information on those already known. Fraser regarded Coniopteryx borealis as being
confined to two locations in Scotland. Recent realisation that examination of the male
genitalia is vital for correct identification has shown this species to be the most
widespread and numerous of all the Coniopteiygidae in Britain, including Essex. Essex
also boasts records of the newcomers to the British list, Coniopteryx esbenpeterseni and
C. lentiae (both of which have evidently been with us as undetected residents for over
150 years) and Semidalis pseudouncinata a recent colonist associated with Cupressus,
Thuja and possibly Juniperus.
Identification requires the examination of the internal genital apparatus of adult males.
The only English language key available is Plant (1991a). This work excludes Semidalis
pseudouncinata, for which, see Plant (1992).
ESSEX MECOPTERA - SCORPIONFLIES
Three scorpionflies and the snowflea make up the British species complement and all are
recorded for Essex. The former take their name from the adult males, which possess a
swollen genital capsule at the end of a slender body. This is typically held forwards over
the body in a manner resembling a scorpion; they are, nevertheless, totally harmless and
quite lacking in a sting. Two species Panorpa communis and
P. germanica are both widespread and very common in Essex and are typically found in
dense vegetation at the base of hedgerows or in woodland edge habitats. Brambles feature
strongly in the reported associations. The third species, Panorpa cognata is apparently
extremely rare over much of Britain, including Essex.
The snowflea Boreus hyemalis is practically unique amongst British insects in that it
matures during the very depths of winter. Adults are in evidence from about November to
March, and most numerous in December and January when they can be found "hopping"
on snow-covered ground - a habit which gives them their colloquial name. They are
hopelessly under-recorded but are not by any means confined to upland areas, as
suggested by some earlier texts. Pitfall trapping is the most frequently recorded capture
method in Britain and it is from such a trap that Peter Harvey made the only recent Essex
record - from amongst Sphagnum in Epping Forest. Other spider-hunters, as well as
beetle-people, should look out for this diminutive insect which may, at first glance,
resemble a large froghopper.
Identification of males can be performed satisfactorily using Fraser's (1957) key; females
require examination of the shape of the ovipositor and the only published key available is
Plant (1991b).
Under-recorded, known from but a single recent record.