THE RAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL — AND — NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
FOUNDED 1946
THE LEPIDOPTERA OF FORMBY
Price: TWO SHILLINGS & SIXPENCE THE RAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
FOUNDED 1946
THE LEPIDOPTERA OF FORMBY
— B Y — M. J. LEECH H. N. MICHAELIS
With a short biographical note on the late G. de C. Fraser by C. de C. Whiteley
For us the wide open spaces, the mountams and valleys, the old walls and the hedges and ditches, wherein lie adventure and interest for to-day, to-morrow, and a lifetime. n
Printed by T. B unci-e & Co. L td., Arbroath. GKRALI) i)E C. FRASER rOHEWORl)
FOREWORD BY AI,LAN BRJNDLK
TT was in August, 1939, that T first liad the pleasure of meeting the Frasers. Together with a small party of entomologists from N.E. I.ancashire. invited to eollect at light near the shore at Formby, I experienced the somewhat overwhelming enthrisiasm and hospitality extended to all at “ Warren Mount” . Fed, feted, and equipped, we were taken by cars to the shore, sheets were laid down in front of the headlights, and a memorable night ensued. The night was dark and warm, the moths arrived in great numbers and, true to the Fraser tradition, work did not cease until a few minutes before the last train left Formby, when a hurried dash to the station deposited a happy party of entomologists on the first stage of the journey home. The next meeting was long delayed. The following week-end saw the black-out in force, and it was not until 1946 that T found the Frasens, still enthusiastic, establishing the Eaven Society. Its rapid rise was due to the personality of its founder, G. de C. Fraser and to that of Mrs. Fraser. Its equally rapid decline in mem bership following the former’s death, perhaps emphasised its depend- aiice on its creator. Tt is pleasant to know, however, that the Society, though .small, is very active as a field Society. Tn March, 1957, after preliminary discussion, the Society decided to publish a list of Formby T^epidoptera. which, based on 6. de C.’s lists and the E.Fi.L.. had been brought up to date during the inter vening years by M. J. T.eech. On the departure overseas of the latter the list was passed to me for checking. Since the inclusion of the smaller .species seemed to be desirable T asked TT. Tf. Michaelis if he would compile such a list. He willingly agreed, checked the original list and included a short introduction. Another necessary contnbn- tion should be. T felt, a short biographical account of G. de C., and his d-iughter, who had accompanied him and Mrs. Fraser on so many entomological trips, kindly provided this. The notes on the flora of the sand dunes were provided by F. Turner of Nelson. The frontis piece (yf G. de C. comes from a block which the publishers, Messrs. T. Bancle & Co. Ltd., kindly made available for the publication.
The Formby district covered by the list comprises the coastal strip of Lancashire from Crosby, near Liverpool, northwards to Birkdale, near Southport. The district has long been recognised by Lancashire entomologists as an excellent collecting ground, especially in the past. The disappearance of certain species may be due to the gradual spread of the towns and villages, but sufficient habitats remain to make the RAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAli AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY district of outstanding importance, not only in Lancashire, but in Kngland as a whole. The district lies on Triassic sediments, chiefly of Keupcr Marl and Sandstones of great depth, oveidain with considerable glacial drift, I t is extremely flat, for, apart from a small area (not shown on the sketch map) near Liverpool, it all lies below the 50 feet contour until the neighbourhood of Ormskirk is reached. Additional sea-borne material has been added to the coast within historic times. In 1736 the site of the ])re-sent main street of South- port formed the high water mark, but deposition of material and subsequent reclamation of mai-shes has moved this over half a mile to the west. A t Formby this accretion of sea-borne material is said to have been less, but from the railway line westwards the paths to the sea lead for well over a mile through soft sand consolidated only by the covering of vegetation. Apart from the generalised habitats which can be found in any district, the attraction of Formby to entomologists rests chiefly on two types of habitats—the marshlands to the ea.st of the railway and the sand dunes to the west. The marshlands are referred to as mosses, e.g. Formby Moss, but this word is ill-applied. It seems better to restrict this word to the limited flora developing on very acid soils which are found commonly in north-w’est England. Formby Moss is an area of marshland or fen, in parts so overgrown as to be developing into woodland scrub. The deciduous trees found include birch, alder, haKel, willow, sallow, etc., the birch especially regenerating freely to produce birch scrub. Any open spaces are colonised by typical marsh plants, such as Meadow sweet, Valerian. Marigold, etc. Drainage channels have been dug in parts and these appear to be effective, but, luckily, are of limited range. Some parts of former marshlands have been brought into culti vation, but sufficient still exist to provide extremely good collecting. The main interest of the district, however, lies in the sand dune area, which is very extensive. Since the tendency is for the coast line to move outwards as fresh material is brought in, an interesting series of new and old dunes can he studied from the beach inland. The first line of dunes often rise sheer from the beach and are sparsely colonised by Marram grass, together with Sea Holly, Sea Spurge and Sea Rocket growing in between the Marram tufts. On the second line of dunes the vegetation increases, the sheltered east side being almost completely covered with a varied flora includ ing other species of grass, sorrel, bird’s-foot trefoil, hawlnveeds, violets, creeping thistles, etc. On the third line of dunes conifers have been planted and so little ground flora develops. The conifers occur in groups and extend for some distance inland, but open spaces are found between them, forming flat expanses of ground covered with a rich flora, partly dominated with bramble, dwarf willow and broom, amongst which smaller herbaceous plants such as Composites and Umbelliferae abound. FOBEW OBD 0
The hollows between the dunes, the slacks, are often marshy, and liere the botanist finds his choicest species— Centaury, Gentians, Grass of Parnassus, Fleabane and Maish Helleborine— growing amongst a tangle of dwarf willow. In the wetter parts Keed-mace and Iris occur, though these seem to be deti'easiiig in parts owing to drainage. Further inland, and along the drainage cliannels, lines of alders and hazels occur, and patches of wet alder woodland are found, reminis cent of the alder carrs of the fens, though on a reduced scale; in these the vegetation is scanty, chiefly consisting of Dog’s Mercury and Woody Nightshade. Patches of willowherb are common amongst the cleared parts of the coniferous woodland, whilst ragwort abounds. .\ few area.s of heathland also occur, composed of Calluna and Erica developed on a dry, .sandy soil. One fairly extensive piece lies near tlio railway by Freshfield station.
