abstracts 2005

abstracts 2005

Abstracts of Peer-reviewed Papers:

Click here if you would like to subscribe to this journal or would like the back issue containing the abstract

117(1):

THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2001
STEVEN NASH1 AND BERNARD SKINNER2 1 23 Henley Drive, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7JU. (steve@migrantmoth.com)2 5 Rawlins Close, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 8JS.
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British Isles during the year 2001 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered species full information is given; for common immigrants a selection of the more important records is presented.

117(2):

NOTES ON PIERIS NAPI (L.) SSP. THOMSONI (WARREN) AB. FASCIATA (MULLER AND KAUTZ) AND F. FLAVA (KANE) (GREEN VEINED WHITE)
RUPERT BARRINGTON 18 Codrington Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8ET
Abstract
Breeding experiments with Pieris napi thomsoni have shown the genetic basis behind both the pattern variation ab. fasciata and the ground colour variation f. flava. The possible ecological roles of both variations in wild populations are discussed. These may involve both thermoregulation and visual signalling in the ultraviolet range.

THE COUNTY MOTH RECORDING NETWORK IN THE 21st CENTURY: THE RESULTS OF THE NATIONAL MACRO-MOTH RECORDING SCHEME CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COUNTY RECORDERS
MARK TUNMORE1, ADRIAN SPALDING2, MARK PARSONS3 AND RICHARD FOX3 1 Trewhella Cottage, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7AZ. 2 Spalding Associates (Environmental) Ltd., Norfolk House, 16-17 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2LS. 3 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5QP.
Abstract
As part of the National Macro-moth Recording Scheme planning project, a consultation questionnaire was sent to all county moth recorders in Britain during 2004. Over two-thirds of county moth recorders responded and the findings are reported here. The results provide an insight into the current status of the county moth recorder network, three decades after its inception.

REDISCOVERY OF EARINUS TRANSVERSUS LYLE (HYM.:BRACONIDAE: AGATHIDINAE), A PARASITOID OF TRICHOPTERYX POLYCOMMATA (D.&S.) (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE: LARENTIINAE)
MARK R. SHAW National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.
Abstract
Recent rearings of Earinus transversus Lyle (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae), a probably host-specific parasitoid of the threatened moth Trichopteryx polycommata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), are reported from Britain. This braconid wasp should be seen as an important conservation target as it had not been recorded anywhere in the world since being described from unprovenanced (presumably British) specimens more than 100 years old.

117(3):

DIALECTICA SCALARIELLA (ZELLER, 1850) (LEP.: GRACILLARIIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES
DAVID J.L. AGASSIZ The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.
Abstract
Dialectica scalariella (Zell.) is added to the British list of the strength of a specimen taken in Kent in September 2004, details of life history and distribution are given.

SYNTHYMIA FIXA (FABRICIUS, 1787) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) — A RE-APPRAISAL OF ITS STATUS ON THE BRITISH LIST
R. J. HECKFORD 67 Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4AW.
Abstract
Hitherto in the British Isles, Synthymia fixa (Fabr.) (Lep.: Noctuidae) was known only from one specimen, and doubts have been expressed about this record. A second specimen has now been discovered, taken in the same year and at the same locality as the first. The status of the species on the British list is discussed. Synthymia fixa is rightly included on the British list, albeit as a vagrant.

ELACHISTA NOBILELLA ZELLER, 1839 (LEP.: ELACHISTIDAE), A MICRO-MOTH NEW TO BRITAIN
G. A. COLLINS1 AND J. PORTER2 1 15 Hurst Way, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7AP. (g.a.collins@lineone.net) 2 4 Orchard Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1AN.
Abstract
Elachista nobilella Zeller is introduced to the British list, characters for separation from similar species described, and its biology discussed.

