Current Volume - (136) 2024:

136 (1):

BRITISH ISLES, 2013 ON ACCOUNT OF SUBSEQUENTLY PUBLISHED AND RECEIVED DATA
DAVID J. L. AGASSIZ, S. D. BEAVAn & R. J. HECKFORD
Insects Division, Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Abstract
This update incorporates information published before 1 January 2024 into A Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles, 2013.

STIGMELLA ZELLERIELLA (SNELLEN, 1875) (LEP.: NEPTICULIDAE) DISCOVERED AT DUNGENESS, KENT. A SECOND BRITISH SITE
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QF will.langdon12@gmail.com
Abstract
Stigmella zelleriella (Snellen, 1875) (Lepidoptera: nepticulidae) is reported breeding at Dungeness, East Kent in 2022. Mines were found on Salix repens L. var. argentea (Sm.) Wimm. et Grab. across the peninsula and adults reared to confirm the identification. The identification and biology of this species in the UK are considered and the significance of this find for the species’ conservation is discussed.
Keywords: Stigmella zelleriella, Dungeness, leaf-mines, nepticulidae, Lepidoptera, Salix repens, Kent.

DNA-BASED FAUNISTICS – EXEMPLIFIED BY SURVEYS OF LEPIDOPTERA IN GREECE
PETER HUEMER
Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsges.m.b.H, Naturwissenschaften, Sammlungs- und Forschungszentrum, Krajnc-Str. 1, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
E-Mail: p.huemer@tiroler-landesmuseen.at
Abstract
The meaning of DNA barcoding is documented and discussed through faunistic surveys in Greece. Eight species of Lepidoptera are reported for Greece for the first time.
Keywords: DNA barcoding, Greece, Lepidoptera, new country records

ACALYPTRIS PLATANI (MÜLLER-RUTZ, 1934) (LEP.: NEPTICULIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
NIGEL G. J. RICHARDS
Logie House, Logie Easter, Kildary, Ross-shire IV18 0NZ ngjr@btinternet.com
Abstract
Acalyptris platani (Müller-Rutz, 1934) (Lepidoptera: nepticulidae) is reported new to the British Isles from Middlesex (London) in October 2023.
Keywords: Acalyptris platani, British Lepidoptera fauna, Middlesex.

THE DISCOVERY OF SPINY HOOK-TIP WATSONALLA UNCINULA (BORKHAUSEN, 1790) (LEP.: DREPANIDAE) IN GUERNSEY,
CHANNEL ISLANDS
1 P. H. STERLING, 2 T. N. D. PEET, & 3 D. J. L. AGASSIZ
1 28 East Wyld Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0RP
2 Le Chêne, Forest, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY8 0BB
3 Garden House, Stafford Place, Weston-super-Mare BS23 2QZ
Abstract
The discovery of Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula (Borkhausen, 1790) in Guernsey, Channel Islands in July 2023 is reported. The species is believed to be resident on the island and may have been so for several years. The adult moth is very similar to Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria (Hufnagel, 1767) and comparative features are described. Larvae of the two species appear indistinguishable.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Spiny Hook-tip, Watsonalla uncinula, Oak Hook-tip, Watsonalla binaria, larvae, Guernsey, Channel Islands.

SPINY HOOK-TIP WATSONALLA UNCINULA (BORKHAUSEN, 1790) (LEP.: DREPANIDAE) FIRST CONFIRMED RECORDS FROM BRITAIN
S. T. BUCKTON 1 AND G. M. TORDOFF 2
1 5a Kings Road, Rodborough, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3SE
2 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP
Abstract
Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula (Borkhausen, 1790) is confirmed as a British species from Gloucestershire, Glamorgan and Somerset in 2023. Previous photographic evidence suggests the species may have been present in Britain since at least 2021.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Spiny Hook-tip, Watsonalla uncinula, Oak Hook-tip, Watsonalla binaria, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan, Somerset.

THE MILLET SKIPPER PELOPIDAS THRAX (HÜBNER, [1821]) (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE) NEW TO THE GREEK ISLAND OF
KERKYRA (CORFU)
1 DAN (G. W.) DANAHAR AND 2 ANNE F. SORDINAS
1 35 Coldean Lane, Brighton, BN1 9GD dan@corfubutterflyconservation.org
2 Aghia Marina, Kalafationes, Corfu, Greece anne@corfubutterflyconservation.org
Abstract
The Millet Skipper butterfly Pelopidas thrax(Hübner) (Hesperiidae) is added to the Lepidoptera fauna of Corfu (Kerkyra).

