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Volume 99
2014
The Vasculum
The North Country Journal
of Natural History
Table of Contents
Notes
Wild Bee Conservation-An Opportunity for Natural History Societies, M. Birtle
Northumberland Lepidoptera Review 2013, T.J. Tams
Editor
Dr. M Birtle ([email protected])
10, Avon Grove,
Billingham
Co. Durham, TS22 5BH
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8
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Editorial
This represents the ninth issue of the electronic Vasculum. This is intended to replace the
paper-based journal that was published up to December 2005 by the Northern Naturalists'
Union which ceased to exist in that month. The purpose of the Vasculum remains the same
i.e. recording and celebrating aspects of the natural history of Northumberland and Durham.
Many thanks to all contributors to this issue. Contributions can be sent to
[email protected]. 2015 is the centenary of ‘The Vasculum’.
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Notes
Agapanthia villosoviridescens (Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn)
A number of specimens of Agapanthia villosoviridescens were found in Cowpen Bewley
Woodland Park by D. Aplin on 2nd July 2014. This is a species whose distribution has
expanded rapidly from Southern England in recent years. This is likely to be the first record
for VC 66 (Co. Durham).
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Harvest Mice
Harvest Mice nests were found in Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park by Ian Bond in December
2014. Mice have been introduced to the Park in recent years.
Ischnodemus sabuleti (European Cinchbug)
Ischnodemus sabuleti (European Cinchbug) was also found at Cowpen Bewley in 2014.
“Prior to 1893 this bug was known from a handful of specimens from Folkstone, Kent and
from a single Surrey locality. …..ssp. sabuleti has spread out to occupy ten English
countiesin the south-east bordered by a line from Hants. To Oxon., and across to Essex-the
spread has gathered impetus in recent yearsfor, in 1924, this was still a rare bug. Today it
can often be discovered in swarms of many thousands, densely packed on the leaves of its
host-plants: these include the marsh plants reed-grass, flote-grass, tufted hair-grass and
reed. At times there is in summer migration away from marshes' to oat-grass and similar
plants in dry sunny fields”. Southwood & Leston (authors of the Land and Water Bugs of the
British Isles and published in 1959)
It has continued to spread and became common in south, west and east Yorkshire by 2013.
Southwood and Leston provided some details of its’ behaviour and lifecycle-“Overwintering
of adults and larvae takes place in clumps and leaf-sheaths of grasses and reeds. The bugs
emerge from over- wintering sites in mid-April and early May and commence to feed. Mating
begins in late May but, as overwintered larvae reach maturity later than this, the mating
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season is protracted. Oviposition is spread over between late May and early July: the eggs
are inserted into stems of any available grass in groups of three or four. In late July the first
adults of the new generation start to appear, but laggards may not have reached the third
larval instar before the approach of winter drives them to overwintering quarters. Immature
individuals remain crowded together on the host- plant, often within the folds of leaves or in
the narrow space between leaf-base and stem. Warm weather causes great activity and local
dispersal flights occur away from the swamps.
There are three recognizable wing types: macropter, brachypter and micropter. Brachypters
are very scarce- one was found in an English sample of 208 bugs; the other two forms are
produced in about a 50 :50 ratio but behavioural differences lead to samples which may not
reflect this ratio. A sample swept on a warm sunny day gives a preponderance of macropters
(which have ascended the host-plant) but examinaton of a colony in late September discloses
micropters as dominant (the others having flown away by now)………
Apterous. Literally without wings. In Heteroptera various degrees of wing development occur
and the terms employed have no sharp limits, the state of the forewings being the more usual
criterion:
Apterous-forewings absent or reduced to scales about covering and segment.
Micropterous-forewings reduced, but reaching about 3rd or 4th segment.
Brachypterous-forewings reduced but longer than above, reaching at least to 5th segment.
Macropterous-wings fully developed.”
4
Some Notes from Darlington and Teesdale Naturslists’ Field Club at Tursdale Woods,
29th July 2014, 1.30pm.
A small party (4) met at Sunderland Bridge to walk to Tursdale Woods and Hett Mill. We
were surprised to find a bat flying above the bridge at the Mill House, Croxdale Hall.
Pentatoma rufipes (Forest bug or Red-legged Shieldbug) was found on the bridge parapet.
Pentatoma rufipes (Forest bug or Redlegged Shieldbug)
The party proceeded through Croxdale Hall past the ponds at Annies Wood noting Polygonia
c-album (Comma), Yponomeuta evonymella (Cherry Ermine), Aglais io (Peacock), and
Maniola jurtina (Meadow Brown), Lasiommata megera (Wall), Noctua pronuba (Large
Yellow Underwing) and Pararge aegeria (Speckled Wood). Jays were very vocal. Aeshna
cyanea (Southern Hawker) patrolled the track with us. Urtica dioica ssp. galeopsifolia (Fen
Nettle) was pointed out by Fal.
Urtica dioica ssp. galeopsifolia (Fen
Nettle)
We then walked along the edge of Tursdale to enter the wood below High Croxdale. The
botany of the wood reflected the acidic ground
Large specimens of Bromus ramosus (Wood Brome) were very noticeable, but another grass
generated more interest. It was clearly an unusual, large plant that we would not overlook on
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our field excursions elsewhere, and so we concluded that it was worthy of some attention.
After some research and consultation with John Durkin, the Botanical Recorder for Co.
Durham, it has been identified as Hordelymus europaeus (Wood Barley). This is a scarce
species in Co. Durham and was subject to study as part of the recent Biodiversity Action
Planning initiatives. Plants were found around map reference NZ289370 adjacent to the track.
It has been most frequently recorded at sites adjacent to the Tees around Barnard Castle,
Derwentside, Shincliffe Woods and Valley Burn Wood in Spennymoor. Tursdale Wood is
close to Shincliffe Woods. This is the only recent record of the plant in this area.
Hordelymus europaeus (Wood Barley)
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The heads of Umbellifers were being used extensively by feeding insects most notably by Leptura
quadrifasciata= Strangalia quadrifasciata (Four Banded Longhorn).
Leptura quadrifasciata= Strangalia quadrifasciata (Four Banded Longhorn)
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Wild Bee Conservation-An Opportunity for Natural History Societies
Malcolm Birtle
The following provided the basis for a talk given to Hartlepool Naturalists’ Field Club on
February 18th 2015.
The conservation of Bees (and other pollinators) has become a high priority with the
publication of the recent Government Strategy document. The needs and objectives
articulated in this strategy seem to closely align with those required to ‘conserve’ our Natural
History Societies. I believe there is a fortuitous combination of events that could result in a
revival of fortunes for our Natural History Societies and produce a valuable contribution to
the improvement and conservation of local habitats..
Problem 1-The Pollinator Crisis-The National Pollinator Strategy
This Government Strategy for bees and other pollinators in England was issued in November
2014 by Pollinators and Plant Health Policy, Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (Defra). It is a 10 year Strategy covering five key areas1. Supporting pollinators on farmland
2. Supporting pollinators across towns, cities and the countryside
3. Enhancing the response to pest and disease risks
4. Raising awareness of what pollinators need to survive and thrive
5. Improving evidence on the status of pollinators and the service they provide
The expected outcomes are1. More, bigger, better, joined-up, diverse and high-quality flower-rich habitats
(including nesting places and shelter) supporting our pollinators across the country.
2. Healthy bees and other pollinators which are more resilient to climate change and
severe weather events.
3. No further extinctions of known threatened pollinator species.
4. Enhanced awareness across a wide range of businesses, other organisations and the
public of the essential needs of pollinators.
5. Evidence of actions taken to support pollinators.
What is there to conserve?
The following is a summary of recorded species in Yorkshire and Durham, Images of the
species can be found on various web sites. The two most useful sites are
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Steven Falk’s image collectionhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/collections/72157629294459686/
Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorsing Society
http://www.bwars.com/
The information in the table is based on Archer(2002) for Yorkshire and a query result from
the National Biodiversity Network database for Durham (VC66).
Species recorded in Yorkshire and Durham
Genus
Hylaeus
Colletes
Andrena
Panurgus
Halictus
Lasioglossum
s. str.