Tlic broad outlines of the botany of Forraby above are necessarily rather scanty, but sufficient has been given for an appraisal of the pos.sibilities of the district. The entomologist will also gain a good idea of the species of T.«pidoptera to be expected. The present list is the work of so many entomologists over the past years (including the many contributors whose records are in the Ellis List) that it should be a reasonably complete one— that is a list in which the majority of the species have been recorded— but, undoubtedly, there remain species which still await discovery. 86 Princess St., Nelson, Lancs. RAVEN- ENTOSIOEOGICAI. AND NATURAE HISTORY SOCIETY
G. de C. FRASER BY C. DE C. W H lT ia K Y
J<''R031 childhood, G. de C. had been interested in motlis and biittorllies and had collected with Itis brothers in and around Hightown in the days when it was a tiny liamlet. Throughout his youth he retained his interest to a greater or lesser degree, but gradually it became submerged beneath the more pressing attentions of his business and a large family. I t was in June 1931 that liis interest finally came to the fore again, and emerged from its chrysalis to become the flourishing enthusiasm it remained for the rest of his long life. The rhododendrons in the front garden at Warren Mount were in full bloom and Gs de C.— with his constant companion, S.C.F.— were taking their nightly stroll round tlie garden, when there, quivering above the flamboyant blossoms, was a livornica moth. A great rarity even now, but at that time only eight had been caught in the century. One can imagine the rush that ensued. Where wore the nets? The killing bottle? A ll the paraphernalia of the chase? Miraculously the moth waited and. after what seemed an interminable time, was safely in the net. Tliat was a thrilling event, but excitement rose to fever pitch on the following evening when a second livornica was discovered and captured in the same place. His interest well aroused G. de C. lost no time in reinvestigating the possibilities of the neighbourhood. Warren Mount was ideally situated, there was the large and sheltered garden, and to the we.st at that time were fields and woods, the slacks and the sea. Two large golf-courses provided plenty of low growing foliage which supported myriads of insec-ts while on the other side of Formby lay the Mo.ss— again wide open spaces with good patches of woodland and scrub. Very soon G. de C. became a well known figure locally in his inevitable deer-stalker hat, corduroy “ bags” , cigarette liolder clamped firmly between bis teeth, and liands clasped behind his back, accom panied always by his wife, S.C.F. Surely no man could have had gi'eater encouragement in his hobby than S.C.F. gave to him all through the years. Interested, enthusiastic, willing, overcoming her own sliyness to help him when meeting strangers for the first time. Fetching and carrying for him, and his most ardent “ fan” . Visitors to Warren Mount saw her always at hi.s side, gracious and unruffled— her teapot a veritable “ widow’s cruse” , making every one, of all shapes, sizes and descriptions, feel at home. Occasionally some very odd people did turn up at Warren Mount, including one decidedly '-bolshie” gentleman, who, whilst enjoying the G. 1)E C. FRASER ' hosijitality to the full, suddenly remarked ••tliis carpet would feed a family for a year!” To which Michael (G. de C.’s eldest son) made the retort “ Dry eating!” lioth G. de C. and S.C.F. were tireless in their search and reseairch into the possibilities of the Formby area. Night after night they “ went round the lights” down Victoria road towards the sea, down on to the sand-hills with a petrol lamp, and then back home in the early hours of the morning to examine their spoils. Then G. de C. would faithfully record the catch in his “ little black book” . This black book was a diary which he kept tlwoughout the years. The first entry being the capture of the two Uvornica moths, but earlier captures are also recorded, for instance, under 4th February one finds “ 1940, R .A .F. brought me two 1). gnlii, previously one taken by myself on Valerian at Hightown in June 1888, and one bred from larva taken by J.L.F. on nearby sandhill” . The book also records the first meeting with many well-known entomologists, e.g. “ April 17th, 1937, Charles de Worms on Sychnant Pass” . G. de C.’s particular friend, G. K. (Biddy) Matthews, also figures largely in its pages. The diary is still a cherished l>ossession of S.C.F. The slacks and sandhills were a never failing source of discovery and interest. The beautiful praecox abounded there and was either scratched foa- in the sand in the larval stage or caught at light on the wi!ig later in the year. Naked-looking fissipuneta laiwae could be found beneath the bark of certain trees overlooking the slacks. Many species of larvae could be found with the aid of a beating tray, and, finding the conventional umbrella type to be rather unwieldy, G. de C. invented a simplified version, easier to carry and to use, which yielded good results. Formby Moss and New Wood too, were a constant source of interest, both by day and by night when “ treacling” was often successfully carried out. Of course his interests were by no means restricted to Formby, and many were the trips taken to places as