136 (2):

DIALECTICA HEDEMANNI (REBEL, 1896) (LEP.: GRACILLARIIDAE: ACROCERCOPINAE) NEW TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITS
ORIGIN ACCORDING TO DNA BARCODING
MARTIN C. TOWNSEND¹, PETER R. HALL², MARK J. STERLING³ & DAVID C. LEES³
¹ 26 Bartholomew Road, Oxford OX4 3QQ
² Easter Craiglands, Rosemarkie, Fortrose IV10 8SJ
³ Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Address for correspondence: martin.townsend4@ntlworld.com
Abstract
Dialectica hedemanni (Rebel, 1896) (Gracillariidae) is reported new to the UK from Middlesex (vice-county vC21) – a female was collected on 7 June 2018. the species is normally resident in Macaronesia. the identification is confirmed by genital morphology and by DnA barcoding. A 100% match in the DNA barcode ties its origin to Spain (e.g. Canary Islands: La Palma) rather than Portugal (Madeira), according to available COI-5P sequences on BOLD. It is unknown if this specimen was an adventive or is breeding on Malvaceae species locally. We discuss its relationships with and separation from other Dialectica species. D. hedemanni is quite divergent from the other two Dialectica species now confirmed to be breeding on species of Boraginaceae in the UK.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Dialectica hedemanni, DnA barcoding, Boraginaceae, Adventive, Canary Islands.

A FURTHER RECORD OF BACTRA VENOSANA (ZELLER, 1847) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE: OLETHREUTINAE: BACTRINI) FOR GREAT
BRITAIN AND IRELAND AND SOME DIAGNOSTIC NOTES
MARK STERLING
Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Email: M.Sterling@nhm.ac.uk
Abstract
A fourth specimen of Bactra venosana (Zeller, 1847) is recorded for Great Britain and Ireland and diagnostic notes for distinguishing B. venosana from other UK species of Bactra are presented.
Keywords: Immigrant moths, Lepidoptera, Bactra.

WOOD BARLEY HORDELYMUS EUROPAEUS (L.) JESS. EX HARZ: A FOODPLANT FOR ELACHISTA APICIPUNCTELLA (STAINTON,
1849), ELACHISTA LUTICOMELLA (ZELLER, 1839) AND ELACHISTA OBLIQUELLA (STAINTON, 1854) (LEP.: ELACHISTIDAE)
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QF
Abstract
Elachista apicipunctella (Stainton, 1849), Elachista luticomella (Zeller, 1839) and Elachista obliquella (Stainton, 1854) were all reared from mines found on Hordelymus europaeus (L.) Jess. ex Harz at Aston Rowant nnR (VC23 Oxfordshire) in February 2023. this appears to be the first UK record of E. obliquella on this host and perhaps the first anywhere of E. apicipunctella and E. luticomella which were both very frequent on it, suggesting that where this rather local grass occurs, it may be a favoured foodplant for these species.
Keywords: Elachista, larval foodplants, Hordelymus europaeus, Elachista apicipunctella, Elachista obliquella, Elachista luticomella.

THE MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA OF PARK FARM, KIDLINGTON, OXFORDSHIRE, 1976-2000
PAUL WARING
Shire, Tydd Bank, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 9XE e-mail: paul_waring@btinternet.com
Abstract
Records of 316 species of macro-moths and 21 species of butterflies at Park Farm,
Kidlington, Oxfordshire, from 1976 to 2000 are reviewed. Species of particular
interest are discussed.
Key words: Faunistics, moths, Park Farm, Kidlington, Oxfordshire

136 (3):

PSEUDOZARBA BIPARTITA (HERRICH-SCHAFFER, [1850]), (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) RECORDED IN BRITAIN
DAVID WALLACE
10 Chartwell Close, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire PO14 4RD. wallacehome@hotmail.com
Abstract
The noctuid moth Pseudozarba bipartita (Herrich-Schaffer, [1850]), is formally added to the British Lepidoptera fauna.
Keywords: Pseudozarba bipartita, British Lepidoptera fauna.

COLEOPHORA HYDROLAPATHELLA (HERING, 1921) (LEP.: COLEOPHORIDAE) BREEDING ON RUMEX CRISPUS L.
IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND
WILLIAM B. V. LANGDON
Appletree House, Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3QF will.langdon12@gmail.com
Abstract
Coleophora hydrolapathella (Hering, 1921) is reported breeding on Curled Dock (Rumex crispus L.) at Rye Harbour NNR (East Sussex) and Dungeness (East Kent) where it is also using Great Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum L.). These are the first records for both vice counties, and appear to be the first of this rare species feeding on anything other than R. hydrolapathum. Differences in the biology of C.
hydrolapathella on the two hosts and its status in the UK are discussed.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Coleophora hydrolapathella, Rumex crispus, Rumex hydrolapathum, Kent, Sussex, Dungeness, Rye Harbour.