117(4):

CHANGES IN THE NAMES OF BRITISH MICROLEPIDOPTERA
1JOHN R. LANGMAID AND 2 DAVID J.L. AGASSIZ 11 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire. PO4 0NY.2 The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.
Abstract
Changes in the list of British microlepidoptera since 2000 are given. These comprise 17 species where research into type material or early literature has led to a change in the specific name. Additions to the British fauna are also listed. These are made up of 14 species newly discovered in Britain, six adventive species and species added on account of species splits or changes of status to specific rank. Four further additional taxa are mentioned which have been reported in the literature, but which require further research before formal addition to the checklist.

OCCURRENCE OF THE EUCALYPTUS PSYLLID CTENARYTAINA EUCALYPTI (MASKELL) (HOM.: PSYLLOIDEA) AND ITS PARASITOID PSYLLAEPHAGUS PILOSUS NOYES (HYM.: ENCYRTIDAE) IN THE ISLE OF MAN
FRED D. BENNETT Crofton, Baldhoon Road, Laxey, Isle of Man IM4 7NA (e-mail: fdb@thecrofton.freeserve.co.uk)
Abstract
The eucalyptus psyllid Ctenarytaina eucalypti (Maskell) (Hom.: Psylloidea) and its parasitoid Psyllaephagus pilosus Noyes (Hym.: Encyrtidae) are reported from the Isle of Man. The source and mode of entry of P. pilosus and its distribution in the Isle of Man are discussed.

117(5):

A NEW SPECIES OF PHYLLOCOLPA BENSON PHYLLOCOLPA ROLLERI SP. NOV. (HYM.: TENTHREDINIDAE, NEMATINAE) ON SALIX HASTATA
ANDREW D. LISTON Deutsches Entomologisches Institut / ZALF, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany (e-mail: liston@zalf.de)
Abstract
Phyllocolpa rolleri sp. nov. (Hym.: Tenthredinidae, Nematinae) is described from specimens collected on Salix hastata in the Lower Tatra Mountains, Slovakia.

THE ELACHISTA REGIFICELLA SIRCOM COMPLEX (LEP.:ELACHISTIDAE) IN BRITAIN
1LAURI KAILA AND 2JOHN R. LANGMAID 1 Finnish Museum of Natural History, FI-00014 University of Helsinki lauri.kaila@helsinki.fi 2 Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 0NY (john@langmaidj.freeserve.co.uk)
Abstract
Elachista regificella (Lep.: Elachistidae) was recently shown to be a species complex. In this paper the occurrence of the three constituent species, E. regificella Sircom, E. geminatella (H.-S.) and E. tengstromi Kaila et al., in Britain, is outlined. Diagnostic characters are given for each species. Life history records indicate that the species have, at least to some extent, different host plant preferences: Luzula sylvatica is recorded as the host plant of E. regificella and E. geminatella, the latter probably exploiting other host plants as well. L. pilosa is the only known host plant of E. tengstromi in Europe.

THE USE OF COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP SCHEME FIELD MARGINS BY THE SMALL SKIPPER THYMELICUS SYLVESTRIS (PODA), ESSEX SKIPPER THYMELICUS LINEOLA (OCHS.) AND LARGE SKIPPER OCHLODES VENATA (BREM. & GREY) (LEP.: HESPERIIDAE)
1R. G. FIELD, 2G. WATKINS AND 2T. GARDINER 1 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton, NN2 8TE (E-mail: rfield8633@aol.com) 2 CERA, Writtle College, Writtle, Chemlsford, CM1 3RR
Abstract
Abundance of Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris, Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola and Large Skipper Ochlodes venata adults was monitored at three farms in Essex between 1997 and 2000 and again in 2003 on grass field margins of varying widths. There were significantly more Small Skipper and Essex Skipper on two-metre wide margins than on non-margin field edges, but there was a significant reduction over time in abundance of both these species and Large Skipper Ochlodes venata on the two-metre margins. When the six-metre margins and the control sections were compared there was no significant difference in abundance on them for the three species. A lack of nectar sources, the use of agricultural cultivars of common grasses, inappropriate management and the small size of some of the margins are suggested as reasons for the lack of abundance.

