL ARIÈGE, PYRENEES, FRANCE IN THE 1920s AND 2002
DAVID CORKE Tye Green House, Wimbish, Saffron Walden, GB-Essex, CB10 2XE.E-mail: David@Corke.biz
Abstract
The butterfly fauna of two Ariège (French Pyrenees) communes was studied during 2002 and data compared with similar surveys carried out in the 1920s. With the exception of the genus Pyrgus (where identification problems are severe) 95 species were found in the 1920s. Recent surveys have refound all these, either in the two communes or close by, and added a further 12 species. Carterocephalus palaemon, Heteropterus morpheus and Araschnia levana have colonised the area since the 1920s: an extension of range that appears to be due to an increase in open woodland habitats following partial abandonment of farming. Pyrononia tithonus has reached higher altitudes, presumably a consequence of climatic changes. Over recent decades, abandonment of some farmland, and continuation of traditional farming elsewhere (combined with more intensive searching for localised species), has resulted in a very diverse known butterfly fauna in Ariège. In the last few years, farming methods have started to intensify (despite the local economy being mainly reliant on green tourism). This diverse fauna is now in danger.
THE VALIDITY AND SYNONYMY OF THE NAMES BICYCLUS MARTIUS FABRICIUS, 1793 AND B. SANAOS HEWITSON, 1866 (NYMPHALIDAE; SATYRINAE)
TORBEN B. LARSEN 358 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL.
Abstract
The taxon Papilio martius Fabricius, 1793 has erroneously been considered a nomen dubium since 1965. It is here resurrected as the valid name for B. sanaos Hewitson, 1866 in the combination B.martius through the designation of a neotype and the designation of Sierra Leone as the Type Locality. The name melas Condamin, 1965 becomes a junior synonym of B. martius syn. nov.
115(3):
INTERPRETING A SPECIES LIST: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MACROMOTHS RECORDED AT A BANFFSHIRE SITE, 1990-2002
R. LEVERTON Whitewells, Ordiquhill, Cornhill, Banffshire AB45 2HS.
Abstract
Macro-moths were surveyed at a site in north-east Scotland from 1990 to 2002; 274 species were found. Only 66% of these species are considered resident on the site throughout the periodof the survey, the remainder being temporary residents (14%), strays (15%), or migrants and adventives (5%). Other sites may show a similar pattern.
XANTHANDRUS COMTUS (HARRIS) (DIP.: SYRPHIDAE) NEW TO THE ISLE OF MAN AND WITH NEW PREY RECORDS
1 FRED D. BENNETT AND 2 STEVEN M. CRELLIN 1 Crofton, Baldhoon Road, Laxey, Isle of Man IM4 7NA. 2 Shearwater, The Dhoor, Andreas Road, Lezayre, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM7 4EB. (E-mail: smcrellin@hotmail.com)
Abstract
Xanthandrus comtus (Harris) (Dipt.: Syrphidae) is reported from the Isle of Man for the first time. The flyÕs larvae were found to be predating the larvae of the Carnation Tortrix moth Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hb.) (Lep.: Tortricidae), also reported for the first time from the Isle of Man, and possibly another tortricid Ð Lozotaenia forsterana (Fabr.) feeding on ivy Hedera growing on a garden wall. During the course of this study, a third tortricid, the Light Brown Apple-moth Epiphyas postvittana (Walk.), was reared on the island for the first time.
RECORDS OF GALL MIDGES (DIPT.: CECIDOMYIIDAE) FROM THE ISLE OF MAN
K. M. HARRIS1 AND F. D. BENNETT2 1 81 Linden Way, Ripley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6LP (e-mail: kmharris@lineone.net) 2 Crofton, Baldhoon Road, Laxey, Isle of Man, IM4 7NA (e-mail: fdb@thecrofton.freeserve.co.uk)
Abstract
Records of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) known to occur in the Isle of Man are listed, with notes on biology, when known, and on geographic ranges. Six species are new additions to the British fauna: Aprionus insignis Mamaev, Aphidoletes thompsoni M.hn, Coquillettomyia lobata (Felt), Mamevia vysineki Skuhrav., Mycodiplosis sphaerothecae (R.bsaamen) and M. pucciniae (R.bsaamen).
EPICHORISTODES ACERBELLA (WALKER) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE). THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF A WILD-CAUGHT MOTH IN GREAT BRITAIN
1 STEVEN NASH AND 2 MARTIN CORLEY 1 23 Henley Drive, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7JU. 2 Pucketty Farm Cottage, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 8JP.
Abstract
The first capture of a wild-caught adult of Epichoristodes acerbella (Walker) (Lep.: Tortricidae) in Britain is reported. The occurrence is discussed and some hints for recognising the species are given.
STURMIA BELLA (MEIGEN) (DIPT.: TACHINIDAE) AND THE STRAND THAT IS NOT SILK
1 ELIGIUSZ BAUMGART, 1, 2 DONALD L .J. QUICKE, AND 3 MARK R. SHAW 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY. 2 Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD.3 Department of Geology & Zoology, National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.
Abstract
Tests conducted on strands left hanging from Lepidoptera pupae from which larvae of the parasitoid tachinid fly Sturmia bella have egressed show that this substance is best regarded as mucous containing glycoproteins, and that it should not be referred to as silk.
A WEEK’S MOTHING IN BULGARIA, WITH SIX SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA NEW TO THE BULGARIAN FAUNA
1COLIN W. PLANT, 2DUNCAN FRASER AND 3LANCE GORMAN 1 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3QP.(E-mail: colinwplant@ntlworld.com) 2 123 The Street, Capel, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5JX. 3 2 School House, Alston, near Longridge, Preston PR3 3BJ.
