The Essex Naturalist
33
Bonabond Site TQ511851, Eastbrookend TQ514858, Beckton TQ440810,
Albert Dock TQ4385). M. emarginatus has been found at several coastal and
near-coastal sites (The Naze, Walton, TM2520, Benfleet TQ7985, Hall Hill,
West Tilbury, TQ6677). Only a single recent record from Stratford spoils the
urban/rural split between the two species. The difference in distribution almost
certainly results chiefly from the characteristics of the substrate. M. chiragra
seems to require very well-drained sandy or gravelly substrates, whereas M.
emarginatus can cope with rather heavier soils, such as those on the sea banks.
Orius laticollis (Reuter) (Anthocoridae). Rushey Mead, TL4919, 5th August
1994; coll. C W Plant, det. P Kirby. New to Essex. Orius is a somewhat difficult
genus, and tends to be rather under-recorded. O. laticollis was added to the
British list as recently as 1971 (Woodroffe 1971). It is a rather local insect,
chiefly associated with willows and poplars, though it can be common where it
occurs. Since its recognition in Britain it has proved to be quite widespread in
the south-east, but very few records have been published. Its addition to the
county list is rather overdue; it may well prove widely distributed.
Orsillus depressus Dallas (Lygaeidae). Gidea Park, TQ532901, 27th
September 1992; P Kirby. A recent arrival in Britain, O. depressus was first
recorded in Britain in Surrey in 1987 (Hawkins 1989), and has since been
reported more widely (though not commonly) in the south-east. In Britain it
feeds chiefly, if not entirely, on Lawson cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. The
Gidea Park population was large (several hundred adults and nymphs were seen,
and since the two trees containing them were large, the total population was
almost certainly many thousands) but almost certainly very recently established;
I had examined the trees at least annually for the previous six years without
finding any of the bug. This species could now be present on almost any large
fruiting Lawson cypress in the county.
Pasatus lundi (Gmelin) (Lygaeidae). Broom Hill, West Tilbury, TQ6577, 5th
September 1991; coll. R G Payne, det. P Kirby. The first recent county record
for this species, a very local ground-dwelling bug preferring bare sparsely
vegetated areas on bare ground.
Raglius alboacuminatus (Goeze) (Lygaeidae). Broom Hill, West Tilbury,
TQ6577, 4th May and 26th July 1992; R G Payne. A Nationally Scarce species
associated with black horehound Ballota nigra. There are other recent records
from post-industrial sites in the metropolitan area, but this is the first record I
have of a colony outside London.
Trapezonotus dispar Stal (Lygaeidae). Stow Wood, TM18.31, 12th August
1991; coll. R G Payne, det. P Kirby. The first recent county record for this local
ground-dwelling bug, usually associated with dry well-drained ground in open
areas in woodland.