28
21 Holland, 8,10 and 12 July 1985 (Bretherton &
Chalmers-Hunt, 1986).
Argynnis paphia (Linn.) Silver-washed Fritillary
69 Thorndon Park, August 1984 (KWG). This sighting
brings to four the number of paphia individuals recorded
in Essex in the past decade.
Melitaea didyma Esp. Spotted Fritillary
78 Fobbing Marshes, 6, 6th August 1986 (per CHSH). This
remarkable record represents the second British occur-
rence (the first being regarded as suspect) of this small
fritillary which, on the continent, extends northwards
to Belgium. The "colony" was discovered by two school-
boys who collected two of the insects and gave them to
CHSH (their biology master). In view of the remoteness
and unsuitable nature of the site it is felt unlikely
that the insects had been released there. The possi-
bility that they were the progeny of an impregnated
female blown across the North Sea cannot be discounted,
but it is perhaps more likely that their parent had
arrived on a tanker (the Mobil oil terminal is only 11/2
miles away) or other vessel berthing on Thames-side.
Mellicta athalia (Rott.) Heath Fritillary
The recent introduction of this species to an Essex
Naturalists' Trust nature reserve mentioned in LMBE,
has proved successful to date, well over 1,000 adults
having flown in 1986 (GAP et al.).
SATYRIDAE
Pararge aegeria (Linn.) Speckled Wood
Since the publication of LMBE, this species has continued
to extend its range northwards. In 1986 it was reported
from 63 West Wood NR (BW) on the W side and 83 Daws Hall
NR (IG) in the extreme N.
Melanargia galathea (Linn.) Marbled White
A quite exceptional 20+ were counted (by DGD) at one
of this species' few sites in SE Essex (to which it is
confined), where management now takes account of wild-
life needs.