Lasioglossum
(Evylaeus)
Masked
Bees
Plasterer
Bees,
Mining
Bees
Mining
Bees
Mining
Bees
Sweat
Bees
Sweat
Bees
Sweat
Bees
Lasioglossum
(Dialictus)
Sphecodes
Sweat
Bees
Cuckoo
Bees
Melitta
Oilcollecting
Bees
Carpenter
Chelostoma
Yorkshire
communis, confuses, signatus,
brevicornis, hyalinatus
daviesanus, Colletes fodiens, Colletes
halophilus, Colletes succinctus
Durham
communis
clarkella, helvola, lapponica,
praecox, varians, scotica,
bicolor,ruficrus, angustior,
cineraria,nigroaenea, thoracica,
denticulate, fuscipes, nigriceps,
haemorrhoa, pilipes, tibialis,tarsata,
coitana, barbilabris, chrysosceles,
humilis, labiate, labialis, falsifica,
minutula, semilaevis_saundersella,
subopaca, ovatula, similis, wilkella
banksianus
clarkella, fucata. Fulva,
helvola, lapponica,
ruficrus, scotica,
barbilabris, cineraria,
nigroaenea, nitida,
proxima, semilaevis,
subopaca, chrysosceles,
labiate, haemorrhoa,
carantonica
rubicundus, tumulorum
rubicundus confuses,
tumulorum
nonw
laevigatum,, leucozonium,
quadrinotatum
albipes, calceatum, fratellum,
fulvicorne,minutissimum,
nitidiusculum, parvulum,
punctatissimum, rufitarsem
villosulum
cupromicans, leucopus, morio
crassus,ephippius, ferruginatus,
geoffrellus,gibbus, hyalinatus,
miniatus, monilicornis,pellucidus,
puncticeps, reticulatus
leporina
florisomne
daviesanus
none
albipes, calceatum,
fratellum, fulvicorne,
rufitarse, villosulum
cupromicans,
smeathmanellum
geoffrellus, hyalinatus,
monilicornis
none
florisomne
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Osmia
Hoplitis
Megachile
Coelioxys
Nomada
Epeolus
Anthophora
Melecta
Bombus
Bees
Mason
Bee
Mason
Bee
Leaf
Cutter
Bees
Sharptailed
Cuckoo
Bees
Cuckoo
Bees
Cuckoo
Bees
Flower
Bees
Cuckoo
Bees
Bumblke
Bees
rufa, caerulescens, leaiana
xanthomelana, bicornis
spinulosa
none
centuncularis, circumcincta,
ligniseca, versicolor, willughbiella
centuncularis
elongata, rufescens, inermis,
quadridentata
none
fabriciana, flava, flavoguttata,
flavopicta, fulvicornis, goodeniana,
integra, leucophthalma,
marshamella, obtusifrons, panzeri,
roberjeotiana, ruficornis,rufipes,
striata
cruciger, variegatus
fabriciana, flava,
flavoguttata,
goodeniana,
leucophthalma,
marshamella, panzer,
ruficornis, striata
none
plumipes, furcate
retusa
albifrons
none
lucorum, magnus, terrestris,
soroeensis, hortorum, lapidarius,
ruderatus, humilis, hypnorum,
jonellus, monticola, pratorum,
distinguendus, subterraneus,
muscorum, pascuorum, ruderarius,
sylvarum,lucorum
lucorum, magnus,
terrestris, soroeensis,
hortorum, lapidarius,
hypnorum, jonellus,
monticola, pratorum,
distinguendus,
muscorum, pascuorum,
ruderarius, sylvarum
barbutellus, bohemicus,
campestris, rupestris,
sylvestris, vestalis
mellifera
(Cuckoo)
Bombus
Cuckoo
Bees
barbutellus, bohemicus, campestris,
rupestris, sylvestris, vestalis
Apis
Honey
bee
mellifera
Cuckoo Bees
Cickoo Bees go into nest burrows, enter a cell, lay an egg on the pollen ball, and leave.The
cuckoo larvae destroy the host egg or larva, eat the pollen and nectar, and emerg as adults in
the spring. Cuckoo bees can be seen lurking around nest sites. Cuckoo bumble bee queens
enter the host colony, kill the queen, and the host workers rear cuckoo females and males.
Most cuckoo bees are closely related to their hosts but Epeolus and Nomada do not appear to
be close to their hosts. Clearly Cuckoo Bees are completely dependant on the existence of
their hosts.
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In order to engage in conservation strategies and projects some information on wild bees is
necessary.
.Characteristics of a Bee
1. Narrow waist.
2. Retractable sting in females.
3. 12 female 13 male antennal
4. segments. never more than 13 or less than 10.
5. 6 female 7 male abdominal segments from above.
6. 2 pairs of wings.
7. Forewings 6-10 rounded cells.
8. Wings linked by small hooks on front edge of hind wing.
9. Hind wing with cells.
10. Petioles absent or simple
11. Pronotum from above short straight or slightly curved at the back or unseen due to
dense hair.
12. Usually very hairy. At least some hairs branched or feathery especially near the
tegulae.
Diagrams from Willmer (1985)
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Notes on Genera with Wing Venation
The following notes are based on P. Willmer P., 1985, and various authors edited by R.
Williams, M. Edwards, 2012.
Andrena (Mining Bees)
Diagram from Willmer (1985)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
3 SM cells
BV straight or with a continuous gentle curve.
D1 more or less rhomboid.Not much elongated.
SM2 much less than SM3
Hairy brownish.
Apex of antenna pointed.
Hindwing JL greater or equal to SM.
This is the largest bee genus in Britain with 65 known species.All the females have a
pronounced depression, with a felt-like pile, down the inside of the eyes, which is a
distinguishing character. Most species are solitary, but three are known to be communal.
They dig burrows in the ground and visit a wide variety of flowers between March-August.
Some are active till September.
Hylaeus (Masked Bees)
1. 2 SM cells
2. RV1 to SM1 or exactly at junction of SM1
and SM2
3. SM2 less than SM1
4. Almost hairless.
There are 11 species in Britain which are solitary in
lifestyle. They are usually aerial nesters with many
nesting in the broken stems of bramble, burrowing into the pith. Others use dock, thistles,
beetle holes in wood, clay banks and mortared walls.A short tongue restricts the range of
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plants used but Bramble flowers seem to be favoured in addition to Hogweed, Wild Carrot,
Yarrow, Cinquefoil, Wood Spurge, Heather and Thistles. H. signatus specialises in the genus
Reseda (Weld and Wild Mignonette). Species are active May-September/
Colletes (Plasterer Bees, Mining Bees )
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV arched with a definite region of
sharper curvature.
3. Hairy black grey or brown.
4. Hair bands of abdomen at tips of
segments.
5. D1 and D2 same length.
There are nine species in Britain with a solitary
habit. They are similar in appearance; microscopic examination is needed to identify
species.Nesta are burrows in soil. Nests often occur in aggregations. Many Colletes collect
pollen from a small number of closely related plants. Some examples are -C. fodiens visits
certain Asteraceae, C. succinctus visits heather and heaths, C. floralis flowers of a range of
unrelated plants, and C. hederae only collects pollen from ivy flowers. They are active from
June-September.
Panurgus (Mining Bee)
1. 2 SM cells
2. RV1 to SM1 or exactly at
junction of SM1 and SM2
3. SM2 more or less equal SM1
4. M cell truncate.
Two species have been recorded in
Britain, which are solitary bees that
mine in the ground.They forage largely
on yellow flowered Asteraceae from
June to September, but mainly during July.
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Halictus /Lasioglossum (Sweat Bees)
Halictus
Lasioglossum
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3 SM cells
BV arched with a definite region of sharper curvature.
Hairy black grey or brown.
Hair bands of abdomen at tips of segments.
D1 much longer than D2.
There are seven species of Halictus in Britain and thirty-three Lasioglossum. They are
solitary to primitively eusocial with a worker caste. The majority of species nest in the
ground, often in bare, sandy soil. Two species will nest in walls. Active from MarchOctober.
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Sphecodes(Cuckoo Bees)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV arched with a definite region of
sharper curvature.
