D. aeratana (P. & M.) Res., 1900-1980. Leucanthemum vulgare. Probably wdspd and c, but
formerly confused with D. plumbana and so under-recorded.
VC 18. 68 Stanford-le-Hope; 78 Benfleet (SW; HCH); 70 Danbury (HCH); 88 *Eastwood
(FGW); 99 Burnham-on-Crouch (SW). VC 19. 53 Newport; Rowney Wood; 63 Great
Sampford; 84 Liston (AME).
ALUCITIDAE
A family represented in Britain by a single genus with a single species which
is easily recognised since each wing is divided into six lobes.
Alucita hexadactyla (Linn.) Res., (1889)-1979. Lonicera. Wdspd and erratic in numbers; in some
years c. 88 *Leigh-on-Sea (Vaughan, 1889).
PYRALIDAE
A large family of medium-sized to large moths, some having a wingspan well
over twice that of small macrolepidoptera. Many of the adults hold their
antennae in a characteristic manner when at rest, slightly parted and extended
loosely backwards over the abdomen; most other families tuck them out of
sight or porrect them forwards from the head. The British population is divided
into 11 subfamilies (Bradley & Fletcher, 1979: there were 14 in Kloet &
Hincks, 1972). Nine of these are represented in Essex and, since there is
considerable diversity, each will be given a separate introductory note. The
family includes more migrant and adventive species than the other micro-
lepidoptera. Overall, there are 199 species recorded in Britain and 132 of these
are on the Essex list. The larvae of several species feed in stored products and
are pests of economic importance.
131