Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
the Essex spider group is, in large part, responsible for my supposition that the species is scarce in
the county. Elsewhere in Britain, it is noted from acid bog, acidic, neutral and alkaline unimproved
grassland, calcareous semi-improved grassland and sand dunes.
Threats
Unknown.
Etymology
From the Greek di — two/twice and pteros ~ wing, literally "two-winged". The species was originally
described by Burmeister from the micropterous form which, superficially, appears to have only two wings.
Micromus (Micromus) variegatus (Fabricius, 1793)
National status; Common (Common) Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Well-distributed across the county, though some
records reflect possible wanderers in light traps.
It is a distinctive species than can be identified
by eye in the field.
Habitat and ecology
A eurytopic species. Essex records herald from
woodland, scrub, hedgerows, town parks,
domestic gardens and, in the south-west, urban
brown-field sites. The larvae are almost certainly
associated in some way with root aphids.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
A combination of two Latin words: varius = various and the verb agere = to make. In other words,
"made various" or "variegated", from the variegated pattern of the fore wings.
Micromus (Nesomicromus) angulatus (Stephens, 1836)
National status: Local (Local)
Predicted county status: Scarce/— (Increasing?)
Distribution
The two mapped records are from Benfleet
Downs in 1985 and the RIS light trap at Writtle
in 1992. Elsewhere in Britain it appears to be
coming to light traps in areas from which it was
previously unrecorded, including my garden at
Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, just over the
Essex boundary; this may indicate the start of an
increase in range, numbers or both.
Habitat and ecology
Poorly understood; most records are from light
traps. It is almost certainly associated with root
aphids in low herbage. As with M. variegatus, it
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)
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