3. Almost hairless.
4. Black and red.
There are sixteen solitary species in the British
Isles that are cleptoparasites, Females lay their
eggs in the nests of bees and kill the host’s egg or young larva. They have a habit of flying
over areas of bare ground searching for the burrows of their hosts. Flowers are visited for
nectar only, and a variety of plants are used. Sphecodes species are not easy to identify and
fly between March-September
Melitta (Oil-collecting Bees)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV straight or with a continuous gentle
curve.
3. D1 more or less rhomboid.Not much
elongated.
4. SM2 much less than SM3
5. Hairy brownish.
6. Apex diagonally truncate. Hindwing JL
less than SM.
There are four solitary soil-nesting species. They collect pollen from a single or very narrow
range of plant species. M. leporina is less restricted; the food plant is thought to be clovers
and vetches (Fabaceae), especially white clover. July-August.
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Chelostoma (Carpenter Bees)
Diagram from Willmer (1985)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
2 SM cells
RV1 to SM2 even if only just so.
RV2 to SM2
M cell pointed on wing margin.
Mesonotum not very hairy.
No A1 with transverse ridge right across. May be a partial line.
A1 dull and punctate.
Antennae all dark and elongate.
Two species that are solitary nesters. Large numbers may nest close together and use preexisting cavities in timber, old straw, reed stems and beetle burrows. C. florisomne seems to
be totally dependent upon the flowers of the Ranunculaceae flying from May-July
Osmia (Mason bees)
Diagrams from Willmer (1985)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2 SM cells
RV1 to SM2 even if only just so.
RV2 to SM2
M cell not pointed not ending on wing margin.
Eyes bare.
M cell rounded.
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7. Mandibles close over labrum so it is hidden.
8. Fairly stout hairy and or metallic bee
9. Feet with prominent arolia. MP4.
There are eleven solitary species in Britain with some nesting in colonies. They use holes in
the mortar of walls , old beetle burrows or empty snail-shells. Some species are specialist on
particular plant families, such as Asteraceae or Fabaceae, while others collect pollen from a
wide range of flower types between March-July
Hoplitis (Osmia)(Mason Bee)
There is only a single solitary species
flying between May-September.
Megachile (Leaf Cutter Bees)
Diagram from Willmer (1985)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
2 SM cells
RV1 to SM2 even if only just so.
RV2 to SM2
M cell not pointed not ending on wing margin.
Eyes bare.
M cell rounded.
Mandibles close over labrum so it is hidden.
Fairly stout hairy and or metallic bee
Feet lack an arolia. MP2.
17
There are seven solitary species in Britain and some may nest close together. They cut pieces
out of leaves for the nests. Most species nest in cavities. A few burrow in firm sandy soil or
in wood. Most visit a wide variety of flowers but some show preferences for particular
families of plants; Fabaceae and Asteraceae being particularly usd. They fly between JuneAugust.
Coelioxys (Sharp-tailed Cuckoo Bees)
1. 2 SM cells
2. RV1 to SM2 even if only just
so.
3. RV2 to SM2
4. M cell not pointed not ending
on wing margin.
5. Eyes hairy.
There are six solitary species in Britain which are cuckoos on leaf-cutter bees (Megachile),
Anthophora and possibly Anthidium. They have no need to collect pollen but visit a wide
range of flower species for nectar between June-August.
Nomada (Cuckoo Bees)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV straight or with a
continuous gentle curve.
3. D1 elongate proximally not
nearly rhomboid.
4. SM2 much less than SM3
5. Almost hairless. Black with
more or less yellow or red
This is a large group with thirty three solitary species in Britain. They are cleptoparasites with
some restricted to a single host species. Others will use a rangeof hosts and females can be
found flying low over the ground searching for host nests.They can be found visiting a wide
range of flowers between March-August.
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Epeolus (Cuckoo Bees)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV straight or with a continuous
gentle curve.
3. D1 elongate proximally not
nearly rhomboid.
4. SM2 greater than or equal to
SM3
5. No streak across SM1.
6. Less than or equal to 10mm
white hair. Spots.
7. D2 normal.
There are two solitary species that are difficult to separate.They are cuckoos on Colletes and
visit a range of flowers, most frequent on Ragwort between June-August.
Anthophora (Flower Bees)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV straight or with a
continuous gentle curve.
3. D1 elongate proximally not
nearly rhomboid.
4. SM2 greater than or equal to
SM3
5. No streak across SM1.
6. Greater than or equal to
10mm hairy D2 long.
There are five solitary species in Britain.With the exception of A. furcata they are ground
nesting and excavate their nest chambers in sand, soil, or walls. Some nest in dense
aggregations. furcata nests in rotten wood. They collect pollen from a range of plants and all
except A. bimaculata have a preference for Lamiaceae. They fly from March-July.
19
Melecta (Cuckoo Bees)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV straight or with a continuous
gentle curve.
3. D1 elongate proximally not nearly
rhomboid.
4. SM2 much less than SM3
5. Hairy
6. Black with white lateral spots.
Here are wo solitary species in the genus Melecta occur in Britain, but M. luctuosa has not
been seen since 1912 and is probably extinct. They are/were cleptoparasitic on Anthophora
plumipes. A wide range of plant species are used for nectar between .April to early June
Bombus (Bumble and Cuckoo Bumble Bees)
Bumble Bees
There were 27 species in Britain but two of these appear to be extinct., and there are
arguments about which are species, or sub-species.There are probably 19 species of true
Bumble Bees and 6 species of Cuckoo Bumble Bees. True bumblebee females all have
obvious pollen baskets on the back legs, which consist of long hairs framing a flat, shiny area
of tibia. Cuckoo bumblebees have dull hind tibiae covered in short hairs. They also have dark
bronze wings, whereas the true bumblebee has nearly translucent ones, although this
character is often difficult to discern.
Most are in in general decline, with some species in near-catastrophic decline unless
agricultural practices change. There may be a need to have a ten square kilometres area which
contains flowers sufficient to provide continuous pollen and nectar from April to September
They are social colonial nesters that use Comfrey and Thistles in particular for pollen and
nectar. The flight times can be very long in some species ranging from March-October unless
there is a mild winter when indivdiuals can be found in any month. This group has attracted a
great deal of public attention. There is a large amount of information available on Bumble
Bees available and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust exists to specifically conserve the
genus.
20
Apis (Honey Bee)
1. 3 SM cells
2. BV straight or with a
continuous gentle curve.
3. D1 more or less rhomboid.Not
much elongated.
4. SM2 greater than or equal to
SM3
5. SM2 long and triangular.
There is only one domesticated species in Britain, A.mellifera, which is probably extinct as a
wild species in Britain. It is colonial and dangerous because it has an asset to protect i.e
energy store for the colony in winter-honey. They can be found throughout the year as
colonies can survive the winter.
Remaining Genera
The following genera have not been reported from Yorkshire or Durham.
Eucera- two species have been found in Britain, one of which may be extinct. Males are very
distinctive, with long antennae.They are solitary species but nests gregariously, in sparselyvegetated sandy soil in, flower-rich habitats and sunny woodland rides on clay. They forage
mainly from legumes from mid-May to mid-July.
Anthidium- Anthidium manicatum is the sole British species
Heriades- There are two solitary species that nest in old beetle burrows in dead wood,
especially fence posts, and occasionally in pithy stems of plants such as bramble; it may also
use holes in walls. It can be seen on ragwort flowers, Hawkbits and Cat’s-ears. The female
wiggles her abdomen up and down.. June until September.