CONISTRA GALLICA (LEDERER) – A NEW SPECIES FOR ITALY (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE)
PETER HUEMER
Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsges.m.b.H, Naturwissenschaften, Sammlungs- und Forschungszentrum, Krajnc-Str. 1, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria E-Mail: p.huemer@tiroler-landesmuseen.at
Abstract
Conistra gallica (Lederer) (Noctuidae) which is distributed in the AtlantoMediterranean region, is reported for the first time in Italy (Cottian Alps). Identifications were conducted phenotypically and confirmed using DNA barcodes.
Keywords: Cottian Alps, DNA barcoding, macrolepidoptera, new national record

MACROMOTH SPECIES ACCUMULATION OVER TIME IN A SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN: RECORDING METHOD
CONTRIBUTIONS, INFERRED ORIGINS AND WIDER CONTEXT
CHRIS TYLER-SMITH & YALI XUE
14 High Street, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4HS E-Mail: ylxcts@gmail.com
Abstract
We report the results of a second six-year study of the macromoths in a village edge garden in southern England. 121 additional species were recorded, mainly by light trapping, but also by daytime recording (including pheromones) or early stages. One-third were likely to be residents nearby and a few were migrants from overseas, but the majority were considered likely wanderers from more distant locations in
England. Species previously identified as expanding or declining nationally generally showed similar patterns in our garden, but with a few striking exceptions. The rate of species addition with time showed no sign of levelling off and trapping when the night-time maximum temperature exceeded 20°C was identified as the most effective way to record low-frequency wanderers and thus add further species.
Keywords: macromoth species numbers, Robinson and Skinner light traps, residents, wanderers, migrants, night temperature.

VARIATION IN POST-MATING BEHAVIOUR IN CAPNIAATRA MORTON, 1896 (PLECOPTERA: CAPNIIDAE) OBSERVED IN
BRITISH AND IRISH POPULATIONS
HUGH B. FEELEY 1 & CRAIG R. MACADAM 2
1.Environmental Protection Agency, McCumiskey House, Richview, Clonskeagh Road, Dublin 14,
D14 YR62, Ireland; email: h.feeley@epa.ie
2. Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Abstract
Stoneflies (Plecoptera) have complex mating behaviour, but little is known about the species Capnia atra, which is considered rare in both Britain and Ireland given its optimal range in the circumpolar region. Observations of post mating behaviour in non-receptive females, which only mate once, and their conspecific males, was found to differ between British and Irish populations. In the British population nonreceptive females were able to communicate effectively with the male, ensuring secondary mating did not occur. In contrast, Irish male C. atra actively attempted to mate with the non-receptive female resulting in a ‘rolling ball’ as the female manoeuvred her abdomen constantly to avoid copulation. Phenological and ecological variation, previously noted for the species, has likely enabled it to survive well outside its optimal circumpolar range.
Keywords: Plecoptera, reproduction, defensive behaviour.

136 (4):

COCHYLIMORPHA WOLINIANA (SCHLEICH, 1868) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN FROM WORMWOOD
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM IN SOUTH ESSEX
1 MARK G. TELFER AND 2 PETER R. HALL
1 Heatherstone, Whitwell Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1LJ. mark.g.telfer@btinternet.com
2 Easter Craiglands, Rosemarkie, Fortrose, Ross-shire IV10 8SJ. peter.hall018@gmail.com
Abstract
The tortricid moth Cochylimorpha woliniana (Schleich, 1868) was discovered new to Britain from Tilbury Ashfields, South Essex, during 2022, breeding in the stems of Wormwood Artemisia absinthium. Images of the adult and of the male and female genitalia are provided. It is hypothesised that Cochylimorpha woliniana has a long history of establishment in Britain but has been overlooked until this discovery
Keywords: Tortricidae, Cochylimorpha woliniana, new to Britain.

