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MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

THE

OF ROSTHERNE MERE

NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

by H. N. MICHAELIS

P R IC E 10/6

Date o f Publication—1965

Published by the Society and obtainable from the Hon. Secretary, E. H. Fielding, 83, Hale Road. Hale, . MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY (FOUNDED 1902)

PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS 1964-1965 incorporating the 62nd and 63rd ANNUAL REPORTS

THE LEPIDOPTERA OF ROSTHERNE MERE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

by H. N. MICHAELIS

With an Introduction by P. H. Oswald, Nature Conservancy.

MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 3

INTRODUCTION By P. H. O sw ald

THE MERES AND MOSSES The lakes and bogs of the North-West Midlands, locally called meres and mosses, lie in glacial hollows scattered in a plain between the Potteries and the Welsh Mountains and extend from Manchester to Shrewsbury, In ancient times there must have been great expanses of marsh and bog in the lower parts, while the higher ground was probably covered with forest, but now nearly all the land has been drained and cultivated and only relics of the original forest remain. Almost the only remnants of the natural landscape are the meres and some of the mosses; the latter were originally open meres which were subsequently covered over, but not always completely filled, by sphagnum moss and other vegetation.

ROSTHERNE MERE Rostherne Mere is the largest and deepest of the northern group of Cheshire Meres lying between and Altrincham, comprising Tatton, Mere, Rostherne, Tabley, Pick and Budworth (or Marbury) Meres and several smaller waters. The Mere is -shaped, narrowing towards the north with its long axis running N.W. to S.E. It is situated in typical undulating Cheshire countryside, surrounded by glacial moraines carrying a patchwork of pasture, arable fields, and woodland, and, like most of the meres in the North-West Midland Plain, it is not easily visible from any distance, as it lies in a hollow. The village of Rostherne cannot be seen from the Mere, and one gains the impression when on its banks that it is situated in a remote and thinly populated area, only a few scattered farms and cottages and Rostherne Church being visible, though in fact it is under three miles from Altricham and only ten from the centre of Manchester. The Mere is nearly three-quarters of a mile (1,285 yards) long, from the northern tip to the outlet at the S.E., and nearly two-fifths of a mile (695 yards) across its great­ est width at right angles to this line, from near the inlet at the S.W. to Mere Covert on the N.E. bank. O f its circum­ ference of about 3,330 yards, approximately 2,000 yards, or nearly two-thirds, are bounded by woods or osier beds; a further 400 yards have been planted with a line of osiers, and scattered grow along about 300 yards of the south MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY bank. Reed beds extend round more than half of the margin and there are smaller patches of other aquatic The water of the Mere is about 70 feet above sea level. The 100-foot contour often approaches within a hundred yards of the water’s edge and is never more than 220 yards from it except where streams run in and at the outlet. The steep descent is most noticeable along the south bank, where the Church overlooks the Mere, and the best and most com­ plete view of the water is obtained from a point on the ridge about a hundred yards east of the Church, where the A.W. Boyd Memorial Observatory has been built.

THE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE As early as 1915 the importance of conserving Rostherne Mere was recognised by the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves, who placed it on their priority list. It was recommended that it should become a National Nature Reserve by the W ild Life Conservation Special Committee in their report, ‘ Conservation of Nature in and Wales ’, published in 1947, as being ‘ the most important of the Cheshire Meres, valuable both for its phytoplankton and its wildfowl . . . outstanding both as a winter resort of wildfowl and as a breeding place for certain aquatic birds ’ and because ‘ the are also of interest ’. The Mere and nearby woods were gifted to the Nature Conservancy by the Executors of the late Lord Egerton of Tatton and declared a National Nature Reserve, together with some of the surrounding fields in 1961. The Nature Conservancy have always recognised that the Reserve, besides being a \'itally important inland refuge for wildfowl, is invaluable for ecological research. It is notable in having ornithological entomological and hydrobiological records dating back over half a century which serve as a firm foundation for such research, and it is the Conservancy’s policy to promote scientific investigations and surveys such as that of the Manchester Entomological Society which can be integrated into the management of the Reserve and made compatible with the maintenance of refuge conditions for wildfowl and other birds.

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE VEGETATION The vegetation of the Reserve, which is fairly typical of the northern part of the Cheshire Plain, can be conveniently classified into permanent pasture, fields under rotation, woodland, osier beds, peat bog, marsh and drainage chan­ nels, and reed beds and other aquatic vegetation. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

'Fhere is nothing remarkable about the flora of the first two types, but patches of rushes () and Marsh Thistle ( Cirsiiim palusire) in the wetter areas and scattered trees add to the variety of the pastures, and elements of a woodland ground flora are noticeable especially below the Church. The hedges are chiefly of Hawthorn ( monogijna). while Blackthorn fPrunus spinosa) is absent. Mucli of the woodland has been planted since the beginning of the nineteenth century on sites which are known to have been previously meadow or i)aslure and the whole of it has for many years been managed jirimarily for pheasant rearing and shooting. Rhododendron is extremely common and Sycamore (Acer pseudoplalanus) has been allowed to invade many overthinned and derelict .sections. It is probably fair to say that the woods are, basic­ ally, Oak (Qnercus robiir) woods, but more than twenty other of trees occur there, some of them in small numbers. Alders (Alnus) are characteristic of the edge of the Mere, but there are also some large trees of White W illow () and Crack W illow (S.fragilis), the former chiefly in the N.W. corner of Merc Covert, and three species of poplars, two of them exotic but the native Grey Poplar (Populiis canescens) forming a clump, i>robably originally ])lanted, in Old Hall Wood. Elms (Ulnws) are frequent in Harj)ers Bank, and Ash (), fBetiila) and Sweet Chestnut (Casiane.a) trees are scattered through the three largest woods, where there are also some well-grown specimens of Scots (Pinas sylueslris) and Norway (Picea abies): (Fagus). however, occurs only in the fields and in Old Hall Wood. By far the commonest comi)onent of the otherwise })oorly developed shrub layer is Rhododendron ponlicum, but Elder (Sambucus nigra) is locally abundant and brambles (Rubns) are dominant in many areas; (Corylus) is remarkably scarce. The herb layer of the woods is more varied. Fern.s or grasses are dominant over many areas, but in others there is a wide range of woodland ground flora. Sedges Onainly acutiformis) are usually dominant along the wooded margins of the Mere, with patches of Yellow Flag flris pseudacorus) and Yellow Loosestrife ( Lysimachia imlgaris); Purple Smallreed ( Calamagroslis canescens) and Reed-grass ( arundinacea) succeed these and are in turn succeeded by low brambles () further inland. Bittersweet (Solanuin dulcamara), Skullcaj) (Scutellaria galericulata) and, in Harpers Bank, Hemlock MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL, SOCIETY

Water Dropwort (Oenanthc. crocala) are also typical of the wooded margins. Hosebay -herb (Chamaenerioii angusfifolium) and Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) grow chiefly on the drier margins and in the more open parts of the woods. The osier beds of Shaw Green and the Gale Bog have been planted with a variety of shrubby including Common Osier (Salix viminalis), Common Sallow (S.cinerea ssp. atrocinerea) and Bay W illow (S.pentandra), and in the former there are also Cricket-bat Willow-trees. In the herb layer, Lesser Pond-sedge (Carex acutiformisj, Reed-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), or Meadowsweet (Filipendiila ulmaria) is usually dominant according to conditions Such plants as Codlins-and-Cream ( hirsutumj, Purple Loosestrife (Lgthrum salicaria), Wild Angelica (Angelica syluestris) and Hemp Agrimony (Eupatoriuni cannabinum) are also conspicuous. The peat bog which forms the core of Gale or Gailey Bog has clearly degenerated seriously since the last century, when it supported not only Sweet Gale ( gale), from which the bog took its name, but also Cranberry (Vacciniuni oxycoccos) and Marsh Fern (Thelypteris paliistris); these bog species are now extinct, as is the handsome Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), though this has been seen in this century. Aspen ( tremula), Buckthorn () and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) still grow here but nowhere else on the Reserve, and there is a fair quantity of Marsh Cinquefoil (Poteniilla palustris). The most interesting marshy areas are in Brook Meadow, in Long Pasture north of the outlet, and along the south and south west margins of the Mere, and here there is a wide variety of species including two species of Cardamine, two of Rorippa, including Watercress, two Bur- marigolds (Bidens) and several Polygonum and Juncus species. Besides the reed beds (Phragmites communis), stands of other aquatic plants are scattered along the margin of the Mere. Lesser Reedmace (Typha angusiifolia) is the commonest species, but Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) forms a few pure stands and Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium) grows south of the mouth of Rostherne Brook and in Blackburn’s Brook. Water-lilies, both yellow and white (Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba), form patches along the S.W. side of the Mere, making, with the last named species, a colourful display in Summer. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

LEPIDOPTERA

By H. N. M ich aelis

The present list of Lepidoptera is the result of visits to Roslherne during the Summer of 1962, 1963 and 1964 by the author and M. J. Taylor, together with earlier records from the sources mentioned in the references at the end of the paper. Following the lines of previous surveys made at Spurn and Malham Tarn, a brief indication of habitat and food is included and, as far as possible, the following attempt at uniformity is followed : — (a) A brief note of feeding habits is given at family, sub­ family or generic level where it is considered of interest. (b) The name of the various foodplants and a note of the feeding habit of the larva follows the specific name except where it would duplicate information given in (a). As far as possible, the likely food at Rostherne is shown; where a larva feeds on a number of herbaceous plants, the unscientific but convenient description “ low plants ” is used. (c) This is followed by the locality as shown on the Nature Conservancy map and the year date. Records prior to 1962 are followed by initials in the case of A. W. Boyd and by the name in the case of others. Initials are not given for records for 1962/1964 as these were made by M. J. Taylor or myself. The Roman numerals indicate the months in which the imago or perfect may be found. The following nomenclature is used : — R hop.alocera : South, R., (revised Edelsten, H. M.) 1960, The of the British Isles, London. Heterocera: Sphingidae to Geometridae: South, R., (revised Edelsten, H. M., and Fletcher, D. S.) 1961, The of the British Isles, London. Pyraloidea: Heslop, I. R. P., 1960, Revised Indexed Check-List of the British Lepidoptera, Part II, Ent. Gaz 11 : 227-234. Tortricoidea (Phaloniidae): Heslop, I. R. P., 1961, Revised Indexed Check-List of the British Lepidoptera, Part II, Ent. Gaz. 12 : 97-98. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Torlricoidea (Torlricinae); Bradley, J. I)., and Martin, E. L., 1956, An illustrated list of the British , Part I, Ent. Gaz. 7 : 151-156. Tortricoidea (Olethrcutinae) : Bradley J. D., 1959, An illustrated list of the British Tortricidae, Part II, Enl. Gaz. 10 : 60-80. , Nei)ticuloidea : Hesloj), I. R. P., 1961, Revised Indexed Check-List of the British Lcpidoptcra, Part III, Ent. Gaz. 12: 205-230.

