Snake-flies, alderflies and lacewings (Neuropterida) and scorpion flies
(Mecoptera): A provisional review of their status and distribution in Essex with
notes on their etymology
COLIN PLANT
14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3QP
colinwplant@netscapeonline.co.uk
Abstract
Species of Raphidioptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera and Mecoptera recorded in the Watsonian Vice-
counties of North Essex and South Essex are introduced, and then discussed under the headings of
Distribution, Habitat and ecology and Threats. In total, fifty-three species of Neuropterida (3
Raphidioptera, 2 Megaloptera and 48 Neuroptera), together with all four British species of Mecoptera
are reliably noted in the two Vice-counties together. Three of these species are regarded as extinct
in Essex (Hemerobius atrifrons McLachlan - last recorded here in 1912, Wesmaelius quadrifasciatus
(Reuter)- last noted during 1930 and Chrysopa dorsalis Burmeister, last found in 1917). One other
species (Chrysopa phyllochroma Wesmael), is only reported unreliably. A map, indicating on the
basis of tetrads (2 Km x 2 Km squares), the known distribution of each species that has been
reliably reported in the two Vice-counties is presented; records are available from 265 tetrads. For
each species, the etymology of the specific epithet is also discussed.
Introduction
True lacewings (Neuroptera) together with snake-flies (Raphidioptera), alderflies (Megaloptera)
and the unrelated scorpion flies (Mecoptera) together form a convenient group for study. Many of
the seventy-eight British species are found throughout the country, although there are some
geographically restricted examples, of course. Extensive recording in recent years has added a number
of new species to the British fauna and there is scope for a few more yet so that fieldwork is filled,
to some degree, with a sense of adventure! Modern keys are available for identification (e.g., Plant
1997a) so that it is no longer necessary to rely on out of print and unintelligible ancient texts.
The present Essex fauna has become far better understood in recent years than ever before and a
brief review of the four groups was presented in this journal during 1997 (Plant 1997b). That work
contains much background reading, and readers unfamiliar with the insects are referred to it, since
the information is not repeated in this present paper. However, there is still much to be discovered
within the confines of the county. Even the most common and widespread species should be regarded
as under-recorded here, as many of the maps in this paper will demonstrate. More importantly, the
large majority of Essex records emanate from light traps set primarily to catch nocturnal moths
(Lepidoptera) and provide absolutely nothing in the way of ecological information that may be of
use to conservation policies or effective land management. Budding ncuropterists arc urged most
strongly to make the small extra effort of noting, and recording, the tree, bush or plants from which
an insect was collected as well as keeping a written record of the wider macro-habitat in which the
record was made. The author is keen to name or verify lacewings from Essex (or elsewhere in the
Western Palaearctic), provided that they are furnished with locality data and a date of capture.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 18 (2001)
177