Stelis- Four solitary species cleptoparasitic on megachiline bees. June-August
Dasypoda- There is one solitary species that dig very long, burrows in sandy soil and create
spoil on one side of the entrance. They nest in aggregations and can be found on common
ragwort, thistles and smaller yellow composites between June-August
Macropis-There is one solitary species that nests in banks concealed by vegetation. It is
restricted to yellow loosestrife between July-August
Ceratina- Ceratina cyanea is the only British representative
21
Pollen Collecting
Female bees provision their larvae with pollen (protein) and use pollen to develop unlaid
eggs. Bees have branched/feathery body hair for gathering pollen and carrying it. This
separates bees from wasps. Wasps have unbranched hairs. Hylaeus carry pollen in their crop,
with nectar. The branched hairs may be concentrated in special areas known as scopa,
usually, but not exclusively, on the hind legs or under the abdomen. The scopa often form
distinctly coloured patches of hair, which differ between closely related bees and which can
be useful in identification. The first of the five tarsal joints of the hind leg is expanded and
flattened from side to side in bees. There may be a brush of stiff, bristly hairs on the inner
face of this segment for manipulating collected pollen- the pollen-basket. The pollen on the
hair is combed into the baskets using the front and mid legs.
Cuckoo bees have only a few plumose hairs because they have no need for pollen carrying as
they lay their eggs in the nests of other bees.
Some female bees look for pollen with the same scent provided when a larva. This
connection to particular pollens may be very strong. Others visit a wide range of flower
species and families (generalists or polylectic). Some species collect pollen from just one
flower species or, family (specialists or oligolectic). Some bees seem to be able to switch
pollen sources. Generalists cope when conditions change dramatically. Closely related bee
species may exhibit one or the other behaviour. A plant may tie its pollinating insects to
itself. For instance, the flowers of legumes require special techniques to get to the pollen.
Nectar Collecting
The gathering of nectar for larval food is not the reason that bees visit flowers. Nectar is
stored in a crop (honey stomach) and is fuel for the bee. The bees need to consume nectar to
fly. A small quantity of nectar is often added to the pollen in the larval cells. Some species
bite through the corolla and insert their tongues for a shorter route to the nectaries. Nectar
collection is less specific than pollen collection.
Life Cycle
Bees have four-stages in the life cycle-egg, larva, pupa and adult. The egg is small, white and
sausage shaped and hatches into the larva after a few days. The larva is white with no legs,
wings or eyes. The larva consumes the food provided by the adult female, moults its skin
several times and this is the only time a bee grows. It metamorphoses into a pupa, usually
spinning a cocoon. This then metamorphoses into winged adult.
All species of bees, except cuckoos, construct a nest. Some bees are solitary. Solitary bees
make a burrow, or use a cavity, in which they construct a series of cells A few solitary
species may share a nest entrance but they are not social.
22
Solitary BeesSolitary Bees-provision each cell with pollen and nectar on which they lay an egg before
closing the cell. When all the cells are provisioned the burrow is sealed and the female then
constructs another, continuing until she dies. There is no contact with the offspring, which
emerge from the cell in the spring, or later in the year if the species is double-brooded. Males
usually appear earlier than the females. Males wait around the holes, confronting other
males.Some males sit in the holes waiting for a female to arrive. Females search holes, mates,
and takes possession of a hole. She then uses material carried underneath her, or in her jaws,
for cell construction. Bees often enter a hole head-first and emerge head first.
Social Bees
Bees can be are social in varying degrees. Some are primitively social (eusocial). Bumble
bees have reached a more advanced state of sociality. The mated queen hibernates
underground or in a hole. In the spring she makes a nest in an underground hole or in leaf
litter. A honey pot is constructed from wax and filled with nectar. Eggs are laid on a mass of
pollen, and incubated. Female workers are produced that build cells and forage for pollen
and nectar. Males and queens are then produced. The queens mate and hibernate.The old
queen, workers and males die off.
The Honey bee, Apis mellifera, has the most advanced sociality. The nest survives winter,
and the old queen leaves the nest with a swarm of workers to form a new colony.
Nest Construction
Typically, the end of a cell is sealed before starting the next one. The outside, final cell, is
closed off with a different structure, sometimes using a different material.There may be eight
or more cells The female lays female eggs in the inner cells and males in the outer cells.She
varies the food supply in each. Males complete the development process before the females.
The insects emerge by the outer bee gnawing through the cap. The vibration of this chewing
starts the following bee so the bees emerge in the right order.
Gender
Unfertilised eggs produce males and fertilised eggs produce females. A female bee can
determine the sex of eggs. This is achieved by releasing sperm if the egg is to be female. In
social bees all worker bees are female. The queen lays female eggs first. Males are produced
only to mate with females.
Partial Habitats -the ‘Connected Landscape’
Bees occupy partial habitats. Each habitat provides one component for the life-cycle. Some
are associated with nest-building and provisioning others for nectar collecting. Cuckoo
species rely on the partial habitats as they cannot exist in the absence of their hosts.Partial
habitats may be found in close proximity, or be separated by large distances, perhaps several
23
kilometres. The female bee needs to forage in all partial habitats, or the life-cycle is broken.
There is no one dominant habitat requirement. The partial habitat requirenments are


Nest Site-Needs to be warm reducing the development time for the larvae. Female
bees can often be seen searching for sites.
Source of nest-building material-excavated earth, soft mud or plant material.
Suitable flowering plants
Problem 2-Fragmented Natural History Interest
The decline of Natural History Societies or Naturalists’ Field Clubs is a widespread
phenomenon. Memberships are falling and Societies are expiring. At the same time there has
been an explosion of site based wildlife interest groups typically called ‘Friends of….’, and
wildlife groups operating under the umbrella of the Wildlife Trusts (e.g. Weardale Wildlife
Group, Lanchester Wildlife Group).This fragmentation of wildlife interest organisations
mirrors the habitat fragmentation affecting bees, other pollinators and wildlife in general.
Many wildlife interest groups do not have enough active members-to form a ‘critical mass’.
A ‘critical mass’ is enough members to form a long-term sustainable organisation that does
not place too much pressure and expectation on two or three individuals. There also needs to
be enough members to rotate the roles of officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer) amongst
different members regularly. Very few organisations achieve this. As with species, too few
individuals in fragmented habitats become extinct.
Many professional organisations/projects are too temporary in nature with a high turnover of
staff on short term (mostly lottery funded) contracts to fulfil objectives that require long-term
continuity. Some professional organisations are also under serious financial stress which is
likely to continue and increase. The management and development of habitat is likely to
increasingly fall on the volunteer community in the future as professional financial resources
dry up and the remnant local services are placed in the hands of contractors. A forum is
needed that connects the various amateur interest groups together to form a robust network
that persists longer than short term funded projects and does not rely on uncertain funding
sources.
The ‘Natural History Society’ is a candidate for such a forum. Members of Societies are
already active in habitat development and connection projects and site based wildlife interest
groups. They have structures that have persisted, with changes, since the nineteenth century
in some cases. They have always been community based volunteer organisations. It has been
interesting to watch the efforts of professional organistions attempting to set up volunteer
community groups where a long standing group already exists. It seems to have been
preferable to start a new group, ‘reinventing wheels’, rather than facilitate the development of
the existing group(s).
24
Buglife B-Lines
The B-Lines Project is a strategic landscape-scale approach to pollinator conservation that
aims to deliver pollinators moving freely through connected habitats. B-Lines are linear
pathways of permanent species-rich habitat linking existing wildlife areas to reverse habitat
fragmentation. The need for this is formally recognised in Government legislation and policy
exemplified by the following quotes-National (planning) Policy Framework (2012)55
“….establishing coherent ecological networks….”
“…. creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and
green infrastructure…..
Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (Section 37)
«….. policies encouraging the management of features….. essential for the migration,
dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species…. Underpinned by habitat mapping”
Durham and Tees Valley Mapping Project
The objective of this projct was the identification of priority areas for pollinator conservation.
The University of Liverpool employed an ‘electric circuit’ model of colonisation routes.
These are routes of lowest resistance where resistance is the time taken for a species to
colonise pne patch starting from another.This has provided a scientific basis for likely success
in promoting species dispersal. Priority B-Lines were identified and is intended to inform the
Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, Local Nature Partnership, and the Tees Valley
Green Infrastructure plan. The B-Lines are 3km wide linear pathways linking existing areas
of habitat (e.g. SSSI, Local Sites) and were prioritised as indicated in the following maps.
25
The outcomes of the project are anticipated to be






More, bigger, better, joined-up, diverse and high-quality flower-rich habitats
(including nesting places and shelter) for pollinators
Healthy pollinators more resilient to climate change and severe weather events.