P lan ts : Clai>hain, A. R., Tutin, T. G., and Warburg, E. F.. 1962. The Flora of the Briti.sh Isle.s (second edition) Cambridge. As regards the list, it can only he a further preliminary guide to future work, for limited visits over three years can hardly give a real picture of any sizeable order of insects Visits were i)ossible only from April to September and were limited to evenings and a few week-ends. In 1962 and 1963 unsuitable weather restricted .some work. The records of the Macrolepidoptera are mainly from the original work of Boyd, augmented by my observations. As no aids to collecting after dark such as “ sugar ” and mercury vapour lamps were used, it follows that, although old records were checked and some additions made, the true status of this artificial group is imperfectly known. As the main interest of M. Taylor and myself is in the smaller moths (Microlepidoptera) and as there is greater scope for the use of knowlerige anil experience during daylight, much more was achieved. The impression to dale is that, though many of the exjiected pasture and woodland species are present, there are not as many of the species attached to waterside plants as one would expect. Neither are those attached to Salix u]> to expectation in numbers or species. The survival of a few mossland siiecies in the vicinity of the Gale Bog is interesting. Appreciation is expressed to the Nature Conservancy for permission to collect in the National Nature Reserve and the valuable help given by Philip Oswald i.« acknowledged. His list of plants enabled me to assess in advance the species of Lejiiiioptera likely to be present and many of the additions were made by working on this information.

Rhopalocera SATYRIDAE Dira niegera Linn. Feeds at night on Gramineae. Not MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 9

rt’cortiod l)y AWB. This s])t*cies has si)ii'a(l inland during tlie ])asl 35 years and is one of the few instances of a l)utlerfly increasing its range in Lancashire apd (’.heshire. Though not plentiful in Rostherne, small colonies were noted on the edge of Mere Covert, Harpers Bank. Shaw Green and at Penny Croft, vi and vii-viii. Maiiiola jnrtina Linn. Feeds at night on Gramineae Harpers Bank, one in 1920 (A W B ); occasional in Long Pasture, edge of Mere Covert and Penny Croft, 1962/64. vii-viii.

NYMPHALIDAE Xyinphalis io Linn. In colonies on Urtica dioica when young, dispersing when full-grown. One hibernated specimen in Mere Field in May, 1964, and two in Penny Croft in August, 1964. Appeared in greater numbers in 1964 in Cheshire and North Wales than for several years, viii-ix, hibernating to iv-v. Afflaix urlicae Linn. In colonies on Urtica dioica when young, dispersing later. Common in 1918 and 1930 (A W B ); widespread but not plentiful in 1962/64. vii-ix, hibernating to iii-v. Vnnes-sa atalanta Linn. Larva in a tent of on Urtica dioica. A few seen in September, 1964, which may have bred locally. Numbers rely on migration in spring and summer and it is unlikely to hibernate in Britain, v-vi (migrants) and viii-x (migrant or native).

LYCAENIDAE lAjcaena phlaeas Linn. Rumex spp. Several in June, 1918. and common in July and August, 1929 (A W B ); occasional 1962/64. vi-ix; possibly three broods annually.

PIERIDAE Pieris brassicae Linn. Brnssica spp., and Tropaeolum. Mere Covert in June, 1914 and Mere Covert, Gale Bog and Harpers Bank in May-June, 1918 (A W B ); widespread in 1962''64. While it does breed locally, its numbers are increased by migration. Such migrations were noticed on 8. ix. 1962 and on 15. vii. 1964. Two broods, v-vi and vii-ix. Pieria rapae. Linn. Brassica spp., and rropaeoliim. The occasional specimens have probably come from adjacent cro{)S outside the Reserve. Tw'o broods ovei v-ix. 10 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Pieris napi Linn. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum and related plants. Common in fields and damp areas round the Mere. Two broods, v-vi and vii-ix. Anthocharis cardamines Linn. Cardamine and probably Rorippa. Harpers Bank, one, 1918 (A W B ); Brook Meadow- Marsh, single specimens in 1962 and 1964. As it is a fairly common insect throughout Cheshire, its apparent scarcity at Rostherne may be due to grazing as the eggs are laid on and seed-heads. Late iv-vi.

H eterocera SPHINGIDAE Smcrinthus ocellafa Linn. Salix. Larvae, Gale Bog, 1929 (A W B ); one larva, Shaw Green in September, 1962. v-vii. Laothoe populi Linn. Populus, Salix. Ova on Poplar below church, one emerged 16. iii. 1914 (A W B )— obviously forced; one larva on P.canescens in September, 1962 from Old Hall Wood and several on P.gileadensis from Harpers Bank in September, 1964. v-vii. Deilephila elpeiior Linn. , Chamaenerion angusti- folium. Recorded by J. Thorpe in Day’s List of Lepidoptera of Cheshire, 1903. One larva on Chamaenerion in Mere Covert in September, 1964. Following the rapid spread of Chamaenerion in the past forty years, this has increased in numbers in Lancashire and Cheshire over the same period, vi-vii.

NOTODONTIDAE Harpyia bifida Brahm. Populus. Cocoons on Poplar trunks in 1929/31 where Tits were observed to have extracted pupae (AWB). v-vii. Harpyia furcula Linn. Salix. Cocoons on S.fragilis in 1929 (AWB); one larva on S.cinerea spp.atrocinerea, Harpers Bank, August, 1963. v-vii. Cerura vinula Linn. Salix, Populus. One, Shaw Green, 1913 (AWB). v-vi. Pheosia tremula Clerck. Populus. Two larvae on P.gileaden­ sis from Harpers Bank in September, 1963. Has become more plentiful in Lancashire and Cheshire since 1940. vi and viii. Notodonta ziczac Linn. One larva on S.fragilis in September, 1964. v-vi and viii. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 11

Lophopteryx capacina Linn. Various trees. Several larvae on Eelula and Qaercus in August, 1964. vi and occasionally viii. Phalera bucephala Linn. Various trees, gregarious until almost fully grown. A number on Fagus in September, 1962. vi-vii.

THYATIRIDAE Tethea duplaris Linn. In spun leaves of Betula. One moth in July, 1962. vi-viii.

DREPANIDAE Drepana falcataria Linn. Betula. One on Harpers Bank, 8.5.1912 (AW B ). v-vi. Cilix glaucata Scop. Crataegus. 1912 and 1913 (A W B ); Gale Bog, 1914 (A W B ); Mere Field, hedges of Harpers Bank Wood and Shaw Green Willows, 1963/64. v-early vi.

LYMANTRIIDAE Orgyia antiqua Linn. Various trees and shrubs. Recorded by AWB. One in Mere Covert, September, 1964. viii-x. Euproctis similis Fuessly. Various trees and shrubs. AW B says abundant both as larva and imago. Larvae plentiful in Shaw Green Willows on Crataegus and Salix in June, 1964. vi, vii and occasionally ix.

ARCTIIDAE NOLINAE Nola cucullatella Linn. vulgaris and Crataegus. A few in July, 1911 and 1912 (A W B ); one larva on Crataegus near Shaw Green Willows in June, 1964. vi-vii.

ARCTIINAE Spilosoma lutea Hufn. Low plants. Larva on Urtica in Church Field in September, 1962. vi. S.lubricipeda Linn., though not recorded is almost certain to occur. Arctia caja Linn. Low plants, Urtica, Rumex, Plantago etc. Larva. June, 1945 (AWB). vi-vii.

NOCTUIDAE The majority of this family fly at dusk and after dark and are attracted to , to such artificial baits as “ sugar ” and particularly to light. Very little work was 12 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

(lone after dark; therefore most of the information is based on the records of A. W. Boyd and j)resent information on the status is not adequate. It is likely that many more species are present than are recorded. Most larvae feed at night, remaining concealed in the herbage during the day, and a large number feed on annual and ])erennial jdants often shown in entomological literature as “ low plants.” Where this is the case and where a species cannot be tied to a i>articular i)lant or group of j)lants, the food is omitted.

