Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
species can only be separated from it by examination of the genitalia. It is interesting to consider that if
he had named them in reverse chronological order the names too would have been reversed!
Wesmaelius (Wesmaelius) concinnus (Stephens, 1836)
National status: Local (Local) Predicted county status: Scarce/Unknown
Distribution
Old records on the map arc from Colchester (1911
and 1919), Birch (1920) and Alresford (1922).
There is only one record for Essex since that date,
made at Brickies Wood, Matching, on 20 July
1990, when I took a male in a moth trap there. It
is not considered likely that this lacewing will
prove to be at all common in Essex, although it
may be to some extent under-recorded.
Habitat and ecology
Strictly associated with Scots Pine in woodland
situations. The adults may be readily beaten from
lower branches, but immediately fold their wings
and drop to the ground, looking rather like a
falling leaf fragment, so evading the eye of the entomologist, keenly checking for anything that flies
horizontally! If beating for this species it is a good idea to spread a white sheet on the ground below
the branches to be tapped.
Threats
Unknown.
Etymology
A direct usage of the Latin concinnus = well put together, pleasing, elegant or neat. It is indeed a nice
little insect, and quite distinctive in the field.
Wesmaelius (Wesmaelius) quadrifasciatus (Reuter, 1894)
National status; Common (Local) Predicted county status; Extinct/Endangered
Distribution
Recorded from High Woods, Colchester in 1921,
1927 and 1930. There are no other Essex records
and it is presumed that since seventy years have
elapsed since the most recent record that it may
well be extinct here.
Habitat and ecology
Confined to Larch trees Larix decidua from
which adults may be readily dislodged by a sharp
tap. See also the discussion under Hemerobius
atrifrons, above.
Threats
Not applicable, but the species would be regarded
as Essex Endangered if it were to be found again.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)
20!