No further extinctions of known threatened pollinator species.
Enhanced awareness of the needs of pollinators.
Actions taken to support pollinators.
‘Stepping stone’ sites working towards more continuous strips of habitat.
Tees Valley WILD Green Places Project
This is a five year project starting in 2015, owned by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust which
will contribute to an objective of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership. This is to “provide
sustainable engagement of local people in taking an active role to improve the biodiversity
and accessibility of public green spaces.” and “Increase appreciation and understanding of
26
the natural heritage of public open spaces in the Tees Valley and increase the skills of local
people to record and care for this heritage.”
The project seeks to
“improve the biodiversity of a variety of publically accessible green spaces through the
production of management plans, practical habitat creation and conservation projects,
species recording and monitoring that actively involve local communities in planning and
delivery”.
“Increase appreciation and understanding of publically accessible green infrastructure by
engaging local communities through a series of activities to appeal to a wide range of
audiences.”
“Increase the skills of local community groups and volunteers in wildlife recording and
conservation management through tailored support and training, increasing the capacity of
group members to care for and improve the biodiversity of their local green spaces.”
“Develop the skills base of people seeking employment in natural environment/community
development work by providing a range of work based accredited training, student
placements and a Trust trainee programme.”
The following sites in Co. Durham are included in the project (there are other sites in Redacr
and Middlesbrough in the project)
Hartlepool Seaton Park
45245292 7.38
ha
Friends of
Seaton Park
Traditional park
Stranton
Cemetery
45005304 18.39
ha
Friends of
Stranton
Cemetery
Traditional late Victorian
cemetery, some mature
trees
Ward Jackson
Park
44895325 6.72
ha
Friends of
Traditional Victorian park,
Ward
with lakes, secondary
Jackson Park woodland, parkland
landscape, small wetland
features
Hart to Haswell 44755367 9.27
Walkway with 4483,5313 ha
Summerhill
41.56
LNR
ha =
50.83
ha
27
Friends of
Hartlepool
Green
Spaces
Summerhilll- large area of
habitat creation from
arable farmland, extensive
areas of new woodlands,
grasslands and wetlands
and ponds.
Hart to Haswell-Mosaic of
semi-natural vegetation,
mainly grassland and scrub
and small ponds
Stockton Lustrum Beck
Allotments
44345195 5.36
Green Group
Meadowings
44175119 3.49
Meadowings
Possibly remnants of
Residents Group ancient grassland, now
managed
as lawns in social housing
estate
Tilery Park
44525201 23.92 St Ann’s
Partnership
Improved grassland, rank
grassland and woodland
plantations, riverside
vegetation
Roseworth
Green spaces
44325213 0.68
Improved grassland and
small beck
Darlington Rockwell LNR
Roseworth
Partnership
Old allotments, wetlands
42995160 23.72
Friends of
Rockwell
Linear Riverside habitat,
secondary woodland,
semi-improved grassland
and ponds
Maidendale
Nature &
Fishing
Reserve
43115132 7.54
Maidendale
Nature and
fishing Reserve
Trust
Extensive network of
ponds and wetlands. Very
important locally for great
crested newt and
dragonflies
Drinkfield
Marsh LNR
42885175 5.51
Friends of
Drinkfield
Marsh
Lake, and small wetland
area, with great crested
newts, possibly locally
important for wetland
birds, areas of secondary
28
woodland, scrub and
grassland.
The Whinnies
LNR
43515138 11.41
No group as
yet
Very species rich grassland,
with invading scrub, also
small ponds that have very
rich grassland flora, old
Quarry site.
NectarWorks ProjectNorth Pennines AONB Partnership launched the Nectarworks project in the summer of 2013.
The aim of this project is
“to enthuse, educate and enable communities to take action for bumblebees and other
pollinators by restoring and increasing flower-rich habitats across the AONB. “
The project runs to March 2017. It has been running long enough to have had a practical
effect and has a website- http://www.northpennines.org.uk/Pages/Nectarworks.aspx which
should be used for further information.
29
Problems and Strategy
Problem1:Pollinator Crisis
Pursue habitat improvements and connections between sites. Focus on B-Lines.
Improvement, networks and defragmentation.
Problem 2:Fragmented Natural History Interest
Pursue development of the Natural History Societies particularly through connections
between groups. Improvement, networks and defragmentation.
Example-Hartlepool
30
The green areas are the sites covered by the Green Spaces Project and other public open
space. The yellow areas are existing nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientifc Interest
within the priority B-Line which is shaded light yellow. Does the blue area contain any
potential ‘Stepping Stone’ Sites that could produce a ‘Connected Landscape’ for Bees,
pollinators in general and other wildlife? There are at least six site-based wildlife interest
groups (‘Friends’) and Hartlepool Natural History Society. Can a network be developed that
connects these community interest groups to promote the development of habitats for Bees,
and other pollinators, expedite the B-Line, and produce a ‘Connected Landscape’ for all
wildlife?
Gardens as ‘Stepping Stones’
Could there be a network of gradens through the town that could act as ‘Stepping Stone’
sites? The basic requirements are




Plants with useful pollen and nectar sources planted in areas where there is plenty of
sun
Suitable nesting habitats and materials
No insecticides and weed killers
Water
Artificial Nests
Bamboos, tubes or drilled logs are potential nest sites. The bamboos are cut so as to contain
one node; one cut is close to the natural partition and the next just before the next node,
giving a hollow length of around 25cms and total length of 28cm. The diameter of the hole
should be between 6 and 10mm. The bamboos are tied together in bundles and suspended
horizontally on a hot southern-facing wall, ideally with the ends facing south, or against the
wall. Logs should be thick enough, so that the drill does not penetrate right through-the
longer, the better. Drill holes quite close to each other but in varying diameters, from 3mm up
to 8mm, using the longest drills available. Site the nests in a spot that gets the maximum sun
during the day; ideally a south facing wall which has an open aspect, with little or no shade.
Logs may be set up vertically against the wall or hung horizontally. Sand can be formed into
a variety of differently shaped banks with varying heights and angles. It can be mixed with
clay or cement to form vertical banks 100 (sand) to 1 (cement) in a sunny position. Oxford
University helped set up the Oxford Bee Company to promote the use of solitary bees as
pollinators for orchards, allotments, horticultural crops and in gardens.
A Vision
The Natural History Society Has a role in connecting habitats and wildlife interest groups.If
the Societies had a member from every site based wildlife interest group this would
substantially improve recruitment and could be the community forum required. Many
existing members of the Natural History Socities are active in these interest groups. This
should be encouraged, whilst retaining loyalty to the Natural History Society. This would
provide continuity, connectivity, reduce fragmentation and provide mutual support amongst
31
the natural history and site based wildlife interest community. This would contribute to the
Government Pollinator Strategy which embraces community involvement in habitat
development, monitoring and mapping. Members of Natural History Socities could do the
following (perhaps using bees and pollinators as a focus)Monitor and Record- on existing established sites and potential ‘stepping stone’ sites
between them. Assess conservation project results and strategies.
Publish- results. Identify weakness, threats, and potential for improvement
Celebrate- promote the value of species and sites
Engage- and recruit and maintain connections between groups. Develop networks.
References
Archer M.E., ‘The Wasps, Ants and Bees of Watsonian Yorkshire’, Yorkshire Naturalists’
Union, 2002
Willmer P., ‘Bees, Ants, Wasps-A Key to Genera of the British Aculeates’, AIDGAP Field
Studies Council Publication, 1985,
‘Creating habitat for Pollinators in Britain & Ireland,’ Plant Link UK and Invertebrate Link,
2011
‘The B-Lines Initiative:Mapping B-Lines across Durham and Tees Valley’, BugLife 2013
Evans P.,’Making B-Lines:A Report on the Practicalities of Developing a B-Lines Network’,
BugLife 2011
Various, Ed. Robin Williams, Mike Edwards, ‘An Introduction to Bees in Britain’, Bees,
Wasps & Ants Recording Society, 2012
Web Sites
Steven Falk’s image collectionhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/collections/72157629294459686/
Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorsing Society
http://www.bwars.com/
BugLife
https://www.buglife.org.uk/
National Biodiversity Network
https://data.nbn.org.uk/ , 2014
Bumble Bee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/
32
Northumberland Lepidoptera Review 2013
T.J. Tams
Poor weather conditions predominated throughout the first half of the year and this had a
detrimental impact on catches, with many trap sites recording below than average results for
the time of year. Our early spring moths such as the orthosia’s were particularly hit. From
July onwards we experienced one of the hottest summers on record and from the moth
perspective at least the hot weather brought a welcome change in activity. Eleven new
species were added to the Northumberland fauna and as per usual ten are of the
Microlepidoptera.
