THE LEPIDOPTERA OF NORTH-EAST ESSEX
105
The Lepidoptera of North-East Essex
By J. T. Clark & S. M. Hobday
(Colchester Royal Grammar School)
Most articles on the lepidoptera in Essex Field Club publica-
tions are confined to notes of interest on a few species only,
usually those that are uncommon in the county. The amateur
therefore has considerable difficulty in trying to assess the value
of specimens that he collects. Are they missing from the articles
because they are rare or because they are so common that they
are not worth mentioning ?
During 1963 the Field Club of the Colchester Royal Grammar
School has carried out a survey of the Lepidoptera in the north-
eastern part of Essex, recording every species. We are, therefore,
able to present a list which certainly includes all the very common
species, and we hope that this will be of general interest to lepi-
dopterists in the County. The nomenclature is that of South and
Bierne in the "Wayside and Woodland Series" published by
Warne.
Sphingidae
Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos). None found in
1963, but individuals were obtained from Clacton and
Boxted in the previous year.
Privet Hawkmoth (Sphinx ligustri). From June 14 to July,
nine individuals were seen; known to occur at Colchester,
Coggeshall, Little Bentley, Tendring, Tiptree and Weeley.
Lime Hawkmoth (Mimas tiliae). None found in 1963; one was
seen in Colchester the previous year.
Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellata). There is an unconfirmed
report of some being seen in flight at Tiptree in June.
Poplar Hawkmoth (Laothoe populi). From June 14 to July;
seven individuals seen, from Colchester, Little Clacton,
Little Bentley and Weeley.
Humming-Bird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum). None
found in 1963; one was found in Clacton the previous year.
Elephant Hawkmoth (Deilephila elpenor). Two larvae were ob-
tained from Layer Breton.
Saturniidae
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia). From April 22 to May; four
were captured, three of these from Brantham just over
the border in Suffolk. The fourth individual came from
Thorrington. Larvae are also reported from Stanway.
Notodontidae
Puss Moth (Cerura vinula). No adults were seen but a number
of full-grown larvae were obtained from Colchester.