Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
have proved, upon critical examination, to be this
species and this may well be the case for older
Essex records too, though these have all been
ignored where no specimen is available for
checking.
Habitat and ecology
Deciduous woodland, scrubland parks and
gardens have all revealed this species, though
most records are from light naps and so habitat
associations are not clear. Elsewhere in Britain,
several field records relate to adults beaten from
deciduous oaks (Quercus).
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin boreus = northern; literally, 'of the north'.
Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) pygmaea Enderlein, 1906
(= parthenia (Navas & Marcet, 1910) nec auctorum)
National status: Common (Unknown) Predicted county status: Rare/Unknown
Distribution
The only Essex record is of a single male in the
RIS trap at Writtle, during 1993.
Habitat and ecology
Poorly known. Elsewhere in Britain, adults have
been beaten from Yew Taxus baccata, holly Ilex
aquifolium and Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris.
Threats
Unknown.
Etymology
From the Latin pygmaei = the pygmies, originally
via the Greek pugmalos = dwarfish. Relating to
the small size of the insect. The former name
parthenia probably has its origin in the Greek
parthemus/parthenia = virgin or virginal. The link between this adjective and the species is unclear,
but perhaps it relates in some way to the colour of the insect and the notion that white represents
purity?
Coniopteryx (Metaconiopteryx) esbenpeterseni Tjeder, 1930
National status: Unknown (Unknown) County status: Unknown/-
Distribution
In Essex, this species is recorded only from the RIS trap at Writtle, in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Although
only added to the British fauna relatively recently (Hynd & Plant 1991) this species is one which has
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)
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