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F - oor ew wt ree LSNI a a es Ti eat eh ae ee nj ny i 4 7, Entomologist’s Record AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION SS EDITED BY J. M. CHALMERS HUNT, F.R.ESS. at I fs ff oi), A ba) iii CONTENTS 1979 Acherontia atropos L. (Death’s Head Hawk) in Surrey J. Porter, 24 Acronicta alni L. in September J. A. C. Greenwood 329 Aglais urticae L. Heat Aberration of C. G. Lipscomb, 326 Agonopteryx bipunctosa (Cuttis): Larval Foodplant R. J. Heck- ford, 283 Adela croesella (Scop.) (Lep.: Incur- variidae) in Argyllshire J. Cooter, 26 Agonopteryx scopariella Heinemann: Some Notes. of Differences between it and Allied Species in Britain J. R. Langmid, 51 Alpes de Haute Provence, France. A Ban on Collecting Lepidoptera in the Department of the J. McLeod, 37 Amathes agathina Dup. and Rhyacia simulans Hufn. Immigrant © Species? Are B. R. Baker, 136 Andorra, 1978. Entomology in J. iM Chalmers-Hunt and C. Luckens, 45 Andorra, July 1978. A Holiday col- lecting Butterflies in M. J. Symes, 205 Andraca bipuncta (Walter) (Lepidop- tera: Bombycidae). Density- Related Devedlopment in Bar- under Banerjee, 97 (Anthocharis cardamines L.) in East Lothian VC 82. The Orange-Tip A. G. Long, 246 Apamea oblonga Haw. and Slender Brindle (A. scolopacina Esp.) in Sussex. The Crescent-Striped M. Parsons, 293 Apatura iris L. Two Close Encounters with J. F. Green, 195 Apion semivittatum Gyll. (Col.: Apionidae )in S.E. London A. A. Allen, 328 Apomyelois bistratella neophanes Durr. in Shropshire D. J. Agassiz, 174 Aporia crataegi L. (Black-veined White) in Bournemouth, an Early Record S. C. S. Brown, 246 Aporophila nigra Haworth in Kent. one Black Rustic P. A. Sokoloff, 1 Ashurst, Hampshire in 1978. Notable wot Species at J. C. A. Craik, 135 Asiracine delphacidae (Homoptera: Fulgoridea). Tribal Classification of R. G. Fennah, 116 Athetis hospes Freyer (Lep.: Noctui- dae), First Record for Britain J. Porter, 22 Aurelian. Memoirs of an N. Wykes, 225, 261 Autumn Migrants, 1979 J. B. Fisher, 305 Bagpipes and Cider A. Archer-Lock, 211 (Bapta temerata Hiibn.) in October. The Clouded Silver J. A. C. Greenwood, 12 Blastobasis decolorella Wollaston (Lep.: Blastobasidae) at Sham- brook, Bradford D. V. Manning, qi Book Talk Two J. M. Chalmers- Hunt, 280 Bradycellus csikii Lazlo (Col.: Cara- bidae) discovered in Suffolk D. R. Nash, 279 British Lepidoptera Collecting in 1978 C. G. M. de Worms, 162, 185 Buddleia davidii. Caterpillars feeding on D. G. Sevastopulo, 108 Buenoa (Hemiptera Notonectidae) from Peru. New Records of F. G. Zalam and J. M. Smilanik, 204 Cairngorms National Nature Reserve. The Lepidoptera of the E. A. M. MacAlpine, 1, 65, 213, 242 Calothysanis amata (The Blood-vein). Late Record of M. Parsons, 149 Carabus monilis F. & C. nemoralis Mull. in Suffolk, N.E. Essex and Wilts. Observations on D. R. Nash, 138 Carterocephalus palaemon L. Sexual cuuoephism in W. C. Tolman, 18 Cassida murraea (Col.: Chrysomeli- dae) Abundant in Wiltshire D. R. Nash, 284 Cercopis vulnerata 1::. (Hemiptera Heteroptera: Cicadoidea). A rare form of A. V. Measday, 285 Charaxes jahlusa Trimen from South- ern Africa. Description of a New oe of D. G. Sevastopulo, i Charaxes, with the Description and Life History of Charaxes vansoni van Sommeren (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). History of some eco nnY Described S. F. Henning, ea, Cheilosia bergenstammi Becker (Dip- tera: Syrphidae) with a summary of the known biology of the genus in Europe. The Larva and Pupation of K. G. Smith, 190 Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esp.) in South- ern Glamorgan D. R. Stephen- son, 269 iV Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esper) in Essex. The Golden Twin-spot A. J. Dewick, 269 Chrysilina menthrastri (Suffrian) (Col.: Chrysomelidae). An _ unusual Colour Variety of D. R. Nash, 140 Clap Net and the High Net. The R. S. Wilkinson, 78 Clostera anachoreta D. & S. in Essex. The Scarce Chocolate-tip A. J. Dewick, 284 Coleophora machiniella Bradley in Sussex A. M. Emmet, 137 Colephoridae. Notes on the J. New- ton, 234 Coleoptera in flood refuse in East Kent Coast Floods J. A. Parry, 113 Colias croceus Geoff. at Portland in 1979. The Clouded Yellow J. Platts, 283 Colias croceus Geoff. in Shropshire H. Heath, 283 Colombo, Sri Lanka. MHazards of Butterfly Collecting in T. B. Larssen, 221 Cols of the Cervennes, Butterflies of the J. Feltweill, 237 Comma Butterfly. Late emergence of the A. Archer-Lock, 310 Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants (Amendment) Bill (H.L.) E. H. Wild, 167 Continental Journeys during 1978. Two C. G. M. de Worms, 126 Correction: C. G. M. de Worms, 126 Correction: Tyria jacobaeae L. Ed. 259 Coscinia cribraria L. ssp. arenaurea Lempke. in Kent. Speckled Foot- man W. D. Bowden, 149 Cosmiotes consortella (Stainton, 1857) (exiguella Frey 1885) (Lep.: Elachistidae). The History and Status in Britain of A. M. Emmet, 13 Cosmorhoe ocellata L. Pupation Date of G. M. Hagget, 184 Curculionidae (Col.) taken in Cum- berland (V.C. 70). Records of R. W. J. Read, 27 Cyclophora puppillaria Hbn. in Hamp- shire J. R. Langmaid, 76 Danaus chrysippus L. in Malta G. Bonett, 142 Danaus plexippus L. in 1978 P. Hold- away, 27 Decorative Art in Butterflies D. G. Sevastopulo, 133 Deilephila elpenor (L.) in Inverness- shire E. A. M. MacAlpine, 125 Deilephila elpenor L. on Menyanthes trifoliata L. B. N. K. Davis, 27 Digitivalva perlepidella (Stainton) in East Kent J. Roche, 269 Diptera taken in 1976. Notes on I. F. G. McLean, 71 Donaciini (Col.: Chrysomelidae) with a list of recent East Kentish Localities known to the Author. Notes on the J. A. Parry, 323 Drepanepteryx phalaenoides L. (Neu- roptera: Hemerobiidae) in Surrey E. H. Wild, 285 Drymonia dodonaea D. & S. (trima- cula Esp.). A striking form of C. G. M. de Worms, 260 Early British ‘“‘Description’”’ by James Petiver of an American Eupty- chia (Lepidoptera: Satyridae) R. §. Wilkinson, 171 Eastbourne Area. Some Important Bae Records for the M. Hadley, Ectoedemia quinquella (Bedell) in ine London A. M. Emmet, 5) Eilema pygmaeola pygmaeola (The Pygmy Footman). The Larva of L. D. M. Packer, 9 Elachiptera uniseta (Dipt.: Chloro- pidae) A correction and further records A. A. Allen, 108 Emus hirtus Linnaeus (Col.: Staphy- linidae) at Canterbury in 1950 J. Parry, 102 Ennomos alniaria L. Prolonged Hatch- ing of G. M. Haggett, 241 Evrenolcgicy Cabinets R. L. E. Ford, Epiblema cnicolana Zell. in Hamp- shire J. R. Langmaid, 125 Epiphyas postvittana Walker in Hamp- shire D. H. Sterling, 9 Euchromius ocellea Haworth (Lep.: Crambinae) in Monmouthshire G. A. Neil-Horton, 26 Euphydryas aurinia Rott. present in Cumbria J. H. Vine-Hall, 24 Eupithecia abietaria Goeze in Bed- fordshire. The Cloaked Pug V. W. Arnold, 322 (Eupithecia abietaria Goeze) (pini Retzius: togata Hbn.) in West- morland (V.C. 69) in 1978. The Cloaked Pug J. Briggs, 220 Eupithecia millefoliata Rossl. in S.E. London A. A. Allen, 257 Eupithecia phoeneciata Rambur in East Kent A. P. Foster, 305 (Euproctis chrysorrhoea 1.) at Wok- ing, Surrey. The Brown Tail Cc. G. M. de Worms, 288 (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) in_ the Eastbourne District. Some Obser- vations on the habits of the Larvae of the Brown-tail M. Hadley, 210 Euproctis chrysorrhoea Hibn. (Lep.: Lymantriidae) Larvae in N.W. Kent J. F. Burton, 138 } (Eurois occulta L.) A strange habit of the larvae in captivity. The Great Brocade J. Platts, 44 Eusomus ovulum Ill. (Col.: Curcu- lionidae). The probable Identity of the Reputed British A. A. Allen, 287 Family-Group Names of Butterflies. The C. F. Cowan, 61, 146 Formica lugubris (Hym. Formicidae) in Ireland. Flights of the Wood Ant J. Breen, 10 Gegenes pumilo (Lep.: Hesperiidae); A Record for Crete D. C. Hocken, 194 (Geometra papilionaria L.) in Scot- land. The Large Emerald D. C. Hocken, 257 Glyphipteryx lathamella Fletcher in Kent N. F. Heal, 269 Gonepteryx rhamni L. Some Obser- vations on B. W. Moore, 134 Gorham and some 19th Century Records. The Rev. H. S. J. Cooter, 18, 150, 197 Greece: June-July 1978. Butterflies in Northern J. V. Dacie, M. K. V. Dacie, P. Grammaticos, L. G. Higgins, 311 Harpalus (ophonus) rufibarbis (Fab- ricius 1792) Col.: Carabidae. Antennal deformity in an example of D. R. Nash, 137 Heliophorus tuberculatus Gyll. (Col.: Hydrophilidae) near Bristol J. A. Parry, 22 (Hepialus humuli L.) in 1978. A Late Ghost Swift D. Dey, 77 Hippotion celerio L. in Hampshire. The Silver-striped Hawk R. W. Watson, 76 Holly Blue. Raspberry as a Natural Pabulum of the J. V. Banner, 310 Hydrillula palustris and Wicken Fen R. P. Demuth, 54 Hyles dahlii Geyer (Lep.: Sphingidae) —a Local Species of Mediter- ranean Hawk Moth found in Sardinia (June 1976) N. F. Gosling, 296 Hypera venusta F. (Col.: Curculini- dae) found in Mid-winter A. A. Allen, 77 Idea vulpinaria atrosignaria Lempke (Least Carpet) found in Streatham G. Hancock, 257 Immigrant Lepidoptera in Dorset and Suffolk in 1978 H. E. Chipper- field, 24 Immigration of Lepidoptera to the British Isles in 1978 R. F. Bretherton and J. M. Chalmers- Hunt, 81 Inverness-shire — Newtonmore Dis- trict, Supplement 10. The Macro- lepidoptera of E. A. M. Mac- Alpine, 157 Judolia cerambyciformis Schk. (Col.: Cerambycidae). The First Kent Record of A. A. Allen, 316 Kyboasca bipunctata (Oshanin) (Homoptera: Auchenorrhynca, Typhlocybinae), a Species New to Britain M. R. Wilson, 194 La Palma, Canary Islands in 1976. Flies, Bees and Butterflies on P. J. Chandler, 103, 117 Lampronia praelatella D. & S. in Aberdeenshire D. C. Hockin, 285 Leiodes oblonga Er. Col.: Leiodidae) in S.E. London A. A. Allen, 153 Leopoldius signatus Weidemann (Dip- tera: Conopidae) in North East Hampshire S. R. Miles, 172 Lepidoptera in Britain during 1978. A Review of C. G. M. de Worms, 58 Lepidoptera of the Cairngorms National Nature Reserve. The E. A. M. MacAlpine, 1, 65 Lepidopterology in Belgium. R. Leest- mans, 189 Letters to the Editor: A. Kennard, 74 H. E. Chipperfield, 75 R. L. Harvey, 75 Licinus depressus Paykull (Col.: pee) in Suffolk D. R. Nash, 70 Limenitis camilla Linn. at Friston, near Eastbourne, East Sussex M. Parsons, 44 Lita virgella Thunberg (Lep.: Gele- chiidae) A Species New to Ireland D. N. Dowling, 73 (Lithophane leautieri Boisd.) Blair’s Shoulder-knot P. J. Gent, 291 Lithophane leautieri Boisd (Blair’s Shoulder-knot) in North West Kent P. A. Sokoloff, 302 Lithophane leautieri Boisd. in Wales. Blair’s Shoulder-knot D. R. Stephenson, 322 Lithophane leautieri Boisd. in War- wickshire D. C. G. Brown, 29 vi Lithophane ornitopus Hufnagel at Hampstead. The Grey Shoulder- knot A. A. Softly, 305 Lithophane semibrunnea Haworth in North-West Kent. The Tawny Pinion J. M. Chalmers-Hunt, 285 Lozotaeniodes formosanus (Geyer) (Lep.: Tortricidae) in Glamorgan D. R. Stephenson, 302 Lyonetia clerkella L. (Lep.: Lyone- tidae) in large numbers S. N. A. Jacobs, 295 Macroglossum stellatarum L. in S. Devon, 1979 H. L. O’Heffernan, 293 Maniola jurtina L. and other curiosi- ties . An Albino J. M. Chalmers- Hunt, 219 Maruca testulalis (Geyer) (Lep.: Pyralidae) in the London Area C. G. M. de Worms, 286 Megaselia rondani (Diptera: Phori- dae) from Northamptonshire. A New Species of R. H. L. Disney, 317 Melitaea cinxia L. Unusual food- plant of A. Watson, 233 Macrolepidoptera in August. New Irish Records of K. G. M. Bond, 27 Microlepidoptera in Scotland 1978. A. M. Emmet, 92, 122 Migrants at M.V. Light on the 6th October 1979 at Studland, Dorset A. F. J. Gardner, 327 Migrants in Cumbria in 1978 at M.V. Light. Late J. Briggs, 78 Mormo maura (L.). A Late Date for the Old Lady D. Dey, 316 Mythimna unipuncta Haw. ‘The November Migration of J. R. Langmaid, 77 New Butterflies from South Africa. Six Further C. G. C. Dickson, 300 (Notodonta torva Hiibner) in East- bourne, Sussex and the first recorded instance of the capture of the imago in Britain. The Large Dark Prominent M. Hadley, 145 (Nycterosea obstipata F.) and an unidentified Catocala in Dorset. The Gem M. Parsons, 24 (Nymphalis antiopa (L.)) in Kent. Saba Beauty. E. G. Philp, 7 Nymphalis antiopa L. on the same date. Camberwell Beauties M. R. Britton, 316 Ochropleura plecta (L.) in November. The Flame Shoulder ZW. G. Parker, 29 Ochropleura praecox (L.) in Notting- hamshire. The Portland Moth J. Baker, 109 (Odontosia carmelita Esp.) at Epsom Downs. Scarce Pmominent M. J. Symes, 156 (Odontosia carmelita Esp.): Second only record for the Eastbourne District. The Scarce Prominent M. Parsons, 184 Oligia versicolor (Borkh.) in Co. Dublin K. G. M. Bond, 278 Orange-tip in Midlands. The A. G. Long, 219 Orange-tip. The Return of the A. G. Long, 16, 42, 158 Orgyia thyellina Butler ,and Orgyia antiqua (L.). Some Observations on C. Clarke, 315 Orgyia thyellina Butler. The Japanese Oregyia B. Kettlewell, 26 Painted Lady in December 1978. The T. G. Howarth, 9 Panagaeus _bipustulatus _ Fabricius (Col.: Carabidae) in Suffolk D. R. Nash, 222 Panaxia dominula LL. f. bimacula Cockayne, An Artificial Colony of the Scarlet Tiger H. B. D. Kettlewell, 221 Panaxia dominula L. Notes on the Deal Colony of R. W. Watson, 244 Pancalia latreillella Curtis 1830 (Lep.: Cosmopterygidae) in Britain. The Early History of S. C. S. Brown, 274 Pelosia obtusa H.-S. in Britain. A Third Specimen of the Small Dotted Footman T. N. D. Peet, 1 Phasmida II: Copulation with a Spermatophore in Baculum impi- gra Brunner von Wattenwyl. Contribution to the Knowledge of U. Carlberg, 306 Philereme transversata Hufn. and P. vetulata D. & S. Some Remarks on Larval Foodplants with special Reference to S. M. Jack- son, 139 Phoridae (Diptera) from Sandfly Cocoons (Hym.: Symphyta) A. D. Liston, 303 Phragmatobia fuliginosa L. Pheno- menal Swarm of the Ruby Tiger B. Wheeler-Holoran, 281 Phyllonorycta roboris (Zeller). The Voltinism of A. M. Emmet, 174 Phyllonorycta trifasciella Haworth. Foodplants of P. A.Sokoloff, 130 Pieris Butterflies. Exceptional Number of D. O. Elias, 282 (Pieris rapae L.). Sighting of a Yellow Form of the Small White. J. Payne, 57 Provencal Butterflies in April 1978 C. J. Luckens, 7 Psamathocrita argentella P. & M. (Lep.: Gelechiidae) in Hamp- shire D. J. Dickson, 286 Pseudophylotes vicrama_ schiffermul- leri Hering. The Foodplant of J. G. Coutsis, 25 Psylliodes weberi Lohse. Col.: Chry- somelidae) in Wiltshire D. R. Nash, 288 Purple Emperors at Play C. G. Lipscomb, 241 Rhodometra sacraria L. at East- bourne. The Vestal M. Parsons, 285 (Rhodometra sacraria L.) in Inter- ness-shire. The Vestal TJ. C. Dunn, 29 Rhyacia simulans Hufnagel (Dotted Rustic) in Essex A. J. Dewick, 302 Rhyacia simulans Hufnagel. Dotted Rustic in Huntingdonshire R. E. Scott, 260 Rhyacia simulans (Hufnagel) in Kent in 1979. The Dotted Rustic A. G. J. Butcher, 316 Saperda populnea L. (Col.: Ceram- bycidae) and its Tachinid Para- site in Wiltshire D. R. Nash, 286 Saturnia pavonia L. A Gynandro- morph of V. W. Arnold, 219 Scale Transfer: L. G. O. Wood- house’s Method of R. S. Wilkin- son, 299 Scale Transfers of Lepidoptera R. S. Wilkinson, 133 Schiffermulleria subaquilea (Stainton) on Cairngorm P. D. Hulme, 56 Scythropia crataegella L. in SE. London A. A. Allen, 305 Selatosomus bipustulatus (Linnaeus) “al; Elateridae) in Wiltshire and Suffolk D. R. Nash, 135 Sending Mature Insects Alive by Post T. W. Jefferson, 236 Sicily in the Spring of 1977 and 1978. Collecting in A. Valletta, 247 Sicily. October in G. Summers, 23 Small Tortoiseshell. Curious behaviour of H. R. Jessop, 328 Solenobia lichenella (Lep.: Psychidae) Dispersal by wind? K. P. Bland, 327 “Stared and Grinned at by the Vulgar.”” On Being R. S. Wilkin- son, 289 Vii Sterrha vulpinaria H.-S. (Lep.: Sterr- hidae) in South Devon A. Kennard, 56 (Strymonidia w-album Knoch), Alter- native Foodplant of the White Letter Hairstreak J. McFeelly, 191 Tenerife and Gomera, July 1978 N. J. Derry and A. C. Derry, 275 Teleiopsis diffinis (Haw.) (Lep.: Gele- chiidae). The voltinism of P. A. Sololoff, 329 Thassos, Greece. About two recent Butterfly Records from the Island of J. G. Coutsis, 57 (Thecla betulae L.). Rearing The Brown Hairstreak R. Revels, 281 Thecla betulae L. The Brown Hair- streak T. W. C. Tolman, 33, 154 Thera juniperata L. (Juniper carpet) in Warwickshire R. G. Warren, 142 Thetidia smaragdaria (Fabricius). Legal Protection for the Essex Emerald Moth A. Stubbs and J. Rudge, 258 Thomas Martyn’s The English Ento- mologist (1792). A Note on S. C. S. Brown, 64 (Thymelicus lineola Ochs.) at Bleack- heath and Elsewhere in South East London. The Essex Skipper J. F. Burton, 294 Tortoiseshell. An Unusual Abberra- tion of the Small J. R. Miller, 60 Trapping and Treachling J. Feltweil, 14 Triaenodes reuteri McLachlan in Kent (Trichoptera Leptoceridae) S. E. Whitebread, 156 Triphosa dubitata Linn. hiberating in Limestone Caves B. J. Tatlor, 173 Trosley Country Park (Trottiscliffe) near Maidstone, Kent N. F. Heal, 12 Tyria jacobaeae L. ab. pallidula forma nov. R. W. Watson, 153 Unusual Dates in the Summer and Autumn of 1978 C. G. M. de Worms, 121 Unusual Pupation Site. An S. N. A. Jacobs, 23 Utetheisa Hiibner (Lep.: Arctiidae) in the Western and Central Pacific with the Description of a New Species from Niue Island. Further Observations on _ the Species of G. S. Robinson and H. §. Robinson, 270, 319 (Vanessa atalanta) surviving Hard Winter. Red Admiral A. Archer- Lock, 157 Vill (Vespa crabro L.) in Warwickshire. The Hornet J. F. Burton, 161 Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Migrants D. C. G. Brown, 17 Westwood in the Smithsonian Institu- tion Archives. The Papers of John Obediah R. S. Wilkinson, 245 (Zeuzera pyrina L.) in the Eastbourne Area. A Brief Note on the His- tory of the Leopard Moth M. Hadley, 273 CURRENT LITERATURE: 31, 79, 144, 176, 223, 332 OBITUARY NOTICES: Busbridge, William Edward, 15 Haxby, Cecil Ralph, 212 Kettlewell, Henry Bernard Davis (1907-1979), 253, 255 Lawson, Sir Henry, 175 Warren, Brisbane Charles Somer- ville, 111 Woollatt, George (1908-1978), 175 PRACTICAL HINTS: March-April, 29 July, 131 August, 168 September, 216 October-November, 252 December, 330 Agassiz, D. J., 174 Allen, Av A., 77, 108) 153, 257, 287, 305, 316, 328 Archer-Lock, A., 219, 322 Arnold, V. W., 219, 322 Baker, B. R., 136 Baker, J., 109 Banner, J. V., 310 Barunder Banerjee, 97 Bland, K. P., 327 Bond, K. G. M., 27, 278 Bonett, G., 142 Bowden, W.D., 149 Breen, J., 10 Bretherton, R. F., 81 Briggs, J., 78, 220 Britton, M. R., 316 Brown, D. C. G., 17, 29, 328 Brown, S. C. S., 64, 246, 274 Burton, J. F., 138, 161, 294 Carlberg, U., 306 Carter, W. A. C., 252 Chandler, P. J., 103, 117 Chipperfield, H. E., 24, 75 Chalmer-Hunt, J. M., 45, 81, 169, 219, 280, 295 Chatelain, R. G., 169, 216, 217 Ciarke, Sir C., 253, 315 Cooter, J., 18, 26, 150, 197 Coutsis, J. G., 25, 57 Cowan, C. F., 61, 146 Craik, J. C. A., 135 Craske, R. M., 168 Dacie, M. K., 311 Dacie, Sir J. V., 311 Davis, B. N. K., 27 Demuth, R. P., 54, 168, 255 Derry, A. C., 275 Derry, N. J., 275 Dewick, A. J., 269, 284, 302 Dey, D., 77, 316 Dickson, C. G. C., 300 Dickson, D. J., 286 Disney, R. H. L., 317 Dowling, D. N., 73 Dunn, T. C., 29 Elias, D. O., 282 Emmet, A. M., 13, 56, 92, 122, 137, 174 Feltwell, J., 143, 237 Fennah, R. G., 116 Fisher, J. B., 305 Ford, R. L. E., 308 Foster, A. P., 305 Gardner, A. F. J., 327 Gent, P. J., 219 Goater, B., 252 Gossling, N. F., 296 Grammaticos, P., 311 Green, J. F., 195 Greenwood, J. A. C., 327 Hadley, M., 145, 210, 273, 288 Haggeit, G. M., 169, 184, 269 Hancock, G., 257 Harvey, R. L., 75 Heal, N. F., 12, 269 Heath, J., 283 Heckford, R. J., 283 Henning, S. F., 177 Hockin, D. C., 194, 257, 285 Holdaway, P., 27 Horton, G. A. N., 26 Howarth, T. G., 9 Huggins, L. G., 169, 311 Hulme, P. D., 56 Jacobs, S. N. A., 23, 217, 218, 293 Jefferson, T. W., 236 Jessop, H. R., 328 Kennard, A., 56, 74 Kettlewell, B., 26, 221 Langmaid, J. R., 51, 76, 77, 125 Larsen, T. B., 221 Leestmans, R., 189 Lipscomb, C. G., 327 Liston, A. D., 303 Long, A. D., 16, 42, 158, 219, 246 Luckens, C. ie MacAlpine, E. A. M., 1, 68, 125, 157, 213, 242 Manning, D. V., 77 McFeely, J., 141 McLean, I. F. G., 71 McLeod, L., 37 Measday, A. V., 285 Miles, S. R., 172 Miller, J. R., 60 Moore, B. W., 134 Nash, D. R., 135, 137, 138, 140, 170, 222, 279, 284, 286, 288 Newton, J., 234 O’Heffernan, H. L., 293 Packer, L. D. M., 9 Parker, H. G., 29 Parry, J. A., 22, 102, 113, 323 Parsons, M., 24, 44, 149, 184, 285, 293 Payne, J., 57 Peet, T. N. D., 281 Philp, E. G., 76 Platts, J., 44, 283 Pooles, J., 169 Porter, J., 22, 24 Read, R. W. J., 27 Revels, R., 281 Richardson, A., 169, 217, 252 Robinson, G. S., 270, 319 1x Robinson, H. S., 270 Roche, J., 269 Rudge, J., 258 Scott, R. E., 260 Sevastopulo, D. G., 76, 108, 133 Smilanek, J. M., 204 Smith, K. G. V., 190 Softly, A. A., 305 Sokoloff, P. A., 130, 302, 318, 329 Stephenson, D. R., 269, 302, 322 Sterling, D. H., 9 Stubbs, A., 258 Summers, G., 23 Symes, M. J., 156, 205 Taylor, B. J., 173 Tolman, T. W. C., 33, 154, 218 Valletta, A., 247 Vine-Hall, J. H., 24 Warren, R. G., 142 Watkinson, I. A. R., 169, 217, 218 Watson, A., 233 Watson, R. W., 76, 153, 212, 244 Wheeler-Holohan, B., 281 Whitebread, S. E., 156 Wild, E. H., 167, 176, 285 Wilkinson, R. S., 78, 133, 171, 245, 252, 289, 299 Wilson, M. R., 194 Worms, C. S. M. de, 58, 121, 126, 162, 175, 185, 260, 269, 286, 288 Wykes, N DO5) 261 Youden, G. H., 15 Zalom, F. G., 204 ory iE fia iret; Atta irre Al y rie thoes Sy hy avr fe x spine BY ay LY 4, iss Ai ag - ee Nw te 6 ee ee ele SAR SA es Ne ee es eee ; 91, No. 1 January, 1979 ISSN 0013-8916 AAG OS AA A AS SS A 595, 7059 Ent THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. with the assistance of A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. P. J. CHANDLER, B.SC., F.R.E.S. NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. S. N. A. Jacoss, F.R.E.S. (Registrar) J.HEATH, F.R.E.S., F.L.S. Lieut. Col. A. M. EMMET, M.B.E., T.D., F.R.E.S. H. B. D. KeTTLEWELL, M.A., M.B., B.CHIR., D.SC., L.R.C.P., F.R.E.S. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR THIS VOLUME No. 91 £7.50 for overseas subscribers. £6.50 for all U.K. subscribers. Hon. Teasurer: P. J. RENSHAW, 53 Links Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 0QN ; ‘uBR RRRRURRRBRRLLRERRERRRE JBLISHED MONTHLY Ye Vea Wa Va ie Wis an a Vaan ea Van Yr Mee Yen Yak Yar Ys 5 ee Ye Vn Wk a a Sn VS Va a Va Vk a Va Ve Vis Ve Ven Nez Ya Vaz PRICE 60p THE LIVING SEASHORE By Joan M. Clayton The seashore provides a very distinctive environ- ment, supporting a greater number of living things than any other habitat. This book deals with the rich variety of flora and fauna associated with the sea- shore. 32 pages of plates in colour and black and white with numerous line drawings and diagrams within the text. £6.00 net. FRESHWATER LIFE By John Clegg This is the fourth edition of the popular volume on the plant and animal life in Britain’s ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. The life dealt with oul ranges from the unicellular ql organisms through vertebrates S and flowering plants. 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Price 25p, plus 9p postage The Editor of the Naturalist University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP er } | M Co Mh a ; ‘ HL i sere ent MW ae NA nb ye we f : NA A 4 ay i |b a - 4 ye Ad KEY ae, b+ A 4 : or 4 a4 Glen iors Forest ‘ Gikcndens hace CRAIGELLACHIE WI Z \7 (OE NNR SY rage Gt AMIE RE eh AA A # (Forestry Commission) Sa ® Car Park alsa ‘ herr eee ae V Youth Hostel Ne )\Coglumbridgg pak hd ce ne if SSG A Mountain Refuge Ne /; a ~—s Os YH AL # Loch an Eilein jj 3/ & Visitor Centre ry it K k gege ES sennee Nature Trail “at i eat SM 4 Mente) - pit 4, © Reserve Sign 7 VE —— Footpath, Pri er MEY LYE LG: 3 EstaleRoad ~=<@ UG I yp ANG 4G 4M Ee : \ My yy Uy Vp Y Lid, Wy a 4 A Camping Site AR Se Wea Myf 4, 4, AG G, Eso, ar hy Peapomues by S 4, 4476 xy VELA AA A d CARN \\, Vil, Ch “yD CAG VSD Ye (eine bc velceaes Bie ‘ T Uy, j Ids Gey Vea Shielifg “ Board . YOO j ‘ iy) Gey Ne! oui i \ M,N Yi 6 E) BROT 1 \ y “hs 1 Rothie(murchus (4 °* 2447 » 4 J Creag \ & x Mhigeach Qs N x U) \ -¥ A > loch Mhé Me 4 Ghille-thaai S, \ f Loeh Coire \A | : anigetan, (Se ye ° r 3 ! SGORAN DUBH New x Dee elvah \ | MOR i [Och EINICH BRAERIACH } \ Emith CAIRNS t SGOR ~ An Garbh \ g GAOITH a a 4 EX Choire ae SOME a 2 : CARN BAN £0, Sgwnondail 7" w ¢6 Lochan Achlean waeNat © MOR Tass g Sou CAIRN | be Nie 4 Jas TOUL CAIRNGORMS NNR.) & I Corrour | Moine Bothy & I Mhor eg, i{4 Baie 4 Ne, nee A ace orblac ie _ Rai Glenteshie) 4 e ve 4 Lodge [eA Glenfeshie t a oc al Ny. A & /17 Coire ig p ea 7 \ & \ k Bia ¢ 2 ‘o ‘ G 4A \ wor’ ad \ & DK bal - ‘ \ lec haa > ‘ < \ nan an \ Bo s « if a \ ‘ : Ni ‘ Linn of Dee's \ \ om eZ Sy. <2 NR oF GREG Rives Fook ey e) | 2miles \ (r} = “t N.B. Representation of a road, as Nile He © track or footpath is no ° 3kms Bim Sper oS aie he Bom 5 ! Bridge evidence of the existence i we of aright of way KEY © Warden's House (3) Car Park Vv Youth Hostel &. Mountain Refuge Hut * Loch an Eilein Visitor Centre one Nature Trail © Reserve Sign _— Footpath, Private Evenenecd KK Camping Site 4, Land owned by $47, Highlands and Ye @ ak anes Develop inn of eS epresentation of a road, ack or footpath is no vidence of the existence of aright of way ae The Lepidoptera of the Cairngorms National Nature Reserve Euan A. M. MACALPINE * Introduction The Aviemore district must be one of the most popular collecting areas in Scotland yet the lepidoptera of the Cairn- gorms NNR (hereafter referred to as the Reserve or the NNR) have remained relatively unknown. The reasons are not hard to find: most visitors stay only a few days in the valley and so do not have time to survey a significant part of the Reserve; Craigellachie NNR, Granish Moor and the Bogach at Alvie are all more accessable and, possibly more critically, contain known interesting species; and finally, by contrast, the Reserve is remote, exposed and very hard work to cover adequately. In 1976 I was offered a sabbatical term by Winchester College and from late March until early September of that year I was employed by the Nature Conservancy Council to undertake as full a survey of the NNR as possible. In 1977 I returned for five weeks, the last week of July and the whole of August, and in 1978 I was in the area for three weeks, the last two weeks of August and the first week of September. On all these occasions the NCC kindly supplied me with transport and office facilities. A full report of the survey is at present being prepared for the NCC and I am grateful to them for allowing me to publish this article first. Anyone seeing this article who is able to add species to the list for the NNR, or can give additional localities, is kindly asked to contact the author, if possible enclosing two copies of his records. All letters will be acknowledged and one copy of the records forwarded to the NCC. Brief Description of the Reserve The Reserve, established in July 1954, now consists of 26,000 ha. and its main importance is that it contains the largest mass of really high land in Britain. Viewed from the north, the area appears as two high plateaux bisected by the Lairig Ghru, which runs from Coylumbridge, rises to a height of 835 m. and then decends to Deeside. The eastern plateau contains the summits of Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui and the western plateau the summits of Braeriach and Cairn Toul. All four are over 1,240 m., the highest being Ben Macdui at * Hawkins’, St. Cross Road, Winchester, Hants. $023 9HX. MAP Reproduced by courtesy of the NCC. The letters a to g indicate the positions of the main trap sites within the Reserve; the letter rf indicates the positions of casual trap sites; and the letter k indicates the main trap site at Kincraig, outside the Reserve. Note: (i) St. Valery Hut and Curran Bothy no longer exist; (ii) the nature trail at Achlean is closed. 2 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 1,309 m. The high land is the most truely ‘arctic’ in Britain. Associated with these tops are a series of spectacular corries, high-level lochs and streams. On the western plateau, south of Gleann Einich and above Glen Feshie, there is the largest area of high blanket bog in the country, most of the land being above 900 m. This is known at the Moire Mhor or “The Great Moss’. Between the high land and the lush margins of the Spey valley there is a succession of different habitats. At Rothie- murchus there is an extensive remnant of the old Caledonian pine forest, with its rich under-storey of bilberry-crowberry heath; at Craig Fhiaclach the pines reach their highest natural level in Britain at some 640 m.; heather dominates above this level, slowly becoming more wind-flattened with increasing altitude until it fades out at around 1,000 m. Patches of bear- berry and, at higher altitude, crowberry can become quite extensive in this heath-land. Above 1,000 m. Rhacomitrium heath dominates. Anyone wanting much fuller details of the vegetation in particular or the area in general should see Nethersole- Thompson & Watson, 1974. Previous Work on Lepidoptera in the NNR In 1952 Comm. G. W. Harper went to live in Newton- more and from then until the late 60s collected and recorded over a large area. He wrote up his findings in a series of papers, Harper (1954-1968), and these papers give the only self-contained account of the macrolepidoptera of the region — roughly a circle of 20-mile radius centred on Newtonmore. At the request of the NCC he recorded as much as he could within the boundary of the Reserve but he limited his range to the area around Loch an Eilein, only occasionally going further affield. E. C. Pelham-Clinton and R. M. Mere visited the Reserve soon after it was declared an NNR, and recorded particularly in Gleann Einich and on Braeriach plateau — and ran a trap on the summit! Pelham-Clinton also visited Glen Derry and Glen Luibeg in 1970 and Glen Derry again in 1971. Sufficient to say that by 1976 there were approximately 115 species recorded on the NCC files, the majority of the macro records coming from Harper and the majority of the micro records from Pelham-Clinton. There was an entomological survey sponsored by Shell but no records from this have seen the light of day — at least no records of moths or butterflies have appeared. It is perhaps interesting to note that the provisional Atlas of the Insects of the British Isles, Part 2, Lepidoptera, had no records at all for the grid square: NJO0O Gairn Gorm Summit, Coire Raibert, Loch Avon, Loch Etchachan; NN89 Carn Ban Mor, Coire Garbhlach; NN99__— Loch Einich, Moine Mhor; NN88_ Upper Glen Feshie. THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE CAIRNGORMS NNR 3 This Survey In view of the rather fragmentary nature of the previous records, I decided to approach the area as if nothing were known. I therefore selected seven trapping sites around the north and north-western edge of the Reserve, trying to choose them to give maximum coverage of the area and maximum diversity of vegetation type. I chose an eighth site, Inshriach, which I used whenever the NCC landrover was out of action, since this was the only locality that I could get my car to in the Reserve. In 1977, I dropped the sites at Loch Einich and Achlean and in 1978 I dropped Achnagoichan as well. A glance at the map will show that I got reasonable coverage of the lower area of the Reserve but, in view of the fact that I only trapped at each site once a week, I am sure that I have failed to get a complete picture at any of the sites. During the day I covered as much of the Reserve as I could and I suppose I spent on average about six or seven hours a day in the hills — only just an adequate amount of time given the remoteness of so much of the NNR. Traps and Trap Sites To save space in the systematic list, I use the following letters to repressent the trap sites: A. Loch an Eilein NN/899072. 290 m. B. Cairgorm Club Footbridge NH/928078. 300m. C. Loch Gamhna NH/894073. 260 m. D. Loch Einich NN/921999. 510m. E. Inshriach Bothy NH/885056. 285 m. F. Allt Ruadh NH/864010. 380 m. G. Achlean NN/852985. 340 m. H. Achnagoichan NH/912083. 310m. Apart from the restrictions mentioned above, these sites were all trapped once a week for the time I was in the area. In 1976 I used two 6-watt actinic Heath traps, and in 1977 and °78 I used a 125-watt Robinson trap. Other trap-sites used were: Gleann Eninich — NH/925046 — 430 m. — July 10th, 15th, 24th, 29th, all 1976 — one Heath trap; Gleann Einich — NH/928066 — 350m. — 29.vii.76 — one Heath trap; Coire Garbhlach — NN/872947 — 510 m. 24.vii.76; Coire Garbhlach — NN/881939 — 900 m.— 11.viii.77 — one Heath trap; Moine Mhor — NN/895926 — 980 m. — one Heath trap; Moine Mhor — NN/904927 — 974 m. — 11.viii.77 — one Robinson trap. Site outside Reserve K. ‘Kincraig’ NH/8506. 220m. Apart from the first three weeks in 1976, I lived at the above site and in 1976 and ’78 I ran a Robinson trap there every night. In 1977 I ran the Robinson trap in the Reserve and did no recording at all at Kincraig. Over all three seasons I did no day-time or dusk work there since I was always in the NNR. I have included these result in the systematic list so that they can be compared and contrasted with the results from the NNR and in the hope that all the results taken 4 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 together will eventually form the basis of a micro list for the whole area, and not just for the NNR. Weather The weather during 1976 has been commented on many times in this journal and it is clear that I could not have picked a better year to ‘work’ the Cairngorms. Indeed, after reading Harper’s comments on the weather over the years, it is obvious that the weather in the Cairngorms was relatively even better than over the country as a whole. A few brief figures will confirm this. Weather records kept at Achnagoichan for the period 1955 to 1964 gave the following: Average warmest month: July, 16.2°C. Average Minimum Monthly Rainfall: 40 mm. in April — with March and May similar. Average August Rainfall (the wetest month): 98 mm. Compare 1976: the average temperatures in June, July, August were 20.6, 22.2, 21.2°C; the maximum monthly rain- fall was in May, 47 mm., all other months under 24 mm. and August had only 16 mm.! Although 1977 and 1978 were not nearly so good as 1976, they were still better than average. In short, it is hard to imagine that any moth survey has been blessed with such good weather over such a long period of time in an area that is renowned for it’s bad weather! Day-time Records During the day I covered as much of the Reserve as I could and I list below the major areas of the NNR that I visited that were away from the trap sites. The numbers opposite each area indicate the number of visits specifically to these areas, as opposed to merely walking through the area on the way to somewhere else. The three sets of figures give the visits for each of the three seasons J was there. (1) Cairn Gorm & Coire Railbert: 7-0-1. (2) Loch Avon & Loch Etchachan: 3-1-0. (3) Cairn Grom to Ben Macdui: 3-1-0. (4) Lairig to Sinclair Hut: 5-1-2. (5) Gleann Einich to the Loch: 5-0-0. (6). Creag Fhiaclach, Coire Follais, & Argyll Stone area: 4-0-1. (7) Geal-charn & Coire Follais: 1-0-0. (8) Achlean & Coire Garbhlach: 5-0-1. (9) Moine Mhor & Carn Ban Mor: 3-1-0. (10) Upper Glen Feshie: 0-1-1. (11) Loch Einich to Braeriach: 3-0-0. (12) Cairn Toul: 1-0-0. (13) Lairig to Linn of Dee: 0-0-1. A brief glance at the map will show that I failed to cover adequately the areas drained by the Geusachan Burn, the lower River Eidart and the upper Feshie and Glen Derry and Glen Luibeg. The Systematic List In the list that follows I have tried to convey as much information as space allows. After each species I give the trap sites it was recorded from, using the letter abbreviations, then the day-flying records and any larvae or pupae found. The only exception to this is for the records from Kincraig: I have grouped all these under the trap site and have not given THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE CAIRNGORMS NNR 5 further details about day-flying, larvae, etc., since this report is mainly concerned with the NNR. To save space I use the following conventions: A means at trap site A; Loch an Eilein means ‘in the area of Loch an Eilein but not actually at trap-site A’, similarly Loch Gamha, etc; Achlean/Coire Garbhlach means the area between these two places; above Loch an Eilein and above Loch Gamhna means the areas to the south of these places, where the land starts to rise. This list contains all the records for the NNR that I have been able to find and unless otherwise stated all records are those of the author. In the case of records already on the files, I have only given these if I have failed to up-date them myself. In the event, additional records have come from Pelham- Clinton, abbreviated to E.C.P-C., Harper and two records from Charles Godfray and Mark Sterling, who visited the area in the summer of 1977. The only species for which records are incomplete are those for the ‘ear’ moths: I killed only a few and, having identified all three species from the NNR, I then stopped recording them. In general I have given full details of occurence, but numbers for only a few species, and I am grateful to the Editor for advice on which species might be of interest to his readers. Vice Counties. All records in this list are from V.c.96, East Invernesshire, except for the following places: V.c.94 Banffshire. Fords of Avon, Loch Avon, Cairn Gorm, Coire Raibert, Coire Domhain, Shetler Stone, Lochan Buidhe. V.c.92 South Aberdeenshire. Loch Etchanchan, Coire Spuntan Dearg, Glen Derry, Glen Luibeg, Cairn Toul, Pools of Dee. V.c.92/V.c.96. Braeriach & Einich Cairn lie on the boundary between these Vice Counties. Brief Summary of Results The systematic list gives 387 species for the Reserve. I failed to record eleven species that were on the NCC files. The total number of different species at each of the trap sites were as follows: A — 225; B — 130; C — 160; D — 32: E — 141; F — 123; G — 102; H — 122; (K — 322). These figures give a good indication of the relative richness of the sites though two things need to be taken into account: I never ran a 125-watt trap at G; and I recorded more from A, Loch an Eilein, than any Other site since it is the main entrance to the Reserve and without doubt the easiest place to see nearly all the butterflies. The figures for B, Cairgorm Club Footbridge, are slightly lower than I expected but this may be due to the fact that there is no really good birch in the area and the ants seemed particularly active there —the trap always had a lot of ants in it and I assume the toll on larvae is very great. Iam informed that the best ant-free area is between the two rivers that meet at Cairngorm Club Footbridge but I never went there. Perhaps one day? 6 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 The records away from the trap sites, i. day-flying records only, give: Lairig to Sinclair Hut — 56; Gleann Einich — 54; Achlean/Coire Garhlach — 64; Upper Glen Feshie, from Ruigh-aiteachain bothy south — 27, this after only two visits, both in August when the main season was over. My guess is that Glen Feshie, from the bothy, would turn out to be the richest of these sites if only it could be adequately surveyed. Acknowledgments I wish to express my sincere thanks to Winchester College for granting me a sabbatical term and the Mathematics depart- ment for covering for me while I was away; to the Nature Conservancy Council and all the staff at Aviemore for the help they gave me; to Teddy Pelham-Clinton and the late Denzil Ffennell for the enormous amount of work they did on my behalf indentifying a lot of the micros; to Lord Dulverton and John Grant The Younger for granting me free access to all their land; and to all the entomologists who gave me help before, during and after my trips to the Cairngorms. These were: Bob Palmer, who gave me all the records he had for the south side of the NNR; Geoffrey Pyman, who sent me records of Venusia cambrica (Curtis) and Eupithecia goosensiata (Mabille) —I failed to find these in ’76 but recorded both in °77; Charles Godray and Mark Sterling, who kindly sent me a copy of their records for ’77; Col. A. M. Emmet, who indenti- fied all larval mines; and David Carter of the British Museum (Nat. Hist.), who identified a large number of larvae I sent him, both as live specimens and as colour slides. To all these gentlemen thank you! My thanks to the Edinburgh family who answered adver- tisement in The Times and offered the most marvellous acom- modation for all these seasons. The house was in an ideal position to enable me to cover a large area of the NNR, situated as it was in Inshriach, and, as shown in the systematic list, it turned out to be an ideal locality for moths in its own right. Finally, my thanks to my wife and children for putting up with moths for about 17 hours a day for the whole period. They also contributed a good many records, my four-year-old daughter being particularly good at finding larvae at head- height, her head-height that is! A Few Useless Statistics In the course of this survey I travelled over 7,000 miles by landrover, did over 130,000 vertical feet of hill-walking and open and shut gates while driving over 2,752 times. References Harper, Cmdr. G. W., 1954-1968. The Macrolepidoptera of Inverness- shire, Newtonmore District. Ent. Rec. J. Var, Vols: 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77, 80. Three main parts, in Vol: 66, and nine supplements. Nethersole-Thompson, D. and Watson, A. 1974. The Cairngorms. Collins, London. (to be continued) Provencal Butterflies in April 1978 By Dr. C. J. LUCKENS * The snow and sleet which greeted us soon after we drove off the ferry at Le Havre and the bitter east wind which per- sisted right through to Provence did not make an encouraging start to our late April family holiday. Added to that was the increasing malaise of our motorcaravan which developed more and more ailments during our marathon 17-hour journey south. The warm, aromatic Mediterranean breeze was a wonderful tonic, however, as we drove in the darkness through the fringe of the Massif des Maures, and we finally arrived at our rented gite a few kilometres outside Ste. Maxime, in the early hours of the morning. A few hours sleep, a late breakfast on the sun-filled balcony, and the sight of a large Iphiclides podalirius L. flapp- ing across the yard below, quickly restored morale, and [I lost no time in taking the three boys for a walk along the narrow roads behind Guerrevieille. The dominant butterflies were Euchloe crameri Butler and Pieris napi L., but there were also a few Anthocaris cardamines L. and Gonepteryx cleopatra L. In a small hollow beside the road I netted a female Pararge aegeria aegeria L., but not all subsequent captures were of the typical orange form of this butterfly, and pale specimens very similar to aegerides also turned up from time to time. Beside the house Celestrina argiolus L. flitted around the flowering prunus trees. The next day was spent mainly arranging for repairs to our car and hiring a replacement, but I did have a short time to explore the lower Couloubrier valley north of Ste. Maxime. E. crameri was again widespread and the only new species were Erynnis tages L. and Callophrys rubi L. Two hopelessly wet days followed, but April 19th pro- mised fair and we took the narrow hill road beyond Grimaud to Collobriéres. As we neared Collobriéres the first Anthocaris belia euphenoides Staud. appeared, fluttering over the yellow biscutella flowers beside the road. We eventually found a place to stop beside an orchard, and among some rough ground nearby single specimens of Heodes tityrus Poda and Clossiana dia L. turned up. A Nymphalis polychloros L. was seen feed- ing high up on a flowering cherry but flew off before I could net it. Just before leaving I caught a fresh female Colias croceus Geoff. which, over the next few days obliged with a number of ova. We left by the winding road over the Col de Babaou, stopping half way up to intercept a large female Papilio machaon L. which was fluttering oyer pink cistus, and which also produced a large batch of ova before her release three days later. Thundery showers prevailed for two days, but the 22nd was hot and sunny and my second son came with me to explore the eastern edge of the Forét de Dom beyond Cogolin. In *52 Thorold Road, Bitterne Park. Southampton SO2 4JG. 8 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 rough ground by a stream Colin spotted a worn female Zerynthia polyxena D. & S., a butterfly I particularly wanted to find. This prompted a more extensive search and after crossing the stream we eventually found ourselves in a lush meadow where this attractive butterfly was flying in numbers. The rich herbage harboured clumps of Aristolochia rotunda the main foodplant of polyxena and also several examples of the lovely yellow Southern tulip. On the far side of the meadow the fringe of the forét domaniale clothed a gently rising slope, and in the centre was an overgrown vineyard wtth several flowering fruit trees. The blossom was attracting podalirius and a few Nymphalids such as Polygonia c-album L., Nymphalis io L. and another wary polychloros. Just before leaving I casually searched one of the clumps of Aristolochia and almost immediately found two polyxena ova. April 23rd was the warmest day of our holiday. In the morning Colin and I went to the terraces east of Draguignan where Mr. R. F. Bretherton had done some profitable collect- ing in 1962. Times had changed however, and there was a plethora of notices alongside the road stating “Proprieté Privée. Défense d’Entrer’ or more simply and perhaps more tellingly ‘Attention. Chien Méchant’?! We found one fairly good area however where several A. belia euphenoides were fluttering about like lemon-yellow flower petals, and Colin captured a single male Philotes baton Berg. in perfect condition. We also saw C. dia, G. cleopatra, Leptidea sinapis L. and Pyrgus malvae L. I was pleased to net a female Libthea celtis Laich., but to my chagrin failed to find any Celtis australis to sleeve her on. In the afternoon we all went to the meadow west of Cogolin where polyxena, crameri, croceus and several more podalirius were flying. New species seen were Spialia sertorius Hoffmann. and Aricia agestis D. & S. Searching clumps of plantain, I found two Melitaea larvae which, bred out in May, produced large fine specimens of Melitaea didyma Esp. Collecting was impossible for the next three days but on April 27th, our last full day at Guerrevieille the sun shone once more and my two older sons came with me to the disused railway line which runs along the coast east of Le Rayol. The track was bordered by Arbutus bushes in several places, but we searched in vain for larvae of Charaxes jasius L. The bright, orange-dappled form of P. aegeria was fairly common and I was also pleased to find Pieris mannii Mayer. The following day we started north for home without a starter motor, which had broken with a horrifying noise the evening before. A veil must be drawn over the next two days, but suffice it to say we did not stall at any really inconvenient times and when we were finally pushed off the ferry at Ports- mouth, a satisfying harvest of specimens and livestock made all the tribulations of the journey seem worthwhile. References Bretherton, R. F., 1962. April Butterflies in Provence, 1962. Ent. Rec., 74: pp. 144-147. PROVENCAL BUTTERFLIES IN APRIL 1978 9 Greenwood, J. A. C., 1967. June in the South of France. Ent. Rec., 79: Higgins, L. G. and Riley, N. D., 1970. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe — Collins. ; p Polunin, O., 1974. The Concise Flowers of Europe — Oxford University Press. Worms, de C. G. M., 1966. Easter on the French Rivera, April 1966. Ent. Rec., 78: pp. 192-197. THE LarvA OF EILEMA PYGMAEOLA PYGMAEOLA (THE Picmy Footman). — During a field meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Kent Trust for Nature Conservation at Sand- wich Bay on the 11th June 1978, I found by a footpath on the Royal St. George’s Golf Course, a large concrete bollard which I turned over in the hope of finding some beetles. On the side of this lichen-encrusted piece of concrete I found two Arctiid larvae. One of these furry brown caterpillars was evidently parasitised and unfortunately both host and para- site died. However, the other larva soon spun a cocoon from which there emerged a perfect specimen of Eilema pygmaeola pygmaeola Doubleday. This specimen was shown at the Annual Exhibition of the British Entomological and Natural History Society, where Mr. Chalmers-Hunt informed me that little or nothing appears to be known of the immature stages of this insect, at least in this country. Being unaware of the significance of my capture at the time, I made no description of the full grown larva and its cocoon. However, as it seems likely that the two larvae were feeding on the lichen on the concrete bollard it should be possible to find more in 1979.— L. D. M. Packer, | Mary Green Walk, Canterbury, Kent. [This is the first time to my knowledge that the larva of this species has been found in Britain, despite the fact that the moth has been known as an inhabitant of this country for more than 130 years, and is not uncommon where it occurs.— J.M.C-H.]. THE PAINTED LADY IN DECEMBER 1978.— I was interested to see a Cynthia cardui L. here in our garden on 4th Decem- ber, a beautiful calm sunny day after a cold spell. It settled on Chrysanthemum and Senecio.— T. G. Howartu, Highview, 4 Clinton Road, Beer, Seaton, Devon. EPIPHYAS POSTVITTANA WALKER IN HAMPSHIRE. — I recorded the second and third appearance of this species in Hampshire last year (in Ent. Rec., 90: 82). This year’s records strengthen the likelyhood that it is now breeding in the Win- chester area of Hampshire. I took two specimens in my Win- chester (V.c.11) m.v.t rap on nights 25th/26th October and Ist/2nd November 1978. In addition Rev. S. C. Pittis brought me a further specimen that had come to a 15 watt actinic trap in his garden on nights 27th/28th October. This also in V.c.11 about a mile away from mine towards the centre of Win- chester (V.c.11) m.v. trap on nights 25th/26th October and Lane, Winchester, Hants., SO22 5LF. 10 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 Flights of the Wood Ant Formica lugubris (Hym., Formicidae) in Ireland By JOHN BREEN* Most of the studies of the flight activities of Formica have been made on the North American species (Scherba, 1958; Talbot, 1959-1972; Kannowski, 1959, 1963; Clark & Comanor, 1972). These studies suggest a pattern of short morning flights on successive days with only small numbers of alatae taking flight each day. In contrast, there are few detailed studies of the flight activities of European Formica. Donisthorpe (1927: 297) observed a mating swarm of one of the F. rufa-group species at Aviemore, ‘‘in the middle of the afternoon”? of 15.vi.1911. Marikovsky (1961) recorded mass flights of alatae from wood ant nests and swarms of alatae congregating on mountain tops. There is also an old record of F. aquilonia Yarrow swarming on top of Ben Nevis in 1896 (Brice, in Collingwood, 1958). The purpose of this note is to report observations of flights made during a recent study of F. lugubris Zett. Further details of the localities mentioned can be found in Breen (1977). Production of Alatae Alatae occurred in most medium (diameter ca. 0.7m) to large-sized active nests and were first observed in the nests on 12.v.1973, 11.v.1974 and 23.iv.1975. Males seemed to appear first. Most nests produced both sexes, a few produced males only and none were seen with females only. Alatae (males) were last seen in the nests in late September during 1973. Alatae occurred in nests at all the known Irish localities (c.f. Breen, 1977). There were considerable differences in the time of appear- ance of alatae in different nests in the South Tipperary planta- tion woods. During 1973, alatae were first observed in Moore’s Wood on 12 May and were present in all the active nests during the next few weeks. However, in some nests — gener- ally large, non-active and shaded, sexual larvae and pupae, but no alatae were observed as late as the 20 June, and callow males and many sexual pupae were present in one such nest (MW 284a) on 6 July. I do not know if these late emerging alatae ever flew from the nests. Similar observations have been made on the American species F. ulkei Emery: ‘“‘The mound that is shaded or has only a northern exposure to the sun lags in activities such as the development of brood and the initiation of activity in the spring” (Scherba, 1958). Flights Flights were first observed in 1975. However flight dates before this can be reasonably inferred from the appearance of dealate females on the ground: 26.v.1973, 13.vi.1974. During 1975, flights were observed from five nests in Kilcoran Wood on six days from 6-20 June (table 1) and the first and last flights at each nest may not have been witnessed. * Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. FLIGHTS OF THE WOOD ANT FORMICA LUGUBRIS 11 TasLe 1. Flight activities at five nests in Kilcoran Wood during June 1975. All times are in Irish summer time. Key: — no alatae on mound; + flights; ? alatae on mound but no flight; * no observation made. Date Nest 6 q 9 10 11 20 Take-off direction 440a + ae ? — — — ESE 440f ar + ar ? 3F af NNW 440g ar — — — — — SSE 437b ar — 2 — — WSW 7d “2 ae al =r NNW 43 lay Ma Starting 08.00 08.30 08.30 10.40 10.40 09.35 time Males and females flew from the vegetation on or near the nest, and females also climbed nearby trees (up to 5m high) and flew from their highest points. Such differences between males and females were reported in F. ulkei (Talbot, 1959) and F. opaciventris Emery (Scherba, 1961). Flights of males only and of females only occurred from the same nest (KC-437d) on different days. All the flights lasted 30-45 minutes and although 20-30 alatae per minute was the highest number seen taking flight, the usual number was 5-10 per minute. Flights took place in the morning and the actual time of flight varied according to the temperature; each flight started after the first direct sun-rays hit the nest, air tempera- ture 17.5-18.0°C. Alatae about to fly flapped their wings beforehand (cf. Kannowski, 1963). One flight started at 16.2°C but the small number of alatae which took flight all landed on nearby trees. These observations are very similar to the observations made on the North American Formica (refer- ences above). Observations made on 20.v.1977 in Kilcoran Wood (nest 440g) provide further evidence of the dependence of flights on air temperature. The observations began at 03.30. At 06.50 alatae (1 2, 4 o') appeared on the nest surface. However, cloud cover was 100%, air temperature 11.5°C and it was misting. At 10.30 it cleared (air temp. 13.6°C). At 10.45 ca. 200 alatae appeared on the nest. Clouds reappeared but this was followed by another clearance at 11.30 (air temp. 13.9°C).At 11.50 four males and one female took flight. At 12.00 a 5-minute count gave 17 males and 4 females taking flight (air temp. 19.4°C). Only a few more alatae took flight and it ceased by 12.30 (air temp. 20.6°C). This flight was the latest in the day I have seen and it appears to have been delayed by the repeated appear- ance of clouds. The direction of take-off flight was quite constant at each of the five nests (cf. table 1). However the directions appeared to bear no obvious relationship either to each other, or to uphill/downhill direction, and may have been dictated by the tree positions at each site. Alatae were rarely seen on the surface of the nest at other times, and this may be due to a circadian rhythm of alate emergence from the nest such as that demonstrated by McCluskey (1965) in alatae of five ant species, including the formicine Campanotus clarithorax Emery. 12 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 Acknowledgements Most of these observations were made while I was a postgraduate student at the Department of Zoology, Univer- sity College, Cork, under the supervision of Professor F. J. O’Rourke. I was in receipt of a U.C.C. College Scholarship and a Department of Education maintenance award. References Breen J. 1977. The distribution of Formica lugubris Zetterstedt (Hymen- optera, Formicidae) in Ireland, with a discussion of its possible introduction. Ir. Nat. J. 19: 123-127. ; Clark, W. H. & Comanor, P. L. 1972. Flights of the western thatching ant, Formica obscuripes Forel, in Nevada (Hymenoptera, Formi- cidae). Gt Basin Nat. 32: 202-207. Collingwood, C. A. 1958. Summit ant swarms. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 70: 65-67. Donisthorpe, H. St. J. K. 1927. British Ants. 436 pp. London. Kannowski P. B. 1959. The flight activities and colony behavior of bog ants in southeastern Michigan. Insectes soc. 6: 115-162. Kannowski, P. B. 1963. The flight activities of formicine ants. Symp. genet. 12: 74-102. Marikovsky, P. I. 1961. Material on sexual biology of the ant Formica rufa L. Insectes soc. 8: 23-30. McCluskey, E. S. 1965. Circadian rhythms in male ants of five diverse species. Science, N.Y. 150: 1037-1039. Scherba, G. 1958. Reproduction, nest orientation and population struc- ture of an aggregation of mound nests of Formica ulkei Emery (‘“‘Formicidae’’). Insectes soc. 5: 201-213. Scherba, G. 1961. Nest structure and reproduction in the mound- building ant Formica opaciventris Emery in Wyoming. JI N.Y. ent. Soc. 69: 71-87. Talbot, M. 1959. Flight activities of two species of ants of the genus Formica. Am. Midl. Nat. 61: 124-132. Talbot, M. 1964. Nest structure and flights of the ant Formica obscuriventris Mayr. Anim. Behav. 12: 154-158. Talbot, M. 1971. Flights of the ant Formica dakotensis Emery. Psyche. Camb. 78: 169-179. Talbot, M. 1972. Flights and swarms of the ant Formica obscuripes Forel. J. Kans. ent. Soc. 45: 254-258. TROSLEY COUNTRY PARK (TROTTISCLIFFE) NEAR WROTHAM, KeEnT.— Entomologists may be interested to know that the 160 acres of woodland and downs south of Vigo Village has been a County Council Country Park since 1976. As an area of national importance biologically (Nature Conservancy S.S.S.I. Grade 1) the Council is keen to receive past records and observations which may be of use in formulating a man- agement plan that will help to conserve the natural history interest of the Park. If you can help, please write to the County Estates Officer and Valuer, Springfield, Maidstone. If you wish to collect specimens or are organising a group visit, would you please first contact the above address.—N. F. HEAL, Fosters, Detling Hill, near Maidstone, Kent. THE CLOUDED SILVER (BAPTA TEMERATA HUBN.) IN OctToBER.— A fresh specimen of B. temerata Hubn. came to the m.v. light in my garden on 24th October 1978. Presumably this must be the result of our unusual weather this year. Today, 27th November, I have a group of purple and white spring crocus and a Narcissus bulbocodium conspicuus in full bloom. — J. A. C. GREENwoop, Hambledon House, Rogate, West Sussex. 13 The History and Status in Britain of Cosmiotes consortella (Stainton, 1851) (exiguella Frey, 1885) (Lep.: Elachistidae) By A. M. EMMEt * Elachista consortella was named by Stainton from several specimens captured by Logan in March, 1850 near King Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh (V.c.82). Morris (1872) added Head- ley Lane, Surrey (V.c.17) as a locality and June-July as addi- tional months for its occurrence; Headley Lane, Stainton’s “sanctum sanctorum” of entomologists, lies in the ten- kilometre square which today holds records of more lepidop- tera than any other in the British Isles. Meyrick (1895) added Westmorland and east Ireland to the distribution pattern, but in his revised edition (1928), he degraded E. consortella to synonymy with E. nigrella (Hiibn.). Thereafter the species disappeared from our literature, though Waters (1928) recorded the capture in April, 1927 at Ventnor, Isle of Wight of E. nigrella, “mostly of the form described as E. consortella in the first edition of Mr. Meyrick’s Handbook”’. Bradley (1952) introduced Elachista exiguella Frey as a species new to the British list on the evidence of a specimen taken between the 3rd and 8th of June, 1951 in the Burren, Co. Clare (V.c.H.9). The second British record under the name E. exiguella was captured at Tresco, Isles of Scilly (V.c.1) between the 29th of June and the 6th of July, 1957 (Richard- son & Mere, 1958). The third, again from Ireland, was taken at Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny (V.c.H.11) on the 27th of April, 1965 (Mere & Pelham-Clinton, 1966). Bradley (1966) found Elachista consortella and E. exiguella to be synonymous and, in compliance with the Rule of Prority, sank exiguella as a junior synonym of consortella. Bradley & Pelham-Clinton (1967) recorded the capture in the Burren of “‘a few” further specimens of Cosmiotes con- sortella, using a combination not previously found in our literature. Chalmers-Hunt (1970) recorded a ? taken on the 21st of July 1967, at Port Erin, Isle of Man (V.c.71). Emmet (1972) recorded a specimen taken in 1969 at Ballyconneely, Co. Galway (V.c.H.16). As far as is known, there is no sub- sequent reference in our journals. _ The British collection in the British Museum (Natural History) contains only three specimens recognised as C. con- sortella, the first Burren example (see above), and two taken by Mr. W. G. Tremewan on the 24th of April, 1955 at Gwithian, Cornwall (V.c.1). Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton (in litt.) reports that he has additional specimens from West Lothian (V.c.83) and South Kerry (V.c.H.1). Mr. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt has a @ taken on the 2nd June 1957 at Halling, Kent (V.c.16) (gen. det. E. C. Pelham-Clinton). } The history of the species in Britain gives the impression that it has a predominantly northern and western distribution, but this is not necessarily the case. Suspecting that I had taken *Labrey Cottage. Victoria Gardens. Saffron Walden, Essex. 14 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 specimens in Essex both of C. consortella and C. freyerella (Hiibner) (nigrella (Hiibner) nec (Fabricius)), I submitted some of them to Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton, who pronounced three to be C. consortella; these bear the following data: Tiptree Heath, 3.vii.77, Great Sampford, 19.v.78 and Hadstock, 29.v.78 (all V.c.19). To these I add three (possibly four specimens taken at Benfleet (V.c.18) on 28.iv.66. Though this material is statistically insufficient, the indications are that the two Cosmiotes species are equally common in the county. If other microlepidopterists were to examine their series of “‘Elachista nigrella’, they well might find that they possess both species. Should this be the case, the records should be published to give a clearer picture of the distribution pattern. The differences between the species are described by Traugott-Olsen & Schmidt Neilsen (1977). Compared with C. freyerella, C. consortella is generally smaller, has the forewing lighter grey and the median fascia more obscure; the frons is shining pale beige as opposed to sordid white and the neck- tufts are mottled with darker-tipped scales as opposed to being uniform brownish grey. The most obvious difference in the male genitalia lies in a spine at the distal end of the sacculus; in C. freyerella it is free and distinct, whereas in C. consortella it is appressed to the sacculus. If the scales are brushed from the tip of the abdomen, this character can usually be seen under high magnification without the dissection of the specimen. The life history of C. consortella is unknown. Dates of capture (March-May, June-July, September) show that it its double- or triple-brooded. The habitat is open grassland, often on calcareous ground. C. freyerella feeds mainly on Poa spp. and C. consortella may do so likewise. I have a fortuitously bred specimen in my collection acquired in the following circumstances. In a series of collecting notes contributed to the AES Bulletin, I stated that elachistid larvae did not spin cocoons but pupated under a girdle like many species of butterfly (Emmet, 1970). Mr. J. L. Gregory of St. Austell, Cornwall (V.c.2) rightly took me to task for overgeneralisation, since he had bred elachistids from cocoons. On the Ist of April 1971 he wrote to me as follows (slightly adapted): ‘“‘The enclosed moth has just emerged (yesterday)—another cocoon- making Elachista! The cocoon was on the lid of a jar which was being used by my six-year-old daughter to rear some grass- feeding noctuids. The foodplant was probably Poa but might have been Holcus. I could not find the mine.” The moth arrived alive and in perfect condition. At the time, following Meyrick, I misidentified it as Elachista nigrella. February is likely to be the best month to look for the first generation of larvae, which should not be too difficult to find. Abroad, C. consortella has been recorded from Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, South Spain and South Italy. I am grateful to Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton for the indenti- fication of specimens and advice. I have drawn information freely from Traugott-Olsen & Schmidt Neilsen (loc. cit.). THE HISTORY IN BRITAIN OF COSMIOTES CONSORTELLA 15 References Bradley, J. D., 1952. Microlepidoptera collected in the Burren, Co. Clare in 1951, including two species new to the British list. Entomologist’s Gaz. 3: 185-192, 1 pl. , 1966. Changes in the Nomenclature of British Lepidop- tera, Part 4, Microlepidoptera. Ibid. 17: 213-235. Bradley, J. D. & Pelham-Clinton, E. C., 1967. Lepidoptera of the Burren, Co. Clare, W. Ireland. Ibid. 18: 115-153. Chalmers-Hunt, J. M., 1970. The butterflies and moths of the Isle of Man. Trans. Soc. Br. Ent. 19: 1-171. Emmet, A. M., 1970. Collecting Notes—the Smaller Moths. Bull. amat. ent. Soc. 29 (286): 1-5. , 1972. More Lepidoptera in West Galway. Entomolgist’s Gaz. 22: 3-18. Mere, R. M. & Pelham-Clinton, E. C., 1966. Lepidoptera in Ireland, 1963, 1964 and 1965. Ibid. 17: 163-182. Meyrick, E., 1895.4 Handbook of British Lepidoptera, vi., 843 pp., London. ., 1928. A revised Handbook of British Lepidoptera, vi., 914 pp., London. Morris, F. O., 1872. A Natural History of British Moths, 4: viii, 304 pp., index, 36 pls., London. Richardson, A. & Mere, R. M., 1958. Some preliminary observations on the Lepidoptera of the Isles of Scilly with particular reference to Tresco. Entomologist’s Gaz. 9: 115-147, 2 pls. Stainton, H. T., 1851. A supplementary Catalogue of the British Tineidae and Pterophoridae, 28 pp., London. Traugott-Olsen, E. & Schmidt Neilsen, E., 1977. The Elachistidae (Lepidoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark, 299 pp., figs. and pls. Klampenborg. Waters, E. G. R., 1928. Early Micro-Lepidoptera in the Isle of Wight. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 64: 140-141. OBITUARY WILLIAM EDWARD BUSBRIDGE William Edward Busbridge (known to many as Buzz) was born in London on 27th July 1904, and died suddenly from a heart attack on 30th September 1978. He was the son of William Reginald Busbridge who became Station Master at Dover Marine in 1918, and as such was the holder of many foreign decorations given by crowned heads as they passed through the port. After attending school in Dover he, like his father, joined the Railway and was a clerical officer in London throughout his career, except for the 1939-1945 War, in which he served in the army. Busbridge was a keen collector of lepidoptera and observer of bird life. He spent most of his leave in the country and much of his collecting was done around Dover in the 1920’s and 1930’s, and later at Sevenoaks where he lived after the war. Probably the best insect he ever took was at Atchester Wood, Stelling near Elham on 6th June 1930. This was the very rare ab. fuscaria Prout of the Orange Moth (Angerona prunaria L.), which specimen is now in the RCK collection in the BMNH. Latterly he lived alone in an hotel — he was never married —and became interested in chess, becoming Hon. Secretary of the Hastings and St. Leonards Chess Club. He had no near relatives but will be sadly missed by his many friends.— G. H. YOUDEN. 16 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 The Return of the Orange Tip By ALBERT G. LONG* (i) In Berwickshire VC 81 The Orange Tip, Anthocharis cardamines L., was a fairly well-known butterfly in the Eastern Scottish Borders about the time of the founding of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club in 1831. Thus, in 1832, the founder Dr. George Johnston described it as a local species, rare near Berwick but occurring on the road between Paxton and Swinton and also between Swinton Mill and Coldstream (H.B.N.C. 1, 8). In 1850 it was seen at Coldingham Moor on June 19 (H.B.N.C. 3, 5), and in 1880 one was taken by Dr. Stuart at Broomdykes (H.B.N.C. 9, 295), while others were noted at Humebyres and Gordon Moss by Robert Renton (H.B.N.C. 9, 295). About this time it was also known in Lauderdale, as recorded by Andrew Kelly in the book Lauderdale and Lauderdale by A. Thomson (1902), though apparently it was becoming scarce, as in 1897 William Shaw wrote “Once common at Gordon Moss but never seen now” (H.B.N.C. 16, 231). George Bolam, writing in 1925, said that it occurred in the Eyemouth district many years prior to 1887 and also in Duns district, but he had no records for the twentieth century (H.B.N.C. 25, 522). The last recorded year of occurrence in Berwickshire therefore seems to have been 1880. During the period 1945-1966, when I lived in Berwick- shire, I never saw or heard of a single specimen in the County and I thus regarded it as probably extinct. In my County List (1957), I wrote “Is it too much to hope for its rediscovery or is it extinct in the County?” (H.B.N.C. 34, nis2) The first known recent occurrence of Orange Tips in Berwickshire, was on the North bank of Tweed below Leader- foot Bridge on 18.5.1975,, when about 10 specimens were seen by D. G. Long (4.B.N.C. 40, 104); and the following year, a male was seen on Aubretia in a garden at Earlston by Henry Polson (A. J. Smith, J. Edinb. nat. Hist. Soc. 1976, 12). In 1978, one was seen at Abbey St. Bathans on 24.5.78, and another at Stichcill on the same date (A. G. Buckham). One was observed at Eccles on 24.5.78 by P. Summers, and on the North bank of Tweed below Lennel Churchyard I saw two males and two ova on Alliaria petiolata on 27.5.78. One female was also seen at the same site on 11.6.78. The above constitute all the records for VC 81 known to me. (ii) In East Lothian VC 82 In East Lothian (VC 82) less seems to be known of the Orange Tip than in Berwickshire. W. Evans could only record two at Tynefield in May 1860 and 1861 (Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1897, p.91). It would therefore be of interest if any reader has knowledge of records this century. * Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. THE RETURN OF THE ORANGE TIP lif (iii) In North Northumberland VC 68 The decline of the Orange Tip in Berwickshire towards the end of last century was matched by a similar decline in north Northumberland (VC 68). Thus, in 1839, P. J. Selby recorded it on his estate at Twizell near Belford (Ann. of Nat. Hist. 3, 372); in 1843, Dr. Johnston observed it on May 3rd on the south bank of Tweed between Horncliffe and Norham (H.B.N.C. 2, 44); and in 1857, George Wailes noted it near Callaly on 4th June and added “Generally distributed over the two counties (i.e. Durham and Northumberland) (7.7.N.F.C. 3, 195). In 1867 the butterfly was recorded at Lilburn Tower on 28.3.1867 (a very early date), and again on 10.6.1869 at the same place by R. F. Wheeler (7.N.H.S. 3, 28 and 478); and in 1872 it was stated to be scarce at Rothbury by R. F. Wheeler and R. E. Hooppell (7.N.H.S. 5, 99). George Bolam, writing in 1925, recorded it for Hetton Hall near Belford. He wrote: “In W. B. Boyd’s collection, in 1883, I saw a considerable series all taken at Hetton Hall, where as he informed me it used to be common” (H.B.N.C. 255 522)! In the Phenological Report of the Royal Meteorological Society for 1929 the Orange Tip was recorded for Thornton (nr. Shoreswood), Berwick and for Lemmington nr. Alnwick. It is interesting to note that it was seen at Gargunnock, near Stirling (VC 85), on the early date of 27.3.1929. Since the above we have no further records for VC 68 until 12.6.1976, when two males were seen by P. Summers on the old railway track. It is thus obvious that in north North- umberland, as in Berwickshire, the Orange Tip suffered a long period of eclipse. (to be continued) WARWICKSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MIGRANTS.— There was a great deal of migrant activity in Warwickshire during October as the following m.v. light trap records show. 10th October: two Rhodometra sacraria L. at Charlecote, a og and 9. 13th October: Cosymbia puppillaria Hbn., at Alves- ton Village (New County Record). 14th October: Leucania vitellina Hbn., one each at Charlecote and Hampton Lucy; R. sacraria, two at Hampton Lucy, one at Thelsford (A. Gardner) and one at Charlecote; Nycterosea obstipata F., two at Charlecote. 25th October: Leucania unipuncta Haw. at Marton (R. Allen) (New County Record). 9th November: L. unipuncta 2 at Charlecote (A. Gardner). 11th November: L. unipuncta @ at Charlecote. On the night of 12th October 1978, two Peridroma por- phyrea D. & S. and a good specimen of Leucania unipuncta Haw. were visitors to an m.v. trap situated in the grounds of the Primary School in Deanshanger Village. This appears to be the first Northamptonshire record for unipuncta.— D. C. G. BBOWN, Jacksons Farmhouse, 25 Charlecote, near War- wick. 18 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 Rev. H. S. Gorham and Some 19th Century Records By J. COOTER * (Continued from Volume 90, page 286) THE DIARY, SELECTED ENTRIES The entries given below I have chosen as being represen- tative but perhaps somewhat biased towards rarity and by personal opinion. Many captures would appear to be un- recorded, and others when quoted by other authors differ in point of fact or detail. I have also tried to put across something of the “flavour” of the journal, and atmosphere of the Vic- torian entomological world, a time when transport as we known it today and take it for granted was not available. Entry Date No. 1869 April 12 From E. C. Rye, one Acylophorous glabricollis captured on Barnes Common, April. 13 From E. W. Janson, three Bitoma cre- nata, one Helophorus intermedius. 14° Wimbledon Common, Paederus cali- gatus, Tachyporus transversalis, one Stenol. dorsalis. May 13th 19 Bagot Park,— out of old oak, one Bat. venustus, one Cis fuscatus, one Omal. pusillum. In garden, Oc. brunnipes. June 29th 29 Found one Leptinus testaceus’ in Bees’ nest in the Church yard, note its activity. 30th a Found one more, and saw another which retired into the nest. July 2nd 31 Nimrod caught one Leptinus in the Bees’ nest and saw two others. 3rd 5 Got two Leptinus about half past eight in the same Bees’ nest. They hide in the loose [?] litter near the mouth of nest. 4th 32 Nimrod brought two Leptinus and two black T. flavilabris from Hoarcross. Sth Dug out Bees’ nest, Bombus pratorum, found many Leptinus testaceus (about 50)’, two Antherophagus pallens, Cryp- tophagus, two setutosus, one saginatus, one Epurea aestiva’. July 20th 37 Bournemouth, 16 Serica brunnea drowned in sea among detritus. August 46 From Llewellyn, four Trichius fasciatus, North, South Wales’. 1870 March 8th 8 Examined rubbish from Bees’ nest 32.69, found two Leptinus, three Epurea melina. March 31st 12 Beyond Crystal Palace on sallows Dor. , Ls [? Dorytomus]. Cutting up rushes, one 3 Quedius maurorufus, Brad. distinctus. 4. See Fowler 1888, 2: 323, Gorham found three further specimens at Wimbledon April 15th, 1870. Stenol.=Stenoloph 7 dorsalis (Fab.). nolophus, i.e. Acupalpus See Fowler 1889, 3:93. Epuraea aestiva, see Fowler 1889, 3:228 See Fowler 1890, 4:61. nau * 20 Burdon Drive, Bartestree, Hereford. PLATE I V Cegattvcel cess GE Pov Y Jb Viva ph. Filet Uf juslle. ut Fae — / Mate ae ¢fivtawe | C2tuuwts. cella (Ticslong chu trnise, Ci. tty (agen SVL Ghee $A pepe F eden oe (Mead £0/cL, tlcsqridies , Jr04. tOminch bore fiw Crete A Bryn hi jw us Fico nevis CH prrecetns! Sen, 2 a Cle corry eng Keech. - O Hreceretlea gue Juppaunties mf Cl got tut Iu Fin. (ae acl le Ford, al DF >. ly. Lal Ji tin. Ane. te «het, Tl natn a bein atone, 3 (8 pole valour bee ok oe wit miadvws -Dodes, | Pf. why von caypltiuae & EXTRACTS FROM GORHAM’S DIARY REV. H. S. GORHAM AND SOME 19TH CENTURY RECORDS 19 In hayrick rubbish, Sunius angustatus abundant, neglectus also abundant. April Ist Pr Atomaria sericoderus, Crypt. pilosus ?, Dromius obscuroguttatus abundant, Mic- raspis 12 punctata, profusion, Corticaria. 6th 14 Hampstead, four Aphodius testudinarius, two Hetaerius sesquicornis*, one Ate- meles, one Myr. limbata. May 3rd 20 Lewisham Loam Pit, two Bem. 5- striatum. 28 Pool near Stonehams Farm, one Bem. sturmii’, Stenus incrassatus, plancus, Playts. cornutus. 30th 31 Went to pool near Stonehams Farm, Bembidion quadripustulatum”’, new to Britain. On the way, Pachyta collaris, Ceuthor. inaffectatus. June Ist 5 Went to pool near Stonehams Farm, one Saprinus virescens, Stenus incrassatus, Bembidion bistriatum, Stenus picipennis, on Cochleria Phaedon armoriciae. In wood Polydrusus flavipes. 7th 36 Pool near Stoneham’s, wind north, some- what cloudy, on the way, Dasytes flavipes, Pachyta collaris common, Tel. oralis (three), Rh. fuscicornis. At pool, Deleas- ter dichrous (one), Bem. quadripustula- tum, Stenus incrassatus. Stream below pool, Grap. consobrina, Cionus blattariae common and hortanulus. On the hills, one Orchestes pratensis, Th. anchusae. 11th Went to Stoneham’s pool, five Bemb. 4pustulatum. 13th Went to Stoneham’s pool, ? Bem. 4pustulatum, Donacia sagittariae. On the way, P. collaris, Grapt. consobrina, one Mordella fasciata. July 9th 5] Banks of stream near Otham on Spiraea 60 [crossed through] 74 Cercus pedi- cularis [crossed through], bipustulatus pale specimens. 20th 38 Sweeping 7 o’clock to 8.30, damp copse near road, Anisotoma calcarata (small 2), one calcarata, Col. dentipes, one Catops. 8. See Janson in Entomologist’s Annual for 1857, p. 77. “Found by myself at Hampstead, in stones on a loamy hed again in 1856, where I uring the intervening years, but without success.” On page 92, in his “Oservations on th “And if after a long day’s search, weary and perhaps disappointed at not having found H hly destroy the homes of the LE ance of future success — the morrow may prove more propitious; this I can assure him, the simple plan just described is one I have invariably pursued, vainly day after day for seven years it is true, but at length successfully.” 9. Previous entry dated May 24th. See Fowler, 1887, 1: 107, and Allen, 1965. Gorham has thus captured Bembidion octomaculatum in three localities, Stoneham’s Farm, near Bearstead, May 1870; near Love Groves, May 24th, 1872; and Hookl 10. See Fowler, 1887, 1: 114. Se ee eee 20 August 10th 23rd 26th Next entry, number August 26th November 2nd 7th 1871 May 30th June 6th 17th October 16th 17th 26th 27th November 4th 16th 21st December 29th 30th 1872 January 1 2nd 11. The River Len flows throu ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 66 71 72 73 84 86 43 50 85 86 87 1/1/79 In Gore Court, one Laemophloeus bima- culatus on stump of felled tree (Wych Elm?), one Euplectus. Near sand pit, Ware Street, three Apion meliloti, two Crep. modeeri. : At Hastings, two Harp. rubripes green vars. Sit. puncticollis. Sweeping in damp copse, one Anis. cal- carata. Dried stream near Snorkhurst [Snark- hurst], 13 Agabus frontalis, two Hydro- porus memnonius. number 73, is dated August 27th, thus the Agabus were captured on August 26th. In moss, one Phloiophilus edwardsi, one Bythinus bulbifer. Sand Pits Hd. Searched in vain for Phloiophilus, under bark of oak bough, one D. 4signatus, in fungi Bol. exoletus. With Power, Banks of Len., one Ampho- tis (in nest), three Bembidion, 4pus- tulatum™, Bem. bruxellense. Before breakfast sought for 4pus- tulatum without success. Fungi on old stumps. Bolitochara lucida” in great numbers, took 50, Triplax rus- sica, Mycetoph. multipunctatum, Epurae limbata, Engis and Ips 4pustulatus were in profusion. Sent box to Scott. From R. Lawson, one Bol. lunulata, one Oc. latipennis, one T. saliciti. From E. A. Waterhouse —one H. ser- vus, four Ag. nigripenne, five Hetero- thops praevius. From Power, six Sphindus, five Tychius pygmaeus, three Rhin. bruchoides, two L. dissimilis, four Lypus cylindrus, four Monanthia. From J. R. Hardy, two C. viduatus, four C. distingueneum. From C. O. Waterhouse, two Cincindella sylvatica. From D. Sharp, one Dendrophagus cre- natus. From Fred Smith, two Meloe rugosus, four Ceuth. resedae, one Ceuth. melano- stictus, six Tychius lineatus. From G. C. Champion, nine Apion Limonii, three Sybynes arenariae Tom- ovia biguttata, two Hydaticus hybneri. Sir. H. Meux’s one broken Elater bal- teatus. Clayhill, Cossuss infested elm, a young tree. One Cryptarcha imperialis, two C. strigata, one Rhyn. concinus. Clayhill, Enfiield, Cossuss tree, three Crytarcha strigata, three C. imperialis, two Litargus bifasciatus, one Baris lepidii, several Hypodphloeus bicolor. One imperialis, two strigata. gh Bearstead. 12. See Fowler, 1888, 2: 168 (Sandwich). 13. See Fowler, 1891, 5: 98. 14. LS), 16. 17. 18. 19. REV. H. S. GORHAM AND SOME 19TH CENTURY RECORDS 21 3rd or) 6th 22 4 17th 7 20th 8 February 17th 9 March 30th 14 April 1st 14 16 April 24th 19 May 24th 26 June 14th 36 See Fowler, 1889, 3: 268. Two imperialis, one strigata, one Cory- phium, two Om. lucidium, Hypophloeus, four litargus. Hypophloeus, four litargus. __ : From Janson for Crotch, six Apion astralagi. : From Sidebotham, four Dorcat. bovistae (Barmouth), four Nemosoma_ eclonga- tum”, four Pach. comari, four Lim. disi- milus (Llandudno). From Lennon, Dumfries — 16 Ph. con- cinnum, five Erirh. bimaculatus, four Omosita depressa, two Apion cerdo, four Cryto. maritimus. From Canon Hey, York, two Hydrop. nitidulus, eight Hyd. scalesianus, H. tristis. From Rev. H. Gore, two Licinus dep- ressus, one Necrophorus vespillio, one interuptus, two Toxotus, one Leptura nigra, one Lucanus cervus @, one Chrys. goettingensis. Clay Hill, Enfield, Sir H. Meux’s with Power, two Ptinus subpillosus 2, one Scaphidema, Homalota aequata, two Apion vorax, Cerylon. Prittlewell. Looked for Plagiodera in damp willow copse near Priory, found two dead. One Mymedonia Haworthi® in cut wet stuff, four Qu. maurorufus, Stenus plancus. Prittlewell Priory, worked for Haworthi got one and then lost my bottle! Qu. maurorufus common, Qu. scintillans, Qu. peltatus. Rusper in pond in garden, Hal. fulvus, Hal. flavicollis, Hyd. pictus, H. palustris, H. erythrocephalus, Heloch. lividus, Lac- cobius nigriceps, L. minutus — right. Two Corixa Geoffroyi, Hel aeneipennis. See photograph, plate I. Pond near Love Groves, two Bembidion quadripustulatum, Bem. lampros (velox var.), One Bem. sturmii®, Lath. termina- tum., one Stenus morio. Boxhill to Headley Lane — 31 Cryto- cephalus nitidulus*, one C. coryli, C. labiatus, 26 Crepidodera atropae”, Apion rufirostre and malvae in profusion. Thy- amis anchusae, two", seven Th. bal- lotae”?, Ceuth. floralis on fumitory. C. C. curx, Malth. one Clytus myticus, one Asphidophorus, one Nec. violacea, one D. lardarius. See Fowler, 1888, 2: 56. Donisthorpe (1927, p. 63) states that these specimens found were found in a nest of Lasius fuliginosus. See Fowler, 1890, 4: 292. See Fowler, 1890, 4: 385. See Fowler, 1890, 4: 339. See Fowler, 1890, 4: 348. D2 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 August 21st 57 Gathered pods of Lathyrus with Apion larvae. Gathered pods of Vetch (V. sepium) with A. punctigerum ?. Swept near Lyne for Anisotomae, got only two Colenis, one Hydnobius strigosus, one Om. striatum. do. near Axsmith. 22nd 57 Four Apion subulatum” came out of Lathyrus pods! Collected yesterday. 23rd 59 Five more Apion subulatum came out and on till end of the month. Towards Altons. Ten Sitona suturalis on [???]. 26th 60 Went to Portsmouth, visited H. Mon- creaff”. He gave me — two Tychius hae- matocephalus, seven Apion confluens, five A. anmune, five C. thaspi, one Lesteva sharpi (from Sh.), eleven Sitones Water- housei, five Poly. chrysomela, two Mea- tropis rufescens. 61 Collected with him along shore. One Phil. fumigatum, one ebininum. 20. See Fowler, 1891, 5: 139. 21. See Fowler, 1891, 5: 267. (to be continued) Notes and Observations ATHETIS HOSPES FREYER (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE).: FIRST REcoRD For BritTaIn.— On the night of 26th/27th August 1978, I was fortunate to take a female Athetis hospes Freyer at m.v.l. in Kynance Cove, Lizard, Cornwall. This species is similar in size and colour to Photedes pygmina (Haw.) (Small Wainscot), but unlike pygmina sits with its wings flat on its back. It was because of this that I noticed it among the numbers of pygmina present. Other interesting species that Paul Stirling and I recorded there that night, were Euxoa obelisca D. & S., Mythimna putrescens Hbn., Polymixis xanthomista Hbn., Lithosia quadra L. and Eilema caniola Hbn.; and of the migrants, Cynthia cardui L. (1), Vanessa atalanta L. (1) and Autographa gamma L. in great abundance. The specimen of hospes was kindly determined genitali- cally by Mr. M. R. Honey of the British Museum (Nat. Hist.), and I would like to thank Bernard Skinner for arranging for the identification. — J. Porter, 16 Firdene, Tolworth, Sur- biton, Surrey. HELOPHORUS TUBERCULATUS GYLL. (COL.: HYDROPHILIDAE) NEAR BRISTOL.— Whilst looking over boxes of beetles taken long ago and never sorted, I discovered a specimen of Helo- phorus tuberculatus, labelled 11.5.1950, and taken with num- bers of other species such as Grammoptera ruficornis F. and Orsodacne cerasi L. (which is abundant there) on the flowers of Mountain Ash, in Leigh Woods on the outskirts of Bristol. This specimen gave me much food for thought, but un- fortunately casts no light at all upon the beetle’s habits, which appear not to have been properly revealed. There are so few NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 23 records of this species that the occurrence is worth noting, but that is all there is to be said about it— JouHn A. Parry, 38 Heather Drive, St. Michaels, Tenterden, Kent. [This interesting and distinctive black Helophorus is scarce throughout its Holarctic range and has only once been found in any numbers in Britain — on a peaty moor near Coatbridge, Lanark, mostly in 1911-12. The other records (a mere hand- ful) are of single specimens in diverse situations, suggesting stragglers from undected colonies or, as some think, casual immigrants. Mr. Parry’s capture should be a notable addition to the fauna of Somerset and is the first Helophorus I know of to have been beaten off flowers. — A.A.A.]. AN UNusuaL PupaTION Sire.—I have read with interest Lt. Col. Emmet’s note (antea 244) on his having hatched 16 specimens of Ectoedemia argentipedella (Zeller) from the con- tents of a nest box cleared out for the coming season. No mention is made of the bird which occupied the box, but I take it that the occupants were either blue tits or great tits. Would it not be a more likely explanation of the presence of argentipedella to consider the possibility of their having been introduced to the box dangling from the side of a paren- tal beak and dropped wide of the half a dozen or more com- peting gaping beaks of its young? These small larvae must be exceedingly difficult for the parent to retain in the beak when adding others to its collection, and to carry them home to their families. Looking at almost any nepticulid larva, one sees that its claspers are hardly developed, and while they have a bad habit of slithering up the side of a glass tube and spinning up against the glass and the cork, one can hardly credit them with the ability to transport their bodies over what must be ex- ceedingly rough and uneven surfaces leading down from a leaf nee in a tree into the entrance hole of an occupied nesting OX. On the other hand, it is a fairly general habit of nepticulid larvae when kept in a breeding recepticle for the cocoons to be spun in a fairly close colony, but when a comparison is made between the distances separating the individuals in say a three inch diameter tin box, and in the full area of a birch tree from mine to nest box, one can hardly think that the gather- ing instinct could extend so far.—S. N. A. Jacoss, 54 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EE. 23.xii.1978. OcToBER IN SciLLy.—I visited the Isles of Scilly from 4th to 18th October 1978. Based on St. Mary’s I made day trips to St. Agnes, St. Martin’s and Tresco. The weather was excellent and most days were warm and sunny enough to tempt butterflies on the wing. _I recorded the following species: Pararge aegeria L., easily the commonest species and seen on all islands visited. Maniola jurtina L., two late specimens on St. Martin’s on 11th October. Vanessa atalanta L., seen on all islands visited in small numbers and on St. Mary’s imbibing at ivy flowers. Polyommatus icarus Rott., a fleeting view of a blue on St. 24 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 Mary’s was probably of this species. Celastrina argiolus L., two on St. Mary’s and one in the Abbey Gardens on Tresco. Lycaena phlaeas L., seen on all the islands except Tresco; most in one day was four on St. Mary’s on 5th October. Pieris brassicae L. and P. rapae L., a few on all suitable days. Colias croceus Geoffroy, not seen personally but reliable reports of odd specimens on St. Mary’s and St. Agnes. I also saw two species of moth — Macroglossum stellatarum L., one seen on St. Mary’s on 13th October and two more reported from the same island; and Autographa gamma L., two seen on each of St. Mary’s and St. Martin’s—G. Summers, 23 West Close, Stafford. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS L. (DEATH’S HEAD Hawk) IN SuRREY.— I wish to record the capture of a male of this species at m.y.l. in my garden at Tolworth. It arrived at approximately 2 a.m. on the 30th June 1978.— J. Porter, 16 Firdene, Tol- worth, Surrey. IMMIGRANT LEPIDOPTERA IN DORSET AND SUFFOLK IN 1978.— There have been so many reports of rare migrant lepidoptera this autumn that I would not have reported any except for the fact that some have found their way to this extreme eastern part of the British Isles. Whilst on holiday in Somerset in early October I ran an actinic light at Charmouth, Dorset on the night of 10th and noted one specimen each of Mythimna vitellina Hiibn. and Palpita unionalis Hubn. On my return to Suffolk I took a specimen of Udea fer- rugalis Hubn. on the night of 7th November and a Mythimna unipuncta Haw. on 10th. The only previous record of this species of which I am aware is of a specimen taken at Leiston in August, 1878 according to the Memoirs of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society published in 1937. On 16th October 1977 I took what I thought was a rather unusual Agrochola circellaris Hufn., but on closer examina- tion this has proved to be Mythimna vitellina. As far as I am aware the only other specimen reported from Suffolk was one at sugar at Gorleston on Ist October, 1922. Gorleston was at that time in Suffolk.— H. E. Chipperfield, The Shieling, Wal- berswick, Southwold, Suffolk. THE GEM (NYCTEROSEA OBSTIPATA F.) AND AN UNIDENTIFIED CATOCALA IN Dorset.— On the cold and foggy evening of November 10th 1978, a battered female Nycterosea obstipata Fab. was taken at a hotel light in Swanage. Also, in Swanage, on the morning of November 12th a large Catocala sp. was seen sitting on a wall, unfortunately this was not secured. Could this have been Catocala fraxini Linn? —M. PARSONS, 43 Kings Avenue, Eastbourne. EUPHYDRYAS AURINEA ROTT. PRESENT IN CUMBRIA. — The Note on the disappearance of this species from Monmouthshire contributed by Dr. G. A. Neil Horton (Vol. 90, No. 9, pp. 246- 7) makes sad reading, which one fears could be parallelled NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS DS from other areas. The situation in Cumbria is rather more reassuring, though it needs constant vigilance. The previous County of Cumberland is alone of concern as the species is absent from what were formerly Westmorland and Furness. 1. The famous field near Great Orton which Dr. Ford deals with (Butterflies, New Naturalist, Vol. 1, 1945) was ploughed up nearly 25 years ago, notwithstanding S.S.S.I. status. The butterfly hangs on — only just — in a nearby field owned by the Cumbria Naturalists’ Trust. As long as it hangs on there is hope that it might increase. 2. A very fine site nearly 1,000ft. above sea level near Lamonby, was also more recently ploughed up, despite appeals by Conservationist Bodies to the local farmer. S.S.S.I. status again proved to be of no avail, as the development was purely agricultural. However, the butterfly occurs not far away in a small area of Greystoke Forest left unplanted with conifers by Lord Lonsdale because of its Natural History importance. We are grateful to Lord Lonsdale for this gesture, but we wonder what will happen when the conifers, at present about 5-8ft high, have become large trees enclosing the small unplanted site. 3. The species occurs in a rough marshy field not far from Ivegill. It is possible that the Cumbria Naturalists’ Trust, which is interested in it, may eventually gain at least some control over it. Meanwhile there seems to be no serious threat. 4. There is a strong colony far to the West in Ennerdale on Open ground with a road running through. The terrain concerned is rough and marshy. One hopes that no interfer- ence will take place. It is apparently Common Land, so effective control is very difficult. There seems to be no immediate threat. 5. A colony at Finglandrigg, which produced large brick- red specimens differing markedly from those from any other Cumberland colony, became extinct about 1953. At least, sub- sequent attempts to find specimens there have proved negative, in spite of the fact that up to the present there has been no interference with the site, which was in any case small, with the result that the number of specimens was always small too. 6. There are reports that the species is turning up again in the Salta Moss area inland from Dubmill Point. It seemed to have become extinct there at about the same time as the Finglandrigg colony. So, provided there is no gross interference with a site, it is unwise to take apparent extinction as the final word, as the species seems to be able to hold on at a very low density indeed. — THE REVEREND J. H. Vine-HALt, 3 The Green, Melmerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1HG. THE FOODPLANT OF PSEUDOPHILOTES VICRAMA SCHIFFER- MUELLERI HEMMING. — During a short visit to Spetsai Island, Greece, a number of female P. v. schiffermuelleri were observed laying eggs on the upper side of young leaves of Satureia thymbra L. (Labiatae). The eggs were pearly white, echinoid and strongly reticulated with ridges and hollows in 26 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 the form of rosettes. — Joun G. Coursis, 4 Glykonos Street, Athens 139, Greece. ADELA CROESELLA (ScCop.) (LEP.: INCURVARIIDAE) IN ARGYLLSHIRE (VC98).