far apart as Aviemore and the New Forest, North Wales and Godraancliester, Conway and Symond’s Vat, Grange-over-Sands, Wallasey, and Wicken Fen, where S.C.F. first met the well-known Mr. Austin Ricliardson. It was at Wallasey during the last war that a rather interesting discovery was made. On a visit there to collect opima, whilst walking down the road to the collecting ground S.C.F. spotted a N. zoiiana female strolling across the pavement. Pickets were at once posted to prevent ordinary pedestrians from walking over the spot until it had been thoroughly investigated, and a large crowd soon gathered to see what the excitement was. Most of them seemed incredulous that a large and elderly gentleman should be crawling unconcernedly aca-oss the pavement in pursuit of what looked like a rather fat fly! Dis regarding the crowd and the ribald remarks, G. de C. and S.C.F. continued their search for the feeding stuff of the N. zonaria. They found none, but they did find several batches of ova deposited on the old iron railing between the flakes of the crumbling metal. Like the rest of the country N. zonaria were dependant on iron rations. 8 RAVKX e.VT()MOlA)GICAl. AND NATfllAI. HISTORY SOCIETY
111 Nortii Wales, iieai' the lumous Loggerheads, G. de C. owned a small cottage. Here many long happy days were spent in pursuit ol iiis hobby, ami manj' entomological meetings were held here and enjoyed by all who attended. Delainere proved another I'avourite haunt, mostly for niglit work, ami there must have been many noctuid moths left with a severe hang over after a night’s sugaring there. In some strange way the beautiful I’each iilossom inotli became a .symbol of good fortune, over and over again the capture ot one of these creatures heralded a particularly successful night’s hunting. Conway was a beloved spot, botii foj- -V. znnurki on the golf links. ashworthii on ttie Syclinant Piuss, and, of course, for many otlicM- species too. It was a source of wonderment to G. de C. that the -V. zoiuirio iielpless with tlieir wingless females, should have survived the rigors of war on the golf course at Conway. Parts of Mulberry harbour were built on tlieir stamping ground, and as a safety measure land mines were laid there. A fter the beginning of the Second Front, the mines were exploded m situ, tlien the land thoroughly burnt to make sure all the mines had gone— enoiigli, one would say, to annihilate every in.sect within miles, and yet. the following year, our old friends the . zonaria were to be found, nourishing amongst the charred earth and scorched and blackened remains of their feeding ground. Tlic first visit to the Syehnant Pass remained in the Fraser’s memory for a delightful piece of Welsh logic. Nearing the place, yet uncertain of the load, G. de C. stopped the car and asked an elderly passerby if he could diri'ct him to Dwygyfylchi— ‘'W ell indeed" replied tlie man ‘■if you can pronounce it so well you mmt know where to find it" and he took himself off. shaking his head over tlie stupidity of the Knglisli. It was on the Syclinant Pass during the war that G. de C., S.C.F. and a large party ol bug-hunters were arrested by tlie local police for suspicious behaviour. At last, liaving convinced the sergeant of the liarinlessness of their (jiiest, the sergeant turned to his constable and said "There you are Dai, you sliould take up collecting". "N o t on your life ” , replied Dai, " i f they saw me out with a little black net round the lamp posts at night I ’d be certified!" They were happy days in the Conway area. G. de C. would come homo to Warren Mount from liis office about 5 p.m., have a quick meal, and whilst S.C.F. packed a picnic, he would load up the car with all manner of pa'raplieriialia and off tliey would go to Conway, bug-hunt all the night and drive back home again in the small hours, breakfast, and then back to the office. A truly remarkable man. Witherslack, Meatliop Moss and Black Tom’s Lane, came in for a lot of attention too, and many a week-end was spent at the Derby Arms. Hunting on tlie moss was a precarious business as the ground was particularly treacherous and a false step would quickly land one up to the waist in the bog. S.C.F. must have suffered many anxious moments as G. de C. bounded from liummock to hummock after some fritillary in full flight. He was incredibly active for a man of his build and G. BR C. FRASER 9
“ tirednoss” a word unknown to him, yet youngpi- nion in his company often found “ exhaustion” a familiar sensation. Visits to Scotland were always a joy; at first they were mainly to Kinloch Raniioch and later mostly to Aviemore. where G. de C. eould be found striding purposefully up the ‘‘Burma Road” up the side of Gael Charn Mor in the Cairngorms or wandering through Rothie- nmrchus I‘’orest by night. An amu.sing incident occurred here one particularly dark night oti an early visit, when G-. de C. was being guided by an elderly Ghillie. The conversation turned to ghosts and the Ghillie said that that particular spot where they now were was haunted by the ghost of a bygone Fraser pursuing the .shade of an equally bygone MacDonald. The Ghillie then added “ .