86 Recent Records of Hoverflies from Essex
Volucella inanis (Linnaeus) Notable (Scarce)
Although nationally scarce, Essex is a stronghold for this large species. There are recent records
from the flood meadows bordering the River Stort, TL4919, 30.vii.1996, (R.G. Payne); Lexden,
near Colchester, TL9825, on 12.viii.1996 (J. Bowden); the p.f.a. lagoons at West Thurrock, TQ5876,
ll.viii.1996 (P.R. Harvey); Ferry Fields, Tilbury, TQ6475, on 13.viii.1994 (P.R. Harvey); several
from Mill Wood Pit, TQ5978, in July 1994 (P.R. Harvey); and 3 at Poors Piece, Danbury, TL7806,
in August 1996 (G. Pyman).
Volucella inflata (Fabricius) Notable (Scarce)
This woodland hoverfly is considerably rarer than V. inanis, but there is some evidence that it may
be increasing in numbers. A female was collected at the edge of Alsa sand pit near Stansted
Mountfitchet, TL5126, on 13.vi.1996 (RR. Harvey) and males and females were found at the same
site on 23.vi.1996 in numbers at Philadelphus flowers (C.W. Plant and P.R. Harvey). Two males
were collected at Warwick Wood, TQ5582, on 24 June 1998 (P.R. Harvey) and another at Wicken
Bonhunt, TL5132, on 30.vi.1999 by C. Watson.
Xanthandrus comptus (Harris) Notable (Scarce)
There are two recent records of this elusive species whose larvae feed on small caterpillars. One at
Kirby-le-Soken, TM2222, on 24.ix. 199 8 (RR. Harvey) and a female at Warren Pit, Woodham Walter,
TL8006, on 3.viii.l996 (RR. Harvey).
Review of the Lepidoptera of Essex for 1999
BRIAN GOODEY
298 Ipswich Road, Colchester, Essex C04 4ET
Introduction
Information I have received tends to conflict with the generally held view of many observers who
reported poor conditions and low numbers of Lepidoptera. 7,000 records have been processed so
far, several hundred specimens submitted, and five new species added to the county list, making
1999 one of our most productive years ever. This is largely due to the growing number of recorders
operating in Essex, more especially their growing expertise, which tends to disguise the fact that
numbers of many species have still not recovered to their pre-1997 levels.
The Essex Moth Group, whose membership rose to 71, took the lead role in helping to organise
National Moth Night on 17 July, which yielded 13,600 records, and seems destined to be apermanent
fixture in the calendar. It produced a few surprises in Essex and a great deal of friendly rivalry and
discussion! Records can now be sent to me via e-mail, brian.goodcy@dial.pipcx.com, and the group's
web site can be found at www.aave45.dial.pipex.com/' for those interested.
An old collection was given to me by the family of Clement James Rawlings, which yielded a few
records of interest (though many of the specimens were in poor condition and other lacked labels).
The cabinet was beautifully restored by Mr J. Young at Jaywick and now houses Essex
microlepidoptera. I am trying to learn more of this collector/photographer, who lived in Hornchurch
and was active from 1928 to 1984.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)