— Two specimens of this pretty little moth were taken on an unidentified umbellifer on the roadside verge at Elleric, Glen Creran (grid ref. NN(27) 03.48) on 15th June, 1978. This would appear to be only the second record of the species in Scotland, and the first for Argyll (see MBGBI, 1: 298). Although privet is given as the normal foodplant, none was noted in the vicinity of capture, and it is thought that ash, common in Glen Creran, would possibly act as a suitable alternative. One specimen was given to Rev. David Agassiz, the other to Dr. John Langmaid who were collecting at Glasdrum about two miles down the Glen, and it is to these gentlemen that I owe the above information. The captures were made during the course of a Nature Conservancy Council inverte- brate survey of certain sites in the County. — J. Coorer, Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove, Glasgow, G3 8AG. 26th September, 1978. EUCHROMIUS OCELLEA HAWORTH (LEP.: CRAMBINAE) IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. — On the night of 14th-15th October, 1978 a male specimen of the rare migrant Pyralid Euchromius (Eromene) ocellea Haw. in perfect condition appeared in my garden m.v. trap at Usk. This species, I believe, has not been previously recorded from Monmouthshire and I am told that probably the last British occurrence was in 1968. For more than a week the weather here had been warm and sunny with mild humid nights and south-westerly breezes and two nights earlier (12th-13th October) a male Mythimna unipuncta Haw. had come to my trap. This moth too was in perfect condition and is also a species new to Monmouthshire. — Dr. G. A. Nem Horton, Plas Newydd, Usk, Gwent. THE JAPANESE ORGYIA: ORGYIA THYELLINA BUTLER. — Many of us for a long time have been interested in the female dimorphism of this species which was known to occur in Japan. This year Sir Cyril Clarke obtained stock and was good enough to send me pupae, which in due course hatched and contained both winged and semi-winged females. I was unable to satisfy myself that the so-called “‘winged” specimens were capable of flight. The young larvae were sleeved on Salix in my garden, and on my return from Scotland imagines were hatching, and it was interesting to observe a very large number of our indigenous Orgyia antiqua (L.) assembling around the sleeve from mid-day onwards. On 3rd October I obtained a cross between a thyellina ? (winged) and a ¢ antiqua and eggs were subsequently laid, though I fear these may be infertile. It was interesting to see that the speed of metamorphosis varied greatly; there were imagines and half-grown larvae at the same time which were siblings. Further details of this interesting species will be published later. — BERNARD KETTLE- WELL, Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 2H DEILEPHILA ELPENOR L. ON MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA L. —- Eight nearly full grown larvae of Deilephila elpenor were seen feeding on bog-bean Menyanthes trifoliata at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Wisley on 29th August, 1978. They were seen from the path so probably several more could have been found with a little effort. Mr. A. J. Halstead tells me that the insect is fairly common at Wisley but has not previously been noted on Menyanthes. It normally feeds on members of the Onagraceae — Epilobium spp. Chamaenerion angustifolium, Circaea lutetiana and Fuchsia magellanica — but also on Galium spp. and Impatiens spp. and has been recorded on Lysimachia sp., Vitis vinifera and Malus sp. These belong to seven different orders of flowering plants, the Geraniales, Rhamnales, Rosales, Myrtales, Primulales, Con- tortae and Rubiales which is an exceptional degree of polyphagy for British Sphingidae. —B. N. K. Davis, Institute of Ter- restial Ecology, Monks Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambs. Tue Monarcu, DANAUS PLEXIPPUS L. IN 1978. — A speci- men of this butterfly was observed by Mrs. Y. Stevens in her garden at Epsom, Surrey on the afternoon of the 11th Septem- ber, 1978. Mrs. Stevens gave a good description of the insect, including its mode of flight and positively identified it as a male when shown these in my collection. Williams (1958, Insect Migration) states that most examples of the species observed in this country are seen in the autumn with a peak in the second half of September, but I am concerned about the possibility that releases or accidental escapes from captivity may sometimes give rise to inaccurate reports of implied migration. If anybody reading this has allowed specimens of the species to escape this year, I strongly feel that this should be reported in the interests of scientific accuracy. — P. Hotpaway, 41 Willow Crescent, Durrington, Worthing, Sussex. New IrISH RECORDS OF MICROLEPIDOPTERA IN AUGUST. —On 3.viii.78, I took a specimen of the Pyralid Platytes alpinella (Hb.) on sandhills at Inchydoney, near Clonakilty, Co. Cork (VC H3). The identification of this specimen was confirmed by Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton of the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Another species determined by Mr. Pelham-Clinton and which appears new to Ireland is Cochylis flaviciliana (Westw.). I caught this specimen at The Hollow 6 km N.W. of Roscom- mon (VC H25) on 9.viii.78. — K. G. M. Bonn, Luetzowstr. 4, 32 Hildesheim, West Germany. RECORDS OF CURCULIONIDAE (COL.) TAKEN IN CUMBERLAND (VC70). — The following three species of Curculionidae are here recorded from West Cumbria and are new records for Cumberland (VC70). Barypeithes sulcifrons (Boheman), one dead specimen was found on sand below a stunted gorse bush Ulex europaeus Linnaeus on top of a coastal sand hill on 15th April near Summer Hill, Silecroft, SD11/82. This species is regarded as scarce in this country and Joy (1932, Practical 28 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 Handbook of British Beetles, 1:183), states “‘very local England, Scotland and Ireland’. In personal communication from Dr. M. G. Morris, the weevil has been recorded from 14 vice counties in England and Wales, five from Scotland and 13 from Ireland. It has a scattered distribution and most records are from coastal localities. E. B. Britten recorded the species from the Isle of Man (1945, North Western Naturalist, 20:195), and remarks “‘occasional at roots of heather and by sweeping’ and he gives the months of capture from April to July. Crowson, R. A. (1971, Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 107: 49) records the species from Castle Hill Point, Rockcliffe Kircudbridgeshire and Duddingstone, Edinburgh. The weevil being taken from calciphilous vegetation with Helianthemum chamaecistus. Dorytomus salicinus (Gyllenhal), two specimens were beaten from the bare branches of common sallow, Salix atrocinerea Brot. growing in a hedgerow by the side of a cart track near Monk Moors, Eskmeals, SD08/91 on the 8th April. Due to the cold weather in early spring catkins were still present in large numbers on these trees. The specimens collected are in good condition and well marked. A further four specimens were taken near the above site by beating sallow at Stub Place, Eskmeals, SD08/90 on the 13th May. These specimens are also in good condition with a good clothing of scales and are quite dark in colour. The weevil is very rare in Britain and is extremely localised and has only been recorded from five vice counties in England and one in Scotland. These are East Norfolk, (27), West Norfolk, (28), Cambridgeshire, (29), Huntingdonshire, (31), South West Yorkshire, (63) and Dumfrieshire, (72). M. G. Morris (1968, Entomologist’s Gaz., 19(4):219) gives a summary of the records for D. salicinus in Britain; and Welch, R. C. (1973, in Steele, R. C. and Welch, R. C. (edit.) ““Monks Wood, a nature reserve’, 230) a distribution map for the species based on the 10 kilometer grid. The species occurs in France where the foodplants are Salix aurita L. and S. capraea L. (Zetterstedt), as stated by Hoffmann, A. (1958, Faune Fr., 62 Coléoptéres Curculionides, 3: 1456). Ceutorhynchus rapae Gyllenhal, one specimen was tapped from its foodplant Sisymbrium officinale (Linnaeus) growing on waste ground at Haverigg near Millom, SD16/78 on the 29th July and two more specimens were taken at the same site on the 5th of August, again on S. officinale. This species is stated as being rare in this country by Joy (l.c.: 199) who gives the distribution as Southern England. A list of host plants of C. rapae is given by Dickmann, L. (1972, Beitr. Ent., 22(1-2):75) together with notes on the biology; and Scherf, H. (1964, Abh. senckenb naturforsch. Ges., 506: 205- 206 describes the early stages. According to Hoffmann (l.c., 1954, 2: 992) it is found on various species of Brassica, especi- ally parsnips in France and that the female oviposits in the flowers and the larvae pupate in the soil. I wish to thank Dr. M. G. Morris for kindly confirming the identity of the species and for supplying the vice county records. —R. W. J. Reap, 43 Holly Terrace, Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 8RF. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 29 THE FLAME SHOULDER: OCHROPLEURA PLECTA (L.) IN NoveEMBER.— A specimen of this noctuid in good condition was attracted to my m.v. trap at Pont-a-dulas near Builth Wells, Breconshire, on the night of Ist November 1978, an extraordinarily late date— Dr. H. G. Parker, 2 Oaks Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. LITHOPHANE LEAUTIERI BOISD. IN WARWICKSHIRE.— This rapidly spreading species made its first appearance in Warwick- shire when a specimen was found in my garden m.v. trap on the morning of 9th October 1978.— D. C. G. Brown, Jacksons Farmhouse, 25 Charlcote, near Warwick. THE VESTAL (RHODOMETRA SACRARIA L.) IN INVERNESS- SHIRE.— When sorting and listing the Rothamsted Insect Trap catches from the Forestry Commission Research Station, Fort Augustus, I found a specimen of the Vestal in the box for 10th October 1978. I do not know whether or not the moth has been recorded from so far north before, but in any case it must be sufficiently rare from such a high latitude as to be worth noting. It is a male and exceptionally large, 27 mm. wingspan.— T. C. Dunn, The Poplars, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham. Practical Hints—March & April The Orange Underwings — Archiearis parthenias L. and A. notha Hbn.— are usually the quarries of the first active daytime collecting of the season. A warm, sunny morning at the end of March is often good for both species, but notha is usually a week later than parthenias, with the two overlapping and notha continuing into the first week of April. Choose the edge of, or rides in, a fairly mature birch wood for the former, and a wood containing plenty of tallish aspen for the latter, and start operations about 10 a.m. In sunny conditions, the moths sit on bare patches of ground or dead leaves, but get up sharply on one’s approach, and have a very erratic flight, making them difficult to net. One rarely gets a second chance before they are out of reach and fly up to the tree tops. If the presence of the species is not known in the locality proposed to be worked, carry out a preliminary reconnaissance on a sunny afternoon, when the moths (if any) will easily be seen flying round the tops of the trees. Both species are partial to sallow catkins, but a net on a stick is usually necessary to reach them, and one strike will scare off any others on the bush. During dull weather the moths may sometimes be shaken from smallish trees. Up till about 1 p.m. the moths are usually within reach, but later they fly high round the tree tops in a most tantalising manner (POOLES). In April examine any stumps found in marshy areas where Salix viminalis occurs. A flat-topped two year old stump is an ideal oviposition site for Conopia formicaeformis Esp. Carefully peel back the bark and if a whitish larva is found 30 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 near the top of the stump, tape back the bark and cut off the entire top to a depth of from 6-8 ins. Place in damp sand; moths emerge over a long period, late May until late July. Failing to find text-book stumps look for any brown stains near trunk scars or twisted branches, examine as above and remove the appropriate section (B. R. BAKER). As soon as the blackthorn is in bloom is the time to beat for larvae of the Sloe Pug (Chloroclystis chloerata Mab.). The larger bushes are best. The larva is stumpy, of a dull whitish or whitish-green ground with varying amounts of pinkish- brown marking. If the larvae beaten are very small, keep the blossom that falls in the tray as this will often yield further larvae if kept for a week or so. They feed up very quickly, and spin amongst their food. They should be left therein and not disturbed. The moths emerge about the last week in May (POOLES). When working marshy localities in early spring remove any loose bark at the base of willows —larvae of Apamea unanimis Hbn. seem to favour these hiding places. Also in early spring place pieces of sacking or polythene sheeting (weighted down with a brick) up in the flat crowns of pollarded willows. Examine every three to four days. Larvae of Graphiphora augur F. have been taken from below these coverings (B. R. BAKER). The larvae of Elachista cinereopunctella Haw. may be found during the first week of March mining the leaves of Carex glauca; and in mid March those of Agonopterix assimilella Tr., spinning together the twigs of broom. Larvae of Tischeria marginea Haw. mine the leaves of Rubus, are long-lived and feed during the winter, and the collection of the mines should be left until March (HEAL). Late April or early May is a good time to search plants of cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) growing on northern moors for larvae and pupae of micro-lepidoptera. The blackish larva of Olethreutes mygindiana D. & S. spins several leaves together in the form of an inverted tent and pupates within the tent. Other Tortricoid larvae which spin leaves together are Aphelia viburnana D. & S. and the abundant Rhopobota unipunctana Haw. but along with the latter may be R. ustomaculana Curt. which has recently been found in Derby- shire and Staffordshire. Small brown spots on the upper surface of a leaf may reveal the presence beneath of the black pistol-shaped case of Coleophora vitisella Gregs. It has a two-year cycle; only the larger cases will produce moths the same year. The mines of Phyllonorycter junoniella Zell. occupy the whole of the underside of a leaf, causing it to pucker, while Fomoria weaveri Staint. causes a blistered appearance on the upperside (R. G. WARREN). 31 Current Literature Pennington’s Butterflies of Southern Africa, edited by C. G. C. Dickson with the collaboration of Dr. D. M. Kroon. 674 pp. including frontispiece portrait of the author and 198 coloured plates, folding map. Thick 4to. (280 mm. high, 210 mm. wide). Ad. Donker, Johannesburg, 1978. Price £45. : This magnificent reference book is the first definitive work ever published, to be devoted solely to Southern African but- terflies. It covers all the species that have been described to-date from the subregion concerned, that is, the area extend- ing from the Cape to the Kunene River on the western side of Africa and the main portion of the Zambezi River on the eastern side. K. M. Pennington had been working on the ms. of the book for some 25 years before his death, but the script of his final version was far from complete when he died, unexpectedly, in 1974. Shortly after this sad event, the Pennington family asked C. G. C. Dickson if he would take over the ms., and complete it fully, which he agreed to do. This entailed over three years’ concentrated work in order to make the essential portion of the book as representative as possible, while at the same time endeavouring to retain to a large extent Penning- ton’s attractive style and approach to the subject. In time, others became involved in the project as regards several sub- sidiary, or complimentary portions of the work, chief among these being Dr. D. M. Kroon. Almost from the start of the undertaking, Dr. Elliot Pinhey (National Museum, Bulawayo, Rhodesia) assisted the editor on countless matters of a technical nature, as well as on the relative status of many of the more northern South African butterflies, for information concerning Botswana and Rhodesian taxa (very poorly repre- sented in the original script), and from this standpoint as well as regards essential data in certain other directions, he was by far the most important source. The first 31 pages include a Foreward (3 pp.) by the author’s son, R. Pennington, and Acknowledgment (4 pp.) and an Introduction (13 pp.), both by C. G. C. Dickson. The main text which is in double column, then follows. In this are treated the different species (781 in all) and various races. The name of the author of each species and race is cited together with the original reference and date. Description and relative differences are given, as are distribution, localities, historical particulars, food-plants in nature (when known), references to life histories if recorded, and times of appearance often with mention of the names of recorders. Throughout the text one is impressed by the lucid and informal yet concise style of the author, as well as by his immense knowledge of the subject gained over a period of sixty years of field experience. 32 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 91 1/1/79 Plates 1-38 depict over 1,000 minutely detailed coloured figures, from hand paintings by the late Gowan C. Clark, of the life histories of 37 species of Hesperiid butterflies. These illustrations are among the most remarkable features of this book, and the meticulousness with which they have been executed is marvellous. They are based on material obtained in the field by the artist and C. G. C. Dickson, and with but two exceptions are published here for the first time. Descrip- tive notes are given in the legends facing each plate, thus allowing ease of reference. About half of these life histories appear to have been previously unknown. Plates 39-198 consist of 3,422 reproductions of coloured photographs of the perfect insects, of which 2,471 are shown natural size and the rest slightly smaller. We should have preferred that all these figures had been reproduced natural size, but one realises that to have done so would have further increased the bulk as well as added to the cost of the volume. However, the editor has wisely indicated precisely the degree of reduction in size in nearly every case where this has been done. Again, in order to facilitate reference, the particulars of each specimen figured appear opposite the plates. Moreover, we rejoice to see that every example is fully authenticated by, in addition to a note of the name of the species, subspecies or form, its sex, locality, date of capture, name of captor (when known) and a statement of whether the specimen is a holotype, paratype, allotype, metallotype or lectotype. These illustrations of the perfect insects are among the finest we have seen and do great credit to everyone in- volved in their production. Pages 604-643 follow, with ““Recorded South African but- terfly foodplants and foodsources’’, compiled by D. M. Kroon. This is a most useful and interesting source of information pre- sented in three columns with the genus and species of plant or other foodstuff arranged alphabetically in the first column, the name of the plant family in the second column, and in the third column the relevant butterfly species or subspecies. A bibliography of some 350 titles (pp. 646-650), and a splendid index of scientific names in which all taxa are listed alphabeti- cally (pp. 651-669) complete the work. Paper and printing are of good quality, and the book is strongly bound in dark blue boards in an edition of 2,650 copies. Two other editions were issued: a ‘‘Subscriber’s Edition” of 300 copies bound in quarter leather (price about £233); and, a “‘Collector’s Edition”’ in half leather limited to 50 copies. However, both these editions had been sold in advance before publication. Mr. C. G. C. Dickson and his collaborators are to be con- gratulated on their efforts at bringing to completion this out- standing work, though it is sad that K. M. Pennington did not live to see the consummation of an undertaking that owed its existence to him in the first place.— J.M.C-H. == NOOO O00 es THE PROFESSOR HERING MEMORIAL RESEARCH FUND The British Entomoligical and Natural History Society announces that awards may be made from this Fund for the promotion of entomological research with particulars emphasis on: (a) Leaf miners, (b) Diptera, particularly Trypetidae and Agromyzidae, (c) Lepidoptera, particularly Microlepidoptera, (d) General entomology, in the above order of preference, having regard to the suitability of candidates and the plan of work proposed. Awards may be made to assist travelling and other expenses necessary to field work, for the study of collections, for the attendance at conferences, or, exceptionally, for the costs of publication of finished work. In total they are not likely to exceed £300 in 1979/1980. Applicants should send a statement, if possible in sextuplicate, of their qualifications, of their plan of work, and of the precise objects and amount for which an award is sought, to A. M. Emmet, M.B.E., T.D., M.A., F.L.S., F.R.E.S., Hon. Secretary, Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AF, as soon as possible, and in any case not later than 30th September, 1979. DATA LABELS Printed to your requirements in any quantity of labels/lines. Choose from a variety of paper surfaces and typefaces. Full details and sample labels on request. P. D. J. HUGO 38 Cotswold Crescent, Chipping Norton, Oxon. OX7 5DT Please mention this journal when replying THE MICROLEPIDOPTERA OF ESSEX. — I am currently engaged on compiling a list of the microlepidoptera of the county on behalf of the Essex Naturalists’ Trust and the Essex Field Club; it is proposed to publish the list in 1979. I should therefore be grateful if collectors who have not already done so will send me their records. Localities even for the common species help to complete distribution patterns. Entomologists who are planning their season’s collecting shoud bear in mind that Essex is rich in microlepidoptera (over 1,000 species of “micro” are already in the list) but almost devoid of microlepidopterists and hence seriously underrecorded. They could profitably make 1978 their “Essex year’. — A. M. Emmet, Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AF, 30.iv.1978. EXCHANGES AND WANTS Wanted — The Entomologists Record, Vol. 71 1959, entire. Bound or unbound. — Offers to Paul Stirling. Tel. 01-660 4766. Help Wanted — with records of British Gelechiidae for publication in Vol. 4 of “Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland”. Vice-County records only wanted at this stage. A complete check-list will be supplied to those willing to help. If you have any records for this group, please write to: Paul Sokoloff, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Wanted — Records of daily totals in traps of Agrotis segetum for as many past years as available. — Rosemary Kay, Ent. Section, National Vegetable Research Station, Wellsbourne, Warwick. For Sale —a run of the Entomologist’s Record from Vol. 76-89 inclusive (1964-1977). In wrappers. Issues 6, 11, 12 of Vol. 78 are missing, otherwise complete. A bargain at £55.—P. A. Sokoloff, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Wanted — 20, 30 or 40 (preferably) drawer cabinet by Brady, Gurney or Crocket. — Col. W. A. C. Carter, Briarfields, Sandels Way, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Telephone 04946-3828 atfer 6.15 p.m. or weekends. For Sale —40 drawer mahogany cabinet, overall size 42” x 37” x 19”. Drawers 164” x 163” x 2”. Framed glass lids, hidden bearer runners, camphor cells. In very good condition. Best offer over £700 secures. — T. W. Harman, Little Oaks, Church Lane, Westbere, Canterbury, Kent. Tel. Canterbury 710282. Wanted — lam presently engaged in the evaluation of two insects which New Zealand authorities intend to introduce to combat gorse, which is a serious weed there. The species are Agonopterix ulicitella Stnt. (Lep. Oecophoridae) and Apion scutellare Kirby (Col. Curculionidae). I will require large numbers of these insects to carry out experiments to show that they are specific to gorse before they are introduced into New Zealand. I would be grateful if readers could suggest localities where, in Southern England, I might collect several hundred of each species this summer. I would be interested to hear of records from further North, and of any host plants recorded other than gorse. — Richard Hill, Imperial College Field Station, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks. SL5 7PY. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April, 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Orthoptera: D. K. Mc E. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.; Diptera: E. C. M. d’Assis-FoNSECA, F.R.E.S. TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine as well as books for review must be sent to the EDITOR at St. Teresa, 1 Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to: E. H. WILD, L.Inst.Biol., 112 Foxearth Road, Selsdon, Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8EF. Specimen copies supplied by Mr. Wild on payment of 60p or sterling equivalent which will be taken into account if the person in question becomes a full subscriber, plus 10p postage. Changes of address, and enquiries regarding back numbers, Volumes and Sets to: P. A. SOKOLOFF, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Subscriptions should be sent to the Treasurer, P. J. RENSHAW, 53 Links Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0QN, England. REPRINTS: 25 copies, taken straight from the magazine are sent gratis to contributors of articles; these may contain extraneous matter. More formal reprints from re-set type may still be had at cost price, and orders for these should be given, at the latest, with the return to the Editor of the corrected proof. ILLUSTRATIONS are inserted on condition that the AUTHOR DEFRAYS THE COST. Contributors are requested not to send us Notes or Articles which they are sending to other magazines. All reasonable care is taken of MSS, photographs, drawings, maps, etc., but the Editor and his staff cannot hold themselves responsible for any loss or damage. SPECIAL NOTICE The Editor would be willing to consider the purchase of a limited number of certain back issues. CONTENTS The Lepidoptera of the Cairngorms National Nature Reserve. E. A. M. MacALPINE oe Provencal Butterflies in April 1978, Dr. C. J. “LUCKENS . Flights of the Wood Ant Formica lugubris (Hym., Formicidae) in Ireland. Dr. J. BREEN MY The History and Status in Britain of Cosmiotes ‘consortella Stainton, 1851) (exiguella Frey, 1885). Lt. Col. A. M. EMMET . aM The Return of the Orange Tip. Dr. A. G. LONG _... Rey. H. S. Gorham and Some 19th Century Records. J. COOTER . Practical Hints — March and April bee Notes and Observations: The Larva of Eilema pygmaeola pygmaeola Poubleday Cs Pigmy Footman). L. D. M. PACKER ue The Painted Lady in December 1978. T. G. HOWARTH A Epiphyas_ postvittana Walker in Hampshire. Col. D. H. STERLING tee Trosley Country Park ‘(Trottiscliffe) near “Wrotham, Kent. N. F. HEAL . ANE The Clouded Silver (Bapta temerata Hbn.) in October. ThwAS Cc. GREENWOOD f oe en Warwickshire and a en Migrants. DD: GG BROWN _.... sae suet Athetis hospes Freyer “(Lep.: Noctuidae): First Record for Britain. J. PORTER Hi Bee ate sae Helophorus tuberculatus Gyll. (Col: dropmilaie near Bristol. diy ANG TRANG 5) é An Unusual Pupation Site. S. N. iN JACOBS . October in Scilly. G. SUMMERS . NA Acherontia atropos L. (Death’s isla) in Buncen| J. PORTER Immigrant Lepidoptera in Dorset and Suffolk in 1978. H. E. CHIPPERFIELD The Gem (Nycterosea obstipata F.) and an “Unidentified Catocala in Dorset. M. PARSONS as Euphydras aurinia Rott. present in Cumbria. Rev. J. H. VINE- HALL The Foodplant. “of Pseudophilotes ‘vicrama D. & Si Beh G COUTSIS tis unt Adela croesella Scop. in Argyllshire (VC98). I “COOTER ae Euchromius ocellea Haw. in Monmouthshire. Dr. G. A. N. HORTON . A bast ve te ae LB The Japanese Oregyia: “Oreyia thyellina Butler. Dr. H. B. D. KETTLEWELL ... Deilephila elpenor L. on Menyanthes trifoliata iS B. N. K. DAVIS New Irish Records of Microlepidoptera in August. K. LG M. BOND Records of Curculionidae (Coleoptera) taken in Cumberland (VC70). R. W. Jj. READ The Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta be in November. Dr. H. G. PARKER 4h ay ue ue aan Lithophane leautieri Boisd. in Warwickshire. D. C. G. BROWN The Vestal (Rhodometira sacraria L.) in Inverness-shire. T. C. DUNN Obituary: W. E. Busbridge Current Literature ... 31 LV LE I LETS SE LE SPE PS SE SS SS Printed by Charles Phipps Ltd., 225 Philip Lane, Tottenham, N15 4HL | 'OL. 91, Nos. 2/3 FEBRUARY/MARCH, 1979 ISSN 0013-8916 CEE AI I, 545, 2059 } B Ent THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.Rk.£.S. with the assistance of A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. P. J. CHANDLER, B.SC., F.R.E.S. NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E.S. J.HEATH, F.R.E.S., F.L.S. Lieut. Col. A. M. EMMET, M.B.E., T.D., F.R.E.S. P. A. SOKOLOFF, M.SC., M.I.BIOL., F.R.E.S. H. B. D. KETTLEWELL, M.A., M.B., B.CHIR., D.SC., L.R.C.P., F.R.E.S. NOTICE Owing to printing difficulties we much regret delay in publication of the magazine. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR THIS VOLUME No. 91 £7.50 for overseas subscribers. £6.50 for all U.K. subscribers. Hon. Teasurer: P. J. RENSHAW, 53 Links Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 0QN CVV Ta Ta We Wc Wa Ut Vt a ee i We GI SEIS Ve Te TDS *UBLISHED MONTHLY PRICE 80p VaR VA VAIE IER SAA IE IR VA VEEN VIROL ELE E VIER LR EE IRIEL NESS IB I INN Va Uo THE LIVING SEASHORE By Joan M. Clayton The seashore provides a very distinctive environ- ment, supporting a greater number of living things than any other habitat. This book deals with the rich variety of flora and fauna associated with the sea- shore. 32 pages of plates in colour and black and white with numerous line <4 drawings and diagrams * within the text. £6.00 net. FRESHWATER LIFE By John Clegg This is the fourth edition of the popular volume on the plant and animal life in Britain’s @& ponds, lakes, streams and = rivers. The life dealt with ae as ranges from the unicellular qs organisms through vertebrates and flowering plants. Illus- i trated with 64 plates + wi Mute wff_S es in colour and black = FG SS and white, plus line drawings within the text. £6.00 net. 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Its official organ, Country-Side (published three time a year), is the oldest-established British magazine devoted to general natural history Membership subscription £2.50 per annum Full details and application form (s.a.e.) obtainable from: B.N.A., 23 Oak Hill Close, Woodford Green, Essex THE NATURALIST (founded 1875) A Quarterly Illustrated Journal of Natural History Edited by M. R. SEAWARD, M.Sc., Ph.D. Annual subscription: £4.00 (post free) Single numbers £1.00 Separates of the collected instalments of the:— LEPIDOPTERA OF YORKSHIRE (Macrolepidoptera) which appeared serially in The Naturalist (1967-1970) are also available on application. Price 50p plus postage Also MACROLEPIDOPTERA OF SPURN HEAD, E. YORKSHIRE (The Naturalist 1974). Price 25p, plus 9p postage The Editor of the Naturalist University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP The Brown Hairstreak: Thecla betulae L. I: Searching for Ova By T. W. C. Toiman, Ph.D., F.R.E.S.* The traditional method of collecting the Brown Hair- streak butterfly is to beat the blackthorn bushes in May and June. This recommendation has been perpetuated, if not actually endorsed, by the entomological fraternity over a con- siderable period, and appears in nearly every textbook dealing with British butterflies. Writing in 1934, in ““The Complete Book of British Butterflies”, F. W. Frohawk observes . . “Nearly all specimens in collections have been bred from larvae obtained by beating blackthorn bushes, the larval food- plant for this species”. Over 40 years later, in “Aberrations of British Butterflies’, my good friend Donald Russwurm com- ments... “The larvae, however, can be beaten from the bushes in a blackthorn thicket and most collectors obtain their short series in this way’’. These two statements are, I am Sure, accurate in regard to the method as well as the propor- tion of collectors who employ it. The acquisition, or indeed, the detection of T. betulae can be effected by this means but perhaps because the advice is so often given, it is assumed to be the best available. When considering the relative merits of two methods of securing the same object, it rarely happens that one has so little in its favour that the other becomes the automatic choice. It is, however, my firm contention that ova searching, as an alternative means of locating betulae, has so many advantages that, if given a fair try, would soon relegate the business of beating to obscurity — at least, as far as betulae is concerned. Only once have I attempted to beat for larvae. I was neither enamoured of the process nor pleased with the result. The first difficulty I encountered was that of laying out the bed sheet I had chosen as a collecting surface. The frequency with which blackthorn thickets are surrounded by tussocks of strong grasses, brambles and, predictably, blackthorn seedI- ings, is pronounced, and I found this seemingly simple task quite tedious. More often than not, the sheet duplicated the contours of some miniature mountain range — hardly a sur- face conducive to retaining those numerous species of larvae which instinctively roll themselves into mobile little balls when rudely disturbed. Ironically, this habit, adopted in the course of evolution as a protective device serves only to enhance the probability of their premature demise, for it seems likely that a proportion of the larvae finding themselves in the grass some distance from their preferred habitat, do not regain the security of the blackthorn twigs. When asked what happens to the larvae which fall to the ground, the proponents of the beating technique almost invariably reply, ‘““Oh, they crawl back up’. Well, I must admit, I hardly expect to be told that a number don’t make it, having fallen prey to whatever. As far * 1 Clanfield Drive, Chandler’s Ford, Hants., SO5 2HJ. 34 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-I11/79 as I know, the reality of this aspect of beating is one of ignorance and in the absence of concrete evidence substantiat- ing what appears to be little more than wishful thinking, I am inclined to the view that one should afford the inhabitants of blackthorn thickets, amongst which may be counted numerous creatures other than lepidoptera, rather more consideration. Apart from this, minor irritations arising from inadver- tently disarranging the sheet in an effort to get at the black- thorn of interest, manoeuvering the same into a suitable position without becoming impaled on the thorns and finding enough room to wield the beating stick, added to my grow- ing reservations. When I discovered how much detritus was dislodged along with scores of insects — everything it seemed except betulae—my disillusionment was complete. However, one is advised to count one’s blessings and in deference to this pearl of wisdom I am obliged torecord that my singular experience of wrestling with blackthorns, bed sheets and beating sticks, was unattended by strong winds or rain. The thought of inclement weather obtruding upon my adventure, conjures up a vivid picture of a sodden white sheet marooned high in some oak like a stricken kite! The problem of working in confined spaces may be over- come to some extent, by substituting the ground sheet for a hand held tray. However, the limitation in the size of the collecting surface is a detraction and it would also seem that the efficient use of the device requires three hands — one for the tray, one for the blackthorn and one for the beating stick. The one situation for which, I believe, any variation on the beating theme is totally impracticable, relates to the machine-trimmed hedgerows, now a familiar sight in the British countryside. In Devonshire and Wales particularly, the hedge- rows comprise the most important, and in some areas, the sole retreat of betulae. The short, dense convoluted growth is the most characteristic feature of these hedges. The blackthorn is often entwined with other shrubs such as dogrose, bramble and hawthorn which demand respect in their handling, but it is the strength and resilience of close-cropped hedges, conferred by repeated clipping, which render them quite unsuited to beating. The frequent association of ditches with roadside hedgerows is an additional deterrent. Of 141 new betulae sites I’ve located in the past three years by ova searching, all but three have occurred in hedgerow habitat which is either incoveniently sited or subject to periodic clipping, so that the self-imposed restriction suffered by the beater in his choice of collecting ground is considerable. Despite the aforementioned difficulties, some of which may relate simply to my own inexperience, beating for larvae has, over the years, proved an efficacious means of obtaining betulae. That is a fact I would not question. However, efficiency, in terms of time as well as energy expenditure, is altogether a different consideration and it is on this basis that ova search- ing, in my opinion,offers its greatest advantage. To my own satisfaction at least, I have demonstrated that the examination THE BROWN HAIRSTREAK: THECLA BETULAE L 35 of a blackthorn stand, divested of its foliage in winter, takes somewhat less than a fifth of the time required for beating. Moreover, in considering the rate at which ova or larvae are found — the real measure of efficiency —it is clear that ova searching has a greater potential than would be indicated by a mere comparison of searching time. This is, of course, due to the higher incidence of ova than, say, half-grown larvae in a given locality and arises from natural depletion which accumu- lates in progressing through the metamorphic stages. Whilst it is true that not all ova will be seen, it is, presumably, equally true that not all beaten larvae will be detected and, indeed, some may even reside in scrub inaccessable to the beater but not to the ova seeker. I do not know what the average ratio of ova to half-grown larvae is, but I would be surprised if it was less than 5:1. Whatever it might be, the ratio of ova to larvae will be relevant to the maintenance of betulae colonies which receive attention from collectors, for propor- tionately less damage will be incurred by the removal of ova. Assuming, for the sake of argument, the quoted ratio is correct, it is evident that the consquence of removing five ova is equivalent to the removal of one half-grown larva. More- over, if on average, 20 ova give rise to one pupa, the damage inflicted by the inadvertent elimination of a pupa whilst beat- ing for caterpillars would be four times greater than that of removing a single half-grown larva. It would seem therefore the beater needs to exercise care in choosing his time for beating. If he goes too early he may overlook the smaller larvae and if he goes too late, some may have pupated and of those that have, some may be damaged. I have no experience of betulae larvae in the wild, but in the absence of uniformity in the rate of larval development, the risk to the species, as well as the practical implication of detecting beaten larvae, is ever present. In contrast, ova may be sought in a much more leisurely fashion at any time from the beginning of winter to the onset of spring and with relatively much less regard to weather con- ditions. I well remember finding my first ovum during a light fall of snow. For anyone who has never seen a wild betulae ovum, it may be difficult to appreciate how easy it is to spot the large, brilliant white egg against its sombre background. It is entirely due to this marked contrast which enables the blackthorn to be inspected so quickly. It is not necessary to examine every twig individually, one simply scans rapidly but systematically and if ova are present they will catch the eye. My wife once discovered a new Welsh site for betulae by spotting an ovum in a roadside hedge through the window of our slowly moving car. Subsequently, we found another 56 ova deposited on the residue of hedge clippings, strewn about the verges and the road. More recently I discovered a new locality for betulae in Devonshire by locating several ova at night with the aid of a torch. The fact that, in the light of the following day, I found 36 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-II1/79 ova on just about every twig of every bush in the area perhaps lends credibility to a remarkable example of serendipity! Proficiency at any task improves with practice — I suppose even I could learn to beat for larvae were I so motivated — and one soon recognises that particular types of twigs on particular types of bushes are shown more favour than others as sites for Ovipositing. I believe that the greatest dissuasion confronting the novice in the interesting and even exciting diversion of ova searching is, paradoxically, the easiest to overcome and that is the important psychological step of finding one’s first ovum. As a very good friend —a former, confirmed beater — once remarked, “It’s only a matter of getting your eye in”’. It is worth mentioning that by rearing betulae from ova, a bonus awaits the collector whose predilection is for large insects. I have measured the fore-wing length of the 28 male and 25 female betulae of the R. W. Watson collection, and the mean values are 20.0 (standard deviation, 1.08) and 21.2 mm. (S.D., 0.73) respectively. All 43 insects originated from beaten larvae. The corresponding means of 57 males and 52 females — all from wild ova—in my own collection are 21.8 mm. (S.D., 0.55) and 22.2 mm. (S.D., 0.57) respectively. The differences are statistically highly significant. It will be appreciated that the comparison of a linear dimension does not adequately convey the subjective impression of the overall size difference. A similar size disparity, associated with the same two methods of collecting, is also apparent in Quercusia quercus L. and Strymonidae w-album Knoch. Regarding the cause of the difference, I favour the hypothesis presented to me by Dr. Christopher Luckens, that beaten larvae undergo a trauma, as a result of their violent eviction, which induces premature pupation. Although the association is admittedly rather tenuous, it is interesting to consider this hypothesis in relation to the rather large difference in the standard deviations of the mean sizes of insects originating from beaten larvae and wild ova. If, as I suspect, the variation about the mean rate of development of wild larvae differs significantly from that of larvae captively reared from ova, it follows that a random sample of wild larvae will have a greater size variation than a corresponding sample of captive caterpillars. Now, if the full extent of the subsequent development of the wild larvae is related to their size at the time of their removal from the wild, it is clear that this will reflect on the variations in the size of the adult insects. The definitive test of the hypothesis is, of course, a comparison of adults reared from wild ova and those from larvae which have been carefully removed, rather than beaten, from their natural environment. Acknowledgment I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Robert Watson for allowing me access to his collection. ST A Ban on Collecting Lepidoptera in the Department of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, France L. McLeop, B.Sc., M.Phil., F.R.E.S.* | As early as the end of last century Digne was a noted venue for lepidopterists because of localised species and rare aberrations to be found there (e.g. Jones 1890, 1894, Brown 1900). During the last fifty years many lepidopterists including French as well as other nationalities, have descended on the town each year. The attraction of the area is reflected in the number of papers published over the years concerning the lepidoptera of Digne and its neighbourhood. More recently, because of the higher level of living and easier travel facilities, the annual invasion of lepidopterists has sometimes reached very high levels. This has been to the benefit of local commerce and tourism, but apparently to the detriment of certain of the rarer butterflies and moths, the target species of many of the visitors. In order to protect these species the departmental authorities prohibited the collecting of lepidop- tera in the area of Digne on the 18th April 1973. In the years following 1973, the influx of lepidopterists into the department continued and some of our colleagues upset the local authorities by “overcollecting”. Thousands of specimens of certain of the rarer species (both butterflies and moths) have been taken for commercial purposes. Resulting from this regrettable behaviour of a small minority, we have seen a gradual strengthening of the legislation against the collecting of lepidoptera. Decrees were published in 1976 and 1977 concerning the protection of wild life. In 1978, following advice from the departmental biological adviser, the Chamber of Agriculture, and the Departmental Commission on Sites, Panorama and Countryside, the capture of butterflies and moths in the entire territory of the department of the Alpes de Haute-Provence was prohibited as from 22nd June. I have not yet seen or heard of anything in the entomo- logical press concerning this action on the part of depart- mental authorities, which I think is unique in being the first of its kind in Europe. The entomological revues ‘‘Alexanor”’ and “‘Entomops” have not mentioned the subject despite the latter being a review of the entomologists of the Alpes Maritimes and Corsica, “‘almost on the doorstep” as it were. One must remember that the area in question is not a National Park or Nature Reserve but a department, i.e. similar to a county in Britain. The Alpes de Haute-Provence covers an area of 692,522 hectares. Perhaps many lepidopterists have already experienced being told to pack their nets and go! The first I have heard of (I would have placed bets on it being an Englishman) was Mr. Russel Bretherton, who, accompanied by friends were collecting on the Montagne du Lure during July. A local forester soon appeared on the scene and informed them in no * Quartier des Ecoles, St. Pierre de Vassols, 84330, France. 