The interest in the study of leaf mines and early larval stages by several recorders paid off
with a few important finds especially the Coleophora species, adjunctella, maritimella,
artemisicolella. Leaf mines of Phyllonorycter, junoniella, nigrescentella, were found in
VC68 and P. acerifoliella found at two sites in VC67 were welcome additions to the list.
Other significant highlights include the finding of Mirificarma lentiginosella, representing
the most northerly colony in the UK; this came about while taking up the challenge by
Butterfly Conservation to find new sites for Agonopterix atomella, a UK Bap priority species.
Searching for the larvae on its food-plant Dyer’s Greenweed Genista tinctoria throughout the
larval period failed, but perseverance was rewarded when two immaculate adult specimens
came to MV light. A single record of the extremely rare Caryocolum kroesmanniella, a
proposed RDB1 species, was taken at light in July. Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe
quadrifasiata taken at Newton Pool was the only new species of Macrolepidoptera for this
year.
The long awaited A Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles, (Agassiz, Beavan &
Heckford) was published in late December. There are some very interesting changes to the
coding system, re-classification of families and even complete re-naming of some species and
these changes have been adopted in this report.
33
New Northumberland species recorded in 2013
14.009 Bucculatrix thoracella
15.084 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella
18.006 Rhigognostis incarnatella
35.092 Mirificarma lentiginosella
35.116 Scrobipalpa obsoletella
35.140 Caryocolum kroesmanniella
37.068 Coleophora adjunctella
37.078 Coleophora maritimella
37.090 Coleophora artemisicolella
62.076 Hypsopygia glaucinalis
70.055 Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata
34
New VC 67/68 species recorded in 2013
4.076
Ectoedemia decentella
15.048 Phyllonorycter junoniella
15.071 Phyllonorycter nigrescentella
15.085 Phyllonorycter joannisi
19.005 Glyphipterix haworthana
22.003 Prays ruficeps
32.012 Agonopterix atomella
35.066 Monochroa tenebrella
35.071 Monochroa lucidella
35.115 Scrobipalpa nitentella
36.001 Batrachedra praeangusta
37.074 Coleophora taeniipennella
38.045 Elachista utonella
39.002 Blastodacna atra
40.013 Mompha locupletella
45.019 Stenoptilia millieridactyla
49.153 Apotomis sauciana
49.231 Epinotia brunnichana
62.007 Cryptoblabes bistriga
62.027 Dioryctria simplicella
73.366 Plain Clay Eugnorisma depuncta
Detailed List:
New vice-county records are shown with the VC number both underlined and in bold type.
Nepticulidae
4.076 Ectoedemia decentella (Herrich-Schäffer.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 12.vii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Bucculatricidae
14.009 Bucculatrix thoracella (Thun.) – West Jesmond NZ253675 (67) 02.ix.2013 – M.J. Cook
Bucculatrix thoracella
Gracillariidae
Bucculatrix thoracella mines on Lime
15.048 Phyllonorycter junoniella (Zell.) – Thrunton Wood NU0709 (68) 01.xi.2013, four tenanted mines on
Vaccinium vitis-idaea – A.J. Fairclough
15.071 Phyllonorycter nigrescentella (Logan.) – Framlington Gate NU117036 (68) 01.xi.2013, three tenanted
mines on Vicia sepium – A.J. Fairclough
15.084 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella (Zell.) – Heaton Park NZ2665 (67) 10.xi.2013, three mines on Acer
campestre – C. Fletcher
15.085 Phyllonorycter joannisi (Joan.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 21.viii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Phyllonorycter junoniella on Vaccinium vitis- Phyllonorycter nigrescentella on Vicia
idaea
sepium
35
Phyllonorycter acerifoliella
Plutellidae
Phyllonorycter acerifoliella mines on Field Maple
18.006 Rhigognostis incarnatella (Steud.) – Tynemouth NZ363704 (67) 17.vii.2013 – T.J. Tams
Rhigognostis incarnatella
Glyphipterigidae
19.005 Glyphipterix haworthana (Steph.) – Longframlington Common NU105145 (68) two specimens.
04.vi.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Glyphipterix haworthana
36
Praydidae
22.003 Prays ruficeps (Heine.) – Howick NU258178 (68) 27.viii.2013 – S. Sexton
Prays ruficeps
Depressariidae
32.012 Agonopterix atomella (Denis & Schiff.) – Arcot Pond NZ251751 (67) two specimens. 20.viii.2013 – T.J.
Tams
Agonopterix atomella
Gelechiidae
35.066 Monochroa tenebrella (Hüb.) – Simonside NZ052987 (67) four specimens. 16.vii.2013 – A.J.
Fairclough
35.071 Monochroa lucidella (Steph.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 14.viii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
35.092 Mirificarma lentiginosella (Zell.) – Arcot Pond NZ251751 (67) four specimens. 19.viii.2013, genitalia
det S. Palmer – T.J. Tams
35.115 Scrobipalpa nitentella (Fuch.) – Holy Island, The Snook NU104434 (68) three specimens. 02.viii.2013,
genitalia det males – T.J. Tams
35.116 Scrobipalpa obsoletella (Fisch von Rös.) – Newton Pool NU243243 (68) 24.vii.2013, Genitalia det K.W
Regan – I Fisher
35.140 Caryocolum kroesmanniella (Herrich-Schäffer.) – Tyne tunnel conservation area
NZ329666 (67) 21.viii.2013, genitalia det, female. S. Palmer – T.J. Tams
37
Mirificarma lentiginosella
Scrobipalpa nitentella
Caryocolum kroesmanniella
Batrachedridae
36.001 Batrachedra praeangusta (Haw.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 02.viii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Batrachedra praeangusta
Coleophoridae
37.068 Coleophora adjunctella (Hodg.) – Birling Links saltmarsh, Warkworth NU262054 (68) 29.viii.2013, 6
cases on Juncus gerardii – A.J. Fairclough
37.074 Coleophora taeniipennella (Herr-Schäf.) – Framlington Gate NU117036 (68)
01.xi.2013, 15 cases on Juncus articulates – A.J. Fairclough
37.078 Coleophora maritimella (Newm.) – Birling Links saltmarsh, Warkworth NU262054
(68) 29.viii.2013, 25 cases on Juncus maritimus. – A.J. Fairclough
38
37.090 Coleophora artemisicolella (Bruand.) – Lynemouth Power Station NZ302913 (67) 24.ix.2013, two
cases/larvae on Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris – A.J. Fairclough
Coleophora adjunctella on Juncus gerardii
Coleophora maritimella on Juncus maritimus
Elachistidae
Coleophora artemisicolella on Artemisia vulgaris
38.045 Elachista utonella (Frey.) – Holy Island, The Snook NU104434 (68) 02.viii.2013, genitalia det male –
T.J. Tams
Biselachista utonella
39
Parametriotidae
39.002 Blastodacna atra (Haw.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 12.vii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Momphidae
40.013 Mompha locupletella (Denis & Schiff.) – Howick NU258178 (68) 29.vii.2013 – S. Sexton
Mompha locupletella
Pterophoridae
45.019 Stenoptilia millieridactyla (Brua.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 21.vii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Tortricidae
49.153 Apotomis sauciana (Frölich.) – Cheviot NT920210 (68) 14.viii.2013 – R.J. Arnfield 49.231 Epinotia
brunnichana (Linn.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 17.viii.2013 – A.J. Fairclough