COLLECTING IN LAPPLAND, JUNE & JULY 2004
A. J. PICKLES 2a Park Avenue, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9GX ajpickles1@aol.com
Abstract
I am standing on a boggy path between two stands of Bottle-brush Spruces clutching a net with a four metre handle. The water is just above the ankles of my Wellingtons and a cloud of mosquitoes buzz round my head, kept at bay by deet formulated spray which I have applied liberally to my skin and the rim of my hat. It is just gone midnight and broad daylight as I wait, fired up with adrenaline, for the next Xestia skraelangia to dash wildly across the open space between the trees. Here comes one! A small black Swedish meatball of a moth against the sky zigzags at what seems like three hundred miles an hour and then disappears against the foliage before I can make more than two clumsy steps in its direction. I can't remember when I have had more fun trying to catch moths!

EURYDEMA ORNATUM (L.) (HEM.: PENTATOMIDAE) ESTABLISHED ON THE DORSET COASTAND A KEY TO EUROPEAN EURYDEMA SPECIES
1 DAVID SLADE, 2 ANDREW R. COLLINS AND 3 BERNARD S. NAU 1 David Slade: 134 Templeton Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5JJ (david.slade@sewbrec.org.uk) 2 Andrew Collins: 228 Kathleen Road, Sholing, Southampton SO19 8GY (arc@soton.ac.uk) 3 Bernard Nau: 15 Park Hill, Toddington, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 6AW(nau.bs@btinternet.com)
Abstract
Eurydema ornatum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a species previously unknown from the British mainland other than as an accidental importation, is reported from Portland Bill, Dorset, in May 2005. In the light of this two earlier records are confirmed. It seems likely that this species is now established on the south coast of England. The status and identification of this and related species is discussed and a key to the species of this genus occurring in north-west Europe, which includes other potential future colonists of Britain, is provided.

117(6):
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2004
1J. R. LANGMAID AND 2M. R. YOUNG 1Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire PO4 0NY. (john@langmaidj.freeserve.co.uk) 2Culterty Field Station, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA.(m.young@abdn.ac.uk)
Abstract
Noteworthy records of microlepidoptera, including some new to the British Isles and new vicecountyrecords made during 2004 are listed and discussed.

A STUDY OF THE HIBERNATION BEHAVIOUR OF HYPENA ROSTRALIS (L.) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) – THE BUTTONED SNOUT MOTH
1R.G. FIELD AND 2G. WATKINS 1 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton NN2 8TE (E-mail: rfield8633@aol.com) 2CERA, Writtle College, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR
Abstract
The behaviour of Hypena rostralis prior to, during and after hibernation was studied in a wild population and in captive stock. The process of going into hibernation appeared to have two stages, the first at the end of September when movement in and out of the hibernation site still continued and a second in late November when the adults began to settle down. By early December they had become inactive and remained in this state until March or early April when movement started again. They left the hibernation sites by 26 April. The movement seems to be triggered by day length rather than temperature. The use of buildings may be atypical and natural sites may be favoured.

MONITORING GLOW-WORM LAMPYRIS NOCTILUCA L.(COL.: LAMPYRIDAE) POPULATIONS IN GRAZED AND MOWN GRASSLANDS
TIM GARDINER AND MICHELLE GARDINER Centre for Environment & Rural Affairs (CERA), Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RR email: tg@writtle.ac.uk
Abstract
Glow-worms Lamyyris noctiluca L. (Col.: Lampyridae) were studied in grasslands under varying management regimes. Meadows subjected to a single summer cut for hay supported smaller colonies than unmanaged sites although the reasons for this are unclear. Grasslands mown regularly throughout the summer showed an increase in numbers of females; it is theorised that this might be a consequence of favourable adjacent habitats and that the shorter sward provided advantage to females displaying to males in flight overhead. A mosaic of regularly mown and tall unmanaged grassland may provide the ideal habitat. Grasslands subjected to grazing by cattle or rabbits supported only small colonies.