NOCTUINAE Enxoa nigricans Linn. One on flowers of , September, 1962. vii-ix. Agrotis exclamalionis Linn. Harpers Bank, .lane, 191-1 (AWB); a few in 1962/68. Probably plentiful, vi-vii. Diorsia rubi View. Several in Gale Bog, July, 1918 (AW B ): Mere Field at Senecio Blosoms, August, 1962. vi and late vii- ix. Ochropleura ple.cta Linn. Hai*i)ers Bank, 1961/62. v-vi and viii- ix. Graphiphora aagur Fab. Several at sugar. Gale Bog, 1913, and Harpers Bank, 1914 (AW B). vi-vii. Amaihes baja SchifT. Larvae in neighbouring covert of Yar- wood Heath, 1911 (AW B ). vii-viii. Amaihes c-nigrum Linn. Shaw Green Willows, 1961. Is a known migrant, vi-vii and vii-ix. Amatbes sexstrigata Haw. One at Senecio flowers, August, 1964. vii-viii. Amaihes xanlhographa SchifT. Plentiful on south and west of Mere. viii. Enschesis janihina SchifT. One, Harpers Bank, August, 1962. vii-viii. Noclua pronuba Linn. Har])ers Bank, 1914 and 1929 (A W B ): common, 1962/64. vi-ix. Ceraslis riibricosa SchifT. Gale Bog, a few at sallows, 31.3.1918 (AW B); several at sallow bloom, April, 1964. iii-v. Naenia typica Linn. Larvae, 1968, near Ghurch. Probably common, vi-vii.

HADENINAE Mamesira brassicae Linn. Wood Bongs, 1968. vi-vii and ix. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 13

Melonchra persicariae Linn. Mere Field, larvae, 196‘2. vii. Diataraxia oleracea Linn. Mere Field, larvae, 1962. vi-vii and occasionally ix. Cc.ramica pisi Linn. Wood Bongs, larvae on Plcridium aqiiiliimm. vi-vii. Iladena lhala.ssina SchifF. Mere Covert, June, 1913 (AW B). vi-vii. Iladena bicrnris Hufn. Harpers Bank, larvae in seed-heads of Melandriuni rubruni in September, 1963. \i and viii. Orlbosia golhica Linn. Common at sallow bloom. Gale Bog, March, 1913 (A W B ); also on roadside sallow, April. 1963. iii-vi. Orlhosin criidn SchilT. Harpers Bank, pupae found at roots of Qiiercns. iii-iv. Orthosin stabilis SchilT. Gale Bog, a few at sallows, March, 1913 (A W B ); pupae at roots of Quercus and Fagus and moths at roadside sallows, 1962/63. iii-iv. Orlhosia incerla Hufn. Gale Bog, a few at sallows, March, 1913 (A W B ); pupae at roots of Quercus. iii-v. Orlhosia nuinda Schiff. Two at roadside sallows, April, 1964. iii-iv. Orlbo.sia gracilis Schiff. Gale Bog, March, 1913, a fair number (A W B ): larvae fairly common in Shaw Green Willows on FUipendula iilmaria and Lijtbrum salicaria, May-June, 1964. iii-v. Panolis flammea Schiff. Piiius. Mere Covert, several larvae on trunks of Pinus sijlvesiris, June, 1964. iv-v. Ceraplcrgx graminis Linn. Grasses. One at flowers of Senecio. August, 1962. vii-ix. lyPiicaiiia pallens Linn. Grasses. Common, vii-ix. Leucania iinpura Hiibn. Grasses. Common, vii-ix.

CUCULLIINAE Cucullia cbanwmillae Schiff. Malricaria and Antheniis. Church Wall, one, June, 1963. Rather scarce in Cheshire but on the increase, v-vi. lioinbycia viniinalis Fab. Between spun leaves of Salix. Shaw Green Willows, larvae locally plentiful in May, 1963. vii. Allophyes oxijacanlbae Linn. Cralaegus. Larvae on hedge of Wood Bongs, May, 1963/64. ix-x. 14 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Griposia aprilina Linn. Quercus. Pupae occasional at tree roots throughout, August, 1962/63. ix-x. Dryobotodes eremila Fab. Quercus. One, September, 1908 (A W B ); Harpers Bank, occasional pupae at roots, ix. Antitype chi Linn. Church wall, one, September, 1962, and one, August, 1963. viii-ix. Eupsilia transversa Hufn. One by T. A. Coward, 1912. x-xi, then hibernates to ii-iv. Agrochola lota Clerck. Larvae plentiful in spun tips of Salix in May/June, 1962/64, in Shaw Green Willows, ix-x. Agrochola macilenta Hubn. Salix. Two bred from catkins gathered in May, 1964. ix-x. Anchoselis litura Linn. Quercus, Salix, Rubus etc. Harpers Bank Wood, one, September, 1962. ix-x. Citria lulea Strom. ssp. alrocinerea. Larvae plentiful in catkins in April-xMay, 1962/64. ix-x. Cirrhia icferitia Hufn. Similar to C. lutea. ix-x. Conistra vaccinii Linn. Various trees, shrubs and low plants. Common at aphis secretions (honeydew) near Mere Covert in October, 1930. Hibernated moths at sallows, March and April, 1964. x-iv. Apatele leporina Linn. Betiila and Alnus. One, Gale Bog, 9.7.1910 (AWB). This was form bradyporina Treits. vi-vii. Apatele megacephala Linn. Populus. Larvae sparingly throughout, vi-vii. Apatele psi Linn. Crataegus, Pruniis etc. Larvae fairly common, vi-vii.

AMPHIPYRINAE lithoxylaea SchifF. Gramineae. Mere Covert, one, 1964. vi-vii. Apamea monoglypha Hufn. Gramineae. Plentiful, vi-ix. Apamea crenata Hufn. ab. alopecurus Esp. Gramineae. Harpers Bank Wood, two at rest on trees, 1964; probably common, v-vii. Apamea remissa Hubn. Gramineae. Two, 1.7.1913 (AW B). vi-vii. Hiibn. Phalaris arundinacea and other water grasses. Several pupae found under bark of willows, 1963/64. vi-vii. Apamea secalis Linn. In stems of , etc. Common at flowers of Senecio. vii-viii. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 15

Apamea ypsillon Schiff. Salix alba and S. fragilis. Larvae found under loose bark, occasional, 1963/64. vii. Proms slrigilis Clerck. Stems of Dactylis etc. 1.7.1913 (AWB). Proms latrunmla Schiff. As P. strigilis. T^vo, Mere Field, at Senecio, 1963. The last two species can be separated by examination of genitalia. Proms fasciunciila Haw. In shoots of Descbampsia etc. Harpers Bank, 1963. vi. Luperinn testacea Schiff. Roots of Gramineae. Mere Field, one at flowers of Senecio, September, 1964. viii-ix. Euplexia lucipara Linn. Pteridium and other ferns. Larvae fairly common throughout, vi-vii. Pblogophora meticulosa Linn. 1.7.1913 (A W B ); a few at rest in the woods, vi and vii-x. Peiilampa minima Haw'. In flower stems of Descbampsia cespitosa. J. Thorpe in Day’s List of Lepidoptera of Cheshire and North Wales, 1903. No recent records, vii-viii. Hydraecia oculea Linn. Gramineae. Church Field, tw'O at flowers of Senecio, 1962. Genitalia examined, viii-ix. Gortyna flavago Schiff. In steins of Cir.sium palustre and . J. Thorpe in Day’s List of Lepidoptera of Cheshire and North Wales, 1903; two bred. Brook Meadow, 1962. viii-x. Cosmia trapezina Linn. Quercus and lepidopterous larvae. Mere Covert and Wood Bongs, 1962 and 1964. vii-viii. Arenostola pygmina Haw. Stems of Carex. Harpers Bank, one in 1964. viii-x. rufa Haw. Stems of and . Reported by H. L. Burrows, August, 1962. vii-viii.

PLUSIINAE ebrysitis Linn. Urtica dioica and other low plants, tw’o bred in 1964. vi-viii. Plusia festucae Linn. and . Shaw Green, a few cocoons on leaves of Sparganium, August, 1963. vii-ix. Plusia gamma Linn. A well known migrant. Noted by AWB in 1913; common in September, 1962; occasional in August- September, 1963; migrants seen in June, 1964 and the moth was common in September, 1964. v-vi and viii-xi. 16 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Unca iriplasia Linn. Urlica dinica. 1.7.1913. (AW B). Lato vi-vii. Episema caeruleocephala Linn. Crataepiis. Lar\ae in May. 1941, and 1964. x-xi.

OPHIDERINAE Scoliopieryx Ubntrix Linn. Salix. Shaw Green, several larave in July, 1964. viii-x and after hibernation, iii-v.

HYPENINAE Hypena proboscidalis Linn. Urlica dioica. July, 1913 (A W B ): occasional near the Church and plentiful near Gale Bo!;. in 1964. vii-viii. Zanclognatha nemoralis Fab. Qaerciis and Rubns. 1911 and 1914 (A W B ): two in Wood Bon.^s, 1964. vi-vii. g e o m p :t r i d a e The majority of the larvae feed openly on leaves ol trees and plants, though a few species feed or rest between joined or spun leaves. Except for a few sj)ecies, tlie larvae have only two j>airs of prolegs and consequently the body is formed into an arch or loop when walking thus giving rise to the popular name of “ loopers.” Some larvae are hardly discernible from neighbouring twigs as they hold their bodies stretched at an angle of about 45° to their rest­ ing place and are sometimes called “ stick caterpillars ” . The moths rest on trees, walls etc., or in bushes or herbage and fly mainly at dusk. Many hold their wings over their backs when feeding and so resemble a resting .

OENOCHROMINAE Alsophila aescularia SchifT. The larvae are plentiful on various trees and shrubs, iii-iv.

GEOMETRINAE Geometra papilionaria Linn. Helnla, Fayiis, Corylus. A pair in Mere Covert, 18.7.1913 (A W B ); Mere Covert, a larva in September, 1964, bred July, 1965. vii. Jodis laciearia Linn. Various trees. Harpers Bank, one, 1964. Once widespread, this insect appears to be declining in numbers in Cheshire.

