261
Lepidoptera in South-East Essex
in 1954
BY H. C. HUGGINS, F.R.E.S.
I was absent throughout July in Western Ireland, but, as far as I can
gather, did not miss much as the month was very bad for collecting.
The season began in a very extraordinary manner. The Quaker Moths
stabilis, incerta and gothica began to appear at the end of March and lasted
until the end of May: owing to the cold nights, their emergence was spread
over two months, as was that of the Early Grey (Xyloocampa areola Esp.).
The summer broods of some moths also lasted an unusual time, the Dark
Arches (Apamea monoglypha Hufn.) appearing continuously from June till
October. The Silver Y (Plusia gamma L.) was also flying continuously
from May to December 1st, the earlier ones being probably from constant
migrations, the November ones all home-bred. On September 2nd and 3rd
I saw several of the small race, sub-sp. gammina Stand. I have noticed
that in this race the Y mark frequently becomes a small blotch, much
more often than it does in typical gamma.
The Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros L.) and the Silver-
washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia L.) are still absentees in the Rochford
Hundred, and amongst the migrants only three Clouded Yellows (Colias
croceus Fourcr.) and a couple of Painted Ladies (Vanessa cardui L.) have
turned up, but the Red Admiral (V. atalanta L.) was very common until
November.
The most interesting records have been as follows: —
Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria L.) taken on Hadleigh slopes on May
9th by Mr. Ellis—the first definitely authenticated record for the district
in this century.
White-Point (Leucania albipuncta Fabr.), Westcliff, August 8th, 1954.
Vine's Rustic (Caradrina ambigua Fabr.) now endemic in the Southend
district, with two broods, in June and in August and September.
Heart (Dicycla oo L.). One taken at Hockley by Mr. D. More at the
end of July at M.V. light. I can find no previous record for south-east
Essex; it has doubtless been overlooked.
Golden Rod Brindle (Lithomoia solidaginis Hubn.). On August 26th I
took a specimen of the dark leaden-coloured South German race, ab.
cinerascens Stand., at my M.V. light at Westcliff. This was the first of
those taken during the last week in August from the immigrant flight,
I believe the first known. I telephoned to Mr. More at Hockley, and on
the 28th he took a damaged one at his trap. In all so far, about a dozen
have been recorded, spread over Essex, Kent, Surrey, Middlesex and
Hertfordshire. Probably other records are to come.
Toadflax Brocade (Calophasia lunula Hufn.). I succeeded in breeding
this moth from the three larva? taken near Southend last September.
Unfortunately, our wet clay has not suited it, and only one larva turned
up this year. It was a sickly one that soon died.
Ash Pug (Eupithecia fraxinata Crewe), Westcliff, at light, June loth,
1954. The first local record, doubtless previously overlooked.