\nd. ^fon, I'm a MacDonald” . ‘‘Well” , said G. de O.. ‘‘and I ’m a Frasei ’’ . The silence of the night was broken by the sounds of the Ghillie running as fast as his old legs would carry him. One illustration of the wide variety of Lepidoptera to be found in the Formby area was provided on one occasion when G. de C. had returned from Aviemore. where he liad been collecting Porastichfix suspectn. The following night the same species came to light at New Wood in fairly large quantities— a ])reviously unrecorded occurrence for the area. In the latter years at Warren Mount, G. de C. fixed up a mercury vapour lamp on the tennis lawn which could be controlled from the house and each morning about 6 o’clock he would be down looking at the night’s catch, releasing those not wanted, to live, love and fly again. At Warren Mount, G. de C.’s collection of Lepidoptera and his very comprehensive collection of Colcoptera were always available for reference purposes. He and S.C.F. were a most gracious pair and literally hundreds must have enjoyed their hospitality. G, de C. was always ready to share his discoveries with all who were interested. Youngsters were his particular love and he was never happierr than when he could encourage them in this fascinating hobby. He and S.C.F. were keen members of the South London Entomo logical Society and attended many of their meetings, especially the Annual Exhibition and Dinner. Each year the Gueste of Honour at this function were the President and senior members of some Natural History Society, and it gave G. de C. enormoms pleasure and gratifica tion when, a few weeks before lie died, he was invited to be Guest of Honour at that year’s Dinner—a proud moment for him, and for S.C.F., who, as always, was at his side and shared his pleasure. G. de C. was an accomplished raconteur and everyone who knew liim will remember his sudden chuckle of amusement which usually preceded the telling of a good (?) tale. H e was so vividly alive, even on the day he died (November 22nd. 1952) at the age of 80. when S.C.F. and her daughter went once again to visit him at the Naming Home he was sitting in a chair, his Black Book in his hand insisting that he felt perfectly all right and saying that if he could sit in a chair in the Nursing Horae he did not see why he could not be allowed to sit in a chair at the Raven Annual Dinner that night. 10 RAVKN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
His brother. Robert, then 88 years old and also a keen collector, was staying with the family at that time and it was wonderful to hear the two brothers capping each other’s stories of a lifetime. Tt had always distressed G. de C. to find the splendid collections of past Entomologists neglected in out-of-the-way passages in Museums, so after lie died S.C.F. arranged for just a small cabinet of Formby moths to go to the Liverjiool Museum, and for the rest invited his friends to go through his cabinets and take specimens to add to their own collections as a small memento of him. Even after nearly five years it is difficult to think of G. de C. in the past tense. H e still seems so vital and alive in so many ways and T feel that if I were to write of him for ever I could not do him justice, or show the many facets of his wonderful character. William Wordsworth wrote a charming poem called “ Daffodils’’, the last verse of w'hich reads: — And oft when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood They flash across that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude And then my heart with pleasure fills And dances with the daffodils.
For S.C.F. this is very true, though in her case it is not the daffo dils which gladden her heart but the memory of G. de C— Entomologist. “Dean Mount” , 19 Osborne Rd., St. Annes-on-Sea.
I Col,. C. DK ('. I''RASK|{ mid AIks. S. (' [''RASI'^R.
i
INTRODUCTION 11
INTRODUCTION
B Y H. N . M k 'HAELIS
rp.H K late 5Ir. G. de C. Fraser puhlished a list of tlie Lepidoptei'a of Formby area in llarch, 1946, ivhich was followed by a further list ill 1947. Additional records were published in the Tleports of the Haven Entomological and Natural History Society from 1946 to 1951. The ii.se of Jlen'ury VaiJour lainiis by Mr. Fraser and members of the Society, as a means of collecting, added a number of species not pre viously recorded from the area. The present list is dedicated to the memory of the late G. de C. Fraser, the founder of the Raven Society. Prior to his departure abroad. M. J. Leech compiled a list of the so-called Macro-Lepidoptera from the sources mentioned above and from records taken from The Lepidopferoxis Favna Oif Lancashire and Cheshire by J. W. Ellis, revised by the late W. Mansbridge, 1940. The Revised Ellis T.ist (abbreviation—R.E.Ti.) forms the foundation of the present list together with recent records which have been added. Only by the effort and careful recording on the part of M, J, Leech has it been |iossible to give an up-to-date picture of the distribution in the area. I have included records of the smaller moths, popularly known as the IHicro-Lepidoptera, in order to make the list as complete as possible.
This list is compiled from : — (1) The Revised Ellis List. (2) Labels on the .specimens in the Mansbridge collection, now- in my posse,.ssion. (3) Rc]>orts of the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Com mittee, and records supplied to me as Recorder of lycpidoptera for the Committee. (4) Visits by myself and others to the district.