STERRHINAE Scopula ternata Schrank. Near Gale Bog, one on 23.7.1963. Mainly found on moors and mosses and to a lesser extent MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 17

in Iho limestone dales of Derbyshire, e.g. Millers Dale. The foods listed are , Calluna and Snlix and in its limestone habitat, it must fed on herbaceous plants possibly Helianihemnin chamaecistiis, or Galium. 'Phis is* a possible survival from times when a mossland habitat existed in the Gale Bog area. Lylen’lia dimidiala Hufn. Anlhriscus etc. Two, 1914 (A W B ): Old Plall Wood, two, 1964. vi-viii. Sterrha sijlvcstraria Hiibn. {straminata Treits.) Foodplant uncertain, has been reared on Polygonum and liiibus. One var. circellala Guen., 3.7.1913 (AW B). This is a further example of the survival of a mossland species. This form, once thought to be a separate species, occurred at Chat Moss where it has long been extinct, is found near Delamcrc together with the typical form. R. S. recorded this species from Bowdon in the 1850’s and, as it is known that Edleston was often purposely vaugc about precise localities, it is possible that this record relates to Rostherne. Sierrha biselaia Hufn. Two, 1912 (AWB); Penny Croft, several in 1963. vii-viii. Sterrha anersafa Linn. Wood Bongs, several, 1963/64.

LARENTIINAE Xnnthorhoe montanata SchifT. Very common, v-vii. Xanlhorhoe fhicfiiata Linn. Common. At least two broods from v-ix. Xanlhorhoe. ferriigata Clerk. Not uncommon (A W B ); this still applies, v-vii. Xanlhorhoe designala Hufn. Not uncommon (AWB); Wood Bongs, occasional, 1964. v-vi and viii. Coloslygia peclinalaria Knoch. Galium etc. Fairly common (A W B ); Mere Covert, Wood Bongs, 1963/64. vii. Coloslygia didymata Linn. Fairly common, the specimens are dark (A W B ); Mere Covert, Wood Bongs and Harpers Bank. 1962/64. vii-viii. badiata Schiff. Rosa. Larvae in hedge of Shaw- Green in June, 1964. iii-iv. Mesoleiica albicillala Linn. Rnbus. Harpers Bank, one in 1911 (AWB). vi-vii. affinitata Linn. Melandriiim riibrum and Lychnis flos-ciiculi. in seed capsules. Uncommon, vi-vii 18 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAI. SOCIETY

Perizoma alchemillafa Linn. On seeds of Galeopsis and possibly Siachys. Common along the big willow bed 1910/ 11 and 1914 (A W B ); presumably Boyd means Shaw Green where it is still plentiful, vi-vii. Perizoma albulata Schiff. Rhinanthiis, which does not now occur in the Reserve. Common where the yellow-rattle grows, 1913 (AWB); a few in Manor Lane outside the Reserve in 1963. v-vi. Perizoma flavofasciata Thunb. Flower buds and seeds of Melandrium rabrum. Harpers Bank, one in 1914 (A W B ); a few in 1962/64. v-viii. Euphyia bilineata Linn. Not seen in area but a few taken in Dirty Lane in 1962. This species is not as common in Cheshire hedgerows as it was. vi-viii. Lyncometra ocellata Linn. Galium. Manor Lane, one in 1962. vi-viii. suffumata Schiff. Galium aparine. Harpers Bank, one in 1963. v. Lygris testata Linn. Salix, Populus, Betula etc. Gale Bog, two in 1912 (A W B ); Shaw Green, scarce in 1962. A species which has heatli and mossland associations, vii-ix. Plemyria rubignata Shiff. Alnus. 1912/14 (AWB); vii-viii. Dysstroma truncata Hufn. Harpers Bank, a dark form in 1913 and two of the melanic form in 1914 (A W B ); Wood Bongs, occasional, 1962/64. v-vi and ix. Dysstroma citrata Linn. Salix, Betula, Potentilla. One August, 1914 (AWB), Hydriomena furcata Thunb. Salix, Corylus, in spun leaves. Larvae, June, 1964. vii-viii. Hydriomena coerulata Fabr. In spun leaves of Alnus. Common, the blackish form, ab. obsolelaria Schille, is pre­ dominant. v-vi and occasionally viii. Hydriomena ruberala Freyer, In spun leaves of Salix. One larva on S. cinerea ssp. atrocinerea in September, 1962, v- vi. Epirrhoe alternata Muller, Galium. Fairly common in woods. vi- vii and occasionally ix. pulchellata Steph. Digitalis purpurea, in flowers. Mere Covert, one in July, 1942 (H. Britten), vi-vii, Eupithecia vulgata Haw. Various trees and plants. 1911/12 (A W B ); v-vi and viii. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 19

Eupithecia absinthiata Clerck. On flowers of Senecio. etc. Larvae common on Senecio. vi-vii. Eupithecia satyrata Hiibn. Flowers of nigra, Succisa, Hieracium. One, 15.6.1963 (AW B). This is a scarce insect in Cheshire, v-vi. Eupithecia castigata Hiibn. Mere Covert, 1941 and 1964. v-vi. Eupithecia succenturiala Linn. vulgaris. Manor Lane, 1963. Appears to be increasing in numbers in Lancashire and Cheshire over the past twenty years, vii- viii. Eupithecia iclerata de Vill. Achillea and Senecio. Brook Meadow, one, 1963. vii-viii. Eupithecia ahbreviata Steph. Querciis. Mere Covert, one, 1941. V. Eupithecia exiguata Hiibn. Crataegus, Salix etc. One, 1913 (A W B ); several in Wood Bongs, 1964. v-vi. Oporinia dilutata Schiff. Various trees. Larvae common in Harpers Bank and Mere Covert, 1962/64; genitalia of adults examined, x-xi. Operophtera briimata Linn. Various trees and shrubs. Very common, xi-i. Asthena albulata Hufn. Rosa, Betula, Corylas. Two, hedge of Mere Field, 1964. v-vi. Euchoeca nebulata Scop. Alnus. Harpers Bank, one, 1914 (AWB). vi-vii.

ENNOMINAE Abraxas sijlvata Scop. Ulmus glabra. Harpers Bank, one, 1918 (T. A. Coward), vi. Abraxas grossulariaia Linn. Ribes, Crataegus. Gale Bog, larvae on Salix in June, 1918 (AW B). vi-viii. Lomaspilis marginata Linn. Salix. Common, v-vii. Deilinea pusaria Linn. Betula, Alnus etc. Common in woods, vi-vii. Deilinia exanthemata Scop. Betula, Alnus, Salix. Scarcer than last, v-vii. Deuteronomos alniaria Linn. Betula, Alnus etc. Wood Bongs, one, 1962, and one in Harpers Bank, 1964. vii-x. Selenia bilunaria Esp. Various shrubs and trees. Larvae on Salix, 1964, in Shaw Green Willows, iv-v and viii-ix. 20 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL, SOCIETY

Gonodoniis bidenlcta Clerck. Various shrubs and trees. Harpers Bank larvae in 1962/64, probably coiuiuon. v-vi. Colotois ponnaria Linn. Various shrubs and trees. Manor Lane, several at light, 1963. x-xi. Crocallh elinguaria Linn. Various trees and shrubs. Wood Bongs, several larvae, 1964. vii-viii. Opisthograptis luteolata Linn. Various trees and shrubs. Common, v-ix. rupicapraria SchifT. Crnlaegiis. Hedges of Marsh Lane, occasional, 1963. ii-iii. Erannis leucophaearia SchifT. Qiierch. Sparingly in Wood Bongs and Mere Covert, 1911/13 (AW B). ii-iii. Erannis marginaria Fabr. Various trees and shrubs. Common, iii-iv. Erannis defolaria Clerck. Various trees. Larvae fairly common, very abundant in 1918, when many imagines were in Mere Covert and Harpers Bank Woofl (A W B ): larvae fairly common in the same woods and in Wood Bongs in 1962/64. xi-i. Erannis aurantiaria Hiibn. Various trees. Harpers Bank, larvae in June, 1964 from which a few females were bred, x-xii.

NOTE. Larvae of the Erannis together with those of Operophtera brumata and Torlrix viridana are responsible for the major damage to oak foliage, and indeed to that of other trees, during May and June. 1 have noticed over a period that damage caused by these larvae in local woods such as , Dunham Park and now Rostherne, is not as great as in the more rural areas such as Dclajnere and the oak woods of the Conway valley, Caernarvonshire. Visits to Alderley Edge on mild evenings in November and December show that the imagines of E. defolaria are uncommon as comijared with 30-35 years ago. O. brnmala. which is also a hedgerow and garden insect as distinct from Uie Erannis and T orlrix species which are mainly woodland insects, appears to be still very common at Alderley Edge. Allowing that soot deposit from industry is the same as thirty years ago, the deposit from house property must have increased considerably due to the very large development of land for this purpose near the three woodlands mentioned. Possibly the proximity of .soot deposit from suburbia to woodlands, even if the latter are undisturbed, may have the effect of controlling the depredations of these larvae. f MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21

Phigalia pilosaria Schiff. Various trees. 1911, includin;-: ab monacharia Slaud. (A W B ); this dark form is more plentiful than the type in and around Manchester, ii-i^^ BLsIon betiilaria Linn. Various trees and shrubs. Several o'.' the black form ab. carbonaria Jordan, seen in the woods. 'Fhe typical “ peppered ” moth is rarely found in this area. v- vii. Cleora rhomboidaria Schiff. Various trees and shru.is. Several in Mere Covert in 1962/64. vii-viii. Aethahira puncliilala Schiff; Beiiila. Mere Covert, two in 1964. This insect has increased in range and numbers in the birch woods and mosses of Cheshire during the past twenty years, v- early vi. lAthina chlorosala Scop. Pteridiiun aquiliniim. Fairly common in Wood Bongs, v-vi.