THE BIOLOGY AND NOMENCLATURE OF SCROBIPALPA FREYII (SCOTT, 1859) SP. REV., COMB. NOV. (LEP.: GELECHIIDAE),
PREVIOUSLY S. PAUPERELLA (HEINEMANN, 1870) SYN. NOV., AND COMPARISON OF THE LARVA, PUPA, ADULT AND GENITALIA WITH THOSE OF SCROBIPALPA ACUMINATELLA (SIRCOM, 1850)
S. D. BEAVAN & R. J. HECKFORD
Department of Life Sciences, Terrestrial Invertebrates Division, Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
(Correspondence address: The Hayes, Zeal Monachorum, Devon EX17 6DF)
Abstract
The species formerly known as Scrobipalpa pauperella (Heinemann, 1870) is hereby revised to Scrobipalpa freyii (Scott, 1859). An account is given of the discovery in the British Isles of the larva mining the leaves of Centaurea scabiosa L. (Asteraceae). The larva, pupa, adult and genitalia of both sexes are compared with those of Scrobipalpa acuminatella (Sircom, 1850). Images are provided of both species.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Scrobipalpa freyii, S. pauperella, S. acuminatella, larva, comparisons

PALLIFRONTANA LIENIG & ZELLER 1846 (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE (VC29) AND SURROUNDING AREAS
CHRIS TYLER-SMITH & YALI XUE
14 High St., Linton, Cambs. CB21 4HS Email: ylxcts@gmail.com
Abstract
The past and present status of Grapholita pallifrontana in Cambridgeshire has been investigated. The species was discovered in Cambridgeshire by William Warren, most likely in 1887; the next published record was in 2021. Its sole larval foodplant, Wild Liquorice Astragalus glycyphyllos has been well-documented by botanists since 1660. We visited the 15 monads with post-1985 records and relocated plants in 11 of them, plus one new adjacent monad. We subsequently revisited these 12 monads during the season when larvae are detectable within the seedpods, and found G. pallifrontana in six of the monads, concentrated in the southeast and southwest of VC29. The botanical history of these sites suggests that Wild Liquorice has probably only been present in these locations for the last half-century, and that both foodplant and moth must therefore be quite mobile. Records from adjacent vicecounties demonstrate an overall L-shaped G. pallifrontana distribution, with the Cambridgeshire colonies at its eastern extremity, and raise the question of whether most may belong to a single meta-population.
Keywords: Grapholita pallifrontana, Cambridgeshire, Astragalus glycyphyllos. larval surveys, changing distribution.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE PAUCITY OF RECORDS OF COLIAS CROCEUS FORM CREMONAEHELICE RUSSELL ET AL., 2003
(LEP.: PIERIDAE)
PETER J. C. RUSSELL
Oakmeadow, Wessex Avenue, East Wittering, West Sussex PO20 8NP E-mail: peterjcrussell82@yahoo.com
Abstract
The only published records of Colias croceus form cremonaehelice Russell et al., 2003 (the alba ? form of cremonae) appear to be from the island of Faial, Azores Archipelago. Many records of f. cremonae are erroneous due to inaccurate illustrations representing this form. It is acknowledged that the multitude of names of forms and aberrations of C. croceus makes for nomenclatural confusion. This article gives a descriptive comparison of C. croceus f. cremonaehelice and C. croceus f. helice (the alba ? form of croceus). A specimen of C. croceus f.
cremonaehelice from Beirut, Lebanon is illustrated; the only location other than the Azores where this form has been recorded reliably.
Keywords: Colias croceus, cremonae, helice, cremonaehelice, alba ?, Azores, Portugal, Beirut, Lebanon.

136 (5):

THE EARLY STAGES OF MICROPTERIX CALTHELLA (LINNAEUS) LEPIDOPTERA, MICROPTERIGIDAE
ADRIAN SPALDING
Sunny Bank Cottage, The Terrace, Chacewater, Truro TR4 8LT. E mail: A.Spalding@spaldingassociates.co.uk
Abstract
Rearing experiments are reported for Micropterix calthella (L.). Eggs and early instar larvae were observed, measured and photographed; larvae were video recorded. Potential larval foodplants are discussed.

THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2020
SEAN P. CLANCY
1 Myrtle Villas, Sussex Road, New Romney, Kent. TN28 8DY. E-mail: trapsite@vfast.co.uk
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British Isles during the year 2020 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered species, full information is given in Annex 1, presented in vice-county order, the individual localities then listed alphabetically for each. For the more regular/frequent immigrant species recorded, annual summaries and a selection of the more important records are presented in Annex 2.

136 (6):

MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2023
A.M. DAVIS AND G.M. TORDOFF
Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP
(tdavis@butterfly-conservation.org)
(gtordoff@butterfly-conservation.org)
Abstract
noteworthy records of microlepidoptera obtained in the British Isles during 2023 are summarised. This includes nine species new to the British Isles, at least two of which are already breeding. numerous new vice-county records are detailed, with notable observations of 427 species in total.