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abstracts 2005
Abstracts of Peer-reviewed Papers: Click here if you would like to subscribe to this journal or would like the back issue containing the abstract 117(1): THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2001 STEVEN NASH1 AND BERNARD SKINNER2 1 23 Henley Drive, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7JU. (steve@migrantmoth.com)2 5 Rawlins Close, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 8JS. Abstract Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British Isles during the year 2001 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered species full information is given; for common immigrants a selection of the more important records is presented. 117(2): NOTES ON PIERIS NAPI (L.) SSP. THOMSONI (WARREN) AB. FASCIATA (MULLER AND KAUTZ) AND F. FLAVA (KANE) (GREEN VEINED WHITE) RUPERT BARRINGTON 18 Codrington Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8ET Abstract Breeding experiments with Pieris napi thomsoni have shown the genetic basis behind both the pattern variation ab. fasciata and the ground colour variation f. flava. The possible ecological roles of both variations in wild populations are discussed. These may involve both thermoregulation and visual signalling in the ultraviolet range. THE COUNTY MOTH RECORDING NETWORK IN THE 21st CENTURY: THE RESULTS OF THE NATIONAL MACRO-MOTH RECORDING SCHEME CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COUNTY RECORDERS MARK TUNMORE1, ADRIAN SPALDING2, MARK PARSONS3 AND RICHARD FOX3 1 Trewhella Cottage, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7AZ. 2 Spalding Associates (Environmental) Ltd., Norfolk House, 16-17 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2LS. 3 Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5QP. Abstract As part of the National Macro-moth Recording Scheme planning project, a consultation questionnaire was sent to all county moth recorders in Britain during 2004. Over two-thirds of county moth recorders responded and the findings are reported here. The results provide an insight into the current status of the county moth recorder network, three decades after its inception. REDISCOVERY OF EARINUS TRANSVERSUS LYLE (HYM.:BRACONIDAE: AGATHIDINAE), A PARASITOID OF TRICHOPTERYX POLYCOMMATA (D.&S.) (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE: LARENTIINAE) MARK R. SHAW National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. Abstract Recent rearings of Earinus transversus Lyle (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae), a probably host-specific parasitoid of the threatened moth Trichopteryx polycommata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), are reported from Britain. This braconid wasp should be seen as an important conservation target as it had not been recorded anywhere in the world since being described from unprovenanced (presumably British) specimens more than 100 years old. 117(3): DIALECTICA SCALARIELLA (ZELLER, 1850) (LEP.: GRACILLARIIDAE) NEW TO THE BRITISH ISLES DAVID J.L. AGASSIZ The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Abstract Dialectica scalariella (Zell.) is added to the British list of the strength of a specimen taken in Kent in September 2004, details of life history and distribution are given. SYNTHYMIA FIXA (FABRICIUS, 1787) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) — A RE-APPRAISAL OF ITS STATUS ON THE BRITISH LIST R. J. HECKFORD 67 Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4AW. Abstract Hitherto in the British Isles, Synthymia fixa (Fabr.) (Lep.: Noctuidae) was known only from one specimen, and doubts have been expressed about this record. A second specimen has now been discovered, taken in the same year and at the same locality as the first. The status of the species on the British list is discussed. Synthymia fixa is rightly included on the British list, albeit as a vagrant. ELACHISTA NOBILELLA ZELLER, 1839 (LEP.: ELACHISTIDAE), A MICRO-MOTH NEW TO BRITAIN G. A. COLLINS1 AND J. PORTER2 1 15 Hurst Way, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7AP. (g.a.collins@lineone.net) 2 4 Orchard Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1AN. Abstract Elachista nobilella Zeller is introduced to the British list, characters for separation from similar species described, and its biology discussed. 