Apotomis sauciana
Pyralidae
62.007 Cryptoblabes bistriga (Haw.) – Swarland NU165035 (68) 22.vii.2013 – A.J.
Fairclough
62.027 Dioryctria simplicella (Heine.) – Hepburn Wood NU071248 (68) 14.viii.2013 – R.J.
Arnfield
62.076 Hypsopygia glaucinalis (Linn.) – Carham Hall, Carham NT804388 (68) 13.viii.2013
– T.J. Tams & N. Cook
40
Hypsopygia glaucinalis
Geometridae
Dioryctria simplicella
70.055 Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata (Clerck.) – Newton Pool NU243243 (68) 24.vii.2013
– I. Fisher
Noctuidae
73.366 Plain Clay Eugnorisma depuncta (Linn.) – Canno Mill, Kirknewton NT901318 (68) 14.viii.2013 – T.J.
Tams & N. Cook
Plain Clay Eugnorisma depuncta
The following list comprises the more notable records of the season
4.078
4.078
12.026
14.003
Ectoedemia septembrella
Ectoedemia septembrella
Tineola bisselliella
Bucculatrix maritime
Hauxley
Swarland
Bingfield
Berwick
01.vii.2013
05.xi.2013
04.vii.2013
31.v.2013
2nd VC67 record
2nd VC68 record
3rd VC 67 record
2nd VC68 record
14.003
14.009
15.016
15.071
15.084
16.023
18.006
18.006
Bucculatrix maritime
Bucculatrix thoracella
Euspilapteryx auroguttella
Phyllonorycter nigrescentella
Phyllonorycter acerifoliella
Ocnerostoma piniariella
Rhigognostis incarnatella
Rhigognostis incarnatella
Warkworth
Heaton
Kyloe
Swarland
Ouseburn
Rothbury
Gosforth
Stocksfield
03.vi.2013
10.xi.2013
06.vii.2013
05.xi.2013
04.xii.2013
02.iv.2013
08.viii.2013
26.x.2013
3rd VC68 record
2nd VC67 record
2nd VC68 record
2nd VC68 record
2nd VC67 record
2nd VC68 record
2nd VC67 record
3rd VC67 record
19.005
Glyphipterix haworthana
Simonside
08.i.2013
3rd VC67 record
41
AJF
AJF
AMJ
F&M
A
AJF
CF
AJF
AJF
TJT
AJF
SM
TJT/K
D
AJF
32.008
35.036
35.036
35.065
35.065
35.092
35.119
35.028
37.007
37.016
37.038
37.061
37.103
38.018
40.014
40.014
45.033
45.043
48.007
49.129
49.193
Agonopterix liturosa
Chrysoesthia sexguttella
Chrysoesthia sexguttella
Monochroa cytisella
Monochroa cytisella
Mirificarma
lentiginosella
Scrobipalpa samadensis
Caryocolum blandella
Coleophora flavipennella
Coleophora spinella
Coleophora lineolea
Coleophora lixella
Coleophora follicularis
Elachista bisulcella
Mompha terminella
Mompha terminella
Merrifieldia leucodactyla
Adaina microdactyla
Choreutis pariana
Cochylidia rupicola
Endothenia
quadrimaculana
49.193
Endothenia
quadrimaculana
49.231
Epinotia brunnichana
49.239
Epinotia mercuriana
49.272
Eucosma tripoliana
49.315
Dichrorampha
simpliciana
49.310
Dichrorampha sedatana
49.310
Dichrorampha sedatana
49.311
Dichrorampha aeratana
49.338
Cydia pomonella
62.005
Achroia grisella
62.038
Acrobasis consociella
63.091
Agriphila latistria
63.005
Pyrausta despicata
73.120
Dusky Sallow Eremobia
ochroleuca
Migrant summary for year
18.001
63.031
63.052
69.004
69.010
70.038
70.047
73.015
73.076
73.327
Kyloe
Inner Farne
Inner Farne
Newton
Etal Moor
Arcot Pond
10.vii.2013
09.vi.2013
15.vii.2013
24.vii.2013
27.vii.2013
20.viii.2013
5th VC68 record
3rd VC68 record
4th VC68 record
2nd VC68 record
3rd VC68 record
2nd VC67 record
AJF
WJS
WJS
IF
SS
TJT
Holy Island
Kirknewton
Eshott
Sleekburn
Backworth
Cocklawburn
Cullernose
East
Chevington
Acton Dean
Acton Dean
Cocklawburn
Newham
Whitley Bay
Cullernose
Newton Pool
02.viii.2013
14.viii.2013
20.vii.2013
06.vi.2013
14.vi.2013
20.x.2013
05.vii.2013
22.viii.2013
3rd VC68 record
2nd VC68 record
2nd VC67 record
2nd VC67 record
4th VC67 record
4th VC68 record
2nd VC68 record
3rd VC67 record
TJT
TJT/NC
MSH
AJF
TCS
AJF
AJF
AJF
27.viii.2013
07.ix.2013
19.vii.2013
16.vii.2013
07.x.2013
05.vii.2013
24.vii.2103
2nd VC68 record
3rd VC68 record
3rd VC68 record
4th VC68 record
4th VC67 record
3rd VC68 record
4th VC68 record
AJF
AJF
AJF
TJT/KD
M&NT
AJF
IF
Inner Farne
29.vii.2013
5th VC68 record
WJS
Swarland
Cheviot
Holy Island
Tynemouth
29.viii.2013
14.viii.2013
02.viii.2013
27.viii.2013
2nd VC68 record
5th VC68 record
4th VC68 record
4th VC67 record
AJF
RJA
TJT
TJT
Newcastle
Newcastle
Berwick
Inner Farne
Swarland
Eshott
Holy Island
Howick
Tynemouth
20.vi.2013
29.vi.2013
25.v.2013
01.viii.2013
21.viii.2013
26.vii.2013
21.viii.2013
20.viii.2013
20.viii.2013
2nd VC67 record
3rd VC67 record
4th VC68 record
2nd VC68 record
3rd VC 68 record
2nd VC67 record
3rd VC68 record
2nd VC68 record
3rd VC67 record
JW
JW
F&MA
WJS
AJF
MSH
RJA
SS
TJT
Diamond-back Moth
Rusty-dot Pearl
Rush Veneer
Convolvulus Hawk-moth
Humming-bird Hawk-moth
Vestal
Gem
Silver Y
Scarce Bordered Straw
Dark Sword-grass
Plutella xylostella
Udea ferrugalis
Nomophila noctuella
Agrius convolvuli
Macroglossum stellatarum
Rhodometra sacraria
Nycterosea obstipata
Autographa gamma
Helicoverpa armigera
Agrotis ipsilon
42
Records
445
1
7
2
3
2
1
431
1
10
Individuals
3226
1
7
2
3
2
1
1520
1
10
Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella
Vestal Rhodometra sacraria
Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera
Top twenty moths recorded this year
Species
Large Yellow Underwing
Common Marbled Carpet
Dark Arches
Garden Carpet
Diamond-back Moth
Brimstone Moth
Silver Y
Lesser Yellow
Underwing
Lesser Broad-bordered
Yellow Underwing
Common Rustic agg.
Snout
Silver-ground Carpet
Dotted Clay
Heart and Dart
Light Brown Apple Moth
Burnished Brass
Common Carpet
Hebrew Character
Rosy Rustic
Marbled Minor agg.
Records
Noctua pronuba
Chloroclysta truncate
Apamea monoglypha
Xanthorhoe fluctuate
Plutella xylostella
Opisthograptis luteolata
Autographa gamma
Noctua comes
Individuals
865
530
515
452
445
445
431
429
27762
1812
6248
1102
3226
1282
1520
5068
Noctua janthe
405
5514
Mesapamea secalis agg.
Hypena proboscidalis
Xanthorhoe montanata
Xestia baja
Agrotis exclamationis
Epiphyas postvittana
Diachrysia chrysitis
Epirrhoe alternate
Orthosia gothica
Hydraecia micacea
Oligia strigilis agg.
395
379
361
346
339
324
311
309
301
298
285
4516
2273
2064
2247
2406
1715
1758
740
1601
1795
1967
43
The 2013 records in this report, and contributors to the database, have come from the following recorders.