To cover as much as possible of the sandhill area and the mosses inland, records from Crosby northwards to Birkdale are included. As regards the apparently scarcer species the number seen or taken is given when available for further observation is necessary before the status of many species can be assessed. Whilst it is not proposed to give details of appearance and habitat, which may be found in A Guide to the Stmatle.T Lepidopfera by Ti. T. Ford. I have included the known or likely foodplants. for a sound knowledge of the local flora is essential to the student of these moths. Nomenclature is taken from A Chech List nf Hritish Insects by G. S. Kloet and W . D. Hincks. 1945. 12 RAVEN ENTOMOMGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
To conclude, it is certain that the list of species is by no means complete, and practical work will lead to tiie discovery of species new to the district and to an increased knowledge of those known to be present. 10 Didsbury Park, Manchester, 20. 2.'5th November, 1957.
A bbreviations o f c o l u i c t o b s ’ n a m e s Only the frequently occurring names have been abbreviated. G. de C.F.— The late G. de C. Fraser. K.C.G. — Dr. K . C. Greenwood. M.J.L. —M. J. Leech. H . N.M . — H. N. Michaelis. M. —The late IV. Mansbridge, either from labels in collection or from the Revised Ellis List. THE LEPIUOPTERA OP FOBMBY 13
THE LEPIDOPTERA OF FORMBY
OALiADRINOWEA ARCTIIDAE Eilerna lurideola (Zinck.). Uncommon but was taken in some numbers in 1946. Eilerna complanu (Linn.). Uormby, one at light, 1938 (G. de C.F.) (R .E .L., p. 251). Litliosia quadra (Linn.). One at light at Freshfield, 9.7.1951 (Gi de C.F.). ConMcla senex (Hiibn.). Reported as taken in 1938. Formby Moss, one, 10.7.48, and one, July 1950 (M .J.L.). Ilypocrita jacobaeae (Linn.). Larvae plentiful on Ragwort. Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Linn.). Common in some years, scarce in others; vair. borealis Staud., occurs occasionally. Cycnia mendica (Clerck). One in 1933 (G. de C.F.). Spilosoma lutea (Hufn.). Plentiful. Spilosoma lubricipeda (Linn.). Plentiful. Arctia caja (Linn.). Common; little variation has been noted.
NOLIDAE Itoeselia confusalis (H.-S.)% Formby, one, 1952, at M .V.L. Also re corded from Ainsdale in 1909 by W. A. Tyerman and from Birkdale (6 miles distant) by K.C.G. in 1949. Nola cucullatella (Linn.). Common.
CARADRINIDAE Apatele ieporinu (Linn.). Has a tendency to melanism. I t occurs most freely on the mosses but is never plentiful. Feeding mainly on birch and occasionally on alder, sallow and poplar. Variation: — the prevailing form is var. bradyporina Tr., the type has not been seen by me (M .J.L.). Apatele alni (Linn.). Occasional; a few specimens taken at Freshfield and Formby, 1941-54. Apatele tridens (Schiff.). Alleged to have been common about fifty years ago but now appears to be extinct in the area. Apatele psi (Linn.). Common. Apatele megacephala (Schiff.). Common. Apatele rumicis (Linn.). Occasional at sugar. Formby Moss, five larvae, August 1954 (H.N.M.)v Apatele mejiyanthidis (Vieweg). Freshfield, one at light, June 1951 (G. de C.F.). A mossland species which is likely to exist on Formby Moss. Cryphiii perla (Schiff.). Common. Stilbia aaomala (Haw.). One, 21.8.1945 (G. de C.F.). 1-1 llAVKN ENl'OilOl-OGICAL AND NATfKAL HISTOUY SOCIETY
Ainijliipijra pi/ruinidea (Liniu). I ’l-eshfield, one, 15.8.49 (0. de C.l‘\) and one in 1952 (il.J .L .). Ainphipyru traijopoijinis (inim .). I'^airly common. Gwtyna ftarago (Schiff.). Common. Liiperina tustacea (Schiff.). Plentil'ul, in great variety. Luphygma exiguu (Hiibn.C One at M .V.L. in 1952 (il.J .L v); tliis species is a known migrant. liusina uinbraticu (Goeze). Fairly common. Coenobia rufu (Haw.), Forniby Moss, one, 27.7.56 (H .N .M .). Nonagria dlssoluta (Treits.). Forniby, one, 10.8.;55, and one, 27.8.1939 (G. de C.B\); Ainsdale, 10.8.47 (M .J.C.) and 15.8.47 (S. Coxey); I'^resiificdd, July 1949 (8. Coxey). It appears that tliis species has a regular domicile in the district but the breeding grounds have not yet been discovered. i\ona(7 /'ia typhae (Thuiib.). Plentiful; pupae may be found in stems of Typha latifolia L. Cosmia diffinis (Linn.). I'Voshfteld, one, August 1952 (G. do C.l'\). Cosmia trapezina (Linn.). Common. Cosmia 2'UraUtiu (Schiff.). B’re.slifield, one, 1952 (G. de C.B'.). Caradrina clavipalpis (Scop.). Common. Caradrina- morp/ieus (Hufn.). Very common. Caradrina blanda (Schiff,). Usually scarce but common in 1951. Mormo mawra (Linn.). f'reshfield, two at sugar, July 1948 (H. T. Seddon). Zenohia. sabtusa (Schiff.), Scarce (M .J.L.), but Mansbridge and H. W. Wilson say larvae common on balsam poplar (H .N .M .). Vyrrhia umbra (Hufn.). Occasional at sugar and light. Rhizedra lutosa (Htibn.). Fairly common among reed.s. Areiiostola pygmina (Haw.). B^airly common. Arenostola phragmitidis (Hiibn.). B'reshfield, four in 1939 (G. de C.B'.) and two in August 1952 (G. de C .F .; G. M. Tonks). Retilampa minima. (Haw.). Occasional on B'oriiiby Moss. Meristis trigrammica (Huln.). Occasional, only type specimens seem to occur. Thadpophila viatura (Hufn.). Very common on coastal extremities of Formby district. Phlogophora meticulosa (Linn.). Common. Euplexia luciimira (Linn.). Common. Dypterygia srabriuscuia (Linn.). B’reslifield, one, late July 1948 by H. T. Seddon; possibly the second Lancs, record; two taken by W. P. Stocks in 1924 near Carnforth. Xylophasia remissa (Hiibn.). Common. Xylophasia crenata (Schiff.). Common, both type and vai\ alupecurus Esp. Xylophasia lifhoxylea (Schiff.)-. Common. Xylophasia monoglypha (Hufn.). Abundant. Xylophasia scolopacina (Esp.). First record for Formby district, two at M.V.L. in .July 1952 (G. de C.F.; G. M. Tonks). Xylophasia hepatica (Hiibn.). First record, h’ormby Moss one 23 7 •5‘> (G. M. Tonks). THE LEPIDOl’TERA OP FOBUBY 15
Xylophasia furva (Schiff.)- Uncommon, (Easily confused with X. remissa) (H .N .M .). i4.;«z»iea sordens (Hufu.). Common. ,\po/mC(i uruiniTixis (lliibn .). On the mosses, local but not uncommon where it occui'S. Celaeiux hau:orthii (Curt.). First record, Fishermans Path, several, in August 1956 (M.J.L.). An interesting record owing to the apparent absence of Eriophorwm in the area. Celaena secalis (Linn.). Common and variable. Celaena leucostigma (Hiibn.). First record, Formby, 10.7.1940 (G. de C .F .); llirkdale, one, and Formby Moss, two, in September 1951 (K.C.G.); Formby Moss, three at M.V.L., 23.8.52 (K.C.G. & M.J.L.); near Formby Point, one, August 1955 (H.N.M.). Hydraecia micacea (Esp.). Common, variable in size. Hydraecia paludis Tutt. Very common and variable. Hydraecia oculea (Linn.). Common and variable. Note: The geni talia of a large number of “ Ear moths” have been examined by Mr. W. H . Tams and Dr. K . C. Greenwood and so far only the two species noted above have been found in the area. Hydraecia ophiogramma (Esp.). First taken by M.J.L. at light at Formby, two in July 1949; Freshfield, eight, in July and August 1951 (G. de C .F.); also taken in 1952, 1955 and 1956. Miana literosa (Haw.). Common, frequently at Ragwort bloom. Frocus furuncuius (Schiff.). Fairly common. Procu$ sirigilis (Clerck.). Common. Recently beautiful specimens of the dark type with a contrasting white border to the outer mar gin of the forewing have been taken (M.J.L.). Note: Frocus latrunculus (Schiff.) is likely to occur for the late Wm. Mans- bridge reports the species as common a t Crosby. Until collec tors will make a simple examination of the genitalia, no real assessment of distribution of strigilis and latrunculvs is pos sible (H .N .M .). Frocus fasciuncvlus (Haw.). Common. Heliothis armigera (Hubn.). Freshfleld, one, 21.7.50 (G. de C.F.). Euxoa ohelisca (Schiff.). M.J.L. says “ very rare” but gives no data; there is a record from Crosby by C. S. Grogson prior to 1890. Euxoa cursoria (Hufn.). Scarce but a fair number were taken at light and on ragwort in 1951 by several collectors. Euxoa nigricans (Linn.). Uncommon. Euxoa tritici (Linn.). Common, var. aguilina Schiff. uncommon. Agrotis segeium (Schiff.). Fairly common; in 1950 an unusual Sep tember / October brood produced large moths, males attaining 23 mm. and females 25 mm. Agrotis vestigialis (Hufn.). Very common. Larvae observed in gar dens feeding on runner beans. Agrotis clavis (H ufn.). Occasional specimens taken during the past few years, also taken at Birkdale. Agrotis puta (Hiibn.). F om erly scarce now fairly common. 16 RAVBN ENTOMOLOGICAI. AND NATL'RAL HISTORY SOCIETY
