Dolicharthria punctalis ([D. & S.])Res., (1975). Lotus corniculatus. V. loc. on shingle.
VC 18.98 Shoebury. VC 19.11 Colne Point NR; Clacton-on-Sea (HCH). N.B. Huggins deleted
this entry in his MS, but later added in the margin "Stet: struck off in error as the name was
changed". Finding it strange that these important records do not feature in Huggins' published
papers on Essex lepidoptera, I wrote to him asking for confirmation which he gave with
characteristic emphasis. There is no confusion between the records he gives for this species and
for Synaphe punctalis.
Maruca testulalis (Geyer) Adv., 1979. Phaseolus spp. A single record.
VC 18. 48 Wanstead Park, one at m.v. light 23 June 1979 (CWP). The species has previously
been reared from imported beans, but this is the first example to be captured in the open in
Britain.
Diasemia litterata (Scop.) Mig., 1954. Plantago, Hieracium, but no evidence of breeding in Essex.
A single record.
VC 18. Bradwell-on-Sea [Southminster], one 25 May 1954 by Dewick (French, 1955).
Diasemiopsis ramburialis (Dup.) Mig., 1956-1977. Life history unknown. V.r.
VC 18. 90 *Bradwell-on-Sea, single specimens on 11 September and 9 October 1956 (AJD);
two moths observed on 22 August 1950 were probably this species (Bretherton, 1962). VC 19.60
Writtle A.C., one 25 October 1977.
Pleuroptya ruralis (Scop.) Res., 1885-1980. Mainly Urtica. Wdspd and abdt. 39 *Chingford
(Nicholson, 1932).
Palpita unionalis (Hubn.) Mig., 1899-1979. Jasminum officinale in captivity, but no evidence of
breeding in the wild. Formerly v.r.; now r.
VC 18. 88 Southend district, most years since 1947 (D. Smith; HCH; DGD); 89 Hockley, 1954
(DM); 98 *Wakering, 1899; Shoeburyness, 1906 (AT, who bred from the captured female on
each occasion); 90 Bradwell-on-Sea, most recent years, with a maximum of 15 in 1956 (AJD).
Pyralinae
Medium-sized to large moths; some have forewings attractively coloured
dull purple and yellow; the forewing is broad and triangular. The larvae feed
mainly on leaf-litter or refuse, but sometimes on stored products; however,
they are seldom pests of economic importance. The adults are nocturnal but
are not strongly attracted to light; they are therefore seldom observed. Stables
are a favourite habitat, but they have become more scarce since the decline of
horse transport.
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