R.J. Arnfield, M & F. Aungier, C.D. Barlow, G. Beckwith, C. Bell, L. Biggs, K. Bolam, M. Bradley, R. Bryant,
P. Buckham-Bonnett, K. Charman, T. Charman, J. Common, M.J. Cook. M.J. Dale, A.J. Davis, J. Dixon, G.
Dobbins, H.A. Ellis, J. Fairclough, A.J. Fairclough, J & L. Fean, D. Feige, I. Fisher, J. Fisk, C. Fletcher, N.
Foggo, C. Gerrard, M. Greene, N. Gregory, C. Hales, C. Hall, I.C. Hancock, M. Hancock, M. Hardie, B. Harle,
P.C. Harvey, M. Heselton, M.S. Hodgson, D. Hutt, A. Johnston, A.M. Jones, L.M. Koelmans, H. Makepeace, S.
McElwee, S. Milner, J. Beavan, L. Naughton & M. Anderson, M. Richardson, N.W. Richardson, W.J. Scott, S.
Sexton, T.C. Sexton, G. Simpson, G. Smith, D. Stebbings, J. Steele, J. Swalwell, M & N. Tuck, G.J. Wallace, J.
Wallace, P.M. Watson, R.G. Waugh, T. Wiffen
For information on Northumberland moths, distribution maps & foodplants see:
www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk
44
A history of the Dark Bordered Beauty Epione vespertaria (Linnaeus) in
Northumberland
by T.J. Tams
The Dark Bordered Beauty Epione vespertaria is a moth of the family Geometridae, and is
classified as Rare, Red Data Book 3. It is currently a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority
Species and is also listed on Section 41 of the NERC Act, 2006
The Dark Bordered Beauty remains in the egg stage from late July/August overwintering to
May. Larval development is throughout May and June, pupating in July, and the adults are on
the wing during mid July until late August, (Waring, Townsend & Lewington, 2009).
This moth has long held a precarious foothold in Northumberland since its first discovery in
1863 at Learmouth Bog (Bolam. 1927). It was then discovered 26 years later at Newham Bog
in 1890 (Bolam. 1927), and of the nineteen records currently held on the database 14 of them
are from this site, the last being on the 14 July 1999. The records are listed in table 1.
Survey work has since been conducted at this site from 2006 to 2013, with a maximum four
visits per year in the hope of re-discovering this enigmatic moth.
A variety of methods have been employed including daytime observations, 15w actinic heath
traps left overnight, and all night trapping sessions using 125mv skinner/robinson traps and a
125mv light over a white sheet. However, all these recent efforts have failed to relocate the
species and it is reluctantly concluded that the species is probably now extinct at this site.
After persisting at Newham Bog for 109 years from its initial discovery, the Dark Bordered
Beauty failed to make it into the 21st century and the reasons for this can only be speculated
at. The small number of individuals recorded at the site (see table below) indicate that it was
always a small population and, as such, could be vulnerable to extinction. Recent surveys
have confirmed that the presumed food plant at this site, Salix repens, is still present but there
is some anecdotal evidence that the habitat structure may have changed since the early 1990s
with Phragmites australis now encroaching into areas that were formerly drier and populated
by the food plant (K. Dover pers comm.). Indeed, over the last 10 years the site is generally
wetter (A. Craggs pers comm.)
It is recommended that large scale clearance of woody vegetation should be avoided in areas
where the moth occurs and that scrub clearance should be restricted to small-scale rotational
cutting (Butterfly Conservation factsheet) but it is known that at least some scrub clearance
has been carried out at Newham Bog as part of management to favour rare plants (pers obs.).
There is therefore a possibility that at least some eggs might have been inadvertently
destroyed by these works.
However a recent approach has avoided the cutting of Salix repens during the annual cutting
regime and the last 2-3 years has seen an increase in its extent (A. Craggs)
45
Two other intriguing recent records on the database are from the Kirkwhelpington RIS trap
and Kirkheaton. These are possibly wanderers from as yet unknown breeding sites and
highlight the need for further survey work in these parts of Northumberland and other
potential sites where the moth could occur.
Table 1: Records of Dark Bordered Beauty in Northumberland
Location
Learmouth Bog
NT8637
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Houxty NY856784
Newham Bog
NU169295
Fallowlees Burn
NZ0293
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU1729
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Kirkwhelpington RIS
Site 532
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Newham Bog
NU169295
Kirkheaton NZ0177
Date
30 July 1863
Observer
Mr W. Lamb
Number seen
2
29 August 1890
Mr George Bolam
1 (female)
15 August 1898
Mr Ivor Evans
6 (males)
July 1918
6 August 1925
Mr George Bolam
Mr George Bolam
1
1
30 July 1952
Mr J.W.H. Harrison
1
22 July 1964
Mr A.G. Long
2
26 July 1983
Mr J.D. Parrack
1
18 July 1985
Mr P. Corkhill
3
28 July 1987
Mr N. Cook
1
1988
Mr P. Corkhill
1
20 July 1988
Mr K. Dover
2
18 July 1991
Mr K. Dover
1
8 August 1996
Dr J. Keating
1
1 August 1998
Mr N. Cook
3
5 August 1998
Mr N. Cook
1
12 July 1999
Mr D. McCutcheon
6
14 July 1999
Mr P. Davey
1
August 2006
Mr C. Sayer
1 (found dead
indoors on a
window-sill)
46
Epione vespertaria male (K. Dover)
Epione vespertaria female (K. Dover)
47
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Andrew Craggs (Reserve Manager), Keith Dover (Durham VC66 moth recorder),
Jonathan Wallace and Mark Parsons (Butterfly Conservation) for comments and images
References
History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club - The Lepidoptera of Northumberland and the
Eastern Borders. George Bolam Vol XXVI. Part II. 1927. Page 206
Field Guide to the moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Waring, Townsend & Lewington. Page
164
Butterfly Conservation, Dark Bordered Beauty factsheet: http://butterflyconservation.org/files/dark_bordered_beauty-psf.pdf
Ref. Ellis, S. (2003) The status of the Dark Bordered Beauty Epione vespertaria (L.) moth in
Northern England. Butterfly Conservation report SO3-40
48
Recorders
The EYE Project-web based recording
http://www.eyeproject.org.uk/
Environmental Records Information Centre for the North East of England
http://www.ericnortheast.org.uk/home.html
Butterfly Recorder Northumberland
Roger Norman, Tel: 0191 285 831
Email: [email protected]
Butterfly Recorder Durham
Steve le Fleming. Tel: 0191 386 7309
Email: [email protected]
Moths:Durham
Keith Dover and Tim Barker: Email: [email protected] B.R.C. recorder,
Moths:Northumberland
Tom Tams: [email protected]
Dragonflies
Harry Eales,
11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN. 01207-560732. [email protected]
Birds:Durham Bird Club
Tony Armstrong
39 Western Hill, Durham City, County Durham. DH1 4RJ (tel. 386 1519).
Birds:Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club
Nick Rossiter
West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham. NE46 1SX.
Amphibia and Reptiles
Lee Stephenson
12 Gainsborough Rd., Grindon Village, Sunderland SR4 8HU. [email protected] (0191
5532323)
Mammals (general):Northumberland
Mary Gough
c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3
3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884)
Mammals (general):Durham
49
Kevin O'Hara
c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3
3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) email: [email protected]
Bats:Northumberland Bat Group
Ruth Hadden
East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20 0SA
Bats:Durham Bat Group:
Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)
Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).
Plants:B.S.B.I. recorders
Durham (VC66)
John Durkin
email - [email protected]
Postal Address -John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF
South Northumberland (VC67)
John Richards and Quentin Groom
email - [email protected]
North Northumberland (VC68)
George Swan and Chris Metherell
email - [email protected]
Tel: 07505-134070
Postal Address - Mr Chris Metherell, 34 Springfield, Ovington, Northumberland, NE42 6EH
Bryophytes
John O'Reilly BA (Ed) MSc MIEEM CEnv
John O'Reilly, Railway Cottages, Lambley, Northumberland , CA8 7LL
Email - [email protected],
Geological
S.G. McLean
The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.
50