.ly/t/ff.s f.xclanuitiunh (Joiiii.). Abundant. A male witli heavy bar on furewiiigs, 19-51 (de Worms, Vroc. .S'. jAUid. ent. X a i. JUsi. Soc.. 1951-52, 1). 46). Aijrotis t/psdon (v. Rott.). I ’airly commoii in most years. Aijrotiii ripae (Hubii.). Freshfield, one at M .V .L., July 1952 (G. de C.F.). Actebia praecox (Linn.). Abundant most years; as many as 209 liave been taken in a trap in one night. Eurois occulta (Linn.). Old record; Ainsdale, 1908; Freshfield, one, 11.8.1948 (G. de C.F.). Ecridroma aaaciu (Hiibn.). One or two specimens in most yeai’s. Lycophotia purphyrea (Schiff.), Not common. Ochrophura jdecta (T>inn.). Plentiful, with a third brood occasionally, Oraphiphora augur (Fabr.). Common. Amathe.'i c-nigirum (Linn.). Common. /lmu^^es ditrapezium. (Bork.). First taken at Hightowu, one bred by H. W, Wilson in 1933; Formby Point, one larva (M.J.L.); Fonii- by, fairly common at M .V.L. (S. Coxey and M .J.L.). Arnathes triarigulum (Hufii-.). Plentiful. Ainathes xanthographa (Schiff.). Abundant. Arnathes lanbrosa (Htibn.). Fairly common, especially near the coa-st. Arnathes glareosii (Esp.). Common; var. rosea Tutt, first taken in 1949, has appeared occasionally since. Arnathes baja (Schiflr.). Common. Diarsia brunnea (Schiff.). Occasional specimens bred. Diarsia festiva (Schiff.). Common and variable. Diarsia rubi (View.)^ Fairly common, Triphaenu ^/ronaba (Linn.). Abundant. Triphaena comes (Hubn.). Common, often dark specimens are found. Triphaena janthina (Schiff ). Fairly common especially at privet bloom. Axylia putris (Linn.). Common. Phalaena typica Linn. N ot really common (M .J.L.). Lampra fimbriata. (Schreb.). Fairly common, ground colour varies from deep straw to deep olive green and occasionally a mahogany form — South, vol. i, p. 233— is found. Cerastis rubricosa (Schiff.). Scarce, Ainsdale (W. A. Tycrman) and Formby (6. de C.F.). Anaplectoides prasina (Schiff.), Formby, one at M.V.L. in July 1 9 5 3 . Aporophyla liitidenta (Schiff.). Occasional but taken most years. Ajmrophyla nigra (Haw.), Formby district, first taken 3.9.49 (S. Coxey); one. 1950 (K.C.G.). Conistra vaccinii (Linn.). Common. Anchoscelis lunosa (Haw.). Common and variable, very dark forms often obtained. Anchoscelis litwra (Linn.). Common. Atethmia cenirago (Haw.). One at M .V.L. (G. d© C.F.). atria lutea (Stroem). Common. Cirrhia fuhago (Linn.). Common, var. ftavescens Esp. also occurs. Cirrhia gilvago (Schiff.), Freshfield, 1936 and 1945, one 10 9 50 (G de C.F.). THE I.RrinOl’TEKA OF FORMBY 17
AgrochoJa circellaris (Hufn.). C'ommon. Agrochola lychnidis (SchifF,). ( ’ommon and very variable. AgTOckola macUenfa (Hubn-.). No record for Forinby; one at Ainsdalc by S. Coxey. Agrochola. lota (Clerck). Plentiful. Parastichtis suspecta (Hiibn.). Common, not recorded until 1948 wlien it was very common at sugar and light. I^arastichiis ypsilon- (Schiff.) {fiss'ipuiicta (Haw.)). Uncommon and local. Larvae found under loose bark in one area at Formby. Eupsilia- tranuiversa (Hufn-.). Occasional at sugar and ivy bloom. Allophyes oxijacanthae (Linn.). Widespread but uncommon in the area; var. capucina (M ill.) occurs; a specimen approximating to ab. variegafa ab. nov. illustrat^'d in Etit. Mecord, November 1951. taken at light at Freshfield in October 1951 (G. de C.F.). CuouUia absinthii (Linn.). One in 1952 (D. B. Dixon) is the only record. CvculUa. chamnm-illae (Schiff.). Not observed prior to 1951 when it was plentiful at light at Freshfield in May (G. de C.F.), Cuctdlia umbratica (Linn.). Fairly common. Xylenn exoleta (Linn.). Rare. Xylena vetusta (Hiibn.). Rare, also at Ainsdale in 1913. Xylocampa areola (Esp.). Formby district, first taken at M.V.L. in 1952 (G. de C.F.; G. M. Tonks). Griposia aprilina (Linn.). Thornton, one, September 1952 (D. B. Dixon). Antitype chi (Linn.). Formby, one at M.V.L., 1952 (D. B. Dixon). Bnmbycia viminalis (Fabr.). Not listed by M.J.L. A few larvae near Formby Moss, June 1953 (H .N .M .). Eumichtis lichenea (Hiibn.). Fairly common in most year.s. Eumichfis adusta (Esp.). Uncommon. T)rynhota protea (Schiff.). An old record exists for Freshfield (G. de C.F.). Leucania impura (Hiibn.). Abundant. Lencania palle.ns (Linn.). Abundant. Leucania lithargyria (Esp.). Common. Leucania litnraJis Curt. Very common; larvae abundant on Marram Grass (Pmmma arenaria (L .) R. & S.). Larvae should not be crowded in captivity as they are liable to bite one another. Leucania conigera (Schiff.). Rare, no previous records exist but the late M r. G. do C. Fraser assured the compiler that the moth had been taken in the