38 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /TI-I11/79 uncertain terms of the new legislation. Having travelled such a long way specifically to collect on that mountain, how un- fortunate to have one’s holiday marred in such a fashion. It is worthy therefore to reproduce herea translation of the bye- law so that other British entomologists know of the new restrictions. Prefecture des Alpes de Haute-Provence, Service de la Coordination et de l’Action Economique, Bureau de |’Environ- ment, du Tourisme, et de l’Amenagement due Territoire. ARRETE No. 78 — 2536 Prohibition of capture of butterflies and moths in all the territory comprising the department of the Alpes de Haute- Provenc. Article 1 Capture of moths carried out at night using artificial light sources and all other methods, also that of their cater- pillars, is prohibited in all the territory of the Alpes de Haute- Provence. Article 2 The capture of butterflies and day-flying moths is prohibited in all the territory of the Alpes de Haute-Provence for a period of ten years following publication of this bye-law in the collection of administrative records of the Prefecture. Article 3 Capture or destruction of eggs, chrysalids and caterpillars of butterflies and moths is prohibited except those which are agricultural, horticultural or forestry pests. Article 4 Exception from article 2 is made for children under twelve years of age who catch butterflies with pocket nets of a diameter not exceeding 20 c. Article5 Capture for scientific purposes of butterflies and moths as well as their eggs, chrysalids, and caterpillars is possible under exceptional authorization from the depart- mental Director of Agriculture, on the express condition that the request is made to him not less than one month in advance, the validity of such authorization not exceeding two months. Article6 The Secretary General ofthe Alpes de Haute- Provence, the Sub-Prefects, the mayors, the Colonel com- manding the police of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, the Departmental Director of Agriculture and the employees of the National Forestry Offic and municipal guards are en- trusted, each and every one, with the carrying out of this present bye-law. Digne 22ndJune 1978 Signed: Paul Rouaze It would appear form article 5 that collecting permits can be obtained under certain conditions. Perhaps being a member of an entomological society might be sufficient evidence of scientific intent? However, I doubt it because some commercial dealers are also members of entomological societies. In time, no doubt, the situation will became clearer. In several European countries, laws are in force which protect certain species of lepidoptera. In Germany Parnassius species are protected in all their stages. Likewise Zerinthia species have been protected in Czechoslovakia since 1965. I A BAN ON COLLECTING LEPIDOPTERA 39 belive that there are similar laws in Austria and Switzerland but I have no information concerning which species are pro- tected. Perhaps other readers can supply more information on this subject? The present collecting controversy and focus on conservation stimulated me to expand this paper more than I originally intended with the objective of making further information available to those interested. In Britain we have seen many papers during the past few years concerning the misuse of light traps (e.g. Smith & Smith 1978) also ther have been one or two papers specifically on insect/butterfly conservation (Owen 1974, Gardiner 1976). I echo the views of Smith & Smith in confirming that it is nearly always members of national organisations who run light traps which kill everything which enters them (i.e. Rot- hamstead traps). Although I have little knowledge of what goes on in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, I can present here some information concerning the Vaucluse. During ten years of collecting experience in the Vaucluse, the only light traps I have encountered which kill all the insects which enter, are those run by employees of the Institute Nationale de la Recherche Agronomique (I.N.R.A.). Both the Montfavet Agricultural Research Station and the Laboratoire d’Ecologie de Mont Ventoux both run severalsuch traps. I am informed that those positioned on Mont Ventoux and which are con- cerned mainly with the monitoring of populations of [haume- topoea pityocampa Schiff., the Processionary Caterpillar of the Pine, frequently require emptying three or four times per night in mid-summer. The thousands of dead moths are later examined and identified (when possible) by students who act as temporary employees during summer months. All the light traps used by visiting amateur lepidopterists have been without exception of the “Robinson” or ‘Heath’ design, and made use of a sheet or egg packing trays. These traps alow the lepidopterist to select the desired specimens and to release the remainder, usually the vast majority, unharmed. In the case of the light traps used by Montfavet Agricul- tural Research Station, they are used to monitor the arrival of migrations and population fluctuations of twenty or more pest species of Noctuidae. The light traps are positioned in agricultural areas around Avignon. This type of use is perhaps acceptable to most lepidopterists. In the case of the light traps used by the Laboratoire d’Ecologie du Mont Ventoux, Malaucene, I would query the necessity for using light traps to monitor the population of T. pityocampa. Having had some professional experience during 1963 involving a serious outbreak of the Pine Looper, Bupalus piniarius L. (the Bordered White) in Cannock Chase, I feel that 1 can discuss the matter with some authority. Although there will undoubtedly be correlation betweeen numbers of moths killed in the traps and actual populations, for one reason or another the figures obtained are not very accurate and can only be used as an indication of fluctuations. The same indica- 40 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/ I-III /79 tion may be obtained by other methods involving larvae. The ease with which one can count the web nests of larvae in the springtime also makes possible the counting of nests by aerial photography either using daylight or infra red film. Surely it is not necessary to kill thousands if not millions of moths in order to know when the adult moths are emerging and laying eggs. A further disadvantage of such semi-permanent light traps is that large numbers of moths are eaten by bats which soon learn that light traps are a good source of food. The numbers of bats involved can be large and fluctuations in the bat popula- tions will be reflected in the numbers of moths taken in the traps. My friend Mr. Gerard Luquet, the editor of ‘““Alexanor’’, who is employed as a lepidopterist in the Museum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris and sometimes at the Laboratoire d’Ecologie due Mont Ventoux, on being questioned about the effect of the “complete mortality” light trap, informed me that the statistics taken by his colleagues over a number of years indicate that there are no adverse effects on populations from the use of such traps. Personally I feel that this is an incorrect conclusion based on inadequate data. Perhaps it is correct for certain common species with wide distribution but I would suggest incorrect for uncommon species with restricted distribution. Populations normally fluctuate from generation to generation depending on parasitism, predation, food supply and weather. Should large numbers of an uncommon species be taken when a population is extremely low, long term damage can be inflicted on the population and it may take several years to regain its normal density. Thus we find conflicting evidence: that of personnel of I.N.R-A. on the one hand and _ that of the advisers to the Prefecture of the Alpes de Haute- Provence on the other. It appears obvious to me that the latter are ‘correct. I have already pointed out that it is not the effect of light traps upon common species with wide distribution which worries the conservationist. It is their effect upon uncommon species with restricted distribution. In the Alpes de Haute- Provence I presume that one of the major subjects for con- servation is the Saturniid Graellsia isabellae Graells., un- doubtedly one of the species most concerned with the present ban on collecting. There has been for some years, publicity concerning the rarity of this and other insect species in France, where it is restricted to two or three departments in the south. Despite this ““warning”’, large numbers have been collected annually by both French and German commercia! dealers. I fear that Mr. Gardiner’s supposition (Gardiner 1977) that Al specimens are more easily obtained by breeding is just not true. Soon after emergence most wild specimens are perfect. Unscruplous dealers will kill and sell even damaged specimens. Mr. Gardiner also states, ““There is no known proved instance of any butterfly or moth ever having been exterminated by over-collecting’’. This is, of course, very A BAN ON COLLECTING LEPIDOPTERA 41 difficult to prove, but a recent example of disgraceful behaviour on the part of a South African dealer/lepidopterist comes to mind. A recently discovered species of Lycaenid, Oxychaeta dicksoni (Gabriel) with a very restricted distribution was, as far as is known, collected to the point of extinction within one season so that the individual concerned could charge high prices for his “rarities”. Mr. C. G. C. Dickson, after whom the species was named, informed me that it has not been seen since. Following on from this there is now a list of butterfly species protected by law in South Africa, with heavy fines or imprisonment for anyone transgressing the law. Laws such as this are very hard to implement especially in wild, mountainous areas, forests, etc. Far better is to prohibit the sale, as well as the collection, of the insects concerned. In the case of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, protection of certain uncommon species would likewise be hard to imple- ment (as it is in Britain). Those personnel required to assist in the carrying out of such a law are not likely themselves to be able to tell one species from another. Undoubtedly in cases such as this, it is better to establish a nature reserve or put a total ban on collecting. While completing this paper, the October issue of “The Record”’ was delivered and with great interest I read various ‘Letters to the Editor’ from Messrs. Jacobs, Hyde and Will- mott (Ent. Rec. 90: 272-274). Undoubtedly permanent destruc- tion of habitat is the major cause of the disappearance of insect species, with other factors such as over-collecting, temporary destruction of habitats by fires, droughts, etc., and interference in the natural balance of an ecosystem uch <s the introduction of myxamotosis, all playing lesser rdles. It is urgently necessary to protect as many unspoilt areas as possible from the ravages of mankind. To this end, local naturalist’s trusts greatly need our support. I would also like to see greater action on the part of learned societies (ornithological, zoo- logical, entomological and botanical) working together with government. Wild life must be protected for scientific interest and leisure activities of future generations. Action is needed now and anything which aids conservation should be welcomed, however irritating it might be to some individuals. For this reason I fully support the Prefecture of the Alpes de Haute- Provence in their present ban, which for butterflies is in force until 1988. We must wait ten years to see whether the ban will be a permanent one. References Brown, R., 1900. Digne revisited. Ent. Rec. J. Var., 12: 57. Gardiner, B. O. C., 1976. Collecting Controversy — Facts Wanted. Ent. Rec. J. Var., 88: 110-112. Tones etatl 1890. Notes on the Lepidoptera at Digne. Ent. mon. Mag., —_____—., 1894. Ent. mon. Mag., 30: 175. Owen, D. F., 1974. Trade threats to butterflies. Oryx, 12: 479-483. Smith, D. C. N. & Smith, F. H. N., 1978. The use of the Rothamstead Trap. Ent. Rec. J. Var., 90: 218-219. 42 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/TI-111/79 The Return of the Orange Tip By ALBERT G. LONG* (Continued from page 17) (iv) In South Northumberland VC 67 In south Northumberland (VC 67), as in County Durham (VC 66), the Orange Tip apparently suffered a decline in numbers towards the end of last century, but it seems never to have become completely extinct. The first record is that of John Wallis at Simonburn: ‘Frequent in warm shady vales in May and June” in 1769 (Natural History and Antiquities of Northumberland, p.353). The next three known records are in a notebook of Albany Hancock. They are for the Newcastle area: 4.6.1826 and 29.4.1827, ‘‘Sides of lanes common’’; and his bother, John Hancock, similarly recorded it for Ponteland Road, 3.6.1827. George Wailes recorded it on 1.6.1860 at Riding Mill between March Burn and Dilston Castle (7.7T.N.F.C. 5, 3); between 1861 and 1866, it was recorded each year at Stam- fordham by J. F. Bigge and H. T. Mennell (7.7.N.F.C. 5, 209; 6, 50); and in the same period for Burradon 26.5.1861, Cambo 19.5.1862; and Plessey Woods 26.5.1865 (ibid. and T.N.H.S. 1, 237). 1 MS. Notebook of Albany Hancock, in Hancock Museum, Newcastle- upon-Tyne. Between 1867 and 1871 it was noted each year at Walling- ton by R. F. Wheeler, and on 16.6.1872 at Cresswell (7.N.H.S. 5, 99). This was the last known record for the century in VC 67, but in 1899, J. E. Robson wrote, ‘“‘For some years this pretty species all but disappeared but it has resumed its usual numbers” (7.N.H.S. 12, 4). The earliest records I know of Orange Tips in VC 67 this century occur in a notebook of G. T. Nicholson?. For 4.6.1900 he wrote, “At Dipton near Hexham Rosie took one male Orange Tip’. Again on 28.5.1901, he wrote — “‘Allendale, noticed this species flying in the locality’. Similarly, on 4.6.1906 at West Dipton Burn, “Orange Tips seen but not caught’’. It is thus certain that Orange Tips were established in south Northumberland in the first decade of this century. George Bolam, writing in 1925, said that Abel Chapman saw several about Houxty in 1918 — “‘The first he had ever seen anywhere in Northumberland. Since then it has appeared about Wark, in small numbers, in most years; and almost the same may be said of several other Tynedale localities, both to east and south” (H.B.N.C. 25, 522). Other early records are to be found in the journal of W. G. Watson® for Sidwood (N. Tyne). Orange Tips are there recorded for the garden at Sidwood on 1.5.1920, 30.5.1920, 2.6.1920, 5.6.1920 and on 27.5.1920 at Red Heugh Wood. In 1930, J. R. Robinson wrote “‘“A female Orange Tip, from which I now have eggs, taken at Ponteland, with one seen by Professor Harrison at Corbridge, shows that this * Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. *MS. Notebook of Albany Hancock, in Hancock Museum, Newcastle- upon-Tyne. THE RETURN OF THE ORANGE TIP 43 butterfly can still be seen in South Northumberland” (Vasculum, 16, 119). In 1932, G. Bolam recorded one male in the glen below Staward Peel on 22.5.1932 (Vasculum, 19, 123);and in 1934, F. C. Garrett wrote “Not uncommon in South Northumber- land, but seems to be becoming more scarce” (Vasculum, 20, 46). However, this interpretation may have been the exact reverse of the truth. In the mid-thirties, Robert Craigs recorded Orange Tips in Redesdale, at Catcleugh, two on 27.5.1935, and at Rochester two on 27.5.1935 and 1.6.1935 (H.B.N.C. 29, 17). In 1941 it was observed as increasing near Stocksfield “between middle to end of June” (J. W. H. Harrison in Vasculum, 27, 6); and in 1942 the species was again recorded for Stocksfield by Mrs. T. E. Hodgkin — two seen (Vasculum, 27, 32). Similarly, in 1945 it was seen at Bardon Mill on 6.5.1945 by C. J. Gent (Vasculum, 30, 47), and commonly in Allendale by J. S. Ash (Vasculum, 30, 55). In 1946 F. W. Gardner recorded it as “now quite common at Riding Mill’? and added: “Has increased considerably of recent years” (Vasculum, 31, 6). In 1951 it was observed at Apperley Dene, 2.6.1951; in 1960, at the Sneap 21.5.1960 (J. W. H. Harrison (Vasculum, 36, 11 and 45, 11); and in 1963, F. W. Gardner again recorded it for Riding Mill as “‘of regular occurrence throughout the district and fairly common in favourable years” (Vasculum, 48, 23 and Ent. Gaz. 13, 22). The increase continued in the seventies. Thus, it was seen in June 1970 by J. T. B. and D. Bowman south of Caw Lough near Bonnyrighg Hall not far from Hadrian’s Wall (Vasculum, 59, 44); and in the same year, J. D. Parrack saw one male just emerged at Plashett’s Pond (N. Tyne) on 6.5.1970. In 1971 one was seen on 1.5.1971 by A. M. Tynan at The Belling (N. Tyne), two more were seen at Plashett’s Pond by J. D. Parrack on 28.5.1971 and 6.7.1971; and in 1972, the same observer saw specimens at Plashetts on 5.6.1972; at Bolam 5.6.1972, Smalesmouth, 28.4.1972 (a pupa) and at Williamstone (S. Tyne) on 28.6.1972. In 1973, several pairs were seen at Slaggyford (S. Tyne) by Gfl Fenwick on 9.6.1973, J. D. Parrack observed one near Cresswell 11.7.1973 and three at Williamstone; in 1975 it was seen at Low Shilfurd near Stocksfield by O. L. Gilbert (Vasculum, 61, 8), and also at Warden near Hexham by D. A. Sheppard and M. Eyre on 1.6.1975; and in 1976, it was noted at Stocksfield 8.6.1976 and at Close House near Newcastle on 27.5.1976 by D. A. Sheppard, and J. D. Parrack recorded six at Staward on 13.6.1976 (Vascuulum, 61, 96). In 1977, it was again seen at Warden on 28.5.1977 by A. Garside, D. A. Sheppard and M. Eyre, and also at Whittle 3 MS. Journal of W. G. Watson, in Library of Northumbria Nat. Hist. Soc., at Hancock Museum. 2MS. Notebook of G. T. Nicholson, in Hancock Museum, Newcastle- upon-Tyne. 44 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /TI-111/79 Dene 4.6.1977, and was observed at Heddon on the Wall by H. T. Eales on 21.5.1977. A male was seen flying across an open bare field between Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags on 22.5.1977 (A.G.L.). A single ovum was found at Wallington on Alliaria petiolata, by P. Summers on 20.6.1977. In 1978 the increase was much in evidence in the S. Tyne and N. Tyne areas. It was seen at Brunton, Humshaugh and Haughton on 28.5.1978 by M. E. Braithwaite, at Chirdon Burn by A. M. Tynan, at the Kielder Dam site on 3.6.1978 (A.G.L.), and between Riding Mill and Slaley on 29.5.1978 by Mrs. Pybus of Dipton House. It is clear therefore that in south Northumberland (VC 67), there is evidence of almost a continued presence of the Orange Tip from the time of John Wallis (1796) to the present (1978), with a possible diminution of numbers in the period between 1872 and sometime before 1899, when Robson pub- lished the first part of his ‘‘Catalogue’”. This partial break coincides more or less with the apparent extinction in Berwick- shire lasting the greater part of a century. (to be continued) THE GREAT BROCADE (EuROIS OCCULTA L.): A STRANGE HaBIT OF THE LARVAE IN CaPTivity. — Whilst in Scotland this year I collected a number of larvae of this species, and fed them up on birch at home. After about a week I noticed in one cage a larva infested with a hymenopterous parasite. These parasites had spun up a communal “candy floss” cocoon on a birch stem. Being a bit lazy at the time I left the stem in the cage as the occulta had plenty of foodplant. On preparing to change over to fresh food a few days later, I noticed with amazement a full grown occulta larva with its _ head and front segments actually inside the parasite cocoon. The following day the cocoon had vanished. I can only assume the larva had devoured the entire cocoon with its unsavoury occupants (my apologies to hymenopterists). There was no shortage of birch in the cage. No doubt this change of diet suited the larva, but I wonder if this particular instance classes occulta as a can- nibal. The larvae certainly do not eat one another in captivity. Incidentally, I have found they have a great liking for birch catkins which they devour readily, usually leaving some of the catkin uneaten. — J. PLatts, 11 Maydowns Road, Chestfield, Whitstable Kent. LIMENITIS CAMILLA LINN. AT FRISTON, NEAR EASTBOURNE, East Sussex. — In rather dull weather on the 20th July, 1978, I observed two Limentis camilla flitting through the trees in an area of Friston Forest where honeysuckle abounded. This prompted further investigation and on the 21st of July, another dull day, a further five were seen in the same locality. I decided to wait for a sunny day and luckily I only had to wait until the 24th July, when I returned to see at least 20 in flight, basking in the sun or resting on bramble flowers. — Mark Parsons, 43 King’s Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex. 45 Entomologising in Andorra, 1978 By J. M. CHALMERS-HunT! and C. J. LUCKENS? The customs patrol scattered as we swept over the frontier into Andorra. Not that we had anything against them but when peaked-capped figures appeared suddenly out of the thick mist in the middle of the road it was only the skilful driving of J.M.C-H. that avoided an international incident. It was towards the end of an exhausting journey south in which we had already been delayed the evening before by a dock strike at Dieppe necessitating a longer route via Boulogne. We had looked forward to some collecting on our way through France but the weather was far from favourable until we reached the delectable limestone country around Cahors and then the sun came out for a while. We sampled an area of rough ground near Payrac and almost immediately a mint female Maculinea arion L. was netted. There were further examples of this butterfly nearby in an overgrown orchard and they were of a large bright form with considerable variation in the forewing spotting. Brintesia circe D. & S. was fairly common and several other species were flying including Papilio machaon L., Leptidea sinapis L., Thymelicus actaeon Rott., Cupido minimus Fuess., Nord- mannia ilicis Esp., Brenthis daphne D. &S., Melitaea didyma fsp. and Coenonympha dorus Esp.; and among the moths, Zygaena hippocrepidis Hb. (det. W.G.T.). A large ichneumon wasp was netted that turned out to be Stauropoctonus bomby- civorus (Grav.) (det. I.D.G.), rare in Britain, but known for example from the New Forest, and has been reared from the Lobster Moth (Stauropus fagi L.). Pressing on, we reached the foothills of the Pyrenees and then the weather turned sour once more and there was thick mist all the way up the tortuous road from Ax le Thermes to Andorra. After negotiating the aforementioned customs officers, who were rather angry over their lost dignity and told us so in at least two languages, we made better progress in the rapidly improving road conditions and finally reached our destination at St. Julia de Loria in the late evening. Apart from an occasional shower we saw no more rain during the five days we stayed in the principality and enjoyed collecting in glorious weather and amongst superb mountain scenery. We recorded over 90 species of butterflies alone. Dr. P. J. L. Roche, who resides in Andorra, met us the following morning and remained an invaluable guide and entertaining companion throughout our stay. The first day, July 20th, was spent at about 3,500 ft. just east of S. Julia, in a lightly wooded valley which Dr. Roche has made the subject of an ecological survey. Insect life was abundant in this relatively lowland part of Andorra. The larger fritillaries, Argynnis adippe D. & S., Argynnis paphia L. and Brenthis daphne D. & S. sailed among the thistles, and a *] Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent. *52 Thorold Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton. 46 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /II-I11/79 white-flowered elder-like bush attracted hairstreaks and cop- pers, and also, to our delight, Libythea celtis Laich. There was a good selection of blues and Melitaea species, including a large race of Melitaea phoebe D. & S.; Melanargia lachesis Hb. was common, and Hipparchia alcyone D. & S. skipped around the tree trunks with elusive agility. Satyrus actaea Esp. was represented by newly emerged males. A few rather worn Aporia crataegi L. floated around the bushes and occasionally visited thistles in the lower part of the valley. The previous day Dr. Roche had taken a fine male Apatura ilia D. & S. f. clytie beside the shallow stream, and in the same spot, just after mid-day another male of this magnificent butterfly swept by J.M.C-H. who narrowly missed netting it. By 4.30 p.m. the prospect of liquid refreshment in Dr. Roche’s residence was irresistible, but we felt that 49 butterfly species recorded on our first day was no mean score. Among the moths noted were: Zygaena filipendulae L. (det. W.G.T.), a five-spotted form which we were to encounter later in the vicinity; the geometrid Pseudoterpna coronillaria Hb. (det. D.S.F.) which is similar to our P. pruinata Hufn. though greyer; Chrysocrambus dentuellus P. & M. (det. M.S.), and en route to the valley, Dysauxes punctata F. (det. D.S.F.). The following morning we set off for some higher level, collecting between 6,000 and 6,500 ft. at Encamp Cortals. At this height one could feel the bite in the air and a slight tachycardia — quite apart from that caused by chasing the fast-flying Colias phicomone Esp. which were careering over the flowery slopes. We both collected a short series of this butterfly, and J.M.C-H., as well as netting micros and insects of several other orders, also managed to capture two Euchloe ausonia ausonia Hb.—a butterfly not previously on Dr. Roche’s Andorran list. The little alpine fritillary Boloria napaea Hoffmannsegg was very common here — we thought we had Boloria pales D. & S. as well, but all the specimens sub- sequently shown to Dr. L. G. Higgins were found to be napaea. In the damper parts of the valley Palaeochrysophanus hippothoe L., Brenthis ino Rott. and the usually local Pro- clossiana eunomia Esp. were also well represented. Among a carpet of scabious C.J.L. took two Euphydryas aurinia Rott. which, though of a darkish and small form, were not quite true debilis in appearance. There were five species of Erebia in evidence, but one of these, Erebia cassioides Hohenwarth was only just emerging at this relatively late date and we found a single fresh male each. FE. meolans de Prunner was locally common (in the superb form bejarensis Chapman) but E. oeme Hb., E. epiphron Knoch., and EF. euryale Esp. were common and widespread. We were pleased to find the lovely blue Plebicula dorylas D. &S. on a stony dry slope; and even more locally, around the clumps of geranium, fluttered the little dark Eumedonia eumedon Esp. This latter species was past its best, however, and anything that looked like a fresh ENTOMOLOGISING IN ANDORRA, 1978 47 specimen invariably turned out to be Cupido minimus Fuess. on closer inspection. Moths seen include Macrothylacia rubi L., Diacrisia sannio L., Odezia atrata L., Gnophos obfuscata D. & S. (det. D.S.F.), Udea uliginosalis Steph. (det. M.S.), Pyrausta cerealis Hbn. (det. M-S.), Eudonia lineola Curtis (det. M.S.), E. murcurella L. (det. M.S.). Also, an attractive black and white Oecophorid which according to Mr. Jackh conforms to Schiffermuelleria raetica Frey, and on comparison with the series of S. rhaetica in the B.M.N.H. it seems nearest to ssp. graslinella Staudinger, though in the opinion of Dr. Sattler our specimen may well be specifically distinct. The next day we went to Juberri a few kilometres into the mountains south east of St. Julia, and here a magnificent large race of Parnassius apollo L. sailed about. J.M-C-H. at one point was observed in a sort of dervish whirl in the wake of a white butterfly which flew and behaved very like Par- nassius mnemosyne L. and which led him a fine chase only to reveal itself as A. crataegi. He got a round of applause from a chalet balcony high up on the hill however! Though the precipitous stony slopes were difficult to explore we found a marvellous wealth of butterfly species flying alongside the road. Among the abundant lachesis a good proportion of Melanargia russiae Esp. were to be found, Heodes virgaureae L. was common and a single example of H. alciphron gordius was taken. Fritillaries were represented mainly by Argynnis adippe D. & S., A. paphia L. and a bright form of Melitaea didyma Esp., but a solitary Jssoria lathonia L. put in a brief appearance and there were one or two worn Mellicta athalia celadussa Fruh. and M. phoebe. During our stay only two Laeosopis roboris Esp. were taken, (one of them here at Juberri), but normally this butterfly is abundant by this date Dr. Roche informed us, and it seemed yet one more evidence of the lateness of the season. Among the burnets we took at Juberri was Zygaena hilaris Ochs. (det. W.G.T.). In the early afternoon we drove back through St. Julia, and after negotiating the traffic in Andorra la Vella turned off the main road just short of Soldeu into the Val d’Incles. The high meadows here were carpeted with wild flowers — geranium, gentian, viola and cistus and flying among them a host of butterflies. Cyaniris semiargus Rott., Lycaeides idas L. and P. hippothoe were the commonest lycaenids and worn Clossiana selene D. &S. flew with the similar P. eunomia. B. ino, B. napaea and Pyrgus serratulae Ramb. were common as were the two Erebias, epiphron and oeme. We patrolled the thickly-growing stands of Gentiana lutea hoping to turn up Maculinea alcon D. & S. but to no avail. J.M.C-H. captured an enormous Tabanid fly just as it was about to feast on C.J.L. who was totally unaware of his peril. There was some dispute afterwards whether a warning had been given before or after the net descended! Moths we recorded from there included: Hemaris tityus L., Parasemia plantaginis L., Epirrhoe molluginata Hbn. (det. 48 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /11-I11/79 D.S.F.), Omorphina cymbalariae Hbn. (det. D.S.F.), Stenop- tilia coprodactyla Stn. (det. M.S.), Udea ferrugalis Hbn. (det. F. (det. M.S.), Argyroploce stibiana Gn. (det. K. T.) and Eana argentula Clerck (det. K.T.). We started operations the following day above El Serrat at approximately 7,600 ft. Several species were flying at, or just below, the snow line including Erebia pandrose Bork- hausen., C. phicomone, C. croceus Geoff., and Pieris brassicae L. Dr. Roche also recorded a specimen of the ubiquitous Coenonympha arcania L. Our main butterfly quarry was Pontia callidice Hb., but the only whites we saw were of the larger plebeian variety. A little lower down, at around 6,000 ft., E. meolans appeared, and also a large Pyrgus which was subsequently identified by Dr. Higgins as P. cacaliae Rambur and probably new to Andorra. On the lightly wooded hillside at 5,600 ft. where we concentrated our activities for the remainder of the day, P. apollo was fairly numerous — nearly all of them fresh males of a large race (pyrenaicus Harcourt- Bath). There was also a strong colony of Mellicta parthenoides Kef. and many Lasiommata maera L. Plebejus argus L. was represented by a fine race, hypochiona Ramb., with silvery blue undersides in the males. A striated aberration of P. hippothoe was captured and also our only specimen of H. tityrus Poda. Among the moths noted were: Euplagia quadripunctaria Poda, Zygaena purpuralis Brimnich (det. W.G.T.), O. cym- balariae Hbn. (det. D.S.F.), Anaitis praeformata Hbn. (det. D.S.F.), Catoptria falsella falsella D. & S. (det. M.S.) and Pyrausta porphyralis D. & S. (det. M.S.). Thunder clouds blew up during the latter part of the afternoon and there were a few heavy showers on our way back to S.Julia. The 24th was our last full day in Andorra, and we were determined to make the best of it. The morning was spent in the valley east of St. Julia where we met Dr. Roche accompanied by Michael Symes, who was just commencing his holiday in Andorra. A. ilia failed to put in another appearance but Michael Symes recorded a specimen of the large fritillary Pandoriana pandora D. &S. a species new to this area. L. celtis seemed more in evidence than it had been a few days before and the two blues Plebicula escheri Ub. and Plebicula amanda Schneider were also about in better numbers. Single examples were taken of P. apollo and M. arion. After lunch J.M.C-H. and C.J.L. took themselves off to the road verges near Juberri where so many species had been flying two days before. Fluttering down a precipitous stony slope was a lemon yellow Anthocaris belia euphenoides Staud. — the only one we had seen. Instead of turning back towards the road when it reached the dense shade of some alders, as all the other butterflies seemed to do, it kept on going and we failed to intercept it further down the road. We decided to glance at the yellow biscutella plants and the very first one ENTOMOLOGISING IN ANDORRA, 1978 49 examined had a well-grown larva of belia euphenoides. Several more were found but unfortunately they suffered badly from the heat and only three survived the return journey to England. Those that did survive took very well to ordinary garden honesty in the absence of their natural pabulum. A single specimen of the emerald Thetidia smaragdaria F. was netted here, and a number of empty mines collected on Malus of Lyonetia clerkella L. (det. A.M.E.). Reluctantly we had to start our preparations for the homeward journey and the following morning drove up the high winding pass out of Andorra. We had completely different weather from that we had experienced the previous time and the sun shone brilliantly — also there were no customs officers in the way. Stopping at the highest part of the road we briefly explored and another P. cacalia came our way. The only other butterflies were E. pandrose, P. rapae, C. minimus, and the yellow and black day-flying moth Psodos quadrifaria Salzer. A large buddleia patch beside the road at Le Castellet near Ax le Thermes caught our eye, and on our inspecting it Araschnia levana L. was taken among numerous B. daphne and A. adippe imbibing from the mauve blossoms together with a magnificent carpenter bee Xylocopa valga Gerstaecker (det. G.R.E.).It was interesting to note that here, only a few miles north of the Pyrenees, lachesis appeared to be replaced by a Melanargia intermediate in form between that and galathea. We drove most of the afternoon until we found ourselves once again in the limestone region around Cahors. Here we sampled a dry hillside covered in wild lavender and noisy with cicadas. Both Zygaena sarpedon Hbn. (det. W.G.T.) and Z. fausta L. (det. W.G.T.) were flying here, as well as numbers of the curious dragonfly-like Libelloides longicornis L. (Neurop- tera, Ascalaphidae) (det. P.C.B.). P. machaon was numerous and there were plenty of the fine large Satyrus ferula F. flying over the dusty slopes. Gonepteryx cleopatra L. and G. rhamni L., both freshly emerged were frequent and we also recorded Philotes baton Berg. but so worn as to be virtually un- recognisable. The black and white Brintesia circe made life difficult for both butterflies and collectors by mobbing every- thing that came within range of their chosen perch. C.J.L. missed a large Iphiclides podalirius L. because of the aggres- sive antics of circe but just before we left J.M.C-H. dexterously netted one of these fine swallowtails in full flight. This proved to be the last butterfly captured of the expedition as the following day the weather broke down, we inspected the Forét de Rambouillet in heavy rain, and only when we were within a few miles of the Channel did the sun shine once more. Species other than Lepidoptera noted in Andorra TRICHOPTERA. Goeridae: Silo graellsi Pictet (det. P.C.B.), Val d’Incles, 3, 22.vii. Sericostomatidae: Schizopelex furcifera McLachlan (det. P.C.B.), Juberri, 3, 22.vii. MECOPTERA. Panorpidae: Panorpa meridionalis Ram- bur (det. P.C.B.), St. Julia, 9, 20. vii. 50 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-I11/79 PLECOPTERA. Perlodidae: /soperla grammatica (Poda) (det. P.C.B.), Juberri, 3, 22.vii. ORTHOPTERA. Oedipoda caerulescens L. (det. D.R.R.), St. Julia, 20.vii; Juberri, 22.vii. Stauwroderus scalaris F.v.W. (det. D.R.R.), Encamp Cortals, 21.vii. DIPTERA. Syrphidae (det. R.A.H.): Volucella zonaria Poda, San Julia, 24.vii; Sericomyia lapponica L., El Serrat (7,500 ft.), 23.vii; Scaeva selenetica Mg., Encamp Cortals (6,500 ft.), 21.vii. Conopidae (det. K.G.V.S.): Sicus ferrugineus L., Juberri, 22.vii. Asilidae (det. R.A.H.): Cyrtopogon rufi- cornis F., El Serrat, 23.vii; Molobratia teutonus L., El Serrat (5,600 ft.), 23.vii. Bombyliidae (det. D.J.G.): Bombylius canescens Mg., Val d’Incles, 22.vii; Anthrax anthrax Schrank, St. Julia, 20.vii. Tabanidae (det. J.E.C.): Tabanus sudeticus Z., El Serrat, 23.vii; Val d’Incles, 20-vii. Tipulidae (det. P.S.C.): Nephrotoma flavescens L., Encamp Cortals, 21.vii. COLEOPTERA. Lepturinae: Stenopterus rufus (L.), 9, Juberri, 22.vii; Judolia cerambyciformis (Schrank), ?, Juberri, 22.vii; Leptura rubra L., &, Juberri, 22.vii. Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae: Amphimallon fuscus (Scop.), St. Julia, 24.vii. Cleridae: Trichodes apiarius (L.), St. Julia, 24.vii. The Ceram- bycidae det. by C.R.S.; the Scarabaeidae and Cleridae det by R.D.P. HYMENOPTERA. Apidae (det. LH.H.Y.): Bombus ruderarius ssp. montanus Lepeletier, °, Encamp Cortals (6,500 ‘ft.). Acknowledgments We thank the following specialists for kindly undertaking determinations: Dr. P. C. Barnard, Mr. J. E. Chainey, Mr. P. S. Cranston, Mr. G. R. Else, Lt. Col. A. M. Emmet, Mr. D. S. Fletcher, Mr. I. D. Gauld, Dr. D. J. Greathead, Miss Rose A. Hayman, Dr. L. G. Higgins (for determining difficult butterfly species especially among the genus Pyrgus), Mr. E. Jackh, Mr. R. D. Pope, Dr. D. R. Ragge, Dr. G. S. Robinson, Dr. K. Sattler, Mr. M. Shaffer, Mr. C. R. Smith, Mr. K. G. V. Smith, Mr. W. G. Tremewan, Mr. K. Tuck and Dr. I. H. H. Yarrow. Our grateful thanks go especially to Dr. Patrick Roche who accompanied us to several rich entomological localities, most of which he discovered himself, and who entertained us royally at the end of each days collecting. And finally to our wives, for letting us go to foreign parts without undue complaint! References Bretherton, R. F., 1966. A Distribution List of the Butterflies (Rhopolo- cae of Western and Southern Europe. Trans. So. Brit. Ent., 17(1): Bretherton, R. F., R. E. Ellison and W. B. L. Manley, 1952. Lepidoptera in the Eastern Pyrenees, 1951. Entomologist, 85: 197-204, 222-229. Greenwood, J. A. C. and D. F. and Roche, P. J. L., 1977. Andorra —a Visit in July 1976. Ent. Rec., 89: 277-282. Higgns, L. G. and Riley, N. D., 1970. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe, Collins. Higgins, L. G., 1976. The Classification of European Butterflies, Collins. Manley, W. B. L. and Allcard, H. D., 1970. A’ Field Guide to the Butterflies and Burnets of Spain, Classey. Polunin, O., 1969. The Flowers of Europe, Oxford. 51 Agonopterix scopariella Heinemann: Some notes of differences between it and allied species in Britain By JOHN R. LANGMAID * Quite why this species was ever confused with Agonop- terix pulverella Hubner seems a mystery, because the imagines are distinct macroscopically; and the foodplant of scopariella is Sarothamnus scoparius, while that of pulverella is Genista tinctoria. Agonopterix scopariella Heinemann. Sexes similar. Exp. 20-22 mm. Head, thorax and tegulae brownish, scales paler-tipped. Face whitish. Palpi pale brownish buff, the rough-scaled second joint with fuscous-tipped scales; terminal joint with two blackish bands ventrally, more obscure dorsally; tip minutely black. Antennae fuscous, somewhat paler toward base. Abdomen dorsally greyish-brown with a row of paler scales of the segment below, giving a somewhat banded appearance; anal tuft brownish; ventrally pale greyish buff with a broad sooty black stripe laterally on each side sometimes interrupted at seg- ments, and a row of black dots medially on each side. Forelegs brownish buff, medial side of tibia distinctly reddish superiorly and and fuscous inferiorly; coxa and femur blackish, sprinkled buff; tarsi spotted dark fuscous superiorly. Middle legs —coxa and femur blackish, sprinkled pale buff; tibia buff, sprinkled fuscous, with lateral hair- scales reddish; spurs fuscous; tarsi greyish-brown. Hindlegs — coxa and femur blackish, sprinkled buff; tibia buff; spurs fuscous; tarsi brownish. Forewings — costa straight. Upperside brown, pinkish brown or reddish brown, more or less dotted black, a short black or dark brown line from dorsum near base obliquely upwards and outwards stopping half way to costa, in some speci- mens more or less obsolete; two black dots in disc at 1/3, the inner one obliquely above the outer which is sometimes edged with white above; a distinct white dot in disc at 1/2 and another beyond it some- times edged with black, a darker suffusion in disc above inner white dot; a row of terminal blackish dots or dashes, sometimes obscure; cilia darkish brown, paler around tornus. Underside shining fus- cous with a paler margin along costa which is dis- tinctly marked with four to six blackish spots. * 38 Cumberland Court, Festing Road, Southsea, Hampshire. 52 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-I11/79 Hindwings grey, paler basally; cilia greyish with 3 to 5 concentric fuscous bands, sometimes very obscure. Underside grey, brindled with blackish toward apex. Agonopterix pulverella Hubner. Sexes similar. Exp. 20-22 mm. Head, thorax and tegulae pale buff to light brown, some- times with a pinkish flush, and more or less sprinkled darker brown. Face paler. Palpi unicolorous pale buff. Antennae dark shining fuscous with pinkish or purplish reflections. Abdomen dorsally fuscous, mottled buff; anal tuft buff; ventrally pale greyish-buff with a row of sooty black spots laterally on each side and another row of smaller black dots medially on each side. Forelegs buff; tarsi broadly banded fuscous. Middle legs brownish-buff; spurs fuscous; tarsi banded fuscous. Hindlegs brownish-buff; medial spurs buff, shorter lateral spurs fuscous; tarsi faintly banded fuscous. Hindlegs brownish-buff; medial spurs buff, shorter lateral spurs fuscous; tarsi faintly banded darker. Forewings — costa distinctly arched. Upperside pale buff, dorsal 2/3 more or less suffused pinkish or rusty at base, this suffusion broadening to apex, more marked in disc and upper part of termen; a blackish dot in disc tward base, sometimes obsolete; one whitish dot in disc posteriorly, also sometimes obsolete; many blackish scales scattered along veins; a row of indistinct terminal dark fuscous dots; cilia more or less pinkish or rusty, paler around tornus. Underside shining light fuscous, with pale buff perimeter broader on costa which is scarcely marked fuscous. Hindwings greyish-white, darker toward apex where there are two or three fuscous dashes around margin; cilia greyish-white with two to four concentric light fus- cous bands. Underside pale shining greyish-white, more buff toward apex where it is brindled fuscous. The only species of the genus Agonopterix which could be confused with scopariella is A. subpropinquella Stainton, but the latter never has the white dots in the disc, and is generally of a smoother appearance. The larvae of scopariella can be beaten from broom in the latter half of June and early July. If beaten in June, larvae of A. nervosa Haworth will almost certainly be found as well. Nervosa appears slightly earlier than scopariella, so in June the larger larvae are likely to be nervosa, while in July nervosa will most probably have pupated, and the larvae are more likely to be scopariella. If larvae of A. assimilella Treitschke. are beaten out also, then there is no problem with identifica- AGONOPTERIX SCOPARIELLA HEINEMANN 53 tion as these are either dark brown or olive-green with a black head and plate. The larvae of scopariella and nervosa are quite distinct as juveniles, but can be almost indistinguishable when full grown. Similarly, as nervosa also feeds on Genista tinctoria, its juveniles and those of pulverella are also distinct, but again very similar when full grown. There follows descrip- tions of the larvae of the three specie: A. nervosa Juvenile — yellowish brown, dorsal and sub- dorsal lines blackish, head dark brown, plate of 2 yellowish, dots black, and the larva has a slight downy appearance. Full grown — extremely variable. It can be green, yellowish or brownish- yellow; dorsal and subdorsal lines darker green in the green larvae, but brown or blackish-brown in the yellowish ones; head brownish or black; plate of 2 greenish in the green larvae sometimes with a black crescentic mark on each side, but yellowish-brown in the yellowish larvae; anal plate pale green or yellowish; dots black. A. scopariella Juvenile — green or pale green; head, plate of 2, and dots black. Full grown — green; dorsal and subdorsal lines darker green; head light yellowish- brown or greenish-brown, some- times with a small black dot on each cheek; plate of 2 green or pale yellowish-brown, with two small black dots sometimes con- fluent into a crescentic mark on each side; anal plate green; dots black. A. pulverella Juvenile — greenish-white; head pale brown; plate of 2 greenish-brown edged with black; dots black. Full grown — green; dorsal and subdorsal lines darker green; head pale brown; plate of 2 pale brown or greenish- brown, sometimes with black edg- ing of a variable degree; dots black. So far, scopariella has been found in central-south and south-east England. East Anglia, South Yorkshire and several parts of Scotland. The distribution of pulverella seems to be confined to the southern half of England and south Wales. Both nervosa and assimilella are widely distributed throughout the British Isles. 54 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-I11/79 Hydrillula palustris and Wicken Fen R. P. DEMUTH * It is difficult to imagine what a hold palustris had on the previous generation of entomologists. It was “‘the’’ collectors moth and the old generation were collectors, not conserva- tionists, and of course magnificent field naturalists into the bargain. It was the obscurity of palustris that made it so attractive. Nothing was known about it. It turned up as single specimens in widely spread localities. The female was hardly ever seen. The larvae quite unknown. Only in Wicken Fen was it taken fairly regularly and then there were many years when none were caught. The result was that weekends in the Fen in early June were fully booked. In the 1920’s, when I first knew Wicken, it was financed and run by entomologists for entomologist. Barnes was the keeper. You booked with him and he did the rest. This meant providing and setting up a vertical sheet in the main drove, an acetylene lamp, table and chair and sugaring a number of cork strips fixed to posts. About six sheets was the maximum capacity and these occupied the whole length of the drove. The first thing was to claim ones pitch from Barnes and pay ones dues. All the older collectors had their favourites. ““Can I have the second one from the near end?” “Mr. Edelsten always has that.” ““The next one along?” “The Doctor (i.e. Cockayne) likes to collect next to Mr. Edelsten.” One fitted in in the end. Wicken was a wonderful place fifty years ago. To begin with there was no bridge across the Cam and it was a dead end off a dead end. I used to bicycle over from Cambridge along the road to Waterbeach and then along the top of the flood bank along the river until one reached Upway where one had to cross. There was an inn on the opposite bank and -on its gable end the words ‘Five miles from anywhere. No Hurry!’ You shouted ‘grind’— local term for a ferry — and if there was no one about or the wind in the poplars drowned your call, your expedition failed. Once at Wicken, there were several places to stay. Norton House was square Victorian with a famous notice ‘Compart- ments’ in the garden. Food was good and the visitors book held the signatures of most of the great early entomologists. I tried to get hold of it when Norton House closed, but failed. My other choice was Rose Cottage down on the Load. In those days there was a row of tiny timber framed cottages on both sides of the track from Barnes’ cottage to the Fen. Each had a small flower filled garden and this was as good a place as any to watch machaon. All this has completely gone. Tea was usually taken at Barnes cottage. Here the young entomologist sat at the feet of his betters! I remember Cockayne saying to me ‘Never taken quercifolia larvae! Go into the Fen and find a small buckthorn bush with leaves heavily eaten. Hold the top of the stem in one hand and slide * Watercombe House, Oakridge, Gloucestershire. HYDRILLULA PALUSTRIS AND WICKEN FEN 55 the other hand down the stem and through the reeds as far as the ground. About six inches above ground you will touch something furry. They should be as big as your finger by now.’ I did as I was told and it works like magic. I took my first palustris on June 7th 1929. My diary reads ‘Palustris came at 11.10 (S.T.), fluttered about in the grass for some time (while I was putting on a sweater) and then climbed up a support of the sheet away from the light.’ This is just as Barrett describes its behaviour. My capture was greeted with a great shout down the drove from Barnes “Mr. Demuth, he got palustris. I always gets extra when they gets palustris’! My next meeting with palustris was on June 18th 1932 when Arnold Hughes and I put lights on the old railway line near Worlington and not far from Mildenhall. The line at this point ran through what was then open dry Breckland. A male was the first insect to arrive, a second male arrived at 1.30 a.m. This much drier type of locality was nearer to its continental habitat where I understand it occurs on damp heathlands rather than wet fens. A few years later palustris was found at Wood Walton Fen and after the war males were sometimes found in some numbers, but no females. I paid my first visit on June 11th 1948. Eric Classey, when he heard that I was going, rang me up and asked me to get him a female as he wanted to breed from it. On June 11th I got plenty of males. On June 12th I put my Colman petrol lamp on a sheet right in the middle of a clump of meadow sweet (its foodplant) and to quote from my diary “At 1.30 B.S.T. a palustris female crawled out of the meadow sweet onto the sheet. It appeared like a beetle, with tiny wings and long black legs and crawled slowly towards the light.” East Lincolnshire was the next area where palustris turned up. Richard Pilcher got it at light in his inland garden and it was found quite commonly on the coast on the wet areas on the sea side of the coastal sand-dunes. It was interest- ing to note that although Pilcher had plenty of meadow sweet near his garden there was hardly any in its coastal localities so there must have been alternative food plants. It was also interesting that although it was first found in the wetter parts of the coastal strip, it was subsequently found commoner on the drier areas. I last visited Wicken in late May 1974. There were no other entomologists about and palustris was also absent (I was a bit early) and I saw none of the re-introduced machaon. Wicken is now on a main road holiday route. The “compart- ment’ notice has gone and so have the cottages on the path to the load. Barnes’ cottage remains and Barnes’ son was carry- ing on the fine work of his father. There is a good car park and a grand laboratory and exhibition centre in a corner of the Fen. The old windmill which pumped and squeaked all night has been handsomely restored (but doesn’t pump any 56 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-111/79 more) and the Fen itself is in fine fettle — probably much better than in the 1920’s. Missing is that marvellous feeling of remoteness, of being in a place untended, not conserved. Serengeti not Whipsnade. This is inevitable. Due to the fall in the water table of the surrounding land, the Fen would become scrub woodland if not continuously cleared, and what was in the old days the privilege of the few to visit lonely places has now become the right of many. SCHIFFERMUELLERIA SUBAQUILEA (STAINTON) ON CAIRNGORM. —It seems that the foodplant of this species is unknown and the rather irregular occurrence of the moth makes it difficult to identify and search likely foodplants in its haunts. Con- sequently it may be of interest to record that we found specimens on 17th June 1978 at 3,250-3,500 ft. on Cairngorm, Easter Ness, on the shoulder which runs north west down from the restaurant (Nat. grid ref. NJ 003053). The moths were fly- ing in sunshine at about 3.00 p.m. over the short vegetation and there was little wind. The specimens were identified for us by Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton to whom we are most grate- ful. —P. D. Hutme and M. R. Youna, Aberdeen. STERRHA VULPINARIA H.-S. (LEP.: STERRHINAE) IN SOUTH Devon. — On the night of 8th July 1978 a single specimen of Sterrha yvulpinaria H.-S. came to mercury vapour light near Hopes Nose, Torquay. Only 78 individual macro-lepidoptera were in or around the trap the following morning, representing 28 species none of which were recognised migrants. To my knowledge this is the first record of the species from Devon for a considerable period of time. The species may still be . resident therefore in the Torquay area rather than be an immigrant to it. (Ref. A. H. Dobson, Ent. Rec., 68: 121). — ALAN KENNARD, Chancery Cottage, 79 Old High Street, Head- ington, Oxford. ECTOEDEMIA QUINQUELLA (BEDELL) IN GREATER LONDON. — This species is known only from south-east England, north- west France and Belgium and is often sought by continental collectors on their visits to this country. It occurs in a few isolated but often populous colonies which are usually confined to two or three trees; this is the species for which Meyrick once counted 123 mines in a single oak-leaf. Microlepidopterists may be interested to hear of a colony within easy reach of London where the population in 1978 was to be counted probably in millions rather than thousands. It is at Belhus Wood (TQ 565824), a “public access” wood belonging to the Essex County Council. The part of the wood where E. quin- quella occurs is immediately south of the car-park. Collectors used to visit Madingley in Cambridgeshire for this species, but one of the two trees on which it was found has been felled; the colony I am now recommending is there- fore to be preferred. A visit should not be made before the leaves begin to fall as the foliage is mostly out of reach. — A. M. Emmet, Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex. 8.11.1979. ai, About two recent butterfly records from the Island of Thassos, Greece By JoHN G. CourTsis * During an inspection of the butterfly collection at the Goulandris Museum, near Athens, two male Palaeochrysopha- nus hippothoe Linnaeus were encountered, that bore the following data: Griechenland Insel Thassos Limin 28.6.1968 leg. A. Kutsaftikis. The specimens were subsequently dissected, with the kind permission of the museum directors, and their genitalia showed them to belong to ssp. hippothoe, an inhabi- tant of central and northern Europe, and not, as had been expected, to ssp. leonhardi Fruhstorfer, which replaces the former in the Balkans and which is essentially a high mountain butterfly. 2 Fig. 1. Side view of exterior face of right valva of Palaeochrysophanus hippothoe hippothoe Linnaeus, bearing the following data: Griechenland Insel Thasso Limin 28.6.1968 leg. A. Kutsaftikis. Fig. 2. Side view of exterior face of right valva of Palaeochrysophanus hippothoe leonhardi Fruhstorfer. 5 kms. south of Florina, Macedonia, Greece, 1300 m., leg. J. Stamatiades. In view of the altogether unexpected presence of this ssp. on Thassos island and of the recently reported record of Colias phicomone Esper from the same island (Koutsaftikis, 1974), it becomes evident that more field work ought to be undertaken there in hope of solving some of the mysteries and perplexities presented by the island’s faunal composition. References Higgins, L. G., 1975. The Classification of European Butterflies. Collins, London. Koutsaftikis, A., 1974. Recent Butterfly Records from Greece. Ent. Record, 86: 15-17. * 4 Glykonos Street, Athens 139, Greece. SIGHTING OF A YELLOW FORM OF THE SMALL WHITE (PIERIS RAPAE L.). — In late July 1978, I was returning home through the New Forest on the dual carriageway by Picket Post and the junction on the right to Burley; a little further on but before the then diversion, the traffic was stopping and moving for some distance. On the left grass verge four Small Whites were playing and feeding, and after looking at them a few times I saw that one was pure yellow. I had a really good look, and cursed my bad luck for being in the outside lane and helpless. — JoHN Payne, 10 Ranelagh Road, Welling- borough, Northants. 58 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /II-I11/79 A Review of Lepidoptera in Britain during 1978 by C. G. M. DE Worms * Those early months of 1978 were appreciably different from those of their immediate predecessors, in that quite severe wintry conditions prevailed during both January and February, and very little was on the wing till right at the end of the latter month. However, quite a mild spring-like spell prevailed during the first half a March bringing out the early species of noctuids, mainly the Orthosias on normal time with the flowering of the sallows which were at their best over the Easter holiday during the last week of March. April was on the whole a very fickle and by no means con- genial month with, however, the final week giving some spring warmth. The season had become a distinctly late one. Among the first butterflies to appear both Anthocharis cardamines L. and Celastrina argiolus L. were exceptionally plentiful in most parts of the South of England, even more so than in 1977. As May progressed conditions became steadily warmer. The spring holiday in the last few days being one of the best periods of the year, with the thermometer well into the 70’s. But in spite of this onset of warmth, insects at light were well below average and even Clossiana euphosyne L. was only just appearing by the fourth week in May, with C. selene L. about ten days later. June proved yet another uncongenial period, though its early days produced quite a spate of the two bee- hawks with Hemaris fuciformis L. even more numerous in the south than it was in 1977, and H. tityus L. apparently quite common both in the Scottish Highlands and in western Ireland. At this period too, Carterocephalus palaemon Pall. was found to be fairly plentiful in several of its Highland haunts. But up to the turn of the year, virtually no migrants had been reported from any part of the British Isles. Nearly all the woodland butterflies that appear at the beginning of the summer were late in their emergence and most of them such as Aphantopus hyperantus L. were not on the wing till well into July. Even Maniola jurtina L. was not out till nearly a fornight after its usual time of appearance in mid-June.However, the opening of the second half of the year seemed much more favourable for the lepidoptera in general, and they proved much more prolific both by day and night. Limenitis camilla L. started flying the second week in July, when a summery spell began and this insect was about in more than its usual abundance, with quite a number of its melanic forms being recorded. Argynnis paphia followed about the middle of the month, distinctly on the late side but in fair plenty in several areas, especially in the region of the Surrey-Sussex border. Apatura iris L. appeared too about the middle of July, and was reasonably numerous in some of its well-known localities. During the later part of the month a small geometer new to the British List was recorded from * Three Oaks, Shores Road, Horsel, Woking, Surrey. A REVIEW OF LEPIDOPTERA IN BRITAIN 59 south Hampshire It was Terponincta trimaculata Hbn. a Mediterranean species which somehow found its way to our coast, possibly a genuine migrant. There was no heat wave in July and rather dull and sultry weather continued into August with the first Lysandra coridon Poda emerging virtually only in its first week, much later than in the previous season. Most of the summer Lycaenids were under strength throughout their flying period and in particular Polyommatus icarus Rott., whereas the Holly Blue had a very good second brood in most southern areas. Peacocks were in plenty by the middle of August as also was one of our most local moths, Amathes stigmatica Hiibn., mainly in the Brecksand district. In this latter part of the summer, a few rarities appeared on the scene, notably an example of Clostera anachoreta D. & S. at Dungeness, and during the last week of August on the Lizard, a noctuid new to Britain, Athetis hospes Hbn. the size of A. ambigua D. & S. and not unlike it in markings. After a very agreeable August a very fine September heralded one of the best autumn periods experienced this century. A few Painted Ladies were seen in the south during the last half of August, but not many Red Admirals. It was mainly throughout September that there was a flood of Small Tortoise- shells over most of the southern regions. Luperina nickerlii Freyer in its form gueneei, was once more in some quantity in early September along various stretches of the north coast of Wales. Only a handful of the bigger migrant Sphingidae, such as Herse convolyvuli L. and Acherontia atropos L., were reported from our coast or other parts at this period, though the paucity of these insects was soon to be followed by one of the most remarkable autumn immigrations of recent years, even on a bigger scale than that in late October 1977. But the chief invasion arrived in mid-October on the south coast with several Leucania albipuncta D. & S..On the 14th of that month two examples of Trogonophora flammea Esp. were recorded on the seaboard of Dorset. This fine noctuid of which very few specimens have been noted this century, was common about a hundred years ago on ivy bloom in Sussex and has recently appeared in abundance on Guernsey. So that there seems to be evidence that it may be starting a new colonisation of the mainland. About this time too, that small and attractive geometer Rhodometra sacraria L. was coming to light, mainly singly over a big area of southern Britain, even being recorded as far north as Edinburgh. These were accompanied by a few Leucania loreyi Dup. and quite an influx of L. vitellina Hbn. which was recorded from Yorkshire for the first time. Another interesting migrant was Plusia orichalcea F. taken in Glou- cestershire. Nycterosea obstipata F. was quite numerous at light in late October together with a few Cosymbia puppillaria Hbn., Laphygma exigua Hbn. and the Pyrales Palpita union- alis Hbn. and Uresiphita polygonalis D. & S., but by far the biggest impact was made by numbers of Leucania unipuncta Haworth which had its largest spate since 1966, and was seen 60 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /1I-I11/79 in greater quantity on the south-eastern seaboard than ever before, mainly in November with some records of it even in December. Well over a hundred were also reported from Southern Eire, chiefly in Co. Cork. About a similar number were noted along the coast of Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, with a few records in the Eastern Counties. The final members of this migration wave were a few Hippotion celerio L., about the middle of November. It was on the whole a good autumn too for the usual resident species among which Griposia aprilina L. was in especial plenty, while Lithophane leautieri Boisd extended its range to East Kent. After a poor start with hardly any migrants and a general paucity of insects and a late season, the second half of 1978 saw a distinct general improvement in numbers of lepidoptera, while the big autumn migration was a notable feature in a somewhat lean year. AN UNUSUAL ABERRATION OF THE SMALL TORTOISESHELL IN SCOTLAND. —I caught an aberration of Aglais urticae L. on valerian in my garden at this address on the 6th August 1977. Its wing span is 49 mm. and it is similar to ab. semiich- nusoides Pronin, illustrated in Russwurm’s Aberrations of British Butterflies (1978) plate 18, fig. 1. go | re) A 70 fs {\y] May, Day TEMPS bo AR 00 > ho Min. Nise TeEmPs 0 OATE 20 CAPTURE, /o i Oo Z ; 2s gor 4 9 EOS, Uae SDE NV <a eae Jiy. ee Avoosr ' 1 Aberrations of this butterfly seem to be extremely rare in Scotland and if, as is thought, a factor in their appearance is temperature, then it is interesting to note on the temperature chart figured that on 7th July 1977 the temperature in my garden rose to 90 degrees F, an unusually high temperature for this part of the country. At what stage in its life cycle this temperature occurred is difficult to assess, but urticae normally emerges here from the middle of July onwards. — J. R. MILLER, Sealladh-mhor Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4AD. 61 The Early Family-Group Names of Butterflies By CHARLES F. COWAN * As with genera and species, family-group names all have priorities, but these have seldom been referred to in the past. Now it is becoming fashionable to assign them authors and dates, but in the main such citations have been woefully erratic. Even the I.C.Z.N. Official List of Family-Group Names in Zoology, so far as it has been compiled to date, is not faultless in this respect. This is an attempt to chart the earliest and basic names, and to establish their correct status. Additions and comments will be welcomed. First, it will be profitable to survey the early genera; those of the first fifty years will suffice. In 1758, Linnaeus published the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae, from which modern zoological nomencla- ture dates. He divided the Lepidoptera into the genera Papilio, with 193 species (numbered 1-192, plus P. podalirius), for all butterflies, and Sphinx (38 species) and “‘Phalaena”’ (305) for the moths. He sub-divided Papilio into several sections whose names have not been adopted for genera, and he divided “Phalaena” (another name not adopted) into the subgenera Bombyx (58 species), Noctua (68), Geometra (75), Tortrix (24), Pyralis (8), Tinea (66) and Alucita (6); which seven names are in use for genera now. His total Lepidoptera species numbered 536. The wide interest generated by Linnaeus resulted in the rapid discovery of many more species, and by 1775 when Fabricius wrote his first work, the Systema Entomologiae (the title modelled on Linnaeus’s), Papilio held 401 species and eleven moth genera totalled 599, to make a tidy thousand. In the moth genera, Fabricius ignored Geometra and Tortrix, included “‘Phalaena’’, and introduced the important new names Sesia, Zygaena, Hepialis and Pterophorus. He also, giving a foretaste of his independent character, substituted the name Glossata for Lepidoptera. The next major work by Fabricius was his neatly named Entomologia Systematica, in four volumes plus a supplement and two indexes (1792-99), of which the “‘Glossata’? occupied the two parts of volume three (1793, 1794) and 92 pages of the supplement (1798). Whereas Linnaeus needed only 824 pages to accommodate the entire Animal Kingdom in 1758, Fabricius forty years later needed (487+349+92=) 928 pages for the Lepidoptera alone. And, at last, in 1793, he had to split Papilio, separating what are now the RIODINIDAE, LYCAENIDAE and HESPERIIDAE into his new genus Hesperia. Seven new new moths genera were also created; Cossus and Hyblaea (1793), and Lithosia, Galleria, Phycis, Crambus and Y psolophus (1798). To complete the census, the butterflies now totalled about 1,184 and the moths 1,782 species. *4 Thornfield Terrace, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria. 62 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /II-I11/79 Meanwhile other authors had been at work on a minor scale. By 1802 at least another thirteen butterfly genera had been established in four of which, Heliconius, Danaus, Nym- phalis and Plebejus, Krzysztof Kluk validated names of some of Linnaeus’s informal groupings. Five; Argyreus, Ascia, Battus, Graphium and Pterourus were validly published by Scopoli in 1777, and four: Cupido, Erynnis, Maniola and Pieris, followed from Schrank in 1801. Among others which were soon added were Parnassius and Polyommatus Lame. 1804 and Satyrus Latreille, 1810. Finally, for this review of early genera, we must return to Fabricius and his last work. Having revised several other orders, he came back in his old age to his favourite ““Glossata”’. But he had delayed too long, dying in 1808 when only a third of his first volume had reached proof stage. Fortunately, he had passed a copy to his friend Illiger, with permission to publish extracts in his Magazin fiir Insektenkunde (vol. 6, 1807). When, about thirteen years ago, I began to study the literature, I noticed a recent remark to the effect that “‘Illiger was a notorious plagiarist of other authors’ works’. That writer had obviously not studied Illiger, who was a scrupulous editor and punctual reviewer. His object was the diffusion of knowledge, and we owe it entirely to him that the names of “Fabricius, 1807” or more pedantically, ‘Fabricius, 1807 Gn Illiger)”’ make sense, and that a major nomenclatural disaster did not occur. Those proof sheets (eventually published by Felix Bryk in 1938 when all danger was past) show that Fab- ricius had intended to change every specific epithet as soon as each insect’s foodplant was known. The familiar Papilio _ machaon L. was now to be P. umbellatarum, P. polydorus L. became P. aristolochiae (nom. nov., nec. Feb. 1775!), and P. podalirius became P. brassicae (!). Under Euploea, Fab- riclus planned to change P. plexippus L. to E. ascelepiadis, while under Vanessa he had the aptly named P. io L. as V. humuli, and P. antiopa as V. betulae. And so on through- out; a chaotic state of affairs, and with Fabricius’s prestige, who knows what would have resulted? Illiger clearly would have none of this. He published all Fabricius’s useful generic diagnoses practically verbatim, and placed against each two or three of the included species under their accepted names, with no hint of the changes. This was absolutely perfect for posterity, and a fine piece of editing. It has saved for us, in Fabricius’s words but without his elaborations, the diagnoses for 30 new butterfly and six new moth generic names; and it is quite wrong to say, as appears in the references section of a recent work, that these names “have sometimes been attributed to Fabricius instead of Illiger’’. They have always, and rightly, been treated as of Fabricius (as that same work does in its main text: e.g. Apatura, and Vanessa Fab.) THE EARLY FAMILY — GROUP NAMES OF BUTTERFLIES 63 The names Fabricius planned to cover in his first volume of the Systema Glossatorum were numbered 1-50 but acciden- tally omitted number 6, so they totalled 49. Of them, only 112 (up to the middle of Vanessa) were covered in the 112 proof pages in detail down to species, but generic diagnoses were given for all. Of the 49 names, five were junior homonyms, three have become junior objective synonyms, and Papilio, Hesperia, and three moths names were already established. The 36 valid new names (M indicating the six moth names were: — Acraea no.25 Cethosia 7 MHipparchia 15 Morpho 5 Aegeria M46 _ Colias 23 Idea 20 Myrina 35 Amata M47 Cynthia 12 Laothoe M43 Neptis 16 Amathusia 2 Danis 38 Libythea 29 Nymphidium 37 Apatura 10 Emesis 39 Limenitis 11 Pontia DD Argynnis 18 Euploea 9 Lycaena 33 +Procris M50 Biblis 14 Haetera 24 Mechanitis 28 Thecla 36 Brassolis 17 Helias 41 Melanitis 19 Urania M1 Castnia* M8 _ Helicopis 31 Melitaea 30 Vanessa 13 * also in the misspelling “‘Casinia’’. So far, only genera and species have been discussed and, despite the title, some moths have been included. Their names are thoroughly covered in the many reference works, so no references are given for them here. Now the scene is set for the study of the family names of the butterflies, for whch full chapter and verse will be cited. First, it will be worth glancing at the “rules”. Under the International Code a family-group name must be based on the name of one of its constituent genera and be formed from its stem, with the appropriate suffix. Naturally it will be invalid if it is evident that its author has misidentified the type-genus but, failing such evidence in the original publication, it is to be assumed that he identified it correctly. A name wrongly formed, or introduced with a vernacular suffix, is not ipso facto invalid, but must be corrected. Once founded, a family- group name may be used in any category (superfamily, family, subfamily, tribe) with the same author and date, by employing the relevant suffix (-OIDEA, -IDAE, INAE, -INI respectively), and within any category the senior name applies to the whole. Up to 1802 various quite elaborate systems of classifica- tion had been tried, resulting in all sorts of ingenious names. Even as late as 1876, Scudder, one of the great etomologists of his time, was writing of, for example, the ‘“Ephori, Villi- cantes and Adolescentes’” for the Hairstreaks, Coppers and Blues of the LYCAENIDAE. Such names were doubtless well understood in those days, when most naturalists were also classical scholars, but now they are evocative of little and lead to obscurity or confusion. Current practice is stable and pre- ferable. It will be noted that the highest rank covered by the Code is that of superfamily. Above that comes the order and the suborder. The order LEPIDOPTERA divides conveniently, if unscientifically, into butterflies and moths, and by 1802 these were called quite sensibly DIURNI and NOCTURNI, with 64 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /II-I11/79 the CREPUSCULARIA separated by 1809. However, the more ponderous RHOPALOCERA (ROPALOCERIA Rafi- nesque, 1815: 127, ROPALOCERES Duméril, 1823: 139, 163, RHOPALOCERES Boisduval, 1832, 1: 11 and HETERO- CERA (HETEROCERES Boisduval, 1833: 70) have since gained universal acceptance, and so it is the basic family- group names of the RHOPALOCERA that are our quest. Latreille, [1803] was the first validly to subdivide the LEPIDOPTERA. He split it into six families; PAPILION- IDAE (only the corrected names will be given here), and five families of moth. Of the latter, SPHINGIDAE, BOMBYC- IDAE and TORTRICIDAE are already on the I.C.Z.N. Official List, but PTEROPHORIDAE is there credited to Zeller, 1841, while PAPILIONIDAE is inexplicably shown as Leach, 1815. An application to rectify the last has been sub- mitted. It is worth examining Latreille’s text text carefully, as some misquotations have occurred. Writing in French with scientific names in French and Latin, he includes two genera, Papilio (p.387) and Hesperia (p.398) in PAPILIONIDAE before going on to SPHINGIDAE (p.400). He explores Papilio in detail, subdividing it into seven groups and many subgroups to each of which he gives names, all of Latin nouns in the plural and often comprising two or more words. These (e.g. Equites, Danai festivi, Nymphales proprie dicti, Satyri, Par- nassii, etc.) have sometimes been mistaken (notably the two last) for family-group names, but they are not even eligible as subgeneric names. Latreille was here simply continuing the traditional Linnean subgroupings, as augmented by Fabricius, 1775 with Parnassii and in 1793 with Satyri. As a generic name, Parnassius was validly published by Latreille in 1804. Then Fabricius, discarding his neatly named Satyrs (for the four-legged beasts, in contrast to the six-legged Chevaliers), introduced the equivalent Hipparchia in 1807, and Latreille in turn validated Satyrus in 1810. These last two genera are con- sequently closely related, although distinct, and both are eponyms of early famliy-group names. Latreille (1809: 187, 207) then took the next logical step, by creating HESPERIIDAE, for which also an I.C.Z.N. official listing has been applied. (to be continued) A NOTE ON THOMAS MArRTYN’S THE ENGLISH ENTOMOLO- Gist (1792).—Dr. R. S. Wilkinson (1978, Ent. Rec., 90: 263-264) describes in detail a unique copy of this work which is in the Michigan State University Library. I have a bound copy which collates with the one referred to by Dr. Wilkinson. Both engraved title pages are dated 1792. The dedication in the English text is dated on the last page 21.3.1793. In view of this anomaly, what was the actual date of publication? — S. C. S. Brown, 158 Harewood Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset. 65 The Lepidoptera of the Cairngorms National Nature Reserve By Evan A. M. MACALPINE * (Continued from page 6) MICROPTERIGIDAE Micropterix aureatella (Scop.). — previously recorded by EC. P-€) ERIOCRANITDAE Eriocrania sangii (Wood). — K HEPIALIDAE Hepialus humuli (L.).—K. H. hecta (L.).—two good colonies at A & C. H. fusconebulosa (De Geer). — A; B; C; E; G; H; K. NEPTICULIDAE Stigmella hemargyrella (Kollar). — A, mines in beech. S. nylandriella (Teng.).— B & E, mines in rowan. S. luteella (Stain.). — A. S. hybnerella (Hiibn.). — K, mines in hawthorn. S. anomalella (Goeze). — Glen Feshie, NN/8889, mines in Rosa species. S. salicis (Stain.).— A & Loch Gamhna, mines in sallow. S. tityrella (Stain.)— A, mines in beech. S. sorbi (Stain.). — Creag Fhiaclach, mines in rowan; Glen Derry in 1970 & ’71, E.C.P-C. S. lapponica (Wocke). — mines in birch at Allt Ruadh, A, B & E. Ectoedemia argentipedella (Zell.). — mines in birch at Allt Ruadh. E. mediofasciella (Haw.). — B; C; mines in birch by Allt Ruadh. Trifurcula immundella (Zell.). — K. OPOSTEGIDAE Opostega salaciella (Treit.). —K INCURVARIIDAE Phylloporia bistrigella (Haw.).—C; mines in birch by Allt Ruadh. Incurvaria zinckenii (Zell.).—K. Lampronia oehlmanniella (Treit.). — C; day-flying in Gleann Einich, above Loch an Eilein and in Lairig to tree-line. Nematopogon pan- zerella (Fab.).— A; K. N. pilella (D. & S.). —C; day-flying in Gleann Einich. TINEIDAE Myrmecozela ochraceella (Teng.). — one at F, 4.vii.76. Haplotinea insectella (Fab.). — one at K, 5.vii.76. Nemapogon cloacella (Haw.). —B; E; F; G; H. N. picarella (Clerck). — one day-flying at K, 6.vi.76. Triaxomera fulvimitrella (Sodoff.). —B. Monopis rusticella (Hiibn.).—B; G. M. weaverella (Scott). — B; C; H; day-flying at Achlean/coire Garbhlach. Tinea seifluvella (Haw.). — K OCHSENHEIMERIIDAE Ochsenheimeria bisontella (L. & Z.). — day-flying in Gleann Einich. LYONETIIDAE Leucoptera spartifoliella (Hibn.).—C. Bucculatrix cap- reella (Krog.). — one day-flying above Loch Gamhna 18.v.76. * Hawkins’, St. Cross Road, Winchester, SO23 9HX. 66 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/TI-I11/79 GRACILLARIIDAE Caloptilia elongella (L.). —K. C. syringella (Fab.). —K. Aspilapteryx tringipennella (Zell.). — K. Parornix betulae (Stain.). —K. P. scotiella (Stain.). — mines in Rowan at F. Phyllonorycter sorbi (Frey). —C; mines in rowan by Loch an Eilein. P. junoniella (Zell.). —H; larvae on cowberry at B & E. P. corylifoliella (Hiibn.). — K; mines in birch at E and by Allt Ruadh. P. maestingella (Mill.). — E. P. alnifoliella (Hiibn.). -— mines in alder at E. P. ulmifoliella (Hiibn.). — K; mines in birch by Allt Ruadh. P. emberizaepenella (Bouché). —K. P. froelichiella (Zell.).— mines in alder at Loch an Eilein. GLY PHIPTERIGIDAE Glyphipterix simpliciella (Steph.). — K. YPONOMEUTIDAE Argyresthia praecocella (Zell.). — A. A. arceuthina (Zell.). — A; E; H. A. aurulentella (Stain.).— Glen Derry, 1971; Carn Crom above 800 m., 1971; both records from E.C.P-C. A. goedartella (L.). — A; B; C; D; E; F; G; HB; K: many day-flying records from throughout the area, to 600 m. A. pygmaeella (Hibn.). —K. A. conjugella (Zell.). — B; C; E; F; K; day-flying in the area of Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna. Yponymeuta evonymella (L.). —K. Swammerdamia caesiella (Hubn.). — K. Cedestis gysseleniella (Zell.). — A; B; C; F; H; K. C. subfasciella (Steph.). — A; B; C; F; H; larvae on pine at E & F; Glen Luibeg, 1970, E.C.P-C. Ocnerostoma friesei (Sven.). — K; pupae in pine needles by the river between B and Coylumbridge. Y psolopha dentella (Fab.).— K. Y. paren- thesella (L.). — A; B; C; F; G; day-flying at C, Loch Einich and at the back of Loch an Eilein; larvae on birch at C and on bog-myrtle at Achlean. Y. vittella (L.).—K. Plutella _ xylostella (L.).—B; C; F; day-flying at 1,150 m. on Cairn Gorm and in Glen Feshie near bothy. Rhigognostis senilella (Zett.). — one day-flying record from Loch Avon, near Shelter Stone. R. incarnatella (Steudel). — one at rest on old pine tree at A on 13.v.76 and one in trap at K on 23.v.76. COLEOPHORIDAE Coleophora serratella (1..). — A; K; pupal cases on birch at A & F. C. vitisella (Gregson.). — day-flying by Einich Gate. C. albicosta (Haw.).—K. C. striatipennella (Teng.). —K. C. taentipennella (H.-S.). — day-flying at Achlean. C. alticolella (Zell.). — A; B. ELACHISTIDAE Elachista pulchella (Haw.).—E; G; H; K; day-flying at Achlean. E. alpinella (Stain.). —K. E. kilmunella (Stain.). — K; day-flying at Achlean. E. luticomella (Zell.). —K. E. albi- frontella (Hiibn.). — A; G. OECOPHORIDAE Schiffermuelleria subaquilea (Stain.). — B. S. similella (Hubn.). — A; B; E; H; day-flying in Lairig to tree-line. Bork- hausenis fuscescens (Haw.). — C; E; F; H; K; day-flying above Loch an Eilein. Endrosis sarcitrella (L.). —K. Pleurota bico- THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE CAIRNGORMS NNR 67 stella (Clerck). — A; B; E; F; H; day-flying at A, B and Achlean; Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. Hofmannophila pseu- dospretella (Stain.). — G; K; larva in trap at H. Tubuliferola josephinae (Toll.).—H. Semioscopis avellanella (Hubn.). — K. Depressaria pulcherimella (Stain.). — K. D. weirella (Stain.). —one at K on 18.iv.76. Levipalpus hepatariella (L. & Z.). — one at E on 13.viii.77 and one at F on 21.vii.77. A gonopterix arenella (D. & S.). — A. A. ocellana (Fab.). —K. A. assimil- ella (Treit.). — A; B; C; E; F; G; day-flying in Lairig to tree- line and by Coire Follais burn. A. nervosa (Haw.). —C; K; larva on broom at B. GELECHITDAE Monochroa tenebrella (Hiibn.). — K; Exoteleia dodecella (L.).— A; C; E; F; H; day-flying at A and Loch Einich; Glen Derry in 1970, E.C.P-C. Rhynchopacha tetrapunctella (Thun.). — one at K on 1.vi.76. Xenolechia aethiops (H. & W.). — day- flying in theLairig. Teleiodes proximella (Hubn.).—G. T. alburnella (Zell.). — three at K; 12.vii.76, 24.vii.76; & 28.vii.76; one at C on 29.vii.77. Teleiopsis diffinis (Haw.).— K. Bryotropha similis (Stain.). — recorded by E.C.-P., no details. B. galbanella (Zell.). — one at C, 9.vii.76; one day-flying near Loch an Eilein & Loch Gamhna, 23.vii.76; one in lairig, 22.vii.76; Glen Derry in 1970, E.C.P-C. B. politella (Stain.).— A; K; Glen Derry in 1970, E.C.P-C. Mirificarma mulinella (Zell.). — A; B; C; F; H; K. Lita virgella (Thun.). — day-flying at Loch an Eilein and at 1,150 m. on Cairn Gorm. L. solutella (Zell.). —E; K. Neofaculta ericetella (Hiibn.). — A; C; E; F; G; H; day-flying at F & G and on all heaths from the tree-line in the Lairig round to Coire Garbhlach; also at Sinclair Hut at 600 m. Scrobipalpa acuminatella (Sircom).—E; K. Acompsia cine- rella (Clerck). — K. Dichromeris juniperella (L.). — three specimens: H, 28.vi.76; H, 5.vii.76; A, 6.vii.76. MOMPHIDAE Mompa raschkiella (Zell.). — mines in rose bay willow herb by Allt Ruadh. TORTRICIDAE Dichrorampha petiverella (L.).— K. D. montanana (Dup.). —A:; K. D. plumbana (Scop.). — day-flying at Achlean/coire Garbhlach. Cydia cosmophorana (Treit.). — day-flying above Loch an Eilein. C. coniferana (Ratz.). — A; day-flying in the Lairig, at Einich Gate, above Loch an Eilein and at Achlean. Petrova resinella (L.) — larvae in young pine shoots at A, B, C, Einich Gate and in Glen Feshie near bothy. Rhyacionia pinivorana (L. & Z.). — A; B; C; day-flying above Loch an Ejilein and in the Lairig at 500 m. R. duplana logaea (Dutt.). —kK; day-flying at A and over wide areas of the heath. Blastesthia posticana (Zett.). — day-flying above Loch an Eilein. Eucosma hohenwartiana (D. & S.). — K. E. cana (Haw.). —K. E. campoliliana (D. & S.).—C; K. Bee cynosbatella (L.). —K. Zeiraphera diniana (Guenée). — A; C; E; F; H:; K. Rhopobota ustomaculana (Curtis). — B; F; H: K; larvae at A, C, E on bilberry and cowberry; day-flying at A, Loch Einich, in the Lairig, above Loch an Eilein and by Creag 68 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /TI-I11/79 Ehiaclach/Craig Follais at 550 m. Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. R unipunctana (Haw.).— A; B; C; E; F; G; H; larvae on bilberry at E & H; found day-flying in nearly all areas to the tree-line. The commonest moth at light, e.g. about 5,000 at F on 21.viii.77. Glen Derry in 1970 & ’71, E.C.P-C. Epinotia stroemiana (Fab.). — C; K. E. caprana (Fab.) — K. E. brunni- chana (L.).— A; B; C; E; G; K; day-flying at A. E. solandriana (L.). — B. subocellana (Don.). — day-flying north of B. E. bilunana (Haw.). —K. E. ramella (L.).—C; E; G; K; day- flying around Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna and on Creag Fhiaclach to tree-line. E. immundana (F. von R.).—K. E. tetraquetrana (Haw.).— A; K; day-flying at F and around Loch an Eilein. E. nisella (Clerck.). —K. E. tenerana (D. & S.).A; G; K; larva at B on bilberry; day-flying at A, C, lairig to tree-line and by Allt Ruadh. E. nemorivaga (Teng.). — K; day-flying at Einich Gate, Achlean/Coire Garbhlach and over Creag Fhialach/Coire Follais at 450 m. to 600 m. E. tedella (Clerck). —K; day-flying at A and in the Lairig. E. rubiginosana (H.-S.).—K; day-flying near Einich Gate. E. cruciana (L.). — day-flying in Glen Feshie, NN/8888. E. mer- curiana (Frolich). — day-flying from above Coire Dhondial to Braeriach summit and, on the other side, from Cairn Gorm to the March Burn. Also found near Fords of Avon and at 1,050 m. above Coire Sputan Dearg (east of Ben Macdui sum- mit). Ancylis unguicella (L.) — day-flying in the Lairig, above Loch an Eilein and in the Achlean/Coire Garbhlach area A. uncella (D.-& S.).—C; G; day-flying in Coire Garbhlach. A. geminana (Don.). — day-flying north of B; a few on sallow in Glen Derry, 1971, E.C.P-C. A. myrtillana (Treit.). — B; C; H; day-flying at E. Bactra furfurana (Haw.). — day-flying in the Lairig. B. lancealana (Hiibn.).—B; day-flying at Loch Einich, on Creag Fhiaclach and at Sinclair Hut; Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. Apotomis turbidana (Hiibn.). — three: at K, 30.vi.76; at C, 9.vii.76; and one day-flying above Loch an Eilein, 7.vi.76. A. betuletana (Haw.).—A; C; E; H; K. A. sororculana (Zett.).—C; F; day-flying at E. A. sauciana grevillana (Curtis). — day-flying at Sinclair Hut. Orthotaenia undulana (D. & S.). — E; F; day-flying at B, H, in the Lairig and by the Coire Follais burn. Hedya nubiferana (Haw.).— B; K; larvae on bilberry at E. H. atropunctana (Zett.). — A; H. Olethreutes obsoletana (Zett.).—‘“‘on Cairn Gorm at 1,000 m.”’, Stirling & Godfrey, 1977. O. bifasciana (Haw.). — A. O. mygindiana (D. & S.).— larvae on bilberry on the lower slopes of Creag Fhiaclach; day-flying in Coire Garbhlach. O. metallicana (Hibn.). — one day-flying in the lower part of Coire Garbhlach on 19.vi.76. O. schulziana (Fab.). — day- flying at B, on the south face of Cairn Gorm at 1,150 m. and near the Argyll Stone above Creag Fhiaclach. O. olivana (Treit.). — “‘on Cairn Gorm at 1,100., Stirling & Godfrey, 1977. O. lacunanna (D. &S.). — A; B; E; H; K; day-flying at B and in the Lairig. Pandemis cerasana (Hibn.). — A; B; C; E; F; G; K; larvae on bilberry at E & F. Argyrotaenia THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE CAIRNGORMS NNR 69 pulchellana (Haw.). — B; K; day-flying at Sinclair Hut, Einich Gate, above Loch an Eilein and in Coire Garbhlach. Syndemis musculana (Hiibn.). — K; day-flying at E, F, at Sinclair Hut and above Loch an Eilein. Aphelia virburnana (D. & S.). — H; larvae on bog-myrtle at Achlean; day-flying at A, Loch Einich, in the Lairig, over Creag Fhiaclach/Coire Follais to 600 m., Sinclair Hut, Achlean/Coire Garbhlach and in Glen Feshie NN/8888. A. paleana (Hiibn.).— above Coire Dhon- dail at 1,000 m. Clepsis senecionana (Hibn.). — K; day-flying at E and at Achlean/Coire Garbhlach. Lozotaenia forsterana (Fab.).— A; C; E; F; H; day-flying at B. Philedone gerningana (D. & S.). — recorded by E.C.P-C., ? date. Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Fab.). — K. Eulia ministrana (L.). — C. Cnephasia interjectana (Haw.) — K. C. incertana (Treit.). — C; K. Eana osseana (Scop.). — A; B; C; E; F; G; H; K; day-flying in Gleann Einich, at Loch Einich, in Glen Feshie from Achlean to the River Eidart, at the back of Loch an Eilein and in Glen Luibeg. Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. E. incanana (Steph.). — A; C. Acleris latifasciana (Haw.). — A; B; C; E; H; day-flying at B and by the Coire Follais burn. A. cale- doniana (Steph.). — E; F; larvae on bilberry/cowberry at Loch Einich; day-flying on Creag Fiaclach to tree-line, by the Coire Follais burn and in Coire Dhondial at 730 m.; Glen Derry in 1970, E.C.P-C. A. rhombana (D. & S.).—C; day- flying by Allt Ruadh and at Achlean. A. aspersana (Hibn.). —A; E; K; day-flying at the back of Loch an Eilein.A. tripunctana (Hiibn.).— A; C; D; G. A. logiana (Clerck). — one at A on 4.v.76. A. hyemana (Haw.).—B; H; K; day- flying above Loch an Eilein. A. lipsiana (D. & S.). — two at H on 9.iv. 76. A. maccana (Treit.). — H; larvae on bog-myrtle at Achlean; Glen Derry in 1970, E.C.P-C. A. emargana (Fab.). —E. COCHYLIDAE Eupoecilia angustana (Hubn.).—C; G; H; K; day-fling at Loch Einich, Achlean, above Loch an Eilein, on the north- east slope of Geal-charn, in the Lairig and in Glen Feshie NN/8888; Glen Derry in 1970 & °’71, E.C.P-C. Cochylis atricapitana (Steph.). — K; C. nana (Haw.). — C; K. ALUCITIDAE Alucita hexadactyla (L.). — K. PYRALIDAE Chrysoteuchia culmella (L.). — E; K; day-flying at E and Achlean/Coire Garbhlach. Crambus ericellus (Hiibn.). — two records only: at Loch Einich, 5.vii.76; and at Sinclair Hut, 31.vii.77. C. pratellus (L.). —K. C. nemorellus (Hiibn.). — A; C; F; G; K; day-flying at E, F, above Loch an Eilein and at Achlean. Agriphila straminella (D. & S.). — A; B; C; F; G; K; day-flying at A, by Allt Ruadh, around Loch an Eilein and in Glen Feshie to the bothy; Glen Derry 1970, E.C.P-C. A. trist- tella (D. & S.).— A; C; E; F; K. Catoptria margaritella (D. & S.). — A; B; E; H; day-flying in Gleann Einich; Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. C. furcatellus (Zett.). — day-flying in the 70 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/II-I11/79 Cairn Gorm/Coire Raibert area and at the very top of Coire Garbhlach. Scoparia ambigualis (Treit.). — A; B; C; E; F; H; K; day-flying at Einich Gate, above Loch an Eilein, at Achlean and at the tree-line in the Lairig and on Creag Fhiaclach; Glen Derry in 1970 & ’71, E.C.P-C. Eudonia murana (Curtis). —A; C; E; F; H; K. E. truncicolella (Stain.). — E; F; day- flying in the Lairig to tree-line. E. angustea (Curtis). — A. Pyrausta purpuralis (L.).—K; day-flying at Achlean/Coire Garbhlach. P. ostrinalis (Hiibn.). — day-flying in Coire Garbh- lach. P. cespitalis (D. & S.). — day-flying above Loch an Eilein. Opsibotys fuscalis (D. & S.).—E; K; Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. Udea lutealis (Hiibn.).—B; C; K; day-flying at Achlean. U. uliginosalis (Steph.). — A; E; F; day-flying on Cairn Gorm at 1,150 m., above Coire Dhondail at 900+ m., on edge of Coire Garbhlach at 950 m. and near Loch Etchachan at 900 m.; Glen Derry and Pools of Dee in 1971, E.C.P-C. Aphomia sociella (L.). — A. Pyla fusca (Haw.). — E; F; H; K. Dioryctria abietella (D. & S.). — A; B; C; E; F; H; K. Amblyptilia acanthadactyla (Hiibn.). — K; day-flying at A, C. A. punctidactyla (Haw.). — day-flying above Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna. Platyptiia pallidactyla (Haw.). — K. Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla (Scop.).— G. S. pterodactyla (L.). — H; K. PIERIDAE Pieris brassicae (L.). —K; Loch an Eilein and one fresh male at 360 m. in Gleann Einich on 6.vii.76. P. rapae (L.). — K; Loch an Eilein. P. napi (L.). —K; Loch an Eilein and in Gleann Einich to 400 m. Anthocharis cardamines (Verity). — K; Loch an Eilein. Very good numbers in 1976 from 5.v. — I have no last date. LYCAENIDAE Callophrys rubi (L.). — recorded from B right round to E. Lycaena phlaeas (L.). — K; around Loch an Eilein. Aricia artaxerxes (Fab.).— Loch an Eilein. Polyommatus icarus (Rott.). — K; Loch an Eilein, Loch Gamhna, Coire Garbhlach and in Glen Feshie to the Eidart. Also seen regularly in good weather over the Eastern Plateau at over 1,200 m.; Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. NY MPHALIDAE Vanessa atalanta (L.).— K; only seen once in the Reserve: in the top of a pine tree at the tree-line in the Lairig. Aglais urticae (L.).—K; at lower level, seen at Loch an Eilein, around Einich Gate, Gleann Einich and at Inshriach; at higher level, around Loch Einich, on Creag Fhiaclach and quite often on the Eastern Plateu at 1,200 m. Boloria selene (D. & S.) —K; widely distributed from the Lairig right round to Glen Feshie NN/8888; maximum altitude: 460 m. in Gleann Einich and 750 m. in Coire Garbhlach. B. euphrosyne (L.). — seen from Gleann Einich round to the Eidart; highest altitude: 600 m. in Coire Garbhlach; Glen Derry in 1971, E.C.P-C. (to be continued) 71 Notes on Diptera taken in 1976 By IAN F. G. MCLEAN * Nephrocerus flavicornis Zett. (Pipunculidae) new to Norfolk. I took a single male of this scarce species on the 10th June 1976 while collecting with Mr. J. W. Ismay at the new Norfolk Naturalists Trust reserve of Wayland Wood, near Watton (grid reference TL 9299). It was swept from low vegetation beside a main ride through areas of formerly coppiced hazel understory with oak-ash standards. Because of its large size it was not recognised at the time of capture as being a member of the family Pipunculidae, but later when sorting the catch, its distinctive appearance under the micro- scope immediately betrayed its true identity. Chelifera pectinicauda Collin (Empididae) new to Norfolk. Although Collin (1961) states this species is not uncommon in Scotland, and he lists further records from Wales, Hereford- shire, Shropshire and Oxfordshire, there are apparently no records from eastern England. It therefore seems worth recording that on 13th June 1976 I swept a male of this species at Upton Broad (grid reference TG 3813). Perhaps further collecting on the Norfolk Broads will result in the detection of other species of this genus hitherto known only from the wetter northern and western counties of Britain. The large areas of fen vegetation alongside broads and waterways certainly provide a suitable habitat for these empids. Rhingia rostrata L. (Syrphidae) and Conops strigatus Wied. in Mg. (Conopidae) taken in Hampshire. On the 27th July 1976, one of the many hot and sunny days of that memorable summer, I visited Alice Holt Forest (grid reference SU 84) where I was fortunate in obtaining these two un- common species. A single male R. rostrata was captured as it hovered sluggishly around the lower leaves of a burdock (Arctium sp.) at the edge of a ride. Even in flight, the absence of the median dark stripe on the abdomen readily differentiated this individual from the common and closely related R. campestris Mg. Nearby, flowers of the marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre L.) were proving attractive to insects, and among the visitors were two male C. strigatus in company with many Conops quadrifasciatus Degeer. Not only were Diptera observed in this fine locality, but a total of nineteen species of butterfly were also recorded in my notebook for the day, including a single egg of Apatura iris L. on a leaf of sallow (Salix caprea L..). Lispocephala spuria Zett. (Muscidae) in Sussex. At Pict’s Wood, near Cowfold (grid reference TQ 2123) on the 17th September 1976, I swept a male of this uncommon fly under beeches (Fagus sylvatica L.) in dappled autumn sunshine. This capture extends the known range of this species, as the previous records listed by Fonseca (1968) indicate a northern and western distribution. * Ganavan, Guise Lane, North End, Bassingbourn, Royston, Herts., SG8 5PJ. a2 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/I1-I1/79 References Coe, R. L., 1953. Diptera: Syrphidae. R.E.S. Handbooks for the identification of British insects, X (1). , 1966. Diptera: Pipunculidae. R.E.S. eC ETE! for the identification of British insects, X (2c). Collin, J. E. 1961. British Flies, 6: Cambridge. Fonseca, E. C. M. d’Assis., 1968. Diptera: Muscidae. R.E.S. Handbooks for the identification of British insects, X (4b). PRACTICAL HINTS — MAY Larvae and cocoons of the Muslin Footman (Nudaria mundana L.) may be found in May under loose stones and rocks of ‘dry’ walls, by simply lifting off the top stones. Larvae of the Olive (Ipimorpha subtusa D. & S.) may be found spun between two leaves or in a folded leaf of poplar or, less easily, aspen, at the end of May, by standing under a branch and looking upwards and outwards, so that the larvae are silhouetted against the sky; they will pupate in peat, and the pupae should be left undisturbed (POOLES). The banded black and white form of the Square-spot (Ectropis consonaria ab. waiensis Rich.), peculiar to the Forest of Dean, is to be found on trunks of spruce, Douglas fir and larch. The melanic ab. nigra Bankes, which also occurs in Gloucestershire on the Cotswold escarpment, prefers beech and ash trunks, and in one wood, larch (A. RICHARDSON). Several species of Microlepidoptera feed on the young plants of ploughman’s spikenard (Inula conyza) in May. The lower leaves are mined by Digitivalva perlepidella Stainton; the larvae move via the petioles to fresh leaves and when full-fed pupate in their mines. Two species eat out the central rosette; Ebulea crocealis Hbn. does so with, and the first brood of Leioptilus carphodactyla Hbn. without, silken spinning. The former may also bunch larger leaves together in its final instar. Oidaematophorus lithodactyla Tr. chews holes in the leaves and Coleophora conyzae Z. makes small, transparent blotch mines from its hairy case. FE. crocealis and O. lithodactyla have a wide range, but the other three are southern insects. It is best to dig up and pot the foodplant (A. M. EMMeErT). The larvae of Scythris fletcherella Meyrick can be sought in May in localities where rockrose (Helianthemum nummu- larium) is common. The larva spins a loose web on the food- plant extending over several shoots with a silken tube going down into moss or debris. The eaten leaves take on a whitish appearance which makes them conspicuous. Places where the rockrose grows over moss seem most productive (J. ROCHE). The larval webs of Scythris grandipennis Hb. can be found throughout the winter and spring on gorse (Ulex spp.). However, the foodplant soon dries up when cut so they are best collected as late as possible. The larva pupates in the web and in late May both larvae and pupae may be found. Good secateurs and gloves are essential. Does grandipennis prefer Ulex minor or U. europaeus when both are present? (J. ROCHE). PRACTICAL HINTS — MAY 73 Larvae of Mompha ochraceella Curtis can be obtained in late April and early May from the lower stems of Epilobium hirsutum, particularly those growing in sheltered ditches and stream-sides. Break stem off at ground level —a brown dis- colouration indicates presence of larva, which will eventually mine a lower leaf, and form a cocoon. The stems of hirsutum become unpleasant when stored, and cocoons should be salvaged if possible. However, do not discard decomposing stems, as moths will often emerge from them (SOKOLOFF). Larvae of Teleiodes sequax Haw. can be collected mid- May onwards from spun shoots of rockrose (Helianthemum). On the North Downs, Kent, the larvae seem to prefer rockrose growing on ant-hills (SOKOLOFF). In May go around the woods and look carefully at twigs, stems and branches for frass extrusions. Branches hanging in the shrub layer, fallen trees, wood lying on the ground are all worth looking at. Places where there have been wounds or damage in the past seem to attract Tineids and will pay inspection, especially if fungus has developed there. Prune or saw off the interesting sections and keep them in a large fish or water tank covered with fine muslin. In due course, apart from the Oecophorid Dasycerus sulphurella F. that nearly always turns up, you may breed some interesting Tineids in- cluding Triaxomera fulvimitrella Sodoffsky, Nemapogon ruri- colella Stainton, N. cloacella Haw., N. arcella F., etc. (BRADFORD). LITA VIRGELLA THUNBERG (LEP.: GELECHIIDAE) A SPECIES New TO IRELAND. —A specimen of Lita virgella Thunberg was collected on the 4th of June 1977 from the slopes of Kip- pure Mountain Co. Wicklow, Ireland. (Irish Grid Reference 0.1419). The moth was swept from Heather (Calluna vulgaris) on a moorland blanket bog at an altitude of approximately 500 metres. The larvae feed on Calluna in April and May, the adult emerges in June (Ford 1949). The moth is common in Britain, being distributed from Hereford to Sutherland. Abroad it is found in North and Central Europe to East Siberia, and it also occurs in North America (Meyrick, 1928). Therefore one would assume it as common in Ireland, and over looked by Beirne in his list of Microlepidoptera of Ireland (1941). The specimen was kindly identified by Dr. J. P. O'Connor of the National Museum, Dublin. His identification was con- firmed by Dr. K. Sattler of the British Museum (Natural History), London. The moth has been placed in National Collection of the National Museum, Dublin. — D. N. Dowt- ING, Capaghmore Estate, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. 