Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
Conwentzia pineticola
British species, regarding C. pineticola as a mere
form of this. It was not until recently that the
existence of two species in Britain was published
(Barnard 1978).
Habitat and ecology
The larvae are thought to be strictly associated
with Scots Pine trees Pinus sylvestris and
although adults may be beaten from deciduous
frees there is usually a Scots pine hee somewhere
nearby. There is some circumstantial evidence,
however, to suggest that other species of Pinus
may be utilised elsewhere in Britain.
Threats
The scarcity of Scots Pine trees in the county
suggests that the loss of these from one area could be detrimental to the lacewing.
Etymology
From the genus Pinus = pine trees, in combination with the Latin verb cola, colere -
hence, literally, "living in pines".
to inhabit,
Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) tineiformis Curtis, 1834
National status; Common (Common) Predicted county status; Common/—
Distribution
A widespread species across the whole of Essex,
and likely to be found in most if not all, Essex
woodlands.
Habitat and ecology
The insect has been recorded from deciduous and
mixed woodland, scrubland, parks and gardens.
Adults seem to be associated, principally, with
oak (Quercus), but several other species are
recorded including ornamental species in parks
and gardens. It comes readily to light traps.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin forma = like/similar in combination with genus Tinea of the Lepidoptera, which at that
date was a catch-all genus containing most of the micro-moths. Literally, Tike a tineid moth".
Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) borealis Tjeder, 1930
National status: Local (Common) Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Evidently widespread in the western half of the county, but this may reflect recording effort rather
than genuine scarcity in the east. Elsewhere in Britain, many old records purporting to be C. tineiformis
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)