Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
Cunctochrysa bellifontensis
light traps during 1992.
Habitat and ecology
Unknown. The taxonomic status of this species
is unclear and its separation from C. albolineata
is considered by some to be unsound.
Threats
Unknown.
Etymology
From the Latinised name Fans Bellaqueus of the
French type locality, the foret de Fontainebleu,
literally meaning "from Fons Bellaqueus". Fons
is the source (spring) and is the source of the word
fountain; the place name presumably derives from
Fontaine de l'eau belle, or possibly Fontaine belle
eau, leading to Fontainebleu.
Dichochrysa flavifrons (Brauer, 1850)
National status: Local (Common)
Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Nationally, the evidence from the static light traps
of the RIS network suggest that this species has
become more numerous and has extended its
range northwards since the mid 1980s to the
present day. It is currently widespread in Essex,
although prior to 1985 there was only a single
record - from Colchester in 1907.
Habitat and ecology
Killington (1937) suggested an association with
pine trees; current records arc from both
coniferous and mixed woodland. Most records
are from light traps, however, and this sheds no
light on ecological matters. There is some
evidence that numbers are increased in some
years by influxes of continental immigrants.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin flavum - yellow, together with the Latin fram' - forehead. Flavum usually refers to a
brighter, golden-yellow, whilst luteum (also Latin for yellow), is reserved for pale yellows (see also
Hemerobius lutescens, above).
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)