PYRALOIDEA PYRALIDAE SCOPARIINAE Scoparia ambigiialis Treils. Said to feed on mosses. Common. vi- viii. Witlesia angiislea Curt. Mosses on walls. Church wall, one, 1963. vii-ix. Witlesia mercurella Linn. Mosses on walls and trees. Harpers Bank and Wood Bongs, vi-vii.

NYMPHULINAE ^^JnlpI^nla stagnata Don. Sparganiuin and Nuphar. Brook Meadow, one, 1963. vii-viii. \tjmphiila ngmphaeata Linn. Sparganinm etc. Common among water plants (A W B ); Mere edge, two, 1963. vi-viii. Enrrhijpara hortidata Linn. Urtica dioica. Common, vii.

PYRAUSTINAE Udea lnte(dis Hiibn. Many low plants. Common, vii-ix. IJdea nivealis Fabr. Low plants. Harpers Bank and Shaw Green Willows, several in 1963/64. vi-vii. Udea martialis Gucn. Low plants. Mere Covert, 1929 (H. Britten). A well known migrant, vii-x. Pgausta coronata Hufn. Sambuciis nigra. Harpers Bank, 1963/64. vi-vii. Pgi'austa cespitali.'i Schiff. Plantago. Mere Field, one, 1964. v-viii. 22 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Haritala ruralis Scop. Urtica dioica. Common, vii-viii. Mesographe forficalis Linn. Brassica spp., possibly in village gardens. Mere Field, one, 1964. vii.

GALLERIINAE Aphomia sociella Linn. In nesls of Bombus and Vespula spp. Old Hall Wood, one, July, 1964. vi-viii.

CUAMBINAE The larvae live in silken galleries at the roots of grasses. Crambus pratellus Linn. Fairly common throughout, v-vii. Crnmbus hortuellus Hiibn. 1910 and 1914 (A W B ); although generally common in Cheshire, only occasional specimens were seen, vi-vii. Agriphila culmellus Linn. Abundant, vii-ix. Agriphila inquinatellus Schiff. Church Field, one in 1962. vii-ix. Agriphila iristellus Schiff. Fairly common around the Mere, vii-ix.

PTEIIOPHORDIAE PLATYPTILIINAE Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla Scop. Succisa. Gale Bog, 1912 and 1914 (AW B). Two broods, vi-ix. gonodactyla Schiff. farfara, first brood in flowers and seed-heads, second brood on leaves. Church Field, one in 1964. vi and vii-ix. Platyptilia pallidactyla Haw. Achillea, in rootstocks and young stems. Gale Bog in 1913 (A W B ); near Wood Bongs in 1963. vi-vii.

PTEROPHORINAE Pterophorus pentadactylus Linn. Convulvulus. Near the church, 1914 (A W B ); Old Hall Wood, 1964. vii.

TORTRICOIDEA The habitats of the larvae are varied, e.g. spun leaves or shoots, flowers or seeds, roots or stems, galls, and, in the early instars, a few mine leaves. Those feeding on leaves, shoots, flowers or seeds construct some type of silken pro­ tective shelter, though it may only be a slight spinning in the case of petals or seeds. The lanae are able to move rapidly fonvard or backward. The backward movement is a MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 23

wormlike wriggle, but is should be noted that some larvae of Tinaeoidiea can move backward in the same manner. The moths rest with their wings folded to or around the abdomen. The forewings may be bell-shaped or elongate but are never narrow compared with the length; the hind wings are ample and usually wide and are never lanceolate in shape.

PHALONIIDAE PHALONIINAE Hysterosia maculosana Haw. Seeds of Endymion nonscriptus. Harpers Bank, 1912 (A W B ); two, 1963; Wood Bongs, several Hying in sunshine, 1964. v-vi. Acornutia nana Haw. Catkins of Betula. Mere Covert, scarce, 1964. vi. Phalonia cnicana Westw. Seeds of , later in stems. Shaw Green, one, in 1963. vii. Phalonia nibigana Treits. Seeds of Arctium. Mere Covert, two in 1964. vii. Agapeta hamana Linn. Roots of Cirsium. Mere Field, several, 1963/64. vii-viii. Agapeta zoegana Linn. Roots of Centaurea. Long Pasture, one in 1964. vii-viii. Coebylis dubitana Hiibn. Seeds of Achillea, Senecio, Heira- ceum, etc. Occasional, 1963/64. vi and viii. Stenodes straminea Haw. Heads and shoots of . 1912 (A W B ); hedge of Shaw Green, several, 1962/64. vi and vii-viii.

TORTRICIDAE corylana Fabr. various trees. Common in wood­ land. vii-ix. Pandemis heparana SchifT. Various trees. Common in woods and hedges, vii-ix. Pandemis cerasana Hiibn. Various trees. Common in woods and hedges, vi-vii. oporana Linn. Various trees. Occasional in woods, vii-viii. Archips xylosteana Linn. Various trees. 1911/12 and 1914 (A W B ); Harpers Bank and Wood Bongs, 1963/64. vii. Archips hebenstreitella Mull. Corylus, etc. Harpers Bank, one. 1964. vii. 24 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Si/ndejnis miisciilann Hiibn. Various trees and shrubs. 15)12 (AW B ): occasional, 1962/64. v-vi. Amelia paleana Hiibn. In folded leaves of many low plants. Rouffh ground throughout, excc])t in woods, vi-viii. C.lepsis consimilana Hiibn. Li(/ustrum Hedera and various trees. Common (A W B ); Old Hall Wood, 1962/64. vi-viii. Clepsis cosiana Fabr. In spun shoots of many plants. Common, vi-vii. Ptpcholoma lecheana Linn. In rolled leaves of Salix and Querciis. Harpers Bank, 1918 and 1931 (A W B ); Mere Covert, 1941 (H. Britten); Har])ers Bank and Shaw Green, occasional, 1962/64. vi-vii. Lozotaenia forsterana Fabr. Between s])un leaves of Hedera. near Church, one, 1962. vii. Capaa milgana Frol. Various trees; to be found in woods rather than near isolated trees. Harpers Bank, several in 15)04. vi, occasionally v. l.’intrias irifasciana Don. Food not known but the moth is u.sually disturbed from hedges of Crataegus. 1911 (A W B ); edge of Wood Bongs and Harpers Bank, 1963. v-vi. Eulia ministrana Linn. Folded leaves of Alnus. Betula, Cory- Ills. 1911 (A W B ); it is surprising that this insect was not seen in 1962/64 for it is common in similar situations in Cheshire, vi. chrysantheana Dup. Rolled leaves of various plants. Harpers Bank, two bred from Heracleum with fore­ wings blackish, devoid of markings; genitalia examined, vii-viii. Cnesphasia interjectana Haw. Low plants; believed to mine leaves in early instars; later in spun leaves. Common, vi-vii. Cnephasiella incertana Treits. Low plants, as species above. Common, vi-viii. Toriricodes tortricella Guen. Quercus. Mere Covert and Har­ pers Bank, abundant, 1930 (H. Britten), and it is likely that it is still so. ii-iv. Aleinuna loeflingiana Linn. Quercus. 1911 and 1913 (A W B ); Harpers Bank and Wood Bongs, 1963. vii. Toririx viridana Linn. A well known defoliator of Quercus, which is not as common at Rostherne as in more rural woods, vi-vii. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 25

Tortrix forskaleana Linn. Acer psenduplatanus, in folded or joined leaves. 1911 (A W B ); Harpers Bank Wood, common. 1962/64. vii-viii. Argyrotoza bergmanniana Linn. liosa, in spun shoots. Hedge of Shaw Green, common, 1962/64. vi-vii. Argyrotoza comariana Zell. FotentUla palustris, Fragaria; is ohen a pest in neglected strawberry beds; in rolled leaves. 1914 (A W B ); Brook Meadow, two, 1963. vii and ix-x. aspersana Hiibn. Filipendula ulmaria, FotentUla, in folded leaves. Shaw Green, three bred, 1963. A very high percentage of larvae arc parasitized by Chalcids. vii-viii. Acleids variegana SchifT. Crataegus, Rosa, Rubiis, in spun leaves. A few (A W B ): occasional in Hawthorn hedges, 1962/64. vii-ix. Acleris sparsana Schifl’. Fagus, in spun leaves. Occasional, 1963/64. viii-v. Acleris holmiana Linn. Crataegus, Rosa, Rubus. Fairly common in hedges. 1962/64. vii-viii and occasionally ix. Acleris rhombana SchifT. Crataegus. Abundant in autumn (A W B ); common in hedges, 1962/64. viii-x. Acleris emargana Fabr. Salix, in folded leaves. Gale Bog, common, 1962/63: Shaw Green, common. 1964. vii-ix.