74 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /II-111/79 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir, The Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants (Amendment) Bill, before the House of Lords, shows a mea- sure of improvement over that first introduced by the late Lord Cranbrook in the last session. The Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Insects shared the concern of con- servation bodies generally regarding this legislation. We would much prefer a careful consideration of the role and extent of wildlife conservation legislation in the near future rather than a piecemeal amendment to existing legislation. Given that the Bill, with Government approval, could become law before the end of 1979 there have been discussions in an attempt to make the measure more realistic and practical. These discussions are continuing. A number of amendments will be put at the committee stage of the Bill, planned for 13th February 1979, and its final form may then be determined. The aim of the Bill is to afford a measure of protection to those species which are regarded as vulnerable as opposed to endangered, i.e. species which, in the absence of active con- servation, might soon fall into the endangered category. The legislation may cover some eleven species of insect in addition to Maculinea arion L., the one species classified as endangered under existing legislation. The effect of the legislation will be to make it illegal to kill a vulnerable species without a licence from the Nature Conservancy Council. A vulnerable species may be taken for identification provided it is released without unreasonable delay. A person undertaking a study of the ecology of a vulnerable species will require a licence from the N.C.C. It will be possible to take the eggs of a vulnerable species on the grounds that in so doing, the population will not be im- poverished to any significant degree. The restrictions which the legislation might place on the entomologist, both amateur and professional, in the context of the number and nature of the species involved, is thought to be very small indeed and not unreasonable in the light of current opinion. Whether conservation of endangered or vulnerable species of our insect fauna will be achieved through legislation of this type is open to question. What is not open to question is the need to create a real awareness amongst conservationists generally, and the public, of the value of insect conservation. In exceptional cases legislation may give a strengthening hand to other more important methods of conserving our endangered insect fauna. The role of the amateur entomologist is vital in establishing the knowledge upon which positive conservation measures may be taken where and when they are needed. A full participation of the County Trust movement will improve effectiveness in this field. We need also to ensure that the N.C.C. get on with their task on the land rather than be tied to a bureaucratic desk issuing permits to all and sundry. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 715 The J.C.C.B.I. would be pleased, I know, to learn from any readers of the Record, of their ideas for the promotion of a greater awareness of the need for insect conservation whether it be ecological surveys, co-ordination of entomo- logical field work, entomological knowledge within the County Trust movement, legislation or any other aspect. — ALAN KENNARD, Chancery Cottage, 79 Old High Street, Headington, Oxford. Dear Sir, I have followed the correspondence about the above Bill with interest, and I feel I should write to correct some of the statements that have been made about the late Earl of Cran- brook. I have been Hon. Treasurer of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society for nearly 30 years and for 25 of that period Lord Cranbook was President. He was also President of the Suffolk Trust for Nature Conservation from its inception. It is quite true to say that Lord Cranbrook was not as knowledgeable about insects as he was on various other branches of natural history, but it is quite wrong to say that he simply lifted the list of local species for inclusion in his Bill. In fact he consulted me about the butterflies, and I suggested that the only species that should be added to Maculinea arion was Carterocephalus palaemon, but that he should consult the Committee for the Protection of British Insects, which he did. It was the Com- mittee’s list on which the schedule was based. — H. E. CHIPPERFIELD, The Shieling, Walberswick, Southwold, Suffolk. Dear Sir, I read with interest Mr. E. H. Wild’s views regarding the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants (Amend- ment) Bill, published in the June issue. But it is my annoyance aroused by a certain letter in the October issue that has prompted this reply. I am in full agreement with all the sane and relative points that Mr. Wild makes. I would consider it reasonable if the new proposals were put forward by a professional entomo- logist as to what lepidopterous species should go on the list, but surely a botanist, even though Treasurer of the Linnaean Society, is hardly able to offer expert opinion on a subject other than his own. During the past five years or so, there has been some pretty awful scaremongering regarding disappearing species, particularly among the butterflies. And it is shameful that some people running under the Conservationist banner, should be so ill informed on insects and their way of life as to blame the collector so soon as a species goes into decline, and with little published evidence in support of their claims. It is both stupid and immature to blame the collector all the time. Far more harmful is the County Council flail mower, which destroys grass verges and hedgerows and at the same 76 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /II-I11/79 time countless micro habitats; the get-rich-quick forester, who demands maximum returns from his acres of regimented soft- wood plantations, with their sterile undergrowth; and the big oil companies which take huge areas of rich marshland and lay it under tons of concrete and steel. These are among the real culprits. It seems that we are on the road to yet another restriction on our freedom. I am all in favour of sensible controls, but believe such misguided conservation to be gravely detrimental. — Rex Lane Harvey, F.R.E.S., The Flat, Pembroke Garage Ltd., H.M.S. Pembroke, Chatham, Kent. Notes and Observations CAMBERWELL BEAUTY (NYMPHALIS ANTIOPA (L.)) IN KENT. —TI was pleased to see a specimen of this fine butterfly on the beach at Sheerness on the 21st August, 1978, where it was flying around a clump of Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.). It was in fresh condition, the wing edges being of a bright yellow colour. — E. G. Puitp, Natural History Depart- ment, The Museum, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LH. 1.x.1978. THE SILVER-STRIPED HAWK: HIPPOTION CELERIO L. IN Hampsuire. — A fine specimen of the Silver-striped Hawk was found by Mr. James Barnett on the door of his garage in Sway, Hants. on the morning of the 10th November 1978. Mr. Barnett carefully placed it in a plastic box and advised his friend Mr. D. Heginbotham who is a client of ours. It is a male in perfect condition. —R. W. WATSON, F.R.E.S. and A. M. W. WATSON, F.R.E.S., Porcorum, Sandy Down, Boldre, Lymington, Hants. CYCLOPHORA PUPPILLARIA HBN. IN HAMPSHIRE. — For the second consecutive year a single specimen of this moth appeared in my garden. This time it was resting in a shrub near the moth trap, and would have gone unnoticed had I not tapped an egg-tray on the bush to release some other moth. The puppillaria, disturbed from its slumber, flitted lazily out and came to rest on the lawn. It was a female, and the date was 15th October 1978.— Dr. J. R. LaNGMaip, 38 Cumber- land Court, Festing Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 ONH. DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SUBSPECIES OF CHARAXES JAHLUSA TRIMEN FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA.—Whilst the map accompany- ing S. F. Henning’s paper under the above title (1978, Ent. Rec., 90: 211-215) is absolutely correct in the strict context of the paper, it is, I submit, extremely misleading in a general sense. The map appears to indicate that jahlusa does not occur north of the Tanzania/Kenya border, whereas, in fact, it iS a common species (ssp. kenyensis Joicey & Talbot) throughout the dry Acacia scrub country of Kenya, and extending into South West Ethiopia (spp. ganalensis Carpen- ter). It also occurs in North Western Tanzania (ssp. kigoma van Someren).— D. G. SEVASTOPULO, F.R.E.S., P.O. Box 95026, Mombasa, Kenya. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS vial BLASTOBASIS DECOLORELLA WOLLASTON (LEP.: BLASTO- BASIDAE) AT SHARNBROOK, BEDFORD. —I obtained a specimen from my kitchen window on 29th October 1978 which I tenta- tively identified as a male of the genus Blastobasis. On 8th November 1978 a second specimen (female) appeared, and I took both specimens to the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) where Mr. David Carter kindly confirmed the identification as B. decolorella Wollaston. On 13th November seven eggs were laid, and these hatched on 21st November. The larvae fed on dry sallow leaves until 10th December, but have not been seen to be active since that date. The female was kept in a labora- tory culture dish, and when disturbed flicked about madly finally coming to rest on its back where it “played dead’’.— D. V. MANNING, 27 Glebe Rise, Sharnbrook, Bedford. A Late Guost Swift: HEPIALUS HUMULI (L.) IN 1978. — At approximately 22.3 on 21st September, I found a large and perfect specimen of H. humuli on a street light at the end of my road. Is not this a very late date for this moth? — D. Dey, 9 Monmouth Close, Rainham Gillingham, Kent ME8 7BQ. THE NOVEMBER MIGRATION OF MYTHIMNA UNIPUNCTA Haw. — Between 6th and 22nd November 1978 no fewer than 22 specimens of this moth were taken at m.v. in my garden. In the preceding 24 years the sum total of the species had been two. — Dr. J. R. Lancmarp, 38 Cumberland Court, Festing Road, Southsea, Hants., PO4 ONH. HYPERA VENUSTA F. (COL.: CURCULIONIDAE) FOUND IN MID- WINTER, ETC. — On 9th January last I was much surprised to find crawling on the kitchen table-cloth a fresh and perfect specimen of this prettily-variegated little weevil (perhaps better known as Phytonomus trilineatus Marsh.). How it got there can only be guessed, but in all likelihood the immediate source was a bunch of parsley bought that same afternoon, which had been lying for some time, with other shopping, on the table. This, be it noted, is not a foodplant of the species but could have been serving as a hibernaculum. H. venusta, which feeds like many of its congeners on various low- growing Papilionaceae, tends in my experience to occur singly and seems hardly ever to be common *; nor have I ever met with it before in the Greater London area, but only a good deal farther out. Also there may be few records of its occur- rence in the winter months. In my own district these weevils are few and scarce. H. postica Gyll. (=variabilis Hbst.) is the one least seldom seen — probably the case almost everywhere — while the striking green H. nigrirostris F. is very sporadic. H. punctata F., the giant among our species, appears to be of the greatest rarity here; but it is more retiring in its habits than most of them, normally keeping low down under cover, and is probably largely nocturnal. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, Charl- ton, London, SE7 8QG. FA] | have taken it in some plenty at the Lizard, Cornwall, with H. plantaginis Deg. — A.A.A. 78 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /TI-111/79 LaTE MIGRANTS IN CUMBRIA IN 1978 AT M.V. LIGHT. — After a poor season for migrants in these parts, the appearance of four Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) at the end of October, and two Udea ferrugalis (Hubn.) on the night of November Ist, the signs were of a rare and late migration for so far North. This was confirmed by the appearance of a female Orthonama obstipata (Fab.) on the night of November 5th, which I found with the aid of a torch, sat in a dark corner near to the M.V. trap. She laid six eggs in the pill box next day, which hatched on November 23rd, but the larvae died after refusing Ground- sel, Chrysanthemum, and Alyssum., in the absence of Knot- grass. On the morning of November 12th, only four moths were inside the trap, one was a perfect male Mythimna unipuncta (Haw.) a newcomer to these parts, and as far as I can ascertain, a new addition to the Cumbria list of Lepidop- tera. — J. Briccs, Frimley House, Deepdale Close, Slackhead, Beetham, Milnthorpe, Cumbria. THE CLAP-NET AND THE HiGH-NET. — A recent contribution of mine to the Record, “The History of the Entomological Clap-net in Great Britain’ (90: 127-132) has prompted a number of personal letters about the uses and styles of collect- ing nets. Despite these very interesting comments, neither I nor the Editor have been sent any definite information about the actual survival of a clap-net. Considering the frequent preservation of antique scientific apparatus, it seems at least likely that some examples of a once common item of entomo- logical equipment, used as late as the turn of the century, might still remain. Mr. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt would especially like to know, for the historical record, of any clap-nets extant in Great Britain or elsewhere. In the paper cited above, I also discussed the history of the high-net used for Apatura iris (L.). Traditionally this net had a length of twenty or thirty feet, and after recording its use since the eighteenth century (it was first mentioned by Moses Harris over two centuries ago). I concluded that ‘““Now and then conjectures have been published as to whether these bag-nets of enormous length were really effective, or indeed useful at all, but it is certain that one of over thirty feet in length was employed relatively recently by Mr. I. R. P. Heslop: it was described and illustrated in Notes & Views of the Purple Emperor (1964). In a note to one of his contributions in that volume, Mr. Heslop stated (p. 185, fn. 33) that his “‘high net, with maximum extension, now considerably exceeds 30 feet in length; so that, with my own height and reach, I can strike at and secure specimens up to 40 feet from the ground”’’. I have discovered from several letters that Mr. Heslop has hardly been alone, and that the high-net is, or has recently been, “alive and well” in Britain. The most interesting com- munication was from Mr. D. E. Wilson of Much Hadham, Herts., who related his experiences with the high-net. Mr. Wilson has a thirty-foot net, but on the few occasions he has put his long extension to use, he has found it unwieldy. CURRENT LITERATURE 719 Several years ago he encountered two collectors using the high-net in an Oxfordshire wood, and he knows of a similar net used in the same wood by an elderly lepidopterist some years ago. Mr. Wilson has no doubt that a number of British collectors have used the method with various degrees of success (letter to the author, 12th June, 1978). That differing success must be due to experience and physical dexterity. Mr. Wilson’s comment about the unwieldi- ness of his high-net added evidence to a similar evaluation by an old moth-hunter friend, the late P. B. M. Allan, who reminded me many years ago of the principles of physics involved in manipulating a pole of thirty feet in length with a net at its end and expecting to capture a butterfly with it. To satisfy my curiosity, late last summer I jointed three-quarter and one-inch dowel with ferrules to a length of thirty feet and affixed my Watkins and Doncaster kite net. Initial efforts at wielding the net with precision were almost humourous, and after several weekends I gave it up, realising that we are not all Heslops. I touch my cap to those who have used the high- net with great success. The method obviously requires long practice. — Dr. RONALD S. WILKINSON, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York 10024. Current Literature Illustrated Papers on British Microlepidoptera by various authors. Reprinted from the Proceedings and Transac- tions of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society (1944-57). 174pp., 12 coloured plates (321 figures) by S. N. A. Jacobs, F. C. Fraser and D. C. Twinn, and 57 text illustrations. Edition limited to 500 copies. 8vo., cloth, 1978. Price £9 (£6 to Society Members) plus 60p postage. Obtainable from R. F. Bretherton, Folly Hill, Birtley Green, Bramley, Surrey. This book consists of 12 monographs (each with a coloured plate) in which are described and illustrated in colour 289 species, i.e. about one-third of those formerly grouped together under the JTineina. They are as follows: (1) Lithocolletis, (2) Lamproniidae and Adelidae, (3) Oecophoridae (part 1) and Allied Genera, (4) Oecophoridae (part 2), (5) Oecophoridae (part 3); all by S. N. A. Jacobs. (6) Mompha, by S. Wakely. (7) Psychidae, (8) Plutellidae, (9) Glyphipterygidae and Allied Families, by L. T. Ford. (10) Caloptilia and (11) Lyonetiidae, by S. C. S. Brown. (12) Eriocraniidae and Micropterygidae, by J. Heath. For ease of reference, the pages and plates have been re- numbered and fully indexed accordingly. There is a new appendix of species belonging to those groups which have been added or sunk; also included is a list of species which relates names used in the text to up-to-date nomenclature and classification. The Rev. David Agassiz was responsible for these innovations, for writing the Foreward and for seeing the book through the press. 80 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1 /TI-I11/79 Owing especially to the coloured plates and general high standard of illustration, students of the Microlepidoptera both here and on the European continent, will find these Papers of great service in the identification of the species they cover. The Auchenorrhyncha (Homoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark. Part I: Introduction and infraorder Fulgoro- morpha. By F. Ossiannilsson. Fauna Entomologica Scan- dinavica, vol. 7, pt. I. Boards, 222 pages. Scandinavian Science Press Ltd., Klampenborg, Denmark, 1978. This work, by one of the leading European specialists on the leaf-hoppers, fully upholds the high standards set by the few volumes already published in this ambitious and admirable series, which is in English throughout. It is copiously illustrated with 732 very clear text-figures of genitalia and other diag- nostic features (heads, wings, etc.), and 36 plate-figures of mostly whole bugs, of which 12 are in colour; all are of high quality. After some introductory matter, incluring a survey of past work on the hoppers for the region concerned, there follow sections on general characters and classification of Hemipteroidea, and morphology, diagnostic characters, bio- nomics, parasites, economic importance, and keys to families (adults and “‘larvae’’) of Auchenorrhyncha. This takes us to p.31; the main part of the book follows, treating of the four families of Fulgoromorpha in N. Europe, viz. Cixiidae, Delphacidae, Achilidae and Issidae. The bulk of this section of hoppers is made up by the second of these; the other three together comprise a mere handful of species, and the Achilidae (unrepresented in Britain) only two. All the information needed for most purposes is concisely and clearly given: keys to the various taxa, full descriptions of species, distribution, and biology (habitats, and foodplants where known). The student of the British fauna will, of course, find a very large element in common between it and that treated here. Among the more conspicuous forms, he will note the absence therefrom of the remarkable genus Asiraca, with a British species; and of our Issus coleoptratus (included how- ever in the key). On the other hand the Issid genus Ommati- diotus for instance, with one species in the area — and like- wise Cixidia with two, is not British. The determination of many female Delphacids of closely allied species has generally been considered uncertain or impossible; and though for some species this remains true, the present work shows that good characters can often be found in the modified apical sternites of females, so the many figures of those should prove to be of great utility. Paper quality, printing, binding, etc., leave nothing to be desired, and no misprints have been noticed. The one lack that might be felt is of an index, but this will doubtless be provided in the concluding volume on the hoppers. Meanwhile the generic keys will serve as a rough index. Altogether a most creditable and excellent production which all Homop- terists should possess. — A.A.A. THE PROFESSOR HERING MEMORIAL RESEARCH FUND The British Entomoligical and Natural History Society announces that awards may be made from this Fund for the promotion of entomological research with particulars emphasis on: (a) Leaf miners, (b) Diptera, particularly Trypetidae and Agromyzidae, (c) Lepidoptera, particularly Microlepidoptera, (d) General entomology, in the above order of preference, having regard to the suitability of candidates and the plan of work proposed. Awards may be made to assist travelling and other expenses necessary to field work, for the study of collections, for the attendance at conferences, or, exceptionally, for the costs of publication of finished work. In total they are not likely to exceed £300 in 1979/1980. Applicants should send a statement, if possible in sextuplicate, of their qualifications, of their plan of work, and of the precise objects and amount for which an award is sought, to A. M. Emmet, M.B.E., T.D., M.A., F.L.S., F.R.E.S., Hon. Secretary, Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AF, as soon as possible, and in any case not later than 30th September, 1979. DATA LABELS Printed to your requirements in any quantity of labels/lines. Choose from a variety of paper surfaces and typefaces. Full details and sample labels on request. P. D. J. HUGO 38 Cotswold Crescent, Chipping Norton, Oxon. OX7 5DT Please mention this journal when replying THE MICROLEPIDOPTERA OF ESSEX. — I am currently engaged on compiling a list of the microlepidoptera of the county on behalf of the Essex Naturalists’ Trust and the Essex Field Club; it is proposed to publish the list in 1979. I should therefore be grateful if collectors who have not already done so will send me their records. Localities even for the common species help to complete distribution patterns. Entomologists who are planning their season’s collecting shoud bear in mind that Essex is rich in microlepidoptera (over 1,000 species of “‘micro” are already in the list) but almost devoid of microlepidopterists and hence seriously underrecorded. They could profitably make 1978 their “Essex year’. — A. M. Emmet, Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AF, 30.iv.1978. EXCHANGES AND WANTS Wanted —The Entomologists Record, Vol. 71 1959, entire. Bound or unbound. — Offers to Paul Stirling. Tel. 01-660 4766. Help Wanted — with records of British Gelechiidae for publication in Vol. 4 of “Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland’. Vice-County records only wanted at this stage. A complete check-list will be supplied to those willing to help. If you have any records for this group, please write to: Paul Sokoloff, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Wanted — Records of daily totals in traps of Agrotis segetum for as many past years as available. — Rosemary Kay, Ent. Section, National Vegetable Research Station, Wellsbourne, Warwick. Wanted — Records of Blair’s Shoulder-knt, Lithophane leautieri. Please give dates, localities, numbers, and any details of larval foodplants. This species seems to be rapidly colonising Britain and it is planned to document the colonisation in as much detail as possible. — Dr. D. F. Owen, 66 Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LES 1HU. I am eager to hear from anyone who is planning a trip to the Alps this year who may have room for two others, or from anybody who is interested who would like to form a party to save costs. June or July. — P. Legon. Tel. Medway 56108 evenings. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on I1Sth April, 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Orthoptera: D. K. Mc E. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.; Diptera: E. C. M. d’Assis-FonsEca, F.R.E.S. TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine as well as books for review must be sent to the EDITOR at St. Teresa, 1 Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to: E. H. WILD, L.Inst.Biol., 112 Foxearth Road, Selsdon, Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8EF. Specimen copies supplied by Mr. Wild on payment of 60p or sterling equivalent which will be taken into account if the person in question becomes a full subscriber, plus 10p postage. Changes of address, and enquiries regarding back numbers, Volumes and Sets to: P. A. SOKOLOFF, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Subscriptions should be sent to the Treasurer, P. J. RENSHAW, 53 Links Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0QN, England. REPRINTS: 25 copies, taken straight from the magazine are sent gratis to contributors of articles; these may contain extraneous matter. More formal reprints from re-set type may still be had at cost price, and orders for these should be given, at the latest, with the return tc the Editor of the corrected proof. ILLUSTRATIONS are inserted on condition that the AUTHOR DEFRAYS THE COST. Contributors are requested not to send us Notes or Articles which they are sending to other magazines. All reasonable care is taken of MSS, photographs, drawings, maps, etc., but the Editor and his staff cannot hold themselves responsible for any loss or damage. ET I AE EE FS EF SPECIAL NOTICE The Editor would be willing to consider the purchase of a limited number of certain back issues. SS Ea EE CONTENTS The Brown Hairstreak: Thecla betulae L.: I: Searching for Ova. Dr. T. W. C. TOLMAN A Ban on Collecting Lepidoptera in the Department 0 of the Alpes d de Haute-Provence, France. L. McLEOD The Return of the Orange Tip. Dr. A. G. LONG Entomologising in Andorra, 1978. J. M. eee HUNT aud Dr. C. J. LUCKENS . BAY Agonopterix scopariella Bcineanena: ane stares “of difterenece between it and allied species in Britain, Dr. J. R. LANGMAID Hydrillula palustris and Wicken Fen. R. P. DEMUTH About two recent butterfly records from the Island of ipnaccos Greece. J. G. COUTSIS A Review of Pee in Britain during 1978. Ser Cc. G. de WORMS et The Early Family — Group Names oo Eitugsites: at ‘call C. F. COWAN : The Lepidoptera of the Cairngorms National INaitace Recae E. A. M. MacALPINE fae sy Notes on Diptera in 1976. I. F. G. “McLEAN . Practical Hints — May Letters to the Editor Notes and Observations: The Great Brocade (Eurois occulta L.): a anes habit of the larvae in captivity. J. PLATTS . ed Limenitis camilla L. at Friston near a eecnes EAs, ‘Sussex. M. PARSONS Schiffermuelleria subaquilea tt.) on @arisoen P. D. HULME Dr. M. R. YOUNG Sterrha vulpinaria H.-S. in S. ipeven. A. KENNARD . Ectoedemia quinquella (Bedell) in Greater London. Lt. -Col. A. M. EMMET Sighting of a yellow foam of the Small White (Pieris rapae LD. J. PAYNE ; An unusual aberration ‘of ine Small Warton eshell in Scatnel J. R. MILLER ... ; A Note on Thomas Sieameu Ss The Enelish Entomologis (1792). Ss. C.S. BROWN . Lita virgella THe files Gelechiidae) a Species Ney ‘e Ireland. D. N. DOWLING _.. Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis hears 1) in ican El G. PHILP The Spee criped Hawk Hispenon veleno TH in Hampshire R. W. and A. M. W. WATSON Paes capri Hbn. in Hampshire. De Th R. LANG- ID Description of a iNew isubeperice BF Charnes lantaee Sunimen from Southern Africa. D. G. SEVASTOPULO Blastobasis decolorella Wollaston (Lep.: Plastepasidee) at Shae brook, Bedford. D. V. MANNING . A Late Ghost Swift: Hepialus humuli L. in 1978. D. DEY . The November Migration of Mythimna RLM Haw. Dr. 1. R. LANGMAID . : Hypera venusta F. (Col: Curuculionidae) found: in pee etc. A. A. ALLEN : Late Migrants in Cumbria in 1978 a m.v. iene a BRIGGS . The Clap-net and the High-net. Dr. R. S. WILKINSON Current Literature ... LS SL I RE ES Printed by Charles Phipps Ltd., 225 Philip Lane, Tottenham, N15 4HL "i OL. 91, No. 4 APRIL, 1979 ISSN 6013-8916 $B GAG MAA a oA Se SS ar Sarr Sar ; ; ; 3 3 3 : 3 é 3 3 , : : 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 g 3 3 g g g g g 595, /O5F Ent, THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. with the assistance of A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. P. J. CHANDLER, B.SC., F.R.E.S. NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E.S. J. HEATH, F.R.E.S., F.L.S. Lieut. Col. A. M. EMMET, M.B.E., T.D., F.R.E.S. P. A. SOKOLOFF, M.SC., M.I.BIOL., F.R.E.S. (Registrar) NOTICE Owing to printing difficulties we much regret delay in publication of the magazine. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR THIS VOLUME No. 91 £7.50 for overseas subscribers. £6.50 for all U.K. subscribers. Hon. Teasurer: P. J. RENSHAW, 53 Links Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 0QN WW I WO OO WW Wee Ve We Vr Vi Vit Vt Va Vek St Vi ia a Va Ya Va Van Vn Ya VB Ye Be eM UN NU OU OTS UBLISHED MONTHLY PRICE 60p THE LIVING SEASHORE By Joan M. Clayton The seashore provides a very distinctive environ- ment, supporting a greater number of living things than any other habitat. This book deals with the rich variety of flora and fauna associated with the sea- shore. 32 pages of plates in colour and black and white with numerous line 4 drawings and diagrams within the text. £6.00 net. FRESHWATER LIFE By John Clegg This is the fourth edition of the popular volume on the plant and animal life in Britain’s ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. The life dealt with et ranges from the unicellular qd § organisms through vertebrates * and flowering plants. trated with 64 plates in colour and black and white, plus line We drawings within the WA 2 PS text. £6.00 net. “el Se SS SS FREDERICK WARNE (Publishers) LTD., 40 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3HE. EXOTIC ENTOMOLOGICAL SPECIMENS Lepidoptera — Coleoptera — Miscellaneous Insects Livestock of Saturniidae, etc. Please write for details of our Lists, etc. R. N. 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Price 50p plus postage The Editor of the Naturalist University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP 81 The Immigration of Lepidoptera to the British Isles in 1978 By R. F. BRETHERTON' and J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT* 1978 was not a great year for immigrants, comparable to 1976 or 1968; but it shows a pattern which is interesting both in timing and in content of species. There was no early invasion such as occurred in 1977, and immigrants were hardly seen before June. None of the scarcer butterflies were reported. Throughout the summer the usually common species, both butterflies and moths, were much below their usual numbers, and the poor weather which lasted until early August probably reduced local breeding by those which did arrive. Surprisingly, however, single examples of two species new to the British list, which were probably immigrants, were caught in mid June and late August. There was little trace of immigration from northern Europe or beyond, which was prominent in 1976 and 1977. Few of the less common migrants were reported in September. But in the second week of October in Britain, rather later in Ireland, there came a dramatic change with a widespread invasion, which reached far northwards and inland and included many rare species in unusual combination. This was followed by several successive waves of immigrants from the last week of October through November and possibly even in early December. These were dominated by the largest influx of Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth) since 1966, which, however, showed little penetra- tion inland from the south and west coast. During the first three weeks of June Autographa gamma L. became fairly numerous on the south coast of England, a total of 76 being recorded in the month in a light trap at Peacehaven, East Sussex, with a peak of 14 on 19th; but many recorders have commented on its unusual scarcity elsewhere, even on the coast, both then and later. There were also a few records of Agrotis ipsilon Hufn., Peridroma saucia L., and Udea ferrugalis Hubn. scattered in date and place, and of a single Orthonama obstipata F. at Peacehaven on 9th; but their usually commoner companion, Nomophila noctuella D. & S. was reported only singly in two places on 8th and 11th. There was, however, a surprising high-light in the capture on 14th by B. G. Withers (Ent. Rec. 90: 333) in his trap at Stoborough, Dorset of a specimen of Terpnomicta trimaculata Vill, which was accompanied by several A. ipsilon. This species, new to the British list, is known on the Atlantic coast of France at least as far north as Nantes. July was a barren month until its last few days. The unusual immigrants remained scarce, except for Phlogophora meticulosa L., which was common on the south coast and showed a marked peak at Peacehaven on 12th, when it was accompanied by one of the few Agrius convolvuli L. reported this year; ‘Folly Hill, Birtley Green, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GUS OLE. *1 Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent BR4 9LG. 82 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 there was also a single O. obstipata at Caversham, Berks. on 25th. P. meticulosa is a common resident as well as an immi- grant, and there may often be doubt about the origin of examples seen early and late in the year; but as its over- wintering resident larvae usually produce moths in June and those of the second generation from late August onwards, it is probable that most July moths are immigrants. In late July and August the picture improved a little. A. gamma became common on the south coast, some 600 being trapped at Peacehaven, with peaks of over 20 on 28th and 30th July and 8th, 19th and 23rd August. The first Palpita union- alis Hiibn. was recorded at Bradwell-on-Sea, South Essex, on 29th and the only Hyles gallii Rott. of the year on 5th August; there was another O. obstipata in West Cornwall on 13th August; and on 18th a male Clostera anachoreta D. & S., last recorded in 1976, was caught at light at Dungeness, East Kent, along with a few A. gamma (Ent. Rec., 90: 274). This was probably a short distance visitor from across the Channel, as attempts to find more moths or larvae later were unsuccess- ful. Late in the month, and extending into early September there appears to have been a small, probably mainly longer distance migration. Single examples of H. convolvuli L. were recorded at Compton Chine, Isle of Wight, along with one of the few Colias croceus Fourc. of the year, and at Micheldever, North Hampshire, on 26th, and at Speke, North Lancashire, on 28th. On 27th August Mr. J. Porter caught a small moth at the Lizard, West Cornwall which was later identified at the British Museum (Natural History) and exhibited to the British Entomological & Natural History Society as Athetis hospes Frr., new to the British list (Ent. Rec., 91: 22). This brownish Noctuid, related to our resident A. pallustris Hiibn., has its nearest localities in the Gironde area of south west France. On 4th September, at the end of this spell of south westerly winds, continuous streams of Pieris brassicae L. and P. rapae L. were seen to arrive at the Lizard, a single worn Cynthia cardui was noted on the beach at Strete in South Devon, and at night among some 60 species of moths trapped at Dittisham on the estuary of the Dart there were one Mythimna albipuncta D. & S. and several A. gamma gamina Stdgr. The rest of September was almost blank, except for an extraordinary capture of a female M. unipuncta, the first of the year, at Winchburgh, on the outskirts of Edinburgh; three others were reported in West Cornwall and Scilly on 23rd and 29th. The most varied immigration of the year began in England on the night of 7th October, reached its height probably on 13th or 14th, and then ceased abruptly: in south west Ireland the timing was later by nearly a week. During this period over thirty immigrant species were recorded: the numbers and dates of the scarcer ones are shown in histograms A and B. The most notable were two examples, both worn, of Spodoptera littoralis Bdy. at Lymington, South Hampshire and Stoborough, Dorset: two Trigonophora flammea Esp. and a single Mythimna loreyi Dup. at Swanage (Ent. Rec., 90: 338); one Diachrysia Aig, bate escent ae 7 ane ies eae PLATE II (S SCARCE IMMIGRANT RAST OGRA A i@hhey RECORDS 1 OCTOBER TO 5 DELEMBER 1978 CGREAT BRITAIN ) UNIPUNCTA SACRARIA OBSTIPATA VITELLINA ALBIPUNCTA PUPPILLARIA : UNIONALIS CHALCITES LIMBALIS P.BRASSICAE FP .CKTALEVCA ARMIGERA LITTORALIS LOREY| ORICHALCEA T.FLAMNEA B E.OCELLEA : CELERIO En SeMieeeweeer Ge ee ae eee ae EXIGUA = = PELTIGERA S410 1h 12 (34 1S [6 17 18 t5 202i 722324 25 262] 2824 Wil 2345678 4 OCTOBE =] Ss IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES 83 orichalcea F. at Southrop, Glos., and another at Fountains- town, co. Cork; a Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp. found on a house wall far north in Inverness-shire; Cyclophora puppillaria Hubn., of which there were five in Hampshire, two in Dorset, and one as far north as Alveston in Warwickshire, for which it is a new county record; also a single capture of the immi- grant Pyrale Euchromius ocellea Haw. at Usk, Monmouth- shire and two of Uresiphita limbalis D. and S. at Sparsholt, North Hampshire and Stoborough, Dorset. The captures of two S. littoralis are particularly interesting because, though its larvae are sometimes imported with chrysanthemum cuttings and flowers and at one time threatened to become a pest in English glasshouses, there seems to be only one record, in 1960, of a moth found in the wild. These captures now confirm its status as an occasional natural immi- grant. Of 7. flammea there have been only about eight records in England since the end of its period of residence in Sussex in 1892; it is a southern species, but reaches to Normandy in France and is resident in the Channel Isles. D. orichalcea is a tropical and sub-tropical species, probably not established north of the Mediterranean; there are about twenty records of it in England, the last at Ringmer, East Sussex, on 10th October 1977, and two in Ireland in 1946 and 1964. C. chalcites, also sub-tropical and even rarer in Britain, was last recorded in 1965 in several places on the south coast; the present record at Insh in Inverness-shire is paralleled by one of Rhodometra sacraria L. at Fort Augustus on the same date. Of the little Crambid E. ocellea there are less than twenty records, most of them of the white form in early spring, when it may be less easily overlooked. Of C. puppillaria and U. limbalis there are still less than fifty records. The finding of a female P. brassicae f. cataleuca Rober, the form found on the Mediterranean coast of France and eastwards, outside a light trap at Bramley, Surrey at 11 p.m. on 11th October both indicates nocturnal migration by this butterfly and possibly gives a clue to the origin of this migration. The other scarce immigrants reported in Britain during this period were R. sacraria (over 50), M. vitellina (over 50), O. obstipata (21), M. unipuncta (17), H. armigera (11), M. albipuncta (6), H. peltigera (3), P. unionalis (3). Among the common immigrants, P. meticulosa was dominant, with large clearly migratory swarms reported in and around light traps in Sussex, Surrey and Oxfordshire. A. gamma, though more plentiful than before, remained in most places below normal numbers, a sudden peak of 63 at Peacehaven, East Sussex, on 14th October being apparently exceptional. P. saucia and A. ipsilon were reported widely, but in small numbers; and there were still fewer N. noctuella and U. ferrugalis. Three or four C. croceus were seen near Helston, West Cornwall, on 12th and 13th October, and two at Brook, Kent on 15th October. Vanessa atalanta L. was reported in several places and in some numbers in October; but it is not clear that these were associated with the main immigration. The general impression 84 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 is of unusual diversity of species and spread northwards and inland, but in rather small numbers for individual species, except perhaps for P. meticulosa. The usual large immigration of H. convolvuli between late August and early October was hardly represented and, except for a single diurnal record of Macroglossa stellatarum L. at Maltravers, Dorset on 19th October, and one other at St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles, on 14th October, the other migrant Sphingidae seem to have been absent. The immigration of 8th to 15th October occurred after a long period in which the air stream reaching Britain, except possibly Cornwall and Devon, was obstinately north westerly, from the north Atlantic. The change began about 4th October, when winds began to blow round an area of high pressure off the north west tip of Spain. This moved slowly east across Europe, causing fronts over Britain first from S.W. later from S.E. and S., and finally, as low pressure became centred over the Azores, from S.W. again. This diversity of directions, per- mitting various points of origin abroad, may have accounted for the large and unusual coverage of species. Immigrants were first recorded on the night of 7th and, in greater numbers, on 8th and 9th. The long interval between the change of wind and the first records, and the fact that these covered mainly R. sacraria and M. vitellina, suggest a distant orgin, perhaps in the deserts of north west Africa. Some of the species recorded in the middle of the week, such as P. brassicae f. cataleuca, C. puppillaria, H. armigera, and also M. unipuncta, which was reported ‘“‘in thousands” at Lourdes in south west France in October, may have come north from the Mediterranean coasts. The recorded peak of over 50 examples of 13 scarce immigrant species on 14th probably included both new and previous arrivals. Mr. Peter Davey has been good enough to trace meteorological back-tracks of moths arriving at Swanage on that night, on alternative assumptions that, flying directly down wind, they were wholly carried by it, or that they added 53 m.p.h. by their own flight. The first track points to an origin 48 hours earlier near the western end of the Pyrenees; the second to northern Spain, Portugal, or even the Canary Islands. For species which were first recorded on the nights of 13th or 14th (D. orichalcea, S. littoralis, M. loreyi, T. flammea, E. ocellea) what we know of their distribution abroad gives preference to the Canary Islands, except in the case of T. flammea; and this may also be preferable on physiological grounds, since it seems unlikely that such species could main- tain height for long distances by gliding flight without impetus of their own. It is interesting that on this night of highest record (and also on that of the later peak of 10th November) the moon was almost full: a condition which is usually un- favourable, if not the flight of moths, at least to their atten- dance at light traps; but these were also Saturday nights, when lepidopterists are notoriously active in the field! r ee oN AE NE Ye io te as a ate oH woe PLATE Ill oe Zin GRAM B LEPIBOPTERA! vee LY RECORDS BER 19H Novem ER 1978 SCARCE ale SEPT i feo c | ARMIGERA SACRARIA UNI PUNCTA OBSTIPATA UNIONALIS NI NOCTUE EXIGUA ATROPOS VITELLINA ORICHALCEA 2040 3) ( 4523 SF JOU 12 13 141516 171819202; 2223242512930 1 3 45 G78 4 I0fl AUGUST — SEPTEMBER’ OCTOBER NOVEMBER IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES 85 On 16th October winds over south England veered sharply to north west and north, and the few records of immigrants during the following week probably represented survivors rather than new arrivals. But from 25th October, with warm fronts again from the south west, it is clear that immigration began again, and this seems to have built up further during the first half of November with almost continuously south west and even south winds, sometimes of gale force, and with unseasonably high temperatures. The records of scarce immi- grants reached a high peak on 10th November, and then fell irregularly, with minor peaks which may represent either fresh immigration