Abstract
Moths (Lepidoptera) were surveyed at six sites in south-west Bulgaria during the period 22 - 27 May 2002. A total of 265 species was identified and a further six are recorded but as yet un-named. Six of the total Ð Protasis punctella (Costa) (Oecophoridae), Coleophora valesianella Zeller (Coleophoridae), Cnephasia atticolana (H.-S.), Sciota adelphella (F. v. R.) and Lymphia chalybella (Eversmann) (both Pyralidae) and Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla (D.&S.) appear to be new to the Bulgarian fauna. One further species, the geometrid Dyscia conspersaria (D.& S.) may be new to the Bulgarian fauna if it is shown to be distinct from Dyscia sicanaria (Oberth.r), which was also taken. Details of all species recorded are presented and an anecdotal account of the survey and associated activities is given.
115(4):
THE ENGRAILED, ECTROPIS BISTORTATA (GOEZE) (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE), HAS BECOME PARTIALLY DOUBLE-BROODED IN NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND
1ROBERT M. PALMER AND 2PHILIP J. L. GOULD 1Greenburn Cottage, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9UA. e-mail: bob@bobpalmer.freeserve.co.uk 2Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ. e-mail: phil.gould@bbsrc.ac.uk
Abstract
Records from a light trap in north-east Scotland suggest that Ectropis bistortata (Goeze) produced two generations of adults in the years 1999, 2000 and 2002. This interesting information supports the identification, which is disputed by some, of this northern Ectropisspecies as bistortata (Goeze).
MICRODON MYRMICAE SCHÖNROGGE ET AL 2002 (DIPT.: MICRODONTIDAE): PRESENCE IN IRELAND CONFIRMED
MARTIN C. D. SPEIGHT Research Branch, National Parks & Wildlife, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Abstract
Collection of mature larvae and puparia of Microdon myrmicae Schonrogge et al, 2002 (Dipt.:Microdontidae) from a Co. Offaly locality confirms the presence of this species in Ireland.
LITHOPHANE CONSOCIA (BORKHAUSEN, 1792) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE): SOFTLY’S SHOULDER-KNOT – A NOCTUID MOTH NEW TO BRITAIN
1M. R. HONEY AND 2C. W. PLANT 1Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. 214 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3QP.
Abstract
The moth Lithophane consocia (Borkhausen) (Noctuidae) is recorded for the first time from the British Isles at Hampstead, London. The vernacular name SoftlyÕs Shoulder-knot is suggested for common usage. Details of the record are given along with a description of the adult moth and hints for identifying the species. The adult moth is illustrated in colour and the genitalia of both sexes are figured. Earlier records of Lithophane furcifera (Hufn.) away from the former area of residency in South Wales should be re-examined.
EUPITHECIA MASSILIATA DARDOIN & MILLIÈRE (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) – A PUG MOTH NEW TO THE BRITISH FAUNA FROM EPPING FOREST
B. GOODEY 298 Ipswich Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 0ET.
Abstract
The occurrence of Eupithecia massiliata Dardoin & Millière (Geometridae) in Britain is reported for the first time. The record is discussed and pointers are given for recognition of the species. The vernacular name of Epping Pug is proposed.
A RECORD OF ULOMA CULINARIS (LINNAEUS) (COL.: TENEBRIONIDAE) FROM THE BRITISH ISLES, WITH A DISCUSSION OF ITS EUROPEAN BIOLOGY
M. V. L. BARCLAY
Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD.
Abstract
A second British record of the saproxylic darkling beetle Utloma culinaris (L.) is reported, from the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Its status and possible origins in Britain are discussed and a summary of published information on the biology, behaviour and distribution of the species in continental Europe is provided.
EARIAS VITTELLA (FABRICIUS) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF WILD-CAUGHT MOTHS IN EUROPE
STEVEN NASH
23 Henley Drive, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7JU.
Abstract
The first capture of wild adults of Earias vittella (Fabricius) (Lep.: Noctuidae) in Britain and Spain are reported. The occurrence is discussed.
THE EMPEROR SWALLOWTAILS (PAPILIO HESPERUS WESTWOOD AND P. HORRIBILIS BUTLER) IN WEST AFRICA (LEP.: PAPILIONIDAE)
TORBEN B. LARSEN UNDP Vietnam, c/o Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland (E-mail: torbenlarsen@compuserve.com)
Abstract
Papilio hesperus Westwood, 1843, P. horribilis Butler, 1874, and P. pelodorus Butler, 1895 Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) are shown to be three wholly allopatric species. It would be possible to treat them as subspecies of a single butterfly, but it is probably best and simplest to maintain them as three distinct geographical and ecological vicariants.
115(5):
A COLLECTION OF INVERTEBRATES ASSEMBLED BY THE LATE NORMAN E. HICKIN
1 K. MCGEE AND 2 P. F. WHITEHEAD 1 5 Woodleigh, Drakes Broughton, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 2AN. paul@moorleys.freeserve.co.uk 2 Moor Leys, Little Comberton, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3EH.
Abstract
During 2000 a collection of insect specimens accumulated by the late Dr Norman E. Hickin was found in a building in the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. The identifiable material is catalogued. This material includes a number of significant Wyre Forest records and provides a microcosmic glimpse of the distinctive invertebrate life of that area.
115(6):
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2002
J. R. LANGMAID1 AND M. R. YOUNG2 1Wilverley, 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. (nhi220@abdn.ac.uk)
Abstract
Noteworthy records of microlepidoptera, including new vice-county records made in the BritishIsles during 2002 are listed and discussed.
www.entrecord.com