OLETHREUTINAE (EUCOSMINAE) petiuerella Linn. Rootstocks of Achillea. Scarce in fields, 1962/64. vi-viii. Dichrorampha plumbana Scop. Roots of Achillea and ('Mrys- aiithcmiim. Occasional in fields, 1963/64. vi-vii. Laspeyresia succedana SchifT. Seeds of Ulex. Common, May, 1913 (A W B ): not seen in 1963/64. There is now very little gorse in the Reserve, v and vii-viii. Laspeyresia auruna Fabr. Seeds of Heracleum. Scarce, on flowers of food plant, 1963/64. An insect which has increased in range and numbers in Lancashire and Cheshire since 1945. AW B was the first to record this species from Cheshire, near his home at Frandley. vi-vii. Laspeyresia splendana Hubn. 0Hcrcu.v, in acorns. Mere Covert, a few bred in 1964. vii. Fammene argyrana Hiibn. Galls on Quercus. Mere Covert, several. May, 1918 (A W B ); Mere Covert, a few, 1964. vii. 26 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Pammerie populana Fabr. Spun shoots of Salix. Penny Croft, one, September, 1964. Though a common species on the Lancashire and Cheshire sandhills, we have only one other inland record— from — . vii-ix. regiana Zell. Seeds of Acer pseadvplalnrms. Har­ pers Bank, at rest on trunks, 1929 (A W B ); occasional in 1963/64. v-vii. Pammene rhediella Clerck. Flowers and fruits of Crataegus. Church and Mere fields, a few flying in the afternoon sun over the tops of bushes, 1963-64. Though once considered an uncommon insect in Cheshire, it is now widespread, v-vi. Spilonota ocellana Schiff. Various shrubs and trees. 1912 (A W B ); Harpers Bank and Shaw Green, occasional, 1962/ 63. vii-viii. Eucosma hohenwarfiana Schiff. Seeds of Centaurea nigra. 1913 (AW B); Mere Field, one, 1964. vii-viii. Epiblema scutulana Schiff. Stems of Cirsium. Brook Meadow, several among Cirsium palustre, 1963. vi-vii. Epiblema farfarae Fletcher. Roots and stalks of Tussilago farfara. Near Church, one in 1963. v-vi. Pardia cynosbatella Linn. Rosa; spun shoots. Common in hedge of Shaw Green, 1962. vi-vii. Notocelia uddmanniana Linn. Rubus; spun in terminal shoots. 1912 (AW B). vi-vii. Notocelia suffusana Dup. Crataegus; spun leaves. Gale Bog, two in 1912 (AW B). vi-vii. Ggpsonoma aceriana Dup. In shoots and bark of Populus. Old Hall Wood, one in 1964. vii. Gypsonoma dealbana Frol. Quercus, Salix etc. A few, 1911/12 and 1914 (A W B ); Harpers Bank and Shaw Green, 1962/64. Zeiraphera insertana Fabr. Quercus. Several in 1911 (AW B); common on Oak trunks, 1962/64. vi-ix. Rhopobota naevana Hiibn. Ilex aquifolium. Mere Covert, scarce, 1964. vii-viii. Epinoiia maculana Fabr. Spun leaves of . Abundant, 29.9.1929, presumably near Gale Bog; not looked for in 1962/64. Considered to be a local insect in Cheshire. Late vii-ix. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 27

Epinotia sordidana Hiibn. Ainas, in spun leaves, making a pod or roll. Leaves of Ainas are also “ rolled” by larvae of E. immundana and the Tinaeid, elongella Linn. Occasional among the alder fringes of the Mere, 1962/64. viii-x. caprana Fabr. Salix, in spun and rolled leaves. Har­ pers Bank, occasional, 1963; Shaw Green, larvae plentiful in June, 1964. viii-x. Epinotia solandriana Linn. Betala and Corylus, in spun leaves. Gale Bog, several in 1911 and 1914 (A W B ); not observed in 1962/64, but it should still be present, vii-viii. Epinotia trimaculana Don. Ulmus. Harpers Bank, 1964. vi- vii. Epinotia subocellana Don. and S. cinerea ssp. atrocinerea. Plentiful in the large willow-bed, 1913 (A W B ); also in 1963/64. vi. Epinotia bilanana Haw. Betala, distorting catkins. 1911 and 1918 (AWB). vi-vii. Epinotia immandana F.V.R. Rolled leaves of Ainas, possibly Betala, but cf. E. sordidana and Caloptilia elongella in rolled leaves. Generally among Alder but not common, 1963/64. v-vi and occasionally viii. Epinotia teiraqaetrana Haw. Betala, possibly Ainas. My observations and results of breeding lead me to believe that this species is attached to birch while the previous species is attached to alder. Mere covert, occasional in 1964. iv-vi. Epinotia nisella Clerck Catkins and leaves of Salix. Gale Bog, one bred in 1941; Shaw Green, scarce, 1962/64. End vii- ix. Epinotia tenerana Schiff. Catkins of Ainas and Corylus. 1913/ 14 (A W B ); Harpers Bank, two, 1963. Usually a common moth in similar situations, vii-viii. Epinotia craciana Linn. Spun shoots of Salix. 1911, 1912 and 1914 (A W B ); Shaw Green, occasional, 1963/64. vi-vii. geminana Don. f. diminatana Haw. Salix, spinning into a pod. 1913 (AW B ). This is a scarce insect in Cheshire, v-vii. Ancylis badiana Schiff. Vida and . Two in 1912 (AW’ B); 1914 (A W B ); fairly common along hedges of Shaw Green, 1962/64. v-vi and occasionally viii. Bacira lanceolana Hiibn. In stems of Juncus and Scirpus. Common, v-ix. 28 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Endothenia ericetana West. In roots of Stachijs. Harpers Bank, one in 196JI. Considered scarce in Cheshire; in tlie l)ast ten years a good number of single records have been received from many j)arts of the county, vi-vii. Hediju nuhiferana Haw. Crataegus, sj>un leaves. 1911 and 1914 (AWB). vi-vii. Iledya salicella Linn. Salix, si)un shoots. Shaw Green, two in 1963; Mere Covert, three in 1964. When at rest on a tree trunk, it resembles a bird dropping, vii. Olethreiites lacunana Schifl'. Many plants, spun leaves and shoots. Plentiful, vi-viii.

TINEOIDEA This large family contains about one third of the British sj)ecies of Lei)idoptcra. Larval habits are varied, so it is proposed to show locations and feeding patterns under the sub-family or genera where this is thought necessary.

GELhXHIIDAE ARISTOTELIINAE Aristotelia tenebrella Hiibn. Roots of . Mere Field, one in 19G4. vi-vii.

(iELECHlINAE Stenolechia geminelhi Linn. In shoots of Quercus. On trunks in Mere Covert and Wood Bongs, scarce, 1962 and 1964. viii-ix. 'i'clplmsa proxiiuella Hubn. Spun leaves of Betula. A few annually, 1911 /13 (A W B ); Mere Covert, four in 1964. v-vi. Tclphusa fngitiuella Zell. Si)un leaves of Ulmus. Harpers Bank, several bred, 1964. vi-vii. Telphusa vulgella Hiibn. Spun leaves of Crataegus. Two from hedge of Harpers Bank in 1963, vi-vii. Telphusa luculella Hiibn. Spun leaves of Quercus. One on an oak-trunk in 1912 (A W B ); Harpers Bank, one in 1964. vi-vii. Urgoihropha terrelia Schiff. In silken gallery at base of grass stems. Occasional in fields, 1962/64. vi-viii. sororculella Hiibn. Salix, spun shoots. Shaw Green, bred in 1963/64. vii. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 29

Scrobipalpa costella Westw. In a blotch mine in leaves of Solatium dulcamara; later between leaves. Merc Covert, one in 1964. Although the food plant is common, no signs of feeding could be found. Considered scarce in Cheshire, viii-vi.

STOMOPTERYGINAE populella Clerck In rolled leaves ot Salix and Populus. Plentiful throughout, vii-ix. Hrachmia rufescens Haw. In rolled leaves of broad-leaved grasses. Old Hall Wood, three larvae, 1962: Harpers Bank, 1964. vii.

COSiMOPTERYGIDAE COSMOPTERYGINAE Chnjsoclista flavicapui Haw. In end twigs of Crataegus. 1910 and 1914 (A W B ); uncommon in hedges, 1962/64. vi. Hlastodacna hellerella Dup. In berries of Crataegus. Hedges and isolated bushes throughout, fairly common, vi-vii. schrankella Hiibn. In blotch mines in leaves of Epilobium. Brook Meadow Marsh, occasional, 1968/64. vi and viii. Mompha raschkiella Zell. Blotch mines in leaves of Cha- maenerion. Larval mines common, 1962/64: also by AW R in 1918. vi and viii. Mompha propinquella Staint. Blotch mines in leaves of . One near Merc Field stream in 1964. Although the food plant is plentiful, the moth is scarce in Lancashire and Cheshire, vi-vii. Mompha fuluescens. Haw. Spun top shoots of Epilobium hirsutum. Widespread round the edge of the Mere but not common, viii-v. Mompha ochraceella Curtis In roots of Epilobium hirsutum; later mining up the stem to pupate in a leaf mine where the leaf joins the main stem. The presence of the larva in the plant is often indicated by a stunted, reddish growth in May. Not as common as in many nearby localities but is widespread round the Mere, vi-early viii. liatrachedra praeangusta Haw. In catkins of Salix and Popu­ lus; later on leaves. Abundant on poplar-trunks below the Church, also in Mere Covert, 1911, 1912 and 1914 (A W B ); this still applies, together with Harpers Bank and Shaw Green, vii-viii. 30 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

OECOPHORIDAE OECOPHORINAE Dasijcera salphurella Fabr. On dead wood. Many pupae in a rotten alder-stump in May, 1913 (A W B ); Harpers Bank, 1912, and Gale Bog, 1914 (A W B ); widely distributed in woods and appears most plentiful among oak in Wood Bongs, 1962/64. v-vi. Borkhausenia fuscesens Haw. On decaying vegetable matter and refuse in birds’ nests. Wood Bongs, occasional, 1963/ 64. vii-viii. Endrosis sarcitrella. Linn. Various kinds of dried and vegetable refuse; is frequently found in houses, stables, poultry sheds etc.; out of doors it is usually seen on tree trunks, indicating that it breeds in birds’ nests, squirrels’ drays etc. 1913/14 (A W B ); 1963/64. iv-x.

