Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
is known from urban brown-field sites but by no means as frequently.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin angulatus = angled or cornered. Stephens was notorious for not explaining the etymology
of the names of his species but, in this case, it is moderately safe to assume that the name is a reference
to the wings tips, which are slightly more acute (angled) than in the larger M. paganus with which he
compared it.
Micromus (Nesomicromus) paganus (Linnaeus, 1767)
National status: Common (Common) Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Found in a wide range of habitats, though
probably genuinely absent from the arable desert
of central and north-western Essex where there
are no hedges.
Habitat and ecology
As with M. variegatus. 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
Presumably via the late Latin paganus = villager, from the early Latin pagus = a rural district. Linnaeus
perhaps considered this a rural species, though it has been pointed out to me by Andras Bozsik of
Debrecen University, Hungary, that in Linnaeus' time almost every place could be considered rural
compared to the present situation. Possibly the widespread and common status of the insect may have
been linked with the widespread and common status of the peasantry at the time?
Hemerobius humulinus Linnaeus, 1761
National status: Common (Common)
Predicted county status: Ubiquitous/—
Distribution
Widespread and very common, and likely to be
found in all areas of the county.
Habitat and ecology
The aphidiphagous larvae are associated with
broad-leaved trees and bushes in the widest
possible range of macro-habitat situations,
including woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and
gardens.
Threats
None perceived.
1%
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)