or survivors. The prolonged warm spell was ended after 24th November by a week of cold, with severe frosts at least away from the coast, and it is possible that subsequent records to 5th December were of fresh arrivals. The immigrations of late October and November had only a limited species content, being dominated by M. unipuncta of which about 270 were recorded in Britain. Until the middle of November they were accompanied by small numbers of O. obstipata, and by a late R. sacraria on 8th. There were also two Spodoptera exigua Hubner, which had not been previously recorded in Britain, and single examples of Hippotion celerio L. at Sway, South Hampshire, West Witter- ing, West Sussex, and Waterbeach, Cambs., for which most past records have been in October and November. Records of M. unipuncta extended round the coasts from Suffolk on the east to Westmorland, Isle of Man, and the Isle of Canna on the west; but less than a dozen examples were reported more than ten miles from the sea. Among the common species there were many more U. ferrugalis and P. saucia than earlier in the year, moderate numbers of P. meticulosa and A. gamma, and at least one of that rarity of 1978, N. noctuella. Apart from M. unipuncta, this composition agreed well with those of autumn immigrations in previous years, though it was considerably later. For Ireland we have records from only one trap, which was almost continuously operated from 20th August to 26th September and from 7th October to 11th November near the coast at Fountainstown, co. Cork, and from another observer for shorter periods in October and November at Killarney, co. Kerry. At Fountainstown little of interest was seen in August or September except one H. armigera on 24th September and an example of Discestra trifolii Hufn., which had not been reported in Ireland since 1930 and may be only immigrant there. The timing and pattern of the mid October influx differed considerably from that in Britain. It began very suddenly on 13th October, and seems to have lasted for only three or four nights, with survivors merging with another small influx late in the month. The dominant species was already M. unipuncta, of which 48 were recorded from 13th to 15th and a further 13 by 22nd. In this period R. sacraria counted 25 (plus 6 at Killarney, where the only other migrants seen were half a dozen A. gamma): N. noctuella 20: O. obstipata and 86 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 P. unionalis seven each; M. vitellina, two; D. orichalcea, one on 20th; A. gamma very few. But singles of Trichoplusia ni Hiibn. on 13th and of A. atropos L. on 14th, and a pair of S. exigua on 15th represented species which were not recorded in Britain at this time. Arrivals seem to have begun again about 23rd October, and after gales and cold nights from 5th to 8th November what was probably another wave built up to a peak on 11th, much as in Britain. These later immigrations added a further 53 M. unipuncta, 2 R. sacraria, 17 O. obstipata, and 5 N. noctuella. The total of 114 M. unipuncta in a single trap at Fountainstown was approached in Britain only by that of 95 similarly recorded at Hayling Island, South Hampshire. Little information is yet available about migration in 1978 on the Continent. In France, during an expedition by road from Calais to the south east, from 23rd July to 3rd August, one of the authors noted that the usual migratory butterflies appeared to be very scarce, as in England, and dur- ing some night collecting in Dauphiny little was seen of the migratory moths. Later, we have been informed that M. unipuncta was seen “in thousands” at Lourdes in the south west, and that it was also recorded in November near Charleroi and Liége in Belgium, where also three examples of S. littoralis were caught near Brussels in October. From the Netherlands, however, a barren year is reported. The authors acknowledge gratefully records received directly or indirectly from over 80 recorders, whose names are listed in Annexe I, and also local histograms from Mr, Colin Pratt and meteorological back-tracks from Mr. Peter Davey. Records of the scarcer immigrant species are detailed in Annexe II, where those for each species are arranged in geographical order by vice counties, recorders’ initials being given where there are several for the same locality. Full details for the common species were not generally requested and except in some special cases these have been referred to in the main text only. Nearly all records refer to attendances of moths at light, many of them in regularly monitored garden traps; but there are also some important field records and diurnal observations. Dates stated here are as far as possible those of lighting up, not those of trap clearance on the follow- ing day; but it has not been practicable to check this in all cases, so that the daily totals shown in the histograms or otherwise referred to may be subject to a small margin of error. The localities recorded are rather more numerous than those named in “‘Annual Migration Records, 1966 and 1967” (R. A. French, 1971, Entomologist 104: 204-218), years in which immigration appears to have been on a scale broadly similar to that in 1978. In addition to the species listed, records of some “‘suspected immigrants’ need consideration. A single specimen of Mega- nola albula D. & S. was trapped at Bradwell-on-Sea, S. Essex, on 28th July. Previous examples which have been noted there IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES 87 m ten of the years from 1949 to 1973 have been regarded as migrants, and occasional records in Suffolk and Lincolnshire in the past are also suggestive of immigration. No resident colony appears to be known in Esssex; but several exist, or have existed, both on the coast and well inland, from Kent to Devon, and it seems possible that the Bradwell specimens may have come from a local Essex colony which has been overlooked because of the small size of the moth and its superficial resemblance to several common micro-lepidoptera. Of Rhyacia simulans Hufn. one was caught at Boughton- under-Blean, East Kent, on 7th September, and no less than nine at Bradwell-on-Sea, and elsewhere in Essex between 29th July and 10th September. Some at least of these were of a darker form than those found in Gloucestershire (cf. Ent. Rec., 90: 324). There has been only one previous record in Essex (at Coxtie Green in 1974) and none confirmed in Kent. But occasional past occurrences of the species elsewhere far from its normal range in Britain are more suggestive of internal vagrancy in years of abundance than of immigration. Of Senta flammea Curtis one specimen was found on the top of a reed in Pevensey Levels, East Sussex, on 14th June. There have been other occasional records of it in Sussex and Kent in past years, but no resident colony there is known. The possibility of short distance migration across the Channel from the marshes of the Somme or the Pas de Calais, where the species is locally abundant, should not be excluded. Its nearest known British localities are probably in the fens of East Anglia. Finally, a specimen of the Monarch, Danus plexippus L. was seen at Epsom, Surrey, on 11th September, which may or may not have been an escape from captivity. Some warnings must be given about the use and interpreta- tion of these records. The coverage, though geographically wide, is uneven and has important gaps. Because there are many more potential recorders in south east England than in any Other region the relative frequency of immigrants there is likely to be considerably overstated. Regular recordings are especially few or absent for the south western English counties, south Wales, and most of Ireland, where in past years many immigrants have been reported. The authors very much hope that further records may be received both from these places and elsewhere, for possible publication in a supplement. It is also hoped to continue the collection and publication of migra- tion records in 1979. Precise determination of the timing of the arrival of migrations is difficult. Simultaneous records after a blank period are a reasonably safe guide in most cases; but thereafter records may represent a mixture of survivors and further arrivals. Moreover, high numbers on particular nights may be due to improved flying conditions or more recording, rather than to new arrivals. Further, since the life span of immigrants after arrival is unknown, and may well vary between species and with temperatures, there is often uncertainty for how long 88 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 after a time of abundance straggling records reflect survivors of old or the beginning of new immigration. This is well illustrated by the records of M. unipuncta and other species in late October and again in late November and early Decem- ber 1978. The determination of origin is still more speculative. Most of the species immigrant to the British Isles have very wide distributions abroad; only rarely is it possible to identify origin at all closely by reference to the species, sub-species or form of the immigrant. Information about conditions in potential areas of origin is usually either non-existent or mis- leading by its very scantiness or selectivity. Expert meteo- rological back-tracks can give valuable general clues; but so little is yet known about average flight speeds of the various species concerned, or about the extent to which they may deviate accidentally or deliberately from a direct down wind course, that the distance between the origins indicated as possible may be very great. This is clearly shown by Mr. Davey’s alternative tracks which are described above. The field for the gathering of further information, and for research into the physiology of immigrant lepidoptera is enormous. ANNEXE I RECORDERS AND LOCALITIES Archer-Lock, A., S. Devon, Corn- wall. Arcy, John d’, Cholderton, S. Wilt- shire; Edington, S. Wiltshire. Baker, B. R., Caversham, Read- ing Berks. Baker, P. J., Swanage, Dorset. Baskcomb, K. N., Worth Mal- travers, Dorset. Bell, R., Sparsholt, N. Hants; Swanage, Dorset, per Col. D. H. ’ Sterling and B. Skinner. Bland, K. P., Mid Lothian. Blathwayt, C. S. H., Weston-super- Mare, N. Somerset. Briggs, J., Beetham, Westmorland. Bretherton, R. F., Dittisham, S. Devon; Bramley, Surrey. Brown, D. C. G., Charlecote, etc., Warwicks: ; Northamptonshire; Studland, Portland, Dorset. Burton, G. N., Sheppey, E. Kent. Cadman, M., Trew, W. Cornwall, per Dr. F. H. W. Smith. Campbell, J. L., Isle of Canna, Hebrides. Chambers, D. A., East Malling, W. Kent. Chipperfield, H. E., Charmouth, Dorset; Walberswick, E. Suffolk. Classey, E. W., Southrop, N. Glos. Corley, M., Littleworth, Berks. Craik, J. C. A., Ashurst, Hants. Dey, D., Rainham, Gillingham, E. Kent. Demuth, R., Oakridge, N. Glos. Dewick, A. J. and S. F., Bradwell- on-Sea, S. Essex. Dickson, R., Titchfield Haven, S. Hants. Dillon, T. J., Oxted, Surrey. Dixon, C. H., Micheldever, N. Hants. Down, D. G., Swanage, Dorset. Duffield, J., Brook, E. Kent. Dunn, T. G., Fort Augustus, E. Inverness. Dyke, R., Malborough, S. Devon. Edmunds, H. A., Crawley Down, N. Hants, per BENHS. Else, G. R. and Sterling, P. H., Compton Chine, Isle of Wight. Elvidge, M., Horsell, Surrey, per Dr. C. G. M. de Worms. Evans, K. G. W., Addiscombe, Surrey; St. Alban’s Head, Dor- set. Fairclough, R., Leigh, Surrey; Thaxted, N. Essex. Garland, S. P., Sheffield, S.W. Yorks. Greenwood, J. A. C., Rogate, W. Sussex. Gregory, J. Es St Cornwall. Hadley, M., Eastbourne, E. Sussex. Halstead, A. J., Wisley, Surrey. Harman, T. W., Westbere and Ham Street, E. Kent. Harper, Dr. M., Ledbury, Here- fords. Haynes, R. F., Killarney, Kerry. Hedges, J., Ballakaighen, Isle of Man. Horton, Dr. G. A. N., Usk, Mon. Holmes, J., Bordon, N. Hants. Austell, E. IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES 89 Jewess, P., Aylesford, W. Kent. Kettlewell, H. B. D., Steeple Bar- ton, Oxon. Knill-Jones, S. A., Freshwater, Isle of Wight. Langmaid, Dr. J. R., Southsea, S. Hants. Leavett, R., Insh, Inverness-hire, per E. C. Pelham-Clinton. Largen, R. E., Findon, W. Sussex. Leech, M. J., Ross-on-Wye, Here- fords. Leestmans, R., France. empke, B. J., Netherlands. Lorimer, R. I., Totteridge, Herts. Meredith, P. R., Chipping Sod- bury, S. Glos., per B. Skinner. Messenger, J. L. Wormley, Surrey. Belgium, S.W. Michaelis, H. N., Glan Conwy, Denbighs. Myers, A. A., Fountainstown, co. Cork (mid.) O’Hefferman, H. L., Chillington, S. Devon. Parsons, M., Swanage, Eastborne, E. Sussex. Pelham-Clinton, E. C., Winch- burgh, W. Lothian. leemawy, (Cy (Cl, joer ANG JE Se Exhibition. Philp, E. G., Maidstone, E. Kent. Pickering, R. R., Aldwick Bay, W. Sussex. Pickles, Mr. and Mrs. A. J., Ly- mington, S. Hants. Pooles, S., Eastbourne, E. Sussex. Dorset; Porter, J., The Lizard, W. Corn- wall. Pratt, C., Peacehaven, E. Sussex. Richardson, Austin, St. Agnes, Scilly; Poldhu, W. Cornwall. Rix, I. P.. Swaffham, W. Norfolk. Rogers, D. A., Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, S. Devon. Senior, G. Petersfield, S. Hants., per BENHS. Skinner, B., Dungeness, E. Kent; Swanage, Dorset; Birling Gap.., E. Sussex. Smith, Dr. F. H. N., Perranporth, W. Cornwall. Sterling, Col. D. H., Winchester, S. Hants; Leckford, N. Hants. Stirling, P. M., Purley, Surrey. Summers, G., St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles. Thomas, J. D., Waterbeach, Cambs., per J. Heath. Townsend, M., Gibraltar Point, N. Lincs. Tweedie, M. F. W., Green, E. Sussex. Valletta, A., Malta. Wallace, Dr. I. D. Speke, S. Lancs. Walters, J., Hayling Is., S. Hants. Watkinson, Dr. I. A., Boughton- under-Blean, E. Kent. Watson, R. A., Sway, S. Hants. Wild, E. H., Selsdon, Surrey. Winter, P. Q., Muston, nr. Filey, S.E.. Yorks. Withers, B. G., Stoborough, Dor- Set. Houghton ANNEXE II RECORDS OF SCARCER IMMIGRANT SPECIES IN 1978 (received by February 1979) EUCHROMIUS OCELLEA Haw. MONMOUTHSHIRE. Usk. 14.10 URESIPHITA LIMBALIS D. & S. DORSET. Stoborough, 10.10. N. HANTS. Sparsholt. 10.10. PALPITA UNIONALIS Hibner. DORSET. Charmouth, 10.10; Furzebrook, 11.10. N. HANTS. Micheldever, 26.10. S. HANTS. South- sea, 20.10. W. SUSSEX. Rogate, 26.10. E. KENT. Dungeness, 14.10 (P.M.S.). E. ESSEX. Bradwell-on-Sea, 29.7. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 13.10 (3), 15.10 (2), 18.10, 19.10 —7 in all. PIERIS BRASSICAE L. f. CATALEUCA Rober. SURREY, Bramley, 11.10, outside light trap at 23 hrs. CYCLOPHORA PUPPILLARIA Hiibner. S. HANTS. Southsea, 14.10 (2) (BS.). DORSET. Swanage, 15.10; Lymington, 24.10; Winchester, 14.10. N. HANTS. Micheldever, 11.10, 21.10. WARWICKS. Alveston, 13.10. RHODOMETRA SACRARIA L. W. CORNWALL. Perranporth, 14.10. E. CORNWALL, St. Austell, 12.10, male, 21.10, female. S. DEVON. Yarner Wood, 9.10, 15.10. DORSET. Stoborough, 9.10, 10.10, 11.10 (2), 13.10 (2), 14.10, stragglers later; Swanage, 10.11 (M.P.). Charmouth, 10.10. S. HAMPSHIRE. Ashurst, 8.10; 9.10. Lymington, 13.10, male, 14.10, male; Winchester, 14.10. N. HAMPSHIRE. Micheld- ever, 10.10, 11.10; 8.11; Leckford, 14.10; Sparsholt, 14.10 (2), 25.10 (2): Crawley Down, 15.10 (3). W. SUSSEX. Findon, 12.10; Rogate, 13.10, female, 14.10, male, 26.10, female. E. SUSSEX. Peacehaven, 25.8: 90 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 11.10; 8.11. E. KENT. Boughton-u-Blean, 14.10. W. KENT. East Mall- ing, 11.10, 18.10. SURREY. Wormley, 7.10, 14.10; Leigh, 9.10; Addis- combe, 9.10; Purley, 11.10, male; Wisley, 15.10; Selsdon, 21.10. S. ESSEX, Bradwell-on-Sea, 25.10, female. HERTS. Totteridge, 10.10; Little Hadham, 11.10 (2). W. NORFOLK. Beachamswell, 14.10. S. WILT- SHIRE. Cholderton, 15.10 (2). S. GLOS. Chipping Sodbury, 10.10. HEREFORDS. Ross-on-Wye, 13.10, male; Ledbury, 24.10, male. WAR- WICKS. Charlecote, 10.10 (2), 14.10; Hampton Lucy, 14.10 (2); Thels- ford, 14.10. S.W. YORKS. Sheffield, 11.10, male. ISLE OF MAN. Ballakaighen, 8.10, male. WEST LOTHIAN. Winchburgh, 11.10. E. INVERNESS. Fort Augustus, 10.10. CO. KERRY (NORTH). Killarney, 11, 12, 13.10, one male, five females, all of the ochreous brown form. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 13.10 (4), 14.10 (10), 15.10 (3), KENO GD), WO, OMe, 20510) (Aye USO, AE RUO) tell. ORTHONAMA OBSTIPATA F. W. CORNWALL. Perranporth, 13.8, male, 14.10, male. E. CORNWALL. St. Austell, 9.11. DORSET. Stoborough, 12.10, 13.10, ‘“‘stragglers later”; Swanage, 14.10 (7) (B.S.), 10.11, female (M.P.). S. WILTSHIRE, Cholderton, 15.10. BERKSHIRE. Caversham, 25.7. N. HAMPSHIRE. Sparsholt, 14.10; Crawley Down, 15.10. W. SUSSEX. Aldwick Bay, “quite frequent 2nd half 10”; Liss, 1.11, female on station glass. E. SUSSEX. Peace- haven, 96; 9, 12, 13, 14, (2).10; 3, 5, 8.11 (9 in all). E. KENT. Ham Street, 10.11; Dungeness, 12.10 (2) (B.S.). S. HAMPSHIRE. Hayling Is., 7.10, 12.10. Ashurst, 10, 11 (2), 13.11. N. HAMPSHIRE. Crawley Down, 15.10. SURREY. Wormley, 11.9; 8.10; Bramley, 2.11, male; Selsdon, 2.11, female; Leigh, 9.11, male. E. ESSEX. Bradwell-on-Sea, 14.10, female; 23.11, female. WARWICKS. Charlecote, 14.10 (2). WESTMORLAND. Beetham, 5.11, female. ISLE OF MAN. Balla- kaighen, 10.10. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 5.10, 14.10 (6); 8.11 (2), 10.11 (7), 11.11 (8) (5 in all). TERPNOMICTA TRIMACULATA Vill. DORSET. Stoborough, 13.6, male, with several A. ipsilon. AGRIUS CONVOLVULI L. ISLE OF WIGHT, 26.8, on fence post near cliff. N. HAMPSHIRE. Micheldever, 26.8. E. SUSSEX. Peace- haven, 12.7. N. ESSEX. Thaxted, 15.8, with many A. gamma. S. LANCS. Speke, 28.8, at rest. ACHERONTIA ATROPUS L. E. KENT. Preston Hall Hospital, Maidstone, 5.7, fresh. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 15.10. HYLES GALLII Rot. S. ESSEX. Bradwell-on-Sea, 5.8. HIPPOTION CELERIO L. S. HANTS. Sway, 10.11. W. SUSSEX. Wiest Wittering, no exact date. CAMBS. Waterbeach, 12.11, at house lights. CLOSTERA ANACHORETA D. & S. E. KENT. Dungeness, 18.8, male (E.H.W.). ; EUROIS OCCULTA L. S.E. YORKSHIRE. Muston, nr. Filey, 19.8. MYTHIMNA ALBIPUNCTA D. & S. S. DEVON. Dittisham, 4.9, male. DORSET. Swanage, 23.9 (P.J.B.), 26.9, 27.9 (4) (D.G.D.), 20.9 (R.B.). E. SUSSEX. Peacehaven, 9.10, 11.10; Houghton Green, 13.10; Eastbourne, Sept. or Oct., one (M.H.). E. KENT. Broughton-u- Blean, 13.10, 14.10. W. NORFOLK, Beachamswell, 14.10. MYTHIMNA VITELLINA Hiibner. W. CORNWALL. Poldhu, 23.9, 25.9; Perranporth, 9.10. S. DEVON. Malborough, 26.10. DORSET. Stoborough, 9.10 (2), 11.10 “‘stragglers later’. Swanage, 14.10 (9) (B:S.); 20.10 (R.B.); Studland, 22.10; Portland, 23.10, female, fertile ova; Char- mouth, 10.10. S. WILTSHIRE. Edington, 13.10. S. HANTS, Southsea, 10.10; Hayling Is., 11.10, 12.10 (2), 14.10 (2), 16.10, 1.11, 9.11 (8 in all). N. HANTS. Micheldever, 10.10, 12.10, 14.10; Sparsholt, 11.10, 25.10, 10.11. ISLE OF WIGHT. Freshwater, 11.11. W. SUSSEX. Findon, 9.10, 15.10 (7), 26.10, 31.10 (10 in all); Aldwick Bay, 14.10, 21.10, 23.10. E. SUSSEX. Houghton Green, 13.10; Birling Gap, 15.10 (3); Peacehaven, 27.10, 2.11, 8.11. E. KENT. Dungeness, 12.10 (6) (B.S.); Sheppey, 15.10. S. ESSEX. Bradwell-on-Sea, 9.10, 21.10. BERKS. Littleworth, 9.10 (2). N. GLOS. Southrop, 13.10. WARWICKS. Charlecote, 14.10; Hampton Lucy, 14.10; Thelford, 14.10. N. LINCS. Gibraltar Point, 14.10. S.E. IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES 91 YORKS. Muston, nr. Filey, 11.10. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 18.10, 19.10. MYTHIMNA UNIPUNCTA Haw. WEST CORNWALL. Poldhu, 23.9; St. Agnes, Scilly, 29.9, 30.9; Perranporth, 12.10, female, 28.10 (2 females), 9.11. E. CORNWALL. Par, 24.10, male, 6.11, male, 16.11, male. S. DEVON. Malborough, 22.10, 26.10. DORSET. Stoborough, 13.10; Swanage, 14.10 (2) (B.S.), 21.10 (R.B.); Studland, 22.10; Char- mouth, 10.10; St. Albans Head, 21.10 (2). S. WILTSHIRE. Cholderton, 13.10. ISLE OF WIGHT. Freshwater, 10.11 (10). S. HAMPSHIRE. Ashurst, 13.10, 6.11, 9.11, 10.11 (3); Hayling Is., 13.10, 31.10 (2), 1.11, BA Bh Alle TIL GS oll (GO) QAM Sa LON TO ADIN eat eA) 101 GY. a GO), wl @s Ws GP WGA GDR ei (Gs co) 19.11 (4), 20.11 (7), 21.11 (7), 22.11 (4), 23.11 (4), 24.11 (3), 25.11 ©), 26a S01) W122 2312075212 (95) injall): Petersfield, 4.11; Winchester, 10.11; Southsea, 6.11 (2), 7.11 (3), 8.11 (2), 9.11 @), 10.11, 11.11, 12.11, hie Oy tt Sit 16 G4). 21MIN invall)) Mitchield Haven, 1.11 to 24.11 (c. 12 in all). W. SUSSEX. Rogate, 13.10, 25.10, male, 7.11 (worn male), 11.11, 21.11, 3.12; Findon, 31.10, 8.11. Aldwick Bay, 5.11, 6.11, 24.11. E. SUSSEX. Peacehaven, 12.10, 30.10, 31.10 (2), 2.11 (Gye ZAM, Callie Weill Cy Sole Gy MOS (AE UNL ys TZ, AEN 13.11 (2) (2 in all); Birling Gap, 15.10 (2 at sugar); Eastbourne, 2.11 (2), 10.11 (2), 11.11, 12.11 (2), 13.11 (M.W.); 5.11, 6.11 (S.P..; Houghton Green, 7.11, 8.11. E. KENT. Boughton-u-Blean, 8.11, female, 10.11, male, 11.11, female, 12.11, male, 13.10, 27.11, female (6 in all); West- bere, 6.11; HamStreet Village, 10.11 (5). W. KENT. East Malling, 8.11. SURREY. Selsdon, 14.10 with 61 P. meticulosa and 20 A. gamma; Horsell, 1.11; Oxted, 14.11. S. ESSEX. Bradwell-on-Sea, 7.10, 12.10, 2610R@) e229 108 8 TalON®) sett s@). 2atlers si) Sette T a); 8.11 (4), 9.11 (5), 10.11, 11.11 (5S), 14.11 @), 16.11, 17.11 (4), 18.11 6), 19.11, 21.11, 23.11. BERKS. Littleworth, 11.10; Caversham, 7.11. E. SUFFOLK. Walberswick, 10.11. NORTHAMPTONS. Deans Hanger, 12.10; Marton, 26.10. N. GLOS. Oakridge, 13.10. MONMOUTHS. Usk, 12.10. WARWICKS. Charlecote, 9.11, female, 11.11, female. WEST- MORLAND. Beetham, 11.11, males. ISLE OF MAN. Ballakaighen, 4.11, 5.11, 6.11,, 9.11. WEST LOTHIAN. Winchburgh, 20.9, female. HEBRIDES. Isle of Canna, 11.11, found in house after incessant gales. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 13.10 (24), 14.10 (18), 15.10 (6), 16.10 (3), 17.10 (2), 18.10 (2), 19.10 (2), 20.10 (13, 21.10 (2), 22.10, 23.10 (3), 24.10 (5S), 25.10 (3), 29.10 (7), 30.10 (3), 1.11, 3.11 (2), 4.11 (3), 5.11, 9.11 (5), 10.11 (3), 11.11 (19) (114 in all). MYTHIMNA LOREYI Dup. DORSET. Swanage, 14.10 (B:S.). TRIGONOPHORA FLAMMEA Esp. DORSET. Swanage, 14.10 (2, females) (B.S.). SPODOPTERA EXIGUA Hubner. N. HANTS. Lindford, nr. Borden, 28.10. W. SUSSEX. Aldwick Bay, 23.11. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 15.10 (2). SPODOPTERA LITTORALIS Bdy. DORSET. Stoborough, 13.10, worn. S. HANTS. Lymington, 13.10, worn. ATHETIS HOSPES Frr. W. CORNWALL. The Lizard. 27.8. HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA Hiibner. DORSET. Stoborough, 10.10; Swanage, 20.10 (2). W. KENT. Aylesford, 14.10 (@). E. KENT. Boughton-u-Blean, 13.10, 21.10; Rainham, nr. Gillingham, 14.10, at a street lamp. SURREY. Purley, 13.10. N. GLOS. Oakridge, 12.10. BERKS. Littleworth, 13.10. OXON. Steeple Barton, 13.10, 15.10, both dark form, with 150 P. meticulosa, and A. ipsilon, P. saucia. HERE- FORDS. Ross-on-Wye, 15.10. CO. CORK (MID). Fountainstown, 24.9. HELIOTHIS PELTIGERA D. & S. DENBIGHS. Glan Conwy, 11.10. S. WILTSHIRE. Edington, 13.10. DORSET. Swanage, 21.10 (R.B.). W. SUSSEX. Findon, 12.10. E. SUSSEX. Peacehaven, 14.10. _ CHRYSODEIXIS CHALCITES Esp. E. INVERNESS. Insh, nr. Kincraig, 10.10, on a house wall. es Soe ee a NI Hubner. CO CORK (MID). Fountainstown, DIACHRYSIA ORICHALCEA F. N. GLOS. Southrop, 14.10. CO. CORK (MID. Fountainstown, 20.10. 92 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 Microlepidoptera in Scotland, 1978 By A. M. EMMET * My wife and I visited Scotland between the 19th of July and the 9th of August 1978. Our entomological objects were as follows: — } (1) To study the life histories of certain northern species of Microlepidoptera so that these may be described in forth- coming volumes of MBGBI. (2) To study the nepticulids feeding on Rubus chamaemorus. (3) To study Stigmella nanivora (Petersen), a form or species of uncertain status feeding on Betula nana. (4) To look for evidence of the presence in Scotland of Etainia albimaculella (Larsen), a north European species feeding on Arctostaphylos uyva-ursi. (5) To make as many vice-county records as possible of leaf- mining lepidoptera, continuing the work of previous visits in 1972 and 1975. Since the purpose of our visit was to collect information rather than specimens, I shall not give the usual travelogue but deal with the results achieved species by species, introduc- ing discussion where necessary. Our precise route is of little consequence; we made records in the following vice- counties: — 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 87, 90, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98. 99, 101, 105, 106, 107 and 108. We also visited North Northumberland (VC 68), one of the least recorded English vice-counties, and made one or two records on our journey north in Nottinghamshire (VC 56) and Mid-west Yorkshire (VC 64). We were accompanied, and greatly assisted, by Mr. E. C. Pelham-Clinton on the 23rd of July and from the 28th of July to the 4th of August, and by Mr. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt from the 28th to the 30th of July. In all, we made 322 Scottish and 27 English vice-county records which are apparently new; these will appear in future volumes of MBGBI or, in the case of the species already described in Volume I, in the proposed supplement which will give over 600 vice-county records made since publication. NEPTICULIDAE Ectoedemia argyropeza (Zeller). Although the larva does not appear in the blade of the leaf until October, records can quite easily be made from the ovum, which is laid in a constant position on the side of the petiole of an aspen leaf. The moth’s range extends considerably further north than had been supposed, reaching Aviemore (VC 95) and Toomich (VC 96). Fomoria septembrella (Stainton). This species, which was first recorded in Scotland in 1976 from Midlothian (VC 83) by Mr. K. Bland, was found in five other central Scottish counties. Its principal foodplant in Scotland seems to be Hypericum pulchrum. Etainia albimaculella (Larsen). This species, described by Adamczewski (1947), is quite likely to occur in Scotland, but is particularly difficult to detect. The larva mines a twig and *Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3AF. MICROLEPIDOPTERA IN SCOTLAND, 1978 93 petioles of Arctostaphylos in late summer and winter, moving in spring into the base of the leaf where it pupates. We spent a whole morning searching bearberry at Tulloch Moor (VC 96) and E.C.P-C. found a sprig in which the petioles had undoubtedly been mined. The sprig, which was this year’s growth, was kept under observation until it withered, but there was no sign of a larva or further feeding. Our timing was wrong; the leaves containing pupae probably drop off the plant in spring, like those containing Fomoria weaveri (Stain- ton) from Vaccinium vitis-idaea and the feeding of the next generation of larvae would hardly be noticeable as early as July. It would be well worth the while of a diligent and patient microlepidopterist to search for it in April or May. Stigmella aurella (Fabricius). Since the larva of this species mines during the winter, it is unable to withstand severe frost and its history in Scotland is one of alternate extension and contraction of range, according to the mildness or severity of the winter. In 1978 we found mines only in one maritime vice-county, namely Kintyre (VC 101). S. splendidissimella (Herrich-Schaffer) and S. tengstroemi (Nolcken). I have previously written that though we have a nepticulid feeding on cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) in the Highlands of Scotland, its identity is uncertain (Emmet in Heath et al., 1976: 223). During our Scottish visit of 1975, my wife and I collected tenanted mines at two altitudes on Cairngorm (VC 96) and near the Lecht Road (VCs 92 and 94). Several moths which emerged in August, 1975 appeared to be referable to S. tengstroemi but were destroyed when a clumsy batman dropped the drawer which contained them. Early in 1976 more adults emerged, this time of two species, one resembling S. tengstroemi and the other S. splendidissi- mella. The mystery of the conflicting descriptions of “S. tengstroemi’”’ in our literature was now explained, but further doubt was engendered over whether the second species really was S. splendidissimella. At the time of collection I failed to observe any differences in larval coloration or mines suggest- ing that two species were involved and the mines I had pressed included none which were characteristic of S. splendid- issimella. Mr. E. S. Bradford kindly made dissections and drawings of the genitalia of both sexes of the Scottish “‘splendidissimella’’ and British specimens from Wicken Fen for comparison; we could find no significant differences. Thus there was an apparent conflict between the evidence of the specimens themselves and their biology. In 1978 we revisited the exact localities where we had collected in 1975 and now that we knew what to look for, there was no difficulty in separating the mines into two species. Those in the cloudberry growing at 1,600 feet just above the tree-line were S. splendidissimella, whereas those on plants growing at about 2,600 feet and above the start of the ski-lift were S. tengstroemi. Evidently all the mines I pressed in 1975 Me from the higher ground and represented S. tengstroemi only. 94 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/I1V/79 In both species the ovum is usually laid on the underside of a leaf; thereafter the larvae and mines differ as follows: — S. splendidissimella. Larva greenish yellow, head light brown, ganglia greyish; mine a long, rather angular, irregular gallery, mainly with linear frass leaving broad, clear margins, but also with short areas of cloudy or dispersed frass. Cocoon grey-green. S. tengstroemi. Larva pale yellow, head and ganglia yellow- brown; mine shorter and more contorted, often ending in a small blotch; the frass is at first rather cloudy, filling the gallery, but later is broken-linear, more copious in quantity, leaving only narrow clear margins. Cocoon yellow-brown to brown. S. tengstroemi, at any rate in captivity, is partially bivol- tine, about half the adults emerging in August after a pupal period of two or three weeks, whereas the remainder lie over until the next spring. Whether wild August adults could parent a second generation able to finish feeding before the foodplant dies down is questionable. S. splendidissimella, on the other hand, appears to be wholly univoltine in the Highlands. A long series labelled “‘tengstroemi’’ in the Tyerman collection (BMNH) consists entirely of S. splendidissimella. Likewise, the specimens bred by Threlfall and now in the Dorset County Museumn, Dorchester are referable to S. splendidissimella (Brown, 1967); Threlfall himself doubted whether they were S. tengstroemi. Tutt (1899: 247) considered that there was only one authentic British specimen of S. tengstroemi; this was collected as a larva south of Loch Rannoch, Perthshire by Carrington and given to Sang who bred the adult which he later gave to Dr. Mason. I am not aware of the species having been reared in Britain in the -hundred years which elapsed between Carrington’s specimen and my own. We found S. splendidissimella in two other localities and on three other foodplants. On the 21st of July my wife found its mines on wood avens (Geum urbanum) beside the R. Leven at Markinch, Fifeshire. Searching of the area revealed that they were much more plentiful on wild raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Then on the 2nd of August E.C.P-C. guided us to the enclosures at Inchnadamph, West Sutherland (VC 108); these are patches of mountainside fenced off to exclude grazing sheep and deer and consequently supporting rich vegetation. E.C.P-C. had found vacated mines there on stone bramble (R. saxatilis) in the past and we wished to establish their identity. The mines still occurred plentifully and the larval coloration, the mine-form and, later, the colour of the cocoons all indicated that they were S. splendidissimella. It is interest- ing that mines on cloudberry in the same enclosure were, on the same grounds, referable to S. tengstroemi. The validity of S. tengstroemi as a distinct species is questioned by continental authors. Borkowski (1975: 506) considers S. poterii (Stainton, 1857), S. tengstroemi (Nolcken, 1971) and S. serella (Stainton, 1888) to be conspecific. Certainly MICROLEPIDOPTERA IN SCOTLAND, 1978 95 the adults look alike and the genitalia have not been examined in enough specimens to show whether the slight differences which have been observed are constant. Yet if they are treated as one species on three foodplants, more problems are raised than solved. S. poterii feeds on salad burnet (Poterium sanguisorba) and is almost entirely confined to chalk and limestone; S. tengstroemi is limited to cloudberry on moun- tains; and S. serella to tormentil (Potentilla erecta) growing in damp situations amongst heather or long grass. Often two of these foodplants are found growing together on the same ground, but I know of no instance where both plants are attacked. For example, in the Highlands tormentil is sympatric with cloudberry and very much more common; yet diligent searching failed to disclose any feeding on tormentil in the areas where S. tengstroemi occurs. S. serella does, however, occur on lower ground in the Highlands; indeed, its type locality is in Perthshire. Tormentil and salad burnet grow side by side in the Burren, Co. Clare, yet only S. serella is recorded in Ireland. I could cite numerous other instances. It seems that the moth associated with each foodplant is unable (or at any rate disinclined) to transfer to another. Though the mines of S. poterii and S. serella are similarly formed, those of S. tengstroemi are dissimilar. My specimens of S. tengstroemi seem marginally larger than those of the other two species. Pending further study the three are best regarded as distinct. S. dryadella (Hofmann). This was scarce but mines were found at Invernaver Nature Reserve and Eribol (West Suther- land, VC 108), and at Loch Kishorn (Wester Ross, VC 105), the last being a new vice-county record. S. paradoxa (Frey). It is remarkable that this species which was added to the British list only in 1969 (Emmet, 1970) has already been recorded from 43 vice-counties. This year’s records brings the Scottish vice-county total to 11, the range extending as far north as Mid Perthshire (VC 88). S. betulicola f. nanivora (Petersen). I was sent mines in July, 1974 from Inverness-shire, but the larvae were dead on arrival. Since virtually nothing is known of nanivora in Britain, I was particularly keen to find tenanted mines. I obtained details of the locality which is on the mountains west of the Alvie Estate, MR NH 859118, with plants scattered thinly over a wider area. Permission is necessary, but willingly granted by the agent. We tramped up on one of the wettest days of a cold and wet holiday and had no difficulty in locating patches of Betula nana; some of them have been marked with posts by the botanists. However a long and thorough search revealed larval feeding of Atemelia torquatella (Zeller) in plenty, but no sign of the nepticulid. The inference is that nanivora is essentially univoltine, feeding in the early autumn, and only producing a summer brood in favourable seasons—a small crumb of information to set against the disappointment of failure in one of our objectives. Other nepticulids for which new vice-county records 96 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 were obtained were Ectoedemia mediofasciella (Haworth), E. pulverosella (Stainton), Trifurcula immundella (Zeller), Stig- mella sorbi (Stainton), S. plagicolella (Stainton), S. salicis (Stainton), S. auritella (Skala), S. myrtillella (Stainton), S. trimaculella (Haworth), S. floslactella (Haworth), S. tityrella (Stainton), S. perpygmaeella (Doubleday) (pygmaeella Haworth)), S. hemargyrella (Kollar), S. atricapitella (Haworth), S. ruficapitella (Haworth), S. svenssoni (Johansson), S. malella (Stainton), S. hybnerella (Hiibner), S. nylandriella (Tengstr6m) (aucupariae (Frey)), S. magdalenae (Klimesch) (nylandriella sensu auctt.), S. crataegella (Klimesch), S. betulicola (Stain- ton), S. microtheriella (Haworth), S. lapponica (Wocke) and S. confusella (Wood). INCURVARIIDAE Records were made of Phylloporia bistrigella (Haworth), Incurvaria pectinea (Haworth) and Lampronia oehlmanniella (Hubner). HELIOZELIDAE Heliozela resplendella (Stainton). When the map was printed (MBGBI, I: 303) there were only three vice-county records in Scotland; now there are 16, extending to the north coast at Borgie Bridge, West Sutherland (VC 108). H. hammoniella (Sorhagen) (betulae (Stainton)). First noted in Scotland in the south-west in 1975, this species is now known in nine vice-counties, the most northerly record being at Dallachoilish, Argyll Main (VC 98). LYONETIIDAE Leucoptera orobi (Stainton). This was recorded in East Inverness-shire (VC 96) as well as in Moray (VC 95), where it is well-known. Both larvae and adults were found and a gap ‘in the knowledge of the life history was filled. The cocoon is spun on a leaf like that of L. laburnella (Stainton) and is constructed in a similar manner, each end having a sprung orifice which opens under pressure from within; consequently the sloughed larval skin is extruded from the cocoon on pupa- tion. With L. lotella (Stainton) there is no such opening and the larval exuviae are retained within the cocoon. Paraleucoptera sinuella (Reutti). A thorough search was made of the aspens near Aviemore station where this species used to occur, but no trace of its mines could be found. Bucculatrix capreella (Krogerus). Mines, free-feeding larvae and cocoons were found near Kincraig, East Inverness- shire (VC 96) and adults were bred. Descriptions were made for MBGBI and West Inverness-shire (VC 97) was added as a new vice-county record. New vice-county records were also made for Leucoptera laburnella (Stainton), L. spartifoliella (Hubner), Lyonetia clerkella (Linnaeus), Bucculatrix nigricomella (Zeller), B. cidarella (Zeller), B. ulmella (Zeller) and B. demaryella (Duponchel). (To be continued) OF Density Related Development in Andraca bipunctata (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae) By BARUNDEB BANERJEE * Density affects the dynamics of animal growth and popula- tions through a process of self-regulation (Chitty 1957). The functional relationship between density and development has been studied in several insects (Beaver 1973; Klomp 1966; Henneberry and Kishaba 1966; Gruys 1970) but not in any tropical species. This paper quantitates the effects of varying density levels of larval instars and fecunds of Andraca bipunc- tata (Walker) on its growth rate. Aspects of the biology of this moth are discussed elsewhere (Banerjee 1970, 1971, 1979). MATERIALS AND METHODS Field collected moths were kept in the insectaries under natural fluctuations of light, temperature and humidity. Some of these moths mated and laid eggs. The larvae, pupae and moths that sequentially emerged from these eggs were used in the experiments on density effects. Moths were kept in densities of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 pairs (1: 1 sex ratio) in insectary jars (diameter 30 cm.; height 40 cm.) and the total number of eggs laid by these pairs dur- ing an oviposition period of seven days was recorded. Sex wise survival of these moths was noted at intervals of seven and fifteen days. First to fifth instar larvae and pupae were reared separately in groups of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 in insectary jars mentioned earlier on tea leaves provided as food. Larvae and pupae in these containers were examined every third day to record growth, and mortality until 95% of the population could be accounted for. The three day sampling period was decided from a knowledge of the life cycle of the moth. In evaluating density effects of fifth instar larvae, larval duration as well as the weights of pupae that emerged at various larval densities were recorded, while those for pupae, eclosion and sex of moths were recorded. Each experiment had five replications with a control series having a single larva, pupa or moth depending on the nature of the experiment: all the replicates could not be run simultaneously. Experiments were conducted at room tem- perature varying between 23°C and 26°C under natural conditions of light. RESULTS 1. Oviposition In Table | the number of eggs laid at different density levels of the months during an oviposition period of seven days is shown. Although the variability due to individual ovi- position within the group and mating effect could not be studied, average oviposition in the groups was definitely lower than that of single (control) pair. Increase in density led to a steady decline in the total and average numbers of eggs, except * Tocklai Experimental Station, Jorhat 785 008, Assam. 98 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 at density level of 25, when oviposition was slightly higher than at 20 pair level: this possibly reflects more of individual variation rather than reversal of group effect. In general, low densities were conducive to high rate of oviposition. Thus during the seven day period, oviposition at density level of 25 pairs was 61% lesser than that at single pair level. Table 1. Fecundity of Andraca bipunctata Walker at different density levels with 1:1 sex ratio. Density level Total number of eggs Average oviposition’ (pairs of moths) laid in seven day per day per female 1 | 500 71.43 5 1754 50.11 10 3896 55.65 15 | 4832- 46.00 20 | 5432 38.80 25 7644 43.68 2 Adult survivorship Survivorship of the male and female moths at various density levels with 1:1 sex ratio is shown in Table 2. Moth survival declined with increase in the density, and at all densities, females survived slightly longer than that of males possibly to complete oviposition. Moth survival also declined with time because by the second week, i.e. on the 15th day after starting the experiment, there was on an average a 50% reduction in population at all density levels. Survivorship may therefore depend on an interaction between density level and time. Table 2. Survivorship of the adult moths of Andraca bipunctata Walker at different density levels with 1:1 sex ratio. Numbers surviving on; Density level Seventh day Fifteenth day (pairs of |-———___—_!W___ moth) Percentage Percentage Male | Female | of total moth | Male | Female | of total moth surviving surviving 10 4 4 80 3 2 50 20 6 9 75 4 3 55 30 y 11 66 7 8 50 40 13 17 75 10 2 55 50 16 18 68 11 14 50 3. Duration of larval development A measure of the density effect on larval duration may be obtained from the relationship: Mean duration of grouped larvae PCAs ey Tete Ge Meanedin sioner single larva 200 RELATED DEVELOPMENT IN ANDRACA BIPUNCTATA 99 The ratio computed for different larval instars at various density levels is shown in Figure |. A ratio of <1.00 indicates no difference in the duration of the developmental stages main- tained either in groups or singly, i.e. no density effect whereas > 1.00 shows a definite density effect. The effect was significant, though varying, at all density levels and on all developmental stages. At all density levels the effect was most marked on fourth larval instar and least on first larval instars, i.e. the ratio increased. 150 @ - 250 00 oO w200 2:00 we @————_-@ w rail og IV INSTAR w 150 e us e ails & 150 @ ll INSTAR we 10 20 30 40 50 = ul 100 ! ! @ 1 50 > > (°) 20 30 40 +200 phere at a 8 w ieee 4 Es G w 250 us woe Oo ,. z "SO Vv INSTAR w @ ea a. i aa 200 e Y [oo 10 20 30 40 50 e DENSITY LEVEL 50 tll INSTAR Fig. 1. foo To) 20 30 40 50 DENSITY LEVEL Fig. 1. Effect of larval density levels on the duration of larval stages of Andraca bipunctata Walker. Density effect is computed as the ratio of means duration of grouped larvae to mean of single larva. Density levels did not however have any specific effect on larval mortality: the mounting sucesses in the succeeding larval instars were almost identical at all density levels (Table 3). There was an overall decline in moulting as development progressed but the trend was identical at various density levels. 4. Pupal weight, eclosion and sex ratio Density levels of fifth larval instars affected the weight of the pupae that emerged in the groups. The ratio of mean group 100 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 Table 3. Effect of density on the percentage of moulting by larval instars of Andraca bipunctata Walker. Figures shown are the percentage of successful moulting from one larval instar to the next and are not continuous series. Instar Larval 10 20 30 40 50 density Instar 1 95 96 80 83 75 Instar 2 85 87 15) 1S 70 Instar 3 90 95 80 75 68 Instar 4 80 82 77 75 70 Instar 5 75 70 70 65 57 weight, i.e. weight of pupae reared at various density levels of fifth instars to individual weight decreased linearly with larval density, and at 50 density level the average weight of the pupae was nearly half of that at 10 density level (Figure 2). The correlation between density and weight was highly significant (7 = —0.98; P<0.01). o DENSITY EFFECT ° oO fe) 050 10 20 30 40 50 DENSITY LEVEL Fig. 2. Effect of densities of fifth larval instars of Andraca bipunctata Walker on pupal weight. Density effect is measured as the ratio of mean pupal weight to weight of single pupa. Weight of single pupa is about 240 mg. ; 3 Pupae kept at various density levels were followed to the emergence of moths. By and large, the percentage of eclosion was nearly the same at various density levels of the pupae and the sex ratio of the emerged moths did not vary significantly from an expected 1:1 sex ratio (Table 4). DISCUSSION Mutual interference resulting from high populations in restricted space affects growth, fecundity and pupal weight of lepidopteras (Ullyett 1950: Harrison 1964; Gruys 1970). In Andraca bipunctata rising larval densities prolonged duration of the larval stages, and reduced pupal weight, without caus- ing a significant density related mortality at any stage. How- RELATED DEVELOPMENT IN ANDRACA BIPUNCTATA 101 Table 4. Effect of pupal densities on percentage of eclosion and sex ratio in Andraca bipunctata Walker. Percentage Pupal density of moth Average numbers of emergence Male Female 10 94 4 5 20 93 9 9 30 95 15 13 40 92 18 18 50 92 22 24 ever, in some insects population level above a threshold caused a density related mortality (Stenhaus 1958; Doane 1960), but in A. bipunctata this did not become functional possibly because of three reasons. First, in all experiments food supply was adequate for the larvae thus eliminating a source of mortality; second, the containers were regularly cleaned to avoid any bacterial or other contamination that normally causes mortality; third, the level of population was possibly not high enough to induce competition which ultimately causes mortality. A reduction in fecundity and longevity with increase in density, on the other hand, suggests chances of adult survival and reproduction decreases with density. Therefore density above a level will not have any selective advantage for the population. A differential response to increasing density levels is thus shown by the developing stages of Andraca bipunctata. Being inactive the pupae do not react in any way to density levels. In all cases density beyond a threshold has a negative effect on the developmental rates of larval instars and adult fecundity of Andraca bipunctata. If the effect is genetic, it could form a basis for selection (Gruys 1970), so that to avoid possible consequence like depletion of resources and consequent density related mortality, field populations of Andraca bipunctata will not become dense enough at any site for competition to become functional. This does not however preclude possibilities of a density related mortality from natural enemies which may have a regulatory effect on the populations of Andraca bipunc- tata (Banerjee 1979). ABSTRACT Oviposition and longevity of Andraca bipunctata Walker decrease with increase in moth density. Duration of each larval instar increases but pupal weight proportionally decreases with the increase in larval density. Eclosion rate and sex ratio of moths are not affected at different pupal densities. Differential responses of the developing stages of the insect to varying density levels suggest density above a threshold has no selec- tive advantage for the species. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I thank Director, Tocklai Experimental Station for his 102 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 interest, and Tea Research Association for permission to publish this report. References Banerjee, B., 1970. Aggregating behaviour of the caterpillars of Andraca bipunctata Wlk. (Bombycidae: Lepidoptera). Sci. & Cult., 36: 236-238. Banerjee, B., 1971. Eclosion and oviposition rhythms of Andraca bipunc- tata Walker with a model for determining theoretical moth densities from eclosion rate. Ind. J. Ent., 33: 411-418. Banerjee, B., 1979. A key-factor analysis of of population fluctuations in Andraca bipunctata Walker (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae. Bull. ent. Res., 69 (in press). Beaver, R. A., 1973. The effect of larval competition on puparial size in Sarcophagus spp. J. Ent. (A), 48: 1-9. Chitty, D., 1957. Self-regulation of numbers through changes in viability. Cold Spring Harbour Symposia on Quantitative Biology, 22: 277-280. Doane, C. C., 1960. Bacterial pathogens of Scolytus multistratus Mar- sham as related to crowding. J. Insect. Pathol., 2: 24-29 Gruys, P., 1970. Mutual interference in Bupalus piniarius (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Proc. Adv. Study Inst. Dynamics Numbers Popul. (Oosterbeck 1970): 199-207. Harrison, J. O., 1964. Factors affecting the abundance of lepidoptera in banana plantations. Ecology, 45: 508-519. Henneberry, T. J., and Kishaba, A. N., 1966. Pupal size and mortality, longevity and reproductions of cabbage loopers reared at several densities. J. Econ. Ent., 59: 1490-1493. Klomp, H., 1966. The dynamics of a field population of the pine looper, Bupalus piniarius L. (Lep., Geom.). Adv. ecol. Res., 3: 207-305. Steinhaus, E. A., 1958. Crowding as a possible stress factor in insect disease. Ecology, 39: 503-514. Ullyett, G. C., 1950. Competition for food and allied phenomena in sheep blowfly populations. Trans. Royal. Soc. Lond., B: 234: 77-174. EMUS HIRTUS LINNAEUS (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE) AT CANTER- BURY IN 1950.—JIn a collection of Coleoptera taken in the Old Park at Canterbury in May 1950, there is a specimen of the very rare Emus hirtus L. which was caught in a jar of meat bait set for Necrophorus and other carrion species. This impressive rove beetle is usually taken on or in fresh cow- dung, but it is well known that predators are attracted to that medium not so much for the soup as for the maggots it contains, and so its occurrence in carrion is not surprising. This species has been recorded so rarely that this instance should perhaps not go unnoted, particularly in view of the different habitat. — JoHN Parry, 38 Heather Drive, St. Michaels, Tenterden. Kent. NOTICE As we go to press, we hear of the sad news of the death on 10th May, of Dr. H. B. D. Kettlewell. An obituary notice will appear in due course. 103 Flies, Bees and Butterflies on La Palma, Canary Islands in 1976 By PETER J. CHANDLER * In late May and early June 1976, I stayed ten nights on La Palma, the most westerly of the Canary Islands when my intention was to compare the dipterous fauna with that on Tenerife, which I had visited in early April 1973. As the total diversity of the Canarian Diptera is relatively low, however, some attention was also given to other insects especially aculeate Hymenoptera and butterflies. La Palma is a small island of 730 square kilometres, but is extremely rugged, rapidly rising from coastal cliffs to inland mountain ranges and in the broader north there is a large central crater —9 kilometres in diameter, La Caldera de Taburiente, which is a national park. The highest point of the island (2,413 metres is on the northern rim of the Caldera. The broad leaved evergreen forest type (‘‘laurisilva’’), which formerly dominated the more humid northern slopes of the western Canary Islands, was best developed on La Palma but now only a few pockets of high laurel forest remain, dominated by the trees Ocotea foetens (Aiton) Benth., and Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco with about 15 other species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Much of it has been replaced with a secondary growth (‘‘fayal-brezal’’?) dominated by the evergreen shrub Myrica faya Aiton and tree heather Erica arborea L. The more common woodland type is dominated by Pinus canarien- sis Chr. Sm., which forms open woods clothing much of the Caldera and the higher slopes of the mountain ranges even quite close to the southern extremity of the island, which lacks the semi-desert south of the other western islands although xerophytic scrub is present on large areas especially on the western slopes. The lower slopes are more or less inten- sively cultivated and the laurisilva particularly has suffered by clearance for agriculture. The landscape is cut by many deep ravines (barrancos), which radiate from the Caldera and the ranges of Cumbre Nueva and Cumbre Vieja further south; many of these were once torrents but the water from them has been canalised and all are now dry. The microclimate of the surviving remnants of laurel forest has, however, preserved many of the moisture loving insects. The faunal diversity of the generally more open pine forest is usually lower. Machado (1977) carried out extensive field work on La Palma in 1975 and was unable to refute the apparent poverty of the carabid beetle fauna compared with the other western islands; he deduced that this was due to the geological youth of most of La Palma, which has several recently active volcanos. This factor appears to have had less effect on other more mobile insects where there are in any case fewer endemic species confined to single islands. The total dipterous fauna of the Canary Islands (Frey, 1936, 1958) is upwards of 800 species; probably at least half occur on La Palma but it is * Weston Research Laboratories, 644 Bath Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 OPA. 104 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 difficult to be precise because much revision is necessary of the work of Dr. Elias Santos Abreu, who published consider- able descriptive works on several groups of Diptera from 1918 to 1930 (his work on Muscidae, Fanniidae and Anthomyiidae was published posthumously as recently as 1976). Dr. Santos lived at Santa Cruz de la Palma and much of the material he studied originated in this island. Baez (1977) has revised the Syrphidae and reduced the Canarian list to 26 species, to which few additions now seem likely; 23 occur on La Palma and I found 16 during my visit. Theowald (1977) thoroughly revised the Tipulidae of the Canaries, Madeira and the Azores; he recognised 28 Canarian species, of which 17 occurred on La Palma and I found seven of these there. Another recent con- tribution on Canarian Diptera was by Papp (1977) on the Sphaeroceridae, bringing the Canarian list to 34. At least 260 of the Canarian Diptera are currently con- sidered endemic to these islands or to the Canaries, Madeira and the Azores (Macaronesia), although this figure is continu- ally undergoing revision. Better knowledge of faunas of adjacent areas is essential before endemicity can be certain in the less worked groups. Half of the 28 Tipulidae are endemic, a higher proportion than in most families. In the Syrphidae, eight of the 26 species are endemic (five of them closely related Eumerus species) and there are distinct local forms of two other species. Francois (1970) has shown the endemicity of two bombyliids previously thought conspecific with widespread forms. The only well attested case of speciation having occurred within the Canary Islands is in Promachus, a genus of large (24-34 mm.) robust asilids where there are five species each inhabiting a different island; they fly in late June to August and I have not met with them. I collected about 190 species of Diptera on my visit to La Palma, of which Muscidae and Mycetophilidae with 18 Species each were the richest families; the latter group were connfined to very circumscribed refuges and were hard to find in most localities, although being particularly sought because of my projected revision of the Canarian fungus gnats. The Muscidae are the best represented dipterous family in the Canaries with about 70 species (at least 60 in La Palma, but more than a third are the riparian Limnophorinae which have evidently now declined). The aculeate Hymenoptera are poorly represented on La Palma compared with the drier parts of the other islands. Ten species of bees and seven of wasps were observed during my visit. Lieftinck (1958) listed 70 species (55 precisely deter- mined) of Canarian bees, of which 14 were recorded from La Palma. Peters (1975) added two species to the Canarian list and one to La Palma. Warncke (1968) increased the Canarian Andrena from five to 19, recording four from La Palma, but this genus did not occur during my visit. De Beaumont (1968) increased the Canarian list of Sphecidae to a probable 52 (44 precisely determined), based largely on Guichard’s material but only four were recorded from La Palma. Soika (1974) FLIES, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES ON CANARY ISLANDS 105 recorded 16 species of Eumenidae, three of which he con- sidered recent introductions, but only one (A. fortunatus) from La Palma. Other groups of wasps have been neglected but records of six species in other families are given by Bis- choff (1936), who records Vespula germanica (L.), a scoliid and a chrysid from La Palma. Guichard (1976) tabulated the butterflies known from the Canaries, recognising 26 species and two subspecies of which 20 were listed from La Palma; of these 15 were observed dur- ing my visit. The five not recorded were the two Danaus spp., Vanessa atalanta (L.), V. cardui (L.) and Zizeeria knysna (Trimen). Since Guichard’s summary, the large white and brimstone have been recognised to be endemic Canarian species; according to Kudrna (1975) the Gonepteryx on La Palma is a distinct species (G. palmae Stamm) from that on Tenerife and Gomera (G. cleobule (Hiibner)). Kudrna (1973) also followed other recent authors in accepting Pieris cheiranthi (Hiibner) as a distinct species, supported by larval coloration and biology differing from P. brassicae (L). Manley & Allcard (1970) also recognised the skipper Thymelicus christi Rebel & Rogenhofer as an endemic species although Schmidt-Koehl (1971) considered it conspecific with T. acteon (Rott.) in his comprehensive account of the butterflies of Tenerife. There are thus 27 species of butterflies on the Canary Islands of which seven are endemic as are the Canarian subspecies of three others. I stayed in the main town, Santa Cruz de la Palma. situated centrally in a wedge of low ground on the east coast with hills rising steeply behind and with the aid of a hired car it was possible to reach most parts of the island. On my arrival it was cloudy as it was to be for most of my stay, but there was little rain and the clouds often cleared to provide sunny spells, the weather on higher ground being especially changeable. On the first morning, I followed the tortuous road to the north of the capital, initially investigating a dry ravine at the foot of a scrub covered hillside south of the La Galga tunnel. The butterflies Pieris rapae (L.), Maniola jurtina hispulla (Esper) and Pararge xiphioides Staud. were frequent and a few Thymelicus christi and Cyclirius webbianus (Brullé) were seen. The bees Lasioglossum viride unicolor (Brullé) and L. laetum (Brullé) were here at flowers and Bombus terrestris canariensis Pérez were common; these three species were found in most relatively open localities visited. B. t. canarien- sis is a very distinct race—mainly black with a white tail and is the only Bombus known in the Canary Islands. Among the Diptera, Thereva occulta Beck. was alighting on rocks when the sun broke through; the Orthoptera parasite Stomorhina lunata (F.) was numerous here and in similar localities. Flowers attracted the common European hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus (Deg.), Sphaerophoria scripta (L.), Meliscaeva auricollis (Mg.) and Eristalis tenax (L.) and the endemic Melanostoma incompletum Beck. The small dolichopodid Chrysotimus varicoloris Beck. was numerous running over foilage of bushes. In shady spots some flies characteristic of 106 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 the laurisilva occurred, e.g. Euleia separata (Beck.), Hebecnema rufitibia Stein, H. fumosa (Mg.) and Sapromyza_ insularis Beck. (the three latter were frequent in such places through- out La Palma). In the afternoon I proceeded to the laurel woods at Los Tilos but the weather deteriorated and rain began at 4.0 p.m. Insects were sparse, although some typical species were col- lected including a few Tipulidae and Mycetophilidae, Asteia amoena Mg., Drosophila pallida Zett., Hylemya latevittata Stein, Helina obscurisquama (Stein) and Fannia pubescens Stein. A female Sylvicola (Anisopodidae — family first re- corded from the Canaries on S. fenestralis (Scop.) by Baez (1977)) was found. On the following day, 26th May, I went south and made a foray on the south-west slopes of the Montana del Fuego Las Indias. Overgrown fields containing much Opuntia graded into pine scrub and a large variety of flowers were present. Pieris rapae was seen and the lycaenids Lampides boeticus (L.) and Aricia cramera (Eschscholtz) were numerous. The small bombyliids Cyrtosia canariensis Engel and Geron hesperidum Frey and the syrphids M. auricollis, Scaeva pyrastri (L.) and Syritta pipiens (L.) occurred at flowers; Sphaerophoria scripta was abundant. The silver haired Thereva frontata Beck. was settling on volcanic ash and several of a slender brown Thereva like a small occulta were taken. The many small acalypterates included several tephritids (among them an Ensina, probably decisa Woll. only hitherto known from Madeira) and Pherbellia argyrotarsis (Beck.). Musca vitri- pennis Mg. and Helina duplicata (Mg.) were common and a few H. clara (Mg.) were caught; Dilophus minor Beck. was abundant here and in many other scrubby places in and near pine forest —it was the only bibionid seen in La Palma while my visit to Tenerife, being earlier, also produced the other two Canarian bibionids. Then returning via Fuencaliente, I stopped briefly on open windswept ground near the Volcan de San Antonio. M. j. hispulla and Eristalis tenax were flying and seven species of Tephritidae (including Sphenella marginata (Fall.) not seen elsewhere) were swept but little else was about. The east slopes of the Montana del Fuego north of Fuencaliente support open pine woods interspersed with culti- vation, where a short stop produced little of note. Metasyrphus corollae (F.) and the tephritid Oedosphenella canariensis (Macq.) were first found. Where low pine foliage touched the ground, it provided a moist spot harbouring a few of the mycetophilid Macrocrea incompleta Beck. On 27th May, I took the northern route again, continu- ing past Barlovento until the Garafia road became a dirt track, where rather degraded mixed forest was sampled in slight rain. Sweeping heather produced several species of mycetophilids and two females of Callomyia dives Zett. (Platypezidae) pre- viously known from Tenerife under the name fortunata Lw. The syrphids M. incompletum, M. auricollis and M. corollae FLIES, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES ON CANARY ISLANDS 107 were seen; most other Diptera were in common with Los Tilos but a single example of the beautiful tephritid Orotava caudata (Beck.) was swept up. As no woods worth investigating remained in the entire stretch from Barlovento through Los Sauces, I returned to Los Tilos where I concentrated on the Barranco del Agua, a narrow deep gorge adjacent to the laurel forest, which contained some stagnant pools. Several Tipula rufina Mg. were flying, chironomids and psychodids were numerous, a few dolichopodids (Sympycnus, Hercostomus spp.) and mycetophilids occurred as did Thaumalea subafricana Beck. and Dicranomyia spp. but in general the catch was disappointing. In late afternoon, I stopped at the village of La Galga and took the route prescribed by Bramwell & Bramwell (1974), i.e. the steep track alongside the water conduit, following the base of a cliff and eventually reaching the mature laurel forest of Cubo de la Galga which fills the floor of a narrow valley hemmed in by hills on three sides. It was too late in the day to produce much of interest but Suillia oceana (Beck.) and Euleia separata (of the shining black form —all others seen were brown variety “flavicollis’) were taken. Aulacigaster leu- copeza (Mg.), which Baez (1977) added to the Canarian list, was frequent and it was decided to return to this locality on a more propitious day. On the fourth day I travelled on the southern route through Fuencaliente and took the road north on the west side of the Cumbre Vieja, where it traversed rugged country lightly wooded with pine. The first stop was made near El Charco, where a dry flowery gulley crossed the road adjacent to pine forest. The flowers here attracted the orange bodied syrphid Chrysotoxum triarcuatum Macq. and the robust Tachina canariensis Macq., which resembles our T. fera (L.) in coloration (except for a narrower median stripe on the abdomen) but is of the build of Nowickia ferox (Panzer.). S. pyrastri, E. balteatus, M. auricollis and E. tenax occurred and the butterflies C. webbianus and Vanessa indica vulcania (Latreille & Godart) were seen. The black larvae of a Cionus verea were conspicuous on foliage of Scrophularia glabrata iton. Proceeding northwards via Los Llanos de Aridane, I followed the tortuous route through the banana plantations of the Barranco de las Angustias where many Anax dragonflies were on the wing and made another stop in an arid partly cultivated area 2 km. north of the viewpoint of El Time. Butterflies were numerous here along a dry ravine with shrubby vegetation, especially P. rapae, A. cramera and M. j. hispulla; several Colias crocea (Geoff. in Fourcr.) and a single Pontia daplidice (L.) were seen. Only ten species of Diptera were collected but these included seven Syrphidae, EF. baltea- tus, S. scripta, S. pipiens, Myathropa florea (L.) var. nigro- femorata Santos, Ischiodon aegyptium (Wied.) and two of the endemic Eumerus species (latitarsis Macq. and purpureus Macq.) which settled on stems of the prolific Opuntia. (To be continued) 108 | ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 Notes and Observations CATERPILLARS FEEDING ON BUDDLEJA DAVIDII. —I refer to the latter part of B. J. Lempke’s note (1978, Ent. Rec., 90: 252) under the above heading. In this he records the laying by Celastrina argiolus L. on the flower buds of this plant, but only one pupa resulted from the six ova laid. Usually, in these misplaced layings, no larva reaches the second instar. I am quite certain that this is a phenomenon that occurs far more frequently than is generally realised. After all, when searching for ova, it is the recognised foodplants that are examined, so that the chances of finding misplaced ova are minimal. In Kenya I know of two Charaxes species which frequently lay on plants on which the hatchling larvae feed but fail to thrive, dying without moulting — C. lasti Gr. Sm. on Afzelia quan- zensis (Caesalpiniaceae) and C. brutus Cr. on Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) — both plants closely allied to the normal food- plants of the species. Strangely enough, half grown larvae of brutus transferred to azedarach complete their development successfully. Is some trace element, vital to the hatchling larvae, absent from the substitute foodplant, or is something lethal present? — D. G. SEVASTOPULO, F.R.E.S. ELACHIPTERA UNISETA COLL. (DIPT.: CHLOROPIDAE): A CORRECTION, AND FURTHER RECORDS. —In my note on this until recently very little-known fly (antea: 210), I unfortunately overlooked a paper by Dr. J. W. Ismay (1975, Ent. mon. Mag., 111: 102-103) wherein he redefines the characters of the species (which prove in part different from those originally given), and cites records from Germany and Hungary, and in Britain from Orford, Suffolk (3 exx. in coll. B.M.N.H.). He also discovered colonies in two Surrey localities, Virginia Water and Frensham Little Pond, the latter one being very populous; and confirms its association with waterside vegetation — usu- ally Phragmites. My sole excuse for passing over this work is the fact that the annual index to the journal in question has not been issued since 1961, making the search for possible references highly laborious and time-consuming. To set the record straight, and despite the reservations expressed in my note (all too necessary as it turns out) I feel obliged in fairness to Dr. Ismay — who is doing excellent and much-needed work on the Chloropidae —to call attention to his valuable paper. As for the present species, its status in our fauna has been completely transformed in the space of a few years by his researches. Dr. Ismay has four records of E. uniseta that have accrued meanwhile (all of single specimens) which he kindly invites me to publish, as follows: Old Slade Reserve, Bucks., 2, 19.vii.70, open ground by gravel pits, and Leckford Reserve, Hants., 3, 18.11.73, in sedge tufts, both by P. J. Chandler; Cringleford, Norfolk, o, 9.xi.75, J. W. Ismay; Walberswick N.NR., Suffolk, 6 5 151-76; In crass’ tussock, A” Govlewine—— A. Ac sArren NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 109 THE PorRTLAND MOTH: OCHROPLEURA PRAECOX (L.) IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. — During a recent visit to the Sheffield Museum I noticed a few lepidoptera in the “‘new acquisitions” cabinet. Among those shown was a specimen of the Portland Moth with a data label — ‘“‘Clumber 14.8.78, Fred Harrison’’. Whilst there have been previous Derbyshire records I believe this may be the first from Nottinghamshire. The specimen exhibited was significantly smaller and paler with more intense markings, than those I have seen on the Dorset coast. — P. J. Baker, Mount Vale, The Drive, Sandhills Lane, Virginia Water, Surrey. Practical Hints — June Overwintering the eggs of the High Brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe L.) can present problems, but I have found the most successful way is to keep them in a refrigerator. Most of mine were laid on the flowers of red valerian (Kentranthus ruber), which had been put into the laying cage for the female to feed from. The petals bearing eggs were plucked out each evening, and trimmed off close to the egg with a sharp knife and left to dry. After about a month, when the small larva had matured inside the egg, the eggs were sealed in a small plastic box and placed in a fridge. They were then left there till early the following March, when it was noticed that several larvae had hatched, though the tempera- ture had been kept at about 38°F. However, nearly all the larvae hatched about a week after removal of the eggs from the fridge. Some petals with eggs attached were not trimmed, and though left in the fridge, mould developed and none of these eggs hatched (REVELS). The last week in June is the best time to collect larvae of the Butterbur (Hydraecia petasitis Doubleday). Make a small tear in the leaf to separate the top of the main petiole. If there is a brown stain inside, a larva will be present in the root, which should be dug up and buried in wet peat. Collect the pupa from the peat at the end of July (WILD). Agrotis ripae Hbn. is one of the most beautiful agrotids, though unfortunately the lovely delicate speckling on its wings fades after a time. The ground colour and speckling match the sand on which it rests, where I assume it sits flat and shuffles its wings so that some grains trickle onto them and obscure its outline. The red sands at Dawlish where it feeds on sea convolvulus produce the most striking form; the white sands of West Wittering produce the palest insects I know; and the white and black speckles of the sand in Cornish coves has a lovely form to match. The latter form is repeated in the Scilly Isles (but mine only from Bryer) and at Roslare Strand in Ireland, but I have not found it on the west coasts of Ireland or Scotland though it is common on the east coast both north and south of Montrose.I can tell at once if ripae is likely to be present as it requires special conditions — ordinary sand- dunes are not sufficient — what it needs are its special food- 110 | ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 plants, such as sea rocket, growing clear of the marram and in pure sand and preferably between the dunes and the high water mark. Ripae comes freely to light. Pick out a hollow in the dunes where there is shelter from the wind and do not use a sheet. They will sit quieter on the bare sand. It also comes to sugared marram heads (DEMUTH). The Rosy Marbled (Elaphria venustula Hbn.) flies freely from dusk till an hour after dark above its foodplant Potentilla where this grows along the verges of short turfed rides. It also comes to light on a sheet. Tilgate and Limpsfield are good localities (WILD). The larvae of several species of plume moth may be found early in June. Those of Pterophorous galactodactyla D. & S. feed on the underside of the lower leaves of burdock. The feeding site is usually easily seen as many larvae often occur together, each eating small holes in the leaf such that the plant takes on the appearance of having been peppered with a shot-gun. I have more frequently found the larvae on plants growing in more open situations. The larvae of Capperia brittaniodactyla Greg. feed singly, but also betray their presence by their feeding habits since they prefer their leaves to be slightly wilted. This they achieve by eating small holes in the stems of the wood sage plants on which they feed; this causes the whole tip of the shoot to wilt and droop over. The larvae rest among these wilted leaves where they are well camouflaged. I have found the larvae in reasonable numbers among the clumps of sage growing on the shingle at Dunge- ness. Searching for them is hard work, but once ‘ones eye is in’, the plants bearing wilted shoots are easily spotted even in woods or on the downs where the plants are often surrounded by herbage. A third plume species, the very common Steno- ptilia pterodactyla L. is not often seen as a larva because it does not betray itself by its feeding habits. Its hostplant speedwell, Veronica chamaedrys is common in lanes, the edges of fields and on the downs where at the end of May the very well camouflaged larvae feed on the flowers. I have found that a simpie method to collect these is to use the plastic lid of a sandwich box as a small beating tray. After selecting a suitable clump of the foodplant, bunches of the flowers may be carefully bent over the lid and combed with the fingers to dislodge the larvae which fall into the lid (WaATKIN- SON). Several nepticulid larvae are early feeders and their mines should be collected in June, at any rate in the south of England. The following species are univoltine; they should be reared in flower-pots containing earth or peat covered with damp sphagnum and left out of doors until April: Stigmella paradoxa (Frey) on hawthorn; S. sorbi (Stt.) on rowan; S. lapponica (Wocke) on birch; and Ectoedemia pulverosella (Stt.) on apple. Bivoltine species which should be collected early include Stigmella hemargyella (Kollar) and S. tityrella (Stt.) on beech; S. hybnerella (Hbn.) on hawthorn and Johans- sonia acetosae (Stt.) on sorrel. The timing of leaf-miners is pe SS LIPS OO rw << <7 dies er SOP LOL 6 7 Sy sa = < S) Ay September 1953 . C. S. WARREN B NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 111 controlled by temperature and they are rapid feeders. If the season is advanced, many other species will be missed unless looked for in good time (EMMET). In late June, beat hedgerow spindle bushes for larvae of the local Ypsolopha mucronella Scop. This species is by far the largest of the genus Ypsolopha, but its larvae in common with others in the genus, will wriggle violently if disturbed on the beating tray, and will quickly disappear over the edge if not tubed. The best way to betray their presence on the tray is to blow on the plant debris whilst at the same time keeping a sharp eye out for any movement. The larvae are best caught by positioning an empty tube in their path as they wriggle, and they will enter this without the need for any further manipulation. Larvae of the Scorched Carpet (Ligdia adustata D. & S.), will probably be beaten out at the same time (WATKINSON). OBITUARY Brisbane Charles Somerville Warren (1887-1979) With the passing of B. C. S. Warren on the 22nd January 1979 at the great age of 91, the world of entomology and in par- ticular that of lepidopterists, has lost one of its most eminent personalities who, though one of the older generation was a real savant in every sense. His name will always be linked with that large genus of mountain-loving butterflies, the Erebias. Born at Fermoy in Ireland on the 29th March 1887, he left that country for England in 1894 soon after the death of his father, the Dean of Cork. He was educated at St. Paul’s School, and in 1901 at the age of 14, visited Freiburg. He tells how his love of opera brought him into contact with one of its leading baritones, a Herr Junior who was a keen butterfly collector and used to take him on trips into the Black Forest. It was there that the first sparks were kindled for his lifelong interest in, and study of, these insects. During the first twelve years of this century, he divided his time between England and Germany, and in 1912 went to live in Switzerland, returning to this country in 1919. After his marriage in 1922, Warren went to reside at Lausanne where he remained till 1934 when he returned to live permanently at Folkestone, except for five years during the second world war. It was during his residence in the Swiss Alps, that he built up a very extensive collection covering a wide field both in Europe and Asia, though he him- self did not cast his net outside Europe. He travelled almost annually till the late 1950s to some rewarding locality, chiefly in his beloved Alps, but Corsica and the Pyrenees were also among his favourite haunts. This fine accumulation of speci- mens, all meticulously labelled, has now been housed as part of the National Collection at South Kensington, a most valu- able and generous addition under his will. He became a fellow of the (then) Entomological Society of London as far back as 1908 and may well have been its father at the time of his death, and it was to the Transactions Bw ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 1/1V/79 of that society that he contributed some of his most important papers. In Nota Lepidopterologica for 1978, is published a complete list of 112 notes and larger contributions, starting in 1910 with a paper in The Entomologist’s Record entitled “Some Butterflies of the Black Forest and Rhine Plain’. He also wrote in foreign journals, but it is probable that he published more in The Record than in any other journal. It was in 1926 that his first major work appeared in the Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. This was a Monograph on the Hesperidae (Skippers), mainly the Palaearctic series, and was inspired by an article by Reverdin in 1912 on the same group of insects. It consisted of 160 pages with many fine photographs of the perfect insects, but also of their genitalia which was then quite a novel approach. The excellence of this large paper at once won Warren international repute. But it was ten years later, in 1936, that appeared the large book comprising over 400 pages, The Monograph on the genus Erebia, which he compiled while living in Lausanne and was sponsored by the British Museum (Nat. Hist.). In this, he tells how indebted he was for much valuable help and advice from Prof. Reverdin of Geneva, and from Dr. Stracey of Diemtigen. Again the text and superb photography were carried out in the same meticulous and scholarly manner which characterised all his research. Though much more has been learnt about the Erebias in the last forty years, this great work is still a classic and brought him further renown as well as a lasting memorial to his name as one of the great entomolo- gists of this century. In 1944, he turned his attention to the smaller fritillaries with another most erudite treatise on the genus Boloria, again in the Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society, with a second part on some of the Asiatic representatives which appeared in 1955. During the subsequent 15 years he was mainly engaged on the study of the androconial scales, chiefly among the Pierids. In 1961, he published in a Norwegian journal, a paper on Pieris napi in Scandinavia when he erected a new species Pieris adalwinda. Some of his conclusions in this field were somewhat controversial and possibly not generally accepted, but nevertheless he laid the foundations for much more reasearch. He never fell in with or took kindly to some modern methods of separating species, such as on their respec- tive chromosome numbers. In spite of failing health and a partial amputation of his left leg in the 1960’s, he carried on his research indefatigably and with the same attention to detail, especially in his photographic work, and only gave this up in 1971 with a final note on Pieris pseudorapa Verity. Handsome, tall, of upstanding stature and of distinguished appearance, Warren was of most genial and kindly disposition always ready to receive and help those equally keen on the lepidoptera of Europe and the British Isles. A very fine figure has been taken from us and he will indeed be missed. All sympathy goes out to his widow and daughter.—C. G. M. DE W. DATA LABELS Printed to your requirements in any quantity of labels/lines. Choose from a variety of paper surfaces and typefaces. Full details and sample labels on request. P. D. J. HUGO 38 Cotswold Crescent, Chipping Norton, Oxon. OX7 5DT Please mention this journal when replying THE MICROLEPIDOPTERA OF ESSEX. — I am currently engaged on compiling a list of the microlepidoptera of the county on behalf of the Essex Naturalists’ Trust and the Essex Field Club; it is proposed to publish the list in 1979. I should therefore be grateful if collectors who have not already done so will send me their records. Localities even for the common species help to complete distribution patterns. Entomologists who are planning their season’s collecting shoud bear in mind that Essex is rich in microlepidoptera (over 1,000 species of ‘‘micro”’ are already in the list) but almost devoid of microlepidopterists and hence seriously underrecorded. They could profitably make 1978 their ‘‘Essex year’. — A. M. EMmer, Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AF, 30.iv.1978. EXOTIC INSECT SPECIALIST SUPPLIERS Lepidoptera livestock, Phasmids, many Exotic Insects, Foodplants, Equip- ment, Black Lights, Frames and Displays, Popular and Rare Specimens, Praying Mantis, etc. Indonesian/New Guinea specimen specialists. Trade supplied as well as retail. Exporters to Europe and America. Importers from over 30 Countries. FREE Mailing List—Regular Catalogues, etc. S.A.E. for latest Catalogue. TRANSWORLD ENTOMOLOGICAL COMPANY (ER) P.O. BOX 14, REIGATE, RH2 9PW, UK WEALDEN AREA — Records wanted of all groups of insects, especially Lepidoptera, Colepoptera, Hymenoptera and Orthoptera from East Sussex and Kent, for inclusion in the publications of the Wealden Entomology Group. All records duly acknowledged and information supplied on request. — Mark HADLEY, 7 Beverington Close, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2SB. EXCHANGES AND WANTS Wanted. — Pierce & Metcalfe; The Genitalia of the Tineidae. — Dr. F. H. N. Smith, Turnstones, Perrancoombe, Perranporth, Cornwall, TR6 OHX. For Sale. —Honda £200 generator, as new, used for part of last season only. Price £160. Robinson trap complete with 125 w. choke, etc. £20. — D. O’Keefe, 55 Camden Road, Bexley, Kent. Crayford 523594. Wanted. — 1 am preparing a one-volume edition of the entomological works of Vladimir Nabokov, and would greatly appreciate information about papers, notes, or other works by Nabokov, with any entomological content, which were published in Great Britain or Europe. His papers in The Entomologist 53(1920): 29-33; 64(1931): 255-257, 268-271; and 81(1948): 273-280 have already been recorded. For the introduction, I should be grateful for correspondence with persons (other than the family) who were acquainted with Nabokov in this aspect of his work. Help Wanted — with records of British Gelechiidae for publication in Vol. 4 of “Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland”. Vice-County records only wanted at this stage. A complete check-list will be supplied to those willing to help. If you have any records for this group, please write to: Paul Sokoloff, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Wanted — Records of daily totals in traps of Agrotis segetum for as many past years as available. — Rosemary Kay, Ent. Section, National Vegetable Research Station, Wellsbourne, Warwick. Wanted — Records of Blair’s Shoulder-knt, Lithophane leautieri. Please give dates, localities, numbers, and any details of larval foodplants. This species seems to be rapidly colonising Britain and it is planned to document the colonisation in as much detail as possible. — Dr. D. F. Owen, 66 Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LE5 1HU. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April, 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Orthoptera: D. K. Mc E. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.; Diptera: E. C. M. d’Assis-FoNSECA, F.R.E.S. TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine as well as books for review must be sent to the EDITOR at St. Teresa, 1 Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to: E. H. WILD, L.Inst.Biol., 112 Foxearth Road, Selsdon, Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8EF. Specimen copies supplied by Mr. Wild on payment of 60p or sterling equivalent which will be taken into account if the person in question becomes a full subscriber, plus 10p postage. Changes of address, and enquiries regarding back numbers, Volumes and Sets to: P. A. SOKOLOFF, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 6DS. Subscriptions should be sent to the Treasurer, P. J. RENSHAW, 53 Links Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0QN, England. REPRINTS: 25 copies, taken straight from the magazine are sent gratis to contributors of articles; these may contain extraneous matter. More formal reprints from re-set type may still be had at cost price, and orders for these should be given, at the latest, with the return tc the Editor of the corrected proof. ILLUSTRATIONS are inserted on condition that the AUTHOR DEFRAYS THE COST. Contributors are requested not to send us Notes or Articles which they are sending to other magazines. All reasonable care is taken of MSS, photographs, drawings, maps, etc., but the Editor and his staff cannot hold themselves responsible for any loss or damage. SPECIAL NOTICE The Editor would be willing to consider the purchase of a limited number of certain back issues. CONTENTS The Immigration of Lepidoptera to the British Isles in 1978. R. F. BRETHERTON and J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT .... Microlepidoptera in Scotland, 1978. Lt.-Col. A. M. EMMET ... Density Related Development in Andraca bipunctata (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae). B. BANERJEE Flies, Bees and Butterflies on La Palma, Canary Islands in 1976. P. J. CHANDLER Practical Hints — June Notes and Observations: Emus hirtus L. (Col.: Staphylinidae) at Canterbury in 1950. J. PARRY Caterpillars feeding on Buddleja davidii. D. G. SEVASTOPULO Elachiptera uniseta Coll. (Dipt.: Chloropidae): a Correction and Further Records. A. A. ALLEN The Portland Moth: Ochropleura praecox (L.) in Nottingham- shire. P. J. BAKER Obituary: Brisbane Charles Somerville Warren 81 92 97 103 109 102 108 108 109 111 Printed by Charles Phipps Ltd., 225 Philip Lane, Tottenham, N15 4HL OL. 91, No. 5 MAY, 1979 ISSN 0013-8916 Go os SS Ser as Sas Sar er a a Se te Sh Ste Ste Sth Se Se Stee he Sie ae ae ae Ti Cah, ae ee eh, UU, UU UT, UU, ss, SID FOS 7 E nt. THE. ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.s. with the assistance of A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. P. J. CHANDLER, B.SC., F.R.E.S. NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E.S. J.HEATH, F.R.E.S., F.L.S. Lieut. Col. A. M. 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BRITISH NATURALISTS’ ASSOCIATION has twenty active branches in Britain and a world-wide membership. Its official organ, Country-Side (published three time a year), is the oldest-established British magazine devoted to general natural history Membership subscription £2.50 per annum Full details and application form (s.a.e.) obtainable from: B.N.A., 23 Oak Hill Close, Woodford Green, Essex THE NATURALIST (founded 1875) A Quarterly Illustrated Journal of Natural History Edited by M. R. SEAWARD, M.Sc., Ph.D. Annual subscription: £4.00 (post free) Single numbers £1.00 Separates of the collected instalments of the:— LEPIDOPTERA OF YORKSHIRE (Macrolepidoptera) which appeared serially in The Naturalist (1967-1970) are also available on application. Price 50p plus postage The Editor of the Naturalist University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP Coleoptera in Flood Refuse in East Kent Coastal Floods By JoHNn A. Parry, M.P.S.* During the extraordinarily high tide of 11th January, 1978 ,the shingle wall protecting the Cinque Ports Golf Course at Deal was overtopped and in places severely reduced. The land was inundated with sea-water for some days, and small lakes persisted for a month. The course was visited by myself on 15th January and again in the next week by myself and Mr. Peter Hodge of Lewes, with a view to investigating the beetle content of the flood refuse thrown up on the greens and tees. It was thought that this opportunity to observe total-population samples of coastal sandhills and shingle beds would be very nearly unique, and should not be missed. The Cinque Ports course is accessible from the north via the toll-gate serving the Sandwich Bay residential estate, or from the south at Sandown Castle, Deal. The refuse examined at these two approaches was broadly similar in content, but there were exceptions. Some species were extremely localized in small areas of refuse, and it was evident that the flooding did not mix up the populations as much as one would expect. In most samples the dominant single species was Metab- letus truncatellus L., even outnumbering Tachyporus hypno- rum F.; it was run a close second by Kissister minimus Aube in some places and by Dyschirius globosus Hbst, in others. With sundry small Aleocharinae and Tachyporus species these constituted about two-thirds of the beetles present. The remaining third consisted chiefly of Carabidae and Staphy- linidae; apart from some numbers of Helophorus, Phyto- nomus,' Chaetocnema and some Coccinellidae, other families _were poorly represented. The Carabidae were made up as follows: Notiophilus sub- striatus Wat. (many); N. aquaticus L. (few);N. germinyi Fauv. (few, south end); Leistus ferrugineus L. (two, north end); Nebria brevicollis F. (few); Dyschirius salinus Schaum (one, south end); D. globosus Hbst. (many, mostly south end); tPanagaeus bipustulatus F. (3, south end); Badister bipustu- latus F. (few); Stenolophus mixtus Hbst. (few); Acupalpus dubius Schil. (few, south end); A. dorsalis F. (two south end); Bradycellus verbasci Duft. (few); +B. distinctus Dej. (two, south end); B. harpalinus Serv. (few, south end); Trichocellus placidus Gyll. (few); Harpalus aeneus F. (few); H. rubripes Duft. (few); H. tardus Panz. (few); H. latus L. (one, north end); H. anxius Duft. (few); H. attenuatus Steph. (few); tH. serripes Quens. (few)?; +Platyderus ruficollis Marsh. (2, north end); Pterostichus versicolor Stm. (2, south end); P. vernalis Panz. (many, south end); P. strenuus Panz. (many); Amara plebeia Gyll. (few); A. familiaris Duft. (abundant);A. aenea Deg. (abundant); +A spreta Dej. (few); +A curta Dej. (about 12, towards north end); tA. lucida Duft. (about 12, north * 38 Heather Drive, St. Michaels, Tenterden, Kent. 114 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD I/V/79 end)?; A. ovata F. (few); A. anthobia Villa (about 30, south end); tA communis Panz. (few)*; A. tibialis Payk. (abundant); A. apricaria Payk. (one, south end); Calathus fuscipes Goeze (few); C. erratus Sahlb. (few); C. mollis Marsh. (few); C. melanocephalus L. (many); Agonum albipes F.; +Agonum nigrum Dej. (one, south end); Bembidion harpaloides Serv. (few); TB. nigropiceum Marsh. (one, north end); B. biguttatum F. (few); B. clarki Daws. (many); B. assimile Gyll. few); 7B. gilvipes Stm. (many, south end)®; B. /Jampros Hbst. (few); B. normannum Dej. (few); B. properans Steph. (few); +Trechus fulvus Dej. (abundant, north end); T. obtusus Er. (several); T. quadristriatus Schk. (several); Asaphidion flavipes L. (few); +Masoreus wetterhalli Gyll. (about 20); Demetrias monostigma Sam. (about 15); D. atricapillus L. (many); Dromius linearis Ol. (many); D. melanocephalus Dej. (many); Microlestes maurus Stm. (few); + Metabletus truncatellus L. (abundant)’; M. foveatus Geoff. (many). A dagger sign indicates the more notable or interesting species. I was most pleased to see Bradycellus distinctus, of which I have taken two specimens at Camber also this year, and of which records are few. It has been previously recorded from Deal. Amara curta I have not seen before, nor A. anthobia’, which however is so similar to A. familaris that it might be overlooked amongst that very common species. Bembidion nigropiceum and Trechus fulvus* both appear to be adapted to a shingle habitat, and I suspect this is why they are so seldom met with. Shingle is a difficult medium to dig, search in, or flood with water, the three most common methods of discovering Carabidae, and I have always found pitfall traps unsuccessful in stones except for larger species such as Cala- thus. Trechus fulvus was swarming under the first handful of refuse I lifted, but only one B. nigropiceum appeared. Several interesting Staphylinidae were found. Gabrius vernalis Grav., a rarity first noticed by Peter Hodge, later turned up in quantity at Sandown Castle. I found two speci- mens of Philonthus lepidus Grav. (a very local species res- tricted to sandy places). There were a few of the uncommon Philonthus nitidicollis Bsd. & Lac. (=bimaculatus Grav.). Of the weevils, Apion sedi Germ. appeared as might have been expected, since this has been for many years a well- known locality for it. The whole length of the shingle wall has now been bulldozed and rebuilt, and it may well be that this species will have a lean time until the foodplant (Sedum) is replenished. Other Apions included A. dissimile Germ., A. affine Kby., A. laevicolle Kby., A. ononis Kby., A. ononicola Bach, and A. malvae F. Several species of Phytonomus were present in numbers, namely P. punctatus F., P. murinus F., P. variabilis Hbst., P. trilineatus Marsh. and P. nigrirostris F. However, P. fasciculatus Hbst. was absent although I have taken it there in the past and fully expected to see it in the refuse. A number of Tychius flavicollis Steph. and T. tibialis Boh. were found, and Peter Hodge tells me that amongst the COLEOPTERA IN FLOOD REFUSE IN EAST KENT 115 common Sitona species he found S. waterhousei Walt. Aphodius species were almost absent, which was rather odd, since a large area beside the Marina at the Sandwich end is used for grazing. A foetidus Hbst. (=scybalarius auct. nec F.) and the coastal A. plagiatus L. were noted, but I was very pleased to find also three specimens of A. distinctus Mill.—a species which does not seem to belong there. Perhaps