EULECHRIINAE DUirnea fagella Fabr. Between spun leaves of various trees and shrubs. Abundant on the more isolated oak-trunks (A W B ); larvae plentiful in 1962/64. The female is semi- apterous. iii-v. Diurnea phryganella Hiibn. In folded or rolled leaves of Quercus. A male on Manor Lane on 18.10.1964. The female is semi-apterous, x-xi.

DEPRESSARIINAE Carcina qaercana Fabr. In a web on the underside of leaves of various trees and shrubs. Common in the woods, vii. Depressaria apiella Hiibn. Among spun flowers of Oenantbe crocaia, pupating in the main stem. Harpers Bank and Shaw Green, common, 1964. viii-v. Depressaria heracliana Deg. Flowers and seeds of Heracleum sphondyliam, pupating in the main stem. Fairly common throughout, 1963/64. viii-v. Agonopterix cosiosa Haw. In spun shoots of Ulex and Saro- thamnus. On the Church wall, one in 1964. vii-ix. Agonopterix arenella Schiff. In a folded leaf of Centaurea, Cirsium and Arctium. Harpers Bank, four bred from Cirsium, 1964. viii-v. Agonopterix applana Fabr. In rolled leaves of Umbelliferae, preferring Anthriscus. Larvae generally common, vii-iv or V. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 31

Agonopierix ocellana Fabr. In spun shoots or rolled leaves of Salix. Shaw Green, occasional, 1963/64. viii-iv. Agonopterix conterminella Zell. In spun shoots of Salix. Larvae plentiful, especially in Shaw Green and Gale Bog. vii-ix.

HELIOZELIDAE HELIOZELINAE sericiella Haw. In petioles and midribs of leaves of Quercus. Fairly common, flies in the sunshine around terminal shoots, v. Heliozela resplendella Staint. Mines the main rib of leaves of Alnus and eventually makes an oval blotch mine which is cut out to form a case for pupation. This feeding pattern was noticed on alder leaves near Brook Meadow. Confirma­ tion is required, v and vii.

GLYPHIPTERIGIDAE CHOREUTINAE Choreutis myllerana Fabr. In a silk web on leaves of Scutel­ laria. Shaw Green, two in 1914, common in Harpers Bank and Mere Covert, 1930 (A W B ); Gale Bog, 1941, and south edge of Mere, 1963/64. vi and vii-viii. Anthophila fabriciana Linn. In a web on leaves of Urtica dioica. Common. Breeds continuously from v-x.

GLYPHIPTERIGINAE fuscoviridella Haw. In stems of . 1914, and Harpers Bank, abundant, in 1918 (A W B ); widespread but not plentiful in pastures, 1962/64. v-vi. Glyphipterix thrasonella Scop. In stems of Juncus. Found in established areas of food plant but not plentiful, 1962/64. vii.

ELACHISTIDAE ELACHISTINAE Small black and white, grey or ochreous moths which rest on grass stems during the day and fly, sometimes in swarms, in the late afternoon and early evening. The larvae feed in mines in the leaves of Gramineae and Carex and leave the mine to pupate. The pupa is attached to the stems of upper midrib by a pad and a slight silk girdle. 32 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Elacbistu gleichenella Fabr. Carex. Edf»es of Harpers Bank Wood, occasional in 1964. vi-vii. albifrnntella Hiiljn. . Dactylis etc. Plentiful among long grass, vi. Elachista luticomella Zell. In steins and leaves of Dactylis. Harpers Bank, two in 1964. vi-vii. Elachista apicij)unctella Slaint. IIolciis, Festuca, Dactylis. 15.6.1913 (AW B), This is a scarce insect in Lancashire and Cheshire and may be incorrectly identified. Confiirma- tion is desirable, vi. Elachista atricomella Staint. Leaves of Dactylis. Near Gale Bog, in August, 1064. vi and viii. Elachista perplexella Staint. Leaves of cespit- osa, mining the upper part of the leaves. Larvae abundant in woods in May. vi-vii. Elachista pulchelln Haw. (obscurella Staint.) Leaves of Ifolciis. Harjiers Rank, fairlj' common, v and vi-vii Elachista cerusella Hiibn. Phalaris and other water-side grasses, in an upperside white blotch mine. Shaw Green, 1913 and Gale Bog, 1914 (A W B ); common around the edge of the Mere, 1963/64. v-vi and viii-ix. Elachista rufocinerea Haw. In leaves of Holcus. Common. Late iv-v. Elachista argentella Clerck In leaves of Bronms, Dactylis etc. 1913 (A W B ): widespread but not as common as in many parts of Cheshire, 1963/64. v-vii. Elachista mergerlella Staint. Brachypodium and Deschamp­ sia, making a long narrow mine which usually terminates below the tip of the leaf. Harpers Bank, larvae uncommon, 1963/64. vi and viii. Elachista triatomea Haw. In leaves of Festuca and probably other grasses. Near Gale Bog, one on 11.6.1941 (H. N. Michaelis). vi-vii.

YPONOMEUTIDAE ARGYRESTHIINAE Cedestis farinatella Dup. On needles of Finns. Mere Covert, 1964. vi. Argyresthia hrockeella Hiibn. Betula and Alnus, in catkins and shoots. Fairly common, especially in Gale Bog (A W B ); plentiful in birch and alder areas. 1962/64. vi-viii. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 33

Argyresthia yoedartella Linn, lietula and Alrms, catkins and slioots. Status and habitat as for A. brockeeUi. vi-viii. Argyresthia pygmaeetla Hubn. Salix, first in catkins, later in shoots, one in 1914 (A W B ); well spread but not common 1962/64. vi-ix. Argyresthia retinella 2cll. Betiila, in iiuds and shoots. 1912/ 14 (A W B ); Old Hall Wood and Mere Covert, occasional, 1962/64. vi-viii. Argyresthia spiniella Zell. Sorbus aucuparia, in shoots 28.7.1911 (AW B). The date of capture suggests that this may be an error of identification. This insect emerges towards the latter part of August and early September and the above may be A. conjugelia Zell., which has an emer­ gence period from mid-June to July. The two species are not unlike in worn condition and both feed on Rowan. Argyresthia nitidella Fabr. Crataegus, in shoots. Common, vii-early ix. Argyresthia semitestacella Curtis Fagus, in shoots. Mere Covert, a few in 1964. viii-ix.

VPONOMEUTINAE Pseudoswainmerdamia conibinella Hiilm. spinosa, in a web on leaves. The food plant does not now occur at Rostherne. One, 10.5.1914 (AW B). This is a local species in Cheshire and is not often recorded, v-vi. Poraswainme.rdainia pyrella Vill. Crataegus, under a white web on upperside of leaves. 8.5.1912 and 1918 (AW B ): fairly common in hedges, 1963/64. v and viii. Prays curtisellus Don. Fraxinus, first in leaf-mine, later in shoots. Harjiers Bank Wood, one in 1963. vi-vii. Yponomeuta padella Linn. Crataegus; larvae gregarious in a web. Occasional in hedges. 1962/64. vii-ix.

COLEOPHORIDAE COLEOPHORINAE The larvae of genus construct a portable case from leaves, seeds or vegetable matter mixed with silk and, with one exception, pupate within the case. In the early stages some larvae mine leaves prior to constructing a case. In feeding, the lar\ae attaches its case to the leaf or seed and bores into the food. Leaf-feeders mine mainly on the under­ side of the leaf, usually keeping the hind part of the body within the case; thus the feeding results in a circular or 34 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

rectangular full-depth blotch mine which has an almost central puncture. A larva will move from one feeding site to another after consuming the food within reach and thus leaves a characteristic feeding pattern to indicate its pre­ sence. As a larva grows, it adds to its existing case or, in some species, may discard the early case to mine a leaf edge and cut out a fresh home, leaving the primary case attached to the base of the leaf. Cases of most species are character­ istic and can be used to assist in the identification of species. Zell, {alcyonipennella Roll.) Cen~ aurea nipra; larval case black with lateral pale stripe, on lower leaves. On roadside near Oxhey 1963. vi-vii. Coleophora nigricella Steph. Crataegus; short cylindrical case. Bred from hedges, 1963/64. vi-vii. Coleophora gryphipennella Bouch. Rosa; cylindrical grey- brown case, showing leaf serrations at edge. Shaw Green Willows, identified from case only, 1964. vi-vii. Coleophora viminetella Zell. Salix; long almost cylindrical case with basal-half brown and apical-half reddish. Occas­ sional on Salix cinerea ssp. atrocinerea. vi-vii. Coleophora fuscedinella Zell. Betula; also on Alnus and Ulnuis; short grey-brown cylindrical case with a fringe of leaf serrations when on birch and elm. 1912 and 1914 (AW B); Mere Covert and Old Hall Wood, 1962/64. vi-vii. Zell. Quercus; short brown cylind­ rical case. 1912 (A W B ); occasional in oak woods, vi-vii. Zell. ; curved black and brown case. Brook Meadow, scarce, 1963. vii. Coleophora miirinipennella Dup. ; long brownish case, on seeds. Mere Field, two in 1963. vi. Coleophora caespititiella Zell.— alticolella Zell, group. Seeds of Juncus in a whitish-grey cylindrical case. Among rushes, June, 1912: abundant on Harpers Bank, 1914 (AW B ). As the specimens are not available, it is not pos­ sible to identify these critical Juncus-feeding species. From cases taken in 1963/64, the following determination was made : Imagines and cases found abundant on J. effusus are C.caespititiella while two cases found on J. articulatus produced C. glaucicolella Wood, vi-vii. In the revised Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire, Mansbridge includes Coleophora onosmella Brahm at “ Rostherne, 1914 (A. W . Boyd) ” though Boyd does not include it in his Preliminary List. As onosmella feeds on MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 35

Echium, this would appear to be wrongly identified, for the plant is most unlikely to occur. One concludes that this is a species of the albidella H.-S. group, which are found in pistol-shaped cases on Salix.

