Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
Etymology
Presumably a combination of the Greek phyllon = a leaf, with the Greek khroma = colour- a reference
to the particularly bright, green colour of the insect.]
Chrysopa commata Kis & Ujhelyi, 1965
National status; Local (Notable) Predicted county status: Scarce/—
Distribution
Although there are current Essex records from
only two sites (Thamesside Park, Barking in 1983
and Goshems Farm, Tilbury in 1997), this species
is widespread, albeit local, in the eastern counties
and it is considered to be under-recorded in
Essex.
Habitat and ecology
Poorly known. Both Essex specimens were taken
in rank grassland areas near the River Thames,
though the grasslands were, in both cases, a
component of an overall ruderal habitat. Most
other British records are from light traps using
tungsten filament bulbs (RIS traps).
Threats
None apparent, though if the ruderal component of sites is important then the loss of Thames-side
brownfield sites may be significant.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek komma = a piece cut off, or a short clause. This word travelled via Latin to be
adopted in the sixteenth century for the short-pause punctuation mark we use today. In terms of the
lacewing, it may refer to the dark spot on inner face of antennal scape (although British specimens
usually lack this mark).
Chrysopa perla (Linnaeus, 1758)
National status; Common (Common) Predicted county status; Ubiquitous/—
Distribution
Widespread and numerous in almost all areas of
the county.
Habitat and ecology
In Essex, as elsewhere in Britain, the range of
recorded habitats is wide and it is difficult to
pinpoint anything in particular, and the larvae
may feed on aphids or other soft-bodied
invertebrates in a variety of rank, herbaceous
habitats. Scrub (or hedges) features at most sites,
though this may contribute more to microclimate
conditions than to provision of a larval habitat.
Threats
None perceived.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)
205