Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
Hemerobius micans Olivier, 1792
National status; Common (Common)
Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Widespread and likely to be found across the
county wherever deciduous oak trees are present.
Habitat and ecology
Obligatorily associated with deciduous oak trees,
and recorded from both Q. robur and Q. petraea
in Essex. Isolated trees in parks and gardens often
support the laccwing, which is easily found by
tapping the lower branches of oak trees between
May and August, whereupon large numbers may
often fly out.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin verb mico = to shine. Relates to the yellowish reflection of wings, which are said to
resemble the mineral mica.
Hemerobius lutescens Fabricius, 1793
National status: Common (Common)
Predicted county status: Ubiquitous/—
Distribution
Ubiquitous - possibly the commonest species in
the county. There can be few small comers of
Essex where this species may not be found.
Habitat and ecology
Hedges, bushes, trees (both in woodland and
isolated in the arable landscape), roadside verges,
town parks, domestic gardens and most other
shrubby places.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
The Latin luteum = yellow, from the pale-yellow
overall colouration of the insect, with the
adjectival suffix "-escens", hence lutescens -
shining yellow. The Latin flavum also means yellow, but is generally used to refer to a brighter,
golden-yellow.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)
199