presented from the south to north and from west to east. The numbering of the
coordinates is shown in the map on p. 9. Authorities are cited in two forms. A
name followed by a date relates to a book or paper listed under 'References'
(pp. 154-158); initials (pp. 19-21) follow unpublished records or those from
specimens in collections. Where a recorder has been responsible for a series of
records, his initials follow the last and he is the authority for all the records back
to the previous name. The abbreviation 'NR' signifies nature reserve.
Because of its historic interest, the earliest Essex record is indicated by an
asterisk (*).
In the case of very common species, no record is given other than the earliest.
These species can be found without difficulty throughout their range. Further
details, if required, are contained in my card index, which I intend to lodge, in
due course, with the Essex Naturalists' Trust.
The distribution maps include all records made up to the end of 1980. The
setting of the type began in May 1980 and was finished in January 1981.
Through the kindness of the editor, I have been allowed to add records as they
were made throughout the season. Obviously, changes could be made to text
already set only if they were of major importance. Consequently 1979 is given
as the most recent record for many species which were also observed in 1980,
and, where localities are listed for the rarer species, the most recent may be
missing. This applies mainly to the families up to the Elachistidae.
MICROPTERIGIDAE
Very small purple and gold moths unique among the Lepidoptera in having
mandibles instead of a haustellum. They feed by day on pollen, sometimes in
large aggregations. No foodplants are given since the early stages are virtually
unknown; the larvae probably feed on leaf-litter but possibly on fungal
hyphae. The family is very much under-recorded in Essex. Four of the five
British species have been reported, but one of these is of doubtful status; the
fifth is almost certain to occur.
Micropterix tunbergella (Fabr.) (tunbergella missp.) NRR. 1866-1980. Common (VCH); now
seems scarce.
VC 18 39 Chingford, by Prout (Tutt. 1899); 49 *High Beach (Boyd diary); 78 Benfleet by GHC
(coll. Pierce). VC 19 43 Park Wood (AME).
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