UTHOCOLLETIDAE LITHOCOLLETINAE The larvae of Lithocolletinae feed on leaf juices and tissue in a leaf mine. The mine may be in either the upper or lower parenchyma and individual species are constant in choosing the surface in which they live. Underside mines are often contained by the side ribs of leaves and, in con­ sequence, form an elongate blotch. Upperside mines may be irregular blotches, e.g. coTijlifoliella on hawthorn. Mines are lined with silk, which contracts to increase the depth of the cavity and so causes distortion, usually in the form of a pucker on the leaf surface opposite to that mined. Each larva constructs a separate mine, in which it passes the whole of its life, and finally pupates therein. There are at least two broods annually, and hibernation, as either larva or pupa, is passed in the mines in fallen leaves. LithocoUetis harrisella Linn. Quercus; underside mine. Common, v and viii. LithocoUetis quercifoliella Zell. Quercus; underside mine. Common, v and viii. LithocoUetis alnifoliella Hubn. Alm is; narrow underside mine. Common, v and viii. LithocoUetis faginella Zell. Fagns; underside mine. Common. V and viii. LithocoUetis oxyacanthae Freyer Crataegus; underside mine, often causing the edge of the leaf to turn down. Mines common in hedgerows, v and viii. LithocoUetis spinolella Dup. Salix caprea; underside blotch mine. Shaw Green Williows, scarce, 1964. v and viii. LithocoUetis ulmifolieUa Hubn. Betula; underside mine. Mere Covert, occasional, 1964. iv-v and viii. LithocoUetis emberizaepennella Bouche Lonicera; underside mine, occupying a large part of the leaf. Harpers Bank Wood, scarce, 1964. v-vii and ix. LithocoUetis stettinensis Nic. Aliius; upperside mine. 12.5 and 23.7.1912 (A W B ); Brook Meadow, a few mines, 1963. v and vii-viii. 36 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

JAthocolletis froelichiella Zell. Alims; long narrow mine on underside. Harpers Bank Wood, one on 18.5.1962. v-vi and viii. Lithocolletis uiminiella Staint. Salix; narrow mine, usually along the leaf edge. 1913 (A W B ); Shaw Green Willows, mines fairly common on Salix fragilis. 1963/64. v-vi and viii. Lithocolletis corijlifoliella Haw. Crataegus; large upperside mine, distorting leaf considerably. Wood Bongs, identified from mine only, scarce, 1962. v and viii. Lithocalletis geniculella Ragonet. Acer pseudoplataniis; short broad underside mine, usually on outer part of leaf. Fairly common on sycamore throughout. This moth was not recorded in Cheshire until the 1940’s, when it was found by AW B near Frandley. This was the lirst time it was realised that this species had a northern distribution: it has since been found as far north as Cumberland and in Wales westwards to Caernarvon, v-vi and viii.

CALOPTILIINAE Species of the two genera found at Kostherne difier in feeding patterns. The larva of species lives first in a blotch mine, which is often almost rectangular, and later on the lower epidermis and parenchyma in a pocket formed by folding down a short length of the edge of a leaf. In Galop- . the larva lives lirst in a mine and later spins the leaf lo form a roll or cone. Pupation takes place under a stiff silk covering on the underside of a leaf. Parornix anglicella Staint. Crataegus. 1914 (A W B ); common in hedgerows, 1964. v and viii. Parornix avcllanella Staint. Corylus. 27.5.1913 (AW B). v and viii. Parornix betulae Staint. Betula. 8.5.1918 (A W B ); Mere Covert, a few in 1964. v and viii. Caloptilia syringella Fabr. Syringa, Ligiistruin, Fraxinus; probably the latter at Kostherne. 10.6.1964. v-vi and vii-viii. Caloptilia elongellu Linn. Alniis; widespread but not common. 1962/64. vi and ix-iv. Caloptilia alchimiella Scop. Quercus. Harpers Bank, one, 1914 (A W B ); Wood Bongs, several cones. 1964. v-vi and vii- viii. Caloptilia stigmalella Fabr. Salix. Gale Bog, two cones, 1964. viii- v. MANCHESTER ENTOMOIXXJICAL SOCIETY 37

EPERMINIIDAE EPERMINIINAE Caiaplectica fulviguttella Zell. Heracleum and Angelica, in a web spun over the seeds with several larvae on one seed- head. Shaw Green W illows and on edge of Mere, occasional, 1963/64. vii-viii.

PLUTELLIDAE PLUTELLINAE Larvae of genus Ypsolophus feed in a weak web on the underside of leaves and pupate in a boat-shaped cocoon among debris on the ground or under bark. Ypsolophus asperellus Linn. Lonicera. Harpers Bank, two in 1964. vii-ix. Ypsolophus parenthesellus Linn. Quercus, Betula and other trees. 1914 and Harpers Bank, 1929 (AW B). viii-x. Ypsolophus radiatellus Don. Quercus. Wood Bongs, occa­ sional, 1963/64. ix-iv. Ypsolophus uittellus Linn. Ulmus. Harpers Bank Wood, 1963/64. vii-ix. Plutella maculipennis Curtis Cruciferae, in a slight web. Widespread; reinforced by migration, iv-ix.

LYONETIIDAE LYONETIINAE salaciella Treits. Raniex acetosella, in stems. Merc Field, one in 1963. vi-vii. Leucopiera laburnella Staint. Laburnum anagijroides, in a spiral blotch mine. Mere Covert (AW B ). v and vii-viii. Leucopiera scitella Zell. Crataegus, in a brown spiral blotch mine. Mines found occasionally in hedgerows, vi-vii.

BUCCUl.ATRIGINAE Bucculatrix cidarella Zell. Alnus, first in a mine and later openly on underside of leaves; pupates in yellowish-white ribbed boat-shaped cocoon on bark or twigs. Mere Field, one, 1962. v-vi.

TINEIDAE TINEINAE Monopis rusticella Hiibn. Dried excrement and other animal refuse; also in birds’ nests. Plentiful in woods and hedge­ rows. v-ix. 38 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tinea trinoiella Thunb. {ganomeUa Treits.) On refuse in birds’ nests. Mere Covert, a few, 1964. v-vi and viii. Tinea semifuluella Haw. Wool, bair, birds’ nests. Harpers Bank, 1914 and 1918 (A W B ); Wood Bongs, 1962. v-vi. fulvimitrella Sodof. In decayed wood and fungi. 6.6.1963 (M.Taylor). vi. Nemapogon corticella Curtis Decayed wood and fungi. Gale Bog, on trunks, (AW B); Old Hall Wood, 1962/63. v-vi and viii. Nemapogon cloacella Haw. Decayed wood and fungi. 1918 (A W B ); plentiful in 1941 and 1963. v-ix.

LAMPRONIIDAE LAMPRONIINAE masculella Scbiff. Various trees and sbrubs; larva mines leaves in early stages and is found in a portable case cut from a leaf, when it feeds on fallen leaves. Harpers Bank, 1914 (A W B ); common in hawthorn hedges in 1962/ 64. v-vi. Lampronia luzella Hubn. Possibly on decaying leaves. Har­ pers Bank Wood, one in 1964; probably scarce, vi. Lampronia mbiella Bjerk. Rubus idaeus, in fruits in early stages, later in side shoots. 1914 and 1918 (A W B ); Mere Covert, one, 1964. vi-vii.

ADELIDAE ADELINAE Adela viridella Scop. Flowers of Quercus, Alnus etc. in early stages; later in a case of leaf fragments on fallen leaves. Common, iv-v. Adela rufimitrella Scop. Cardamine, first in seeds and later in a portable case on lower leaves. Plentiful in Brook Meadow Marsh, v-vi. Nemophora panzeriella Fabr. and N. swammerdammella Linn. These similar species have been both reported as common. Both are likely to be found, but no Rostherne material is to hand for examination at the time of writing, v-vi.

ERIOCRANIIDAE Mnemonica subparpurella Haw. In a blotch mine in a leaf of Quercus. Common in woods, iv-v. MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 39

MICROPTERIGIDAE Micropterix calthella Linn. On moss (Hypnum) and pos­ sibly liverworts. Near Gale Bog, 11.6.1941. and Brook Meadow Marsh, 1964. v-vi.

NEPTICULOIDEA NEPTICULIDAE The larvae feed in the leaf cuticle and enter the paren­ chyma. The feeding pattern is a blotch mine or one of the many types of linear mine and the frass or excreta is left in the mine. The shape or construction of the mine is a useful aid to identification but the determination of a species is depreciated. The only identified species are : Dechtiria argentipedella Zell. Betula. 24-5.1913 (AW B ) Nepticula aurella Staint. Rubas fraticosus. Penny Croft, bred, 1965. Mines have been seen in Quercus, Ulmus, Fagus, Alnus, Crataegus, Salix and Rosa. 40 MANCHESTER ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

References: Boyd, A. W., 1914, Faunal Survey of Rostherne, III, Preliminary List of Lepidoptera found round the Mere. Mem. & Proc. Man. Lit. & Phil. Soc. 58.

Hincks, W . D., and Shaw, S., 1954, Faunal Survey of Ros­ therne, Insects, Part 2. Mem. & Proc. Man. Lit. & Phil. Soc. 96.

Ellis, J. W., (revised Mansbridge, W .) 1940, The Lepidop- terous Fauna of Lancashire and Chesh­ ire. Liverpool.

Michaelis, H. N., 1954, Lepidoptera (Tortricoidea) in Chesh­ ire, North and Mid-Wales Natural History. 5. Proc. Soc. Nat. Sci. Lit. & Art. Times Printing Co., Union Street, Oldham.