area. Formby Point, one, August 1955 (H.N.M.). Tjcucania comma G^’^n.). Fairly common. Orthosin incerta (Hufn.). Plentiful and variable. Orthosia advena (Schiff.). .A number, all of the light form, were taken in the Formby District in April 1950 by several collectors; common in 1951 and 1952 when the dark form var. hm-nneo Tutt was also taken. Orthosia gracilis (Schiff.). Common, especially on Formby Moss. Orthosia stabiUs (Schiff.). Plentiful. IS BAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NAT0KAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Orthosia miniosa '(Schiff.). First record for Formby in 1952, about six taken (G. de C.F.; K.C.G.; and G. M. Tonks). Orthosia cruda (Schiff.)- Scarce. Orthosia munda (Schiff.). Scarce. Orthosia gothica (Linn.). Plentiful. Charaeas graminis (Linn.). Common. Tholera popularis (Fabr.). Scarce. Tkolera cespitis (Schiff.). N ot common but can be obtained in fair numbers in some years at light. Panolis griseovariegata (Goeze) (piniperda Panz.). Uncommon. Sada dentina (Schiff.). Uncommon. Hadena hpida (Esp.). Freshfiold, one var. capsophila T)up. at light, 11.7.51 (G. de C.F.). Hadena bicruris (Hufn.). Sometimes at flowers especially Rhododen dron. IladejKt serena (Schiff.). Fairly common but local, larvae on Crexns. TIadena chenopodii (Schiff.). Not previously recorded for Lanca shire, found in plenty throughout the Formby area in 1950, 1951 and 1952. The recent use o f M .V .L. has proved this species to be widespread and often common in coastal areas of Lancashire and Chesliire (H .N .M .). Hadena glauca fHiibn.). First record at Freshfield, two, May 1951 (Pev. H. Hirst). Hadena thalassina (Hufn.). Uncommon. Hadena suasa (Schiff.). First taken in 1951; Freshfield, several (G. de C.F.); also found at Birkdale (K.C.G.). Heliophobus albicolon (Hxibn.). Local but not uncommon, taken in 1950-52; a specimen of second brood at light in September 1950 by M. G. Fraser. [Heliophobiis saponariae (Bork.). Though not taken at Formby, there are old records from Orosbv (1907) and Ainsdale (1912) in R.E.L.] Hiataraxia oieracea (Linn.). Plentiful. ('eramica pisi (Linn.). Common. Folia nebulosa (Hufn.). The only recent record is a specimen at Fresh field, 1952 (G. do C.F.). ^famestra brassicae (Linn.). Common. .Ifelanchra persicariae (Linn.). Common. .inarta myrtiUi (Linn.). M .J.L. writes “ another new PLUSIIDAE Zanclognaiha tarsipennalis (Treits.)-. Occurs sparingly in the area; larvae may be beaten from ivy in the autumn. Zanclogruitha nemoralis (Fabr.). As above. Tholomiges fnrfosalis (Wocke). Not listed by M .J.L.; Formby Moss, two on 18.7.55 among grass near heather (H .N .M .). THK r-Kl’IDOPTKRA OK KORMHY 19 JJypena probnsddalis (Linn.)' Plentiful; a second brood seen in 1945 in which the moths were smaller and greyer. Scoliopienjx lihatrix (Linn.). X'sually common, larvae on sallow and willow. Eicciidimera mi (Clerck). Kairly common. Eustrotia uncvla (aerck ). First found at Freshfield in 1945 and is now widespread in small numbers over the sandhill area and is found on Formby lloss. Also taken at Ainsdale. Phijtometra viridaria (Clerck). Plentiful on sandhills and usually double brooded. lU vula serieealis (Scop.). First taken at Freshfield, two, July 1950 (G, de C.F. and M. G. Fraser); Formby Moss, a few m 1951 (M.J.L.). . . [A specimen of Caforola s-ponsa (Linn.) was found at Freshfield in September 1952; not indigenous to the area and possibly imported by rail or car.] Polychrisia moneta (Fahr.). Can be obtained each year but is by no means common. Plusia chrysitis (Linn.). Common, two broods occasionally. Plnski hractea (Schiff.). One at light on sandhills, 31.7.39, and one at M .V .L. in July 1952 (G. de C .F .); one, August 1956 (M .J.L.). P h m a festucae (Linn.). Occasional on sandhills and moss in vicinity of Yellow Tris. Tivelve taken on Moss in 23.8.52 at M .V.L. (K.G.G. and M .J.L.). „ -r^ s Plusia iota (Linn.). Freshfield, one at MvV.L., 1952 (G. de C.F.). Plusia v-aurevm- (Hiibn.) {pulchrina Haw.). Scarce; 1952 pioved a good year for this species. Plusia gamma (Linn.). Often abundant. Ahrostola tripartita (Hiifn.). Plentiful in 1947 and 1949 (G. de C.F. and M .J.L.). Ahrostola triplasia (Linn.)-. Fairly common. Episema caeruleocephala (Linn.). Scarce and local. T.YMANTRIIDAE Orgyia antiqua (Linn.). Not common. T)(m/chira fasedina (Linn.). Several