22
The Essex Naturalist
claims and people must not feel upset if I question any records, particularly in
the absence of a voucher specimen. Certain moths, such as great oak beauty
Boarmia roboraria, dark spectacle Abrostola triplasia and rufous minor Oligia
versicolor, are easily confused with related species but may be more widespread
than accepted records suggest. In particular the latter species has recently begun
to appear on people's lists and may indicate a range increase but, lacking
supporting evidence, cannot be proven. For really rare species, or species
potentially new to the county, the Essex Lepidoptera Panel continues in being
and helps to make any final decision.
Macrolepidoptera recording in Essex at present is strong with a network of
around sixty people who regularly send data, and some are turning their hand to
the smaller moths which is to be greatly welcomed. There is however rather an
imbalance in their distribution with relatively few workers active in south and
west Essex.
1996 was dominated by the painted lady butterfly, of course, but holly blue,
marbled white, great prominent and privet hawk-moth also had an excellent
year. Welcome, too, were the appearances of autumn green carpet, barred
chestnut, triple-spotted clay and dotted clay. My thanks to all the recorders for
supplying me with so much of interest in a busy year.
Limacodidae
0174 Triangle Apoda limacodes Hufn. Recorded again from two tracts of
woodland in north east Essex, 31st July and 2nd August. Recorder's name
and site withheld. First recorded from this site in 1987.
Sesiidae
0373 Current Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis Cl. Allotments at Alresford,
11th July (R. Cottrill).
Hesperiidae
1534 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae L. Reported from three sites during 1996,
all near Basildon: Dunton Hills 7th June, Great Berry, Laindon 7th June,
and Willow Park, Langdon N.R. 11th June (G. Bailey).
Pieridae
1545 Clouded Yellow Colias croceus Geoffr. A total of 108 were reported from
55 sites, one of the best year for the species recently. Largest number from
a single site was six at South Woodham Ferrers on 31st July (J. Dobson
and J. Hurley) and six over a lucerne field at Maldon on 11th August (S.
D. Wood). Dates range from June - September.
Lycaenidae
1572 Brown Argus Aricia agestis D. &. S. Reported from 21 sites. Largest single
counts of 15 adults from Stansted Airport lagoons, 20 August (A. Goodey)