117(4): CHANGES IN THE NAMES OF BRITISH MICROLEPIDOPTERA 1JOHN R. LANGMAID AND 2 DAVID J.L. AGASSIZ 11 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire. PO4 0NY.2 The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Abstract Changes in the list of British microlepidoptera since 2000 are given. These comprise 17 species where research into type material or early literature has led to a change in the specific name. Additions to the British fauna are also listed. These are made up of 14 species newly discovered in Britain, six adventive species and species added on account of species splits or changes of status to specific rank. Four further additional taxa are mentioned which have been reported in the literature, but which require further research before formal addition to the checklist. OCCURRENCE OF THE EUCALYPTUS PSYLLID CTENARYTAINA EUCALYPTI (MASKELL) (HOM.: PSYLLOIDEA) AND ITS PARASITOID PSYLLAEPHAGUS PILOSUS NOYES (HYM.: ENCYRTIDAE) IN THE ISLE OF MAN FRED D. BENNETT Crofton, Baldhoon Road, Laxey, Isle of Man IM4 7NA (e-mail: fdb@thecrofton.freeserve.co.uk) Abstract The eucalyptus psyllid Ctenarytaina eucalypti (Maskell) (Hom.: Psylloidea) and its parasitoid Psyllaephagus pilosus Noyes (Hym.: Encyrtidae) are reported from the Isle of Man. The source and mode of entry of P. pilosus and its distribution in the Isle of Man are discussed. 117(5): A NEW SPECIES OF PHYLLOCOLPA BENSON PHYLLOCOLPA ROLLERI SP. NOV. (HYM.: TENTHREDINIDAE, NEMATINAE) ON SALIX HASTATA ANDREW D. LISTON Deutsches Entomologisches Institut / ZALF, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany (e-mail: liston@zalf.de) Abstract Phyllocolpa rolleri sp. nov. (Hym.: Tenthredinidae, Nematinae) is described from specimens collected on Salix hastata in the Lower Tatra Mountains, Slovakia. THE ELACHISTA REGIFICELLA SIRCOM COMPLEX (LEP.:ELACHISTIDAE) IN BRITAIN 1LAURI KAILA AND 2JOHN R. LANGMAID 1 Finnish Museum of Natural History, FI-00014 University of Helsinki lauri.kaila@helsinki.fi 2 Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 0NY (john@langmaidj.freeserve.co.uk) Abstract Elachista regificella (Lep.: Elachistidae) was recently shown to be a species complex. In this paper the occurrence of the three constituent species, E. regificella Sircom, E. geminatella (H.-S.) and E. tengstromi Kaila et al., in Britain, is outlined. Diagnostic characters are given for each species. Life history records indicate that the species have, at least to some extent, different host plant preferences: Luzula sylvatica is recorded as the host plant of E. regificella and E. geminatella, the latter probably exploiting other host plants as well. L. pilosa is the only known host plant of E. tengstromi in Europe. THE USE OF COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP SCHEME FIELD MARGINS BY THE SMALL SKIPPER THYMELICUS SYLVESTRIS (PODA), ESSEX SKIPPER THYMELICUS LINEOLA (OCHS.) AND LARGE SKIPPER OCHLODES VENATA (BREM. & GREY) (LEP.: HESPERIIDAE) 1R. G. FIELD, 2G. WATKINS AND 2T. GARDINER 1 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton, NN2 8TE (E-mail: rfield8633@aol.com) 2 CERA, Writtle College, Writtle, Chemlsford, CM1 3RR Abstract Abundance of Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris, Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola and Large Skipper Ochlodes venata adults was monitored at three farms in Essex between 1997 and 2000 and again in 2003 on grass field margins of varying widths. There were significantly more Small Skipper and Essex Skipper on two-metre wide margins than on non-margin field edges, but there was a significant reduction over time in abundance of both these species and Large Skipper Ochlodes venata on the two-metre margins. When the six-metre margins and the control sections were compared there was no significant difference in abundance on them for the three species. A lack of nectar sources, the use of agricultural cultivars of common grasses, inappropriate management and the small size of some of the margins are suggested as reasons for the lack of abundance. COLLECTING IN LAPPLAND, JUNE & JULY 2004 A. J. PICKLES 2a Park Avenue, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9GX ajpickles1@aol.com Abstract I am standing on a boggy path