The Essex Naturalist
17
MECOPTERA PANORPIDAE
BOREIDAE Panorpa cognata
Boreus hyemalis P. communis
P. germanica
References
Plant, C. W, 1992. Semidalis pseudouncinata Meinander, 1963 (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
new to Britain with a note on its separation from S. aleyrodiformis (Stephens). Entomologist's
Gazette 43: 292-296.
- , 1994. Provisional atlas of the lacewings and allies (Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera and
Mecoptera) of Britain and Ireland. NERC/ITE.
- , 1996. Nineta inpunctata (Reuter, 1894): a new laccwing recorded in Britain. Entomologist's
Gazette 47: 115-120.
Macrolepidoptera in Essex in 1995
Brian Goodey
298 Ipswich Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 4ET
The year 1995 will be one chiefly remembered for migrant butterflies rather
than moths, many of which seemed to struggle in the extremely arid conditions.
A few, usually common, species were noted only at low densities, such as the
Feathered Gothic Tholera cespitalis, and the incidence of stunted specimens was
markedly up on previous years.
Butterflies, however, appeared to revel in the hot, dry conditions.
Interestingly, the numbers of Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and Clouded
Yellows were indifferent and there was no massed invasion of the Large White.
Instead, we had the visual treats of Camberwell Beauties and Queen of Spain
Fritillaries, both of which had their best years in living memory.
Butterflies
A Swallowtail Papilio machaon was photographed in Colchester by A E Gentle
on 11th August. This coincided with a spell of migrant activity so may well be a
genuine record rather than an escaped or released individual. Just one Clouded
Yellow Colias croceus was noted, at Dovercourt on 23td October (C Gibson).
The Brown Argus Aricia agestis continues its advance northwards. I have had
more records for this species over the past five years than for any other species
and it must now be regarded as being fairly common in South Essex.
Good news too for the White Admiral Ladoga camilla. Apart from wanderers
and the temporary colony at Riddles Wood near St Osyth, this butterfly
appeared to be confined to the Stout area of North Essex. On 14th July, C
Gibson discovered the species at Friday Wood, Colchester - a former
stronghold. Eight were seen on 25th July and it is hoped that this is the
beginning of a permanent colony.