Snake-flies, alderflies, lacewings and scorpion flies in Essex
Nineta flava (Scopoli, 1763)
National status: Common (Common)
Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Very common in broad-leaved and mixed
woodlands, occasionally in more open situations
with trees.
Habitat and ecology
There is very strong evidence to suggest that there
is either a preference for, or an obligatory
association with, deciduous oak trees.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin flavum = yellow. In my experience,
this insect is not especially more yellow than any
of the other green lacewings, though museum
specimens do fade to yellow rapidly and it may be that Scopoli described the species from such a faded
specimen.
Nineta vittata (Wesmael, 1841)
National status: Common (Common) Predicted county status: Common/—
Distribution
Widespread, but evidently rather more local than
N. flava.
Habitat and ecology
Like N. flava, this is an arboreal species, though
elsewhere in Britain it is apparently associated
with a far wider variety of broad-leaved tree
species than its congener.
Threats
None perceived.
Etymology
From the Latin vitta = a band, ribbon or fillet hence
vittata = an adjectival form, means bound with a
band/ribbon/fillet. The reason is not immediately
apparent, but Wesmael comments, whilst describing the species, that one of the main characteristics
of vittata is the pale median stripe; it is assumed that his name refers to this pale band.
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)