between two stands of Bottle-brush Spruces clutching a net with a four metre handle. The water is just above the ankles of my Wellingtons and a cloud of mosquitoes buzz round my head, kept at bay by deet formulated spray which I have applied liberally to my skin and the rim of my hat. It is just gone midnight and broad daylight as I wait, fired up with adrenaline, for the next Xestia skraelangia to dash wildly across the open space between the trees. Here comes one! A small black Swedish meatball of a moth against the sky zigzags at what seems like three hundred miles an hour and then disappears against the foliage before I can make more than two clumsy steps in its direction. I can't remember when I have had more fun trying to catch moths! EURYDEMA ORNATUM (L.) (HEM.: PENTATOMIDAE) ESTABLISHED ON THE DORSET COASTAND A KEY TO EUROPEAN EURYDEMA SPECIES 1 DAVID SLADE, 2 ANDREW R. COLLINS AND 3 BERNARD S. NAU 1 David Slade: 134 Templeton Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5JJ (david.slade@sewbrec.org.uk) 2 Andrew Collins: 228 Kathleen Road, Sholing, Southampton SO19 8GY (arc@soton.ac.uk) 3 Bernard Nau: 15 Park Hill, Toddington, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 6AW(nau.bs@btinternet.com) Abstract Eurydema ornatum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a species previously unknown from the British mainland other than as an accidental importation, is reported from Portland Bill, Dorset, in May 2005. In the light of this two earlier records are confirmed. It seems likely that this species is now established on the south coast of England. The status and identification of this and related species is discussed and a key to the species of this genus occurring in north-west Europe, which includes other potential future colonists of Britain, is provided. 117(6): MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW OF 2004 1J. R. LANGMAID AND 2M. R. YOUNG 1Wilverley, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hampshire PO4 0NY. (john@langmaidj.freeserve.co.uk) 2Culterty Field Station, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA.(m.young@abdn.ac.uk) Abstract Noteworthy records of microlepidoptera, including some new to the British Isles and new vicecountyrecords made during 2004 are listed and discussed. A STUDY OF THE HIBERNATION BEHAVIOUR OF HYPENA ROSTRALIS (L.) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) – THE BUTTONED SNOUT MOTH 1R.G. FIELD AND 2G. WATKINS 1 166 Sherwood Avenue, Northampton NN2 8TE (E-mail: rfield8633@aol.com) 2CERA, Writtle College, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR Abstract The behaviour of Hypena rostralis prior to, during and after hibernation was studied in a wild population and in captive stock. The process of going into hibernation appeared to have two stages, the first at the end of September when movement in and out of the hibernation site still continued and a second in late November when the adults began to settle down. By early December they had become inactive and remained in this state until March or early April when movement started again. They left the hibernation sites by 26 April. The movement seems to be triggered by day length rather than temperature. The use of buildings may be atypical and natural sites may be favoured. MONITORING GLOW-WORM LAMPYRIS NOCTILUCA L.(COL.: LAMPYRIDAE) POPULATIONS IN GRAZED AND MOWN GRASSLANDS TIM GARDINER AND MICHELLE GARDINER Centre for Environment & Rural Affairs (CERA), Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RR email: tg@writtle.ac.uk Abstract Glow-worms Lamyyris noctiluca L. (Col.: Lampyridae) were studied in grasslands under varying management regimes. Meadows subjected to a single summer cut for hay supported smaller colonies than unmanaged sites although the reasons for this are unclear. Grasslands mown regularly throughout the summer showed an increase in numbers of females; it is theorised that this might be a consequence of favourable adjacent habitats and that the shorter sward provided advantage to females displaying to males in flight overhead. A mosaic of regularly mown and tall unmanaged grassland may provide the ideal habitat. Grasslands subjected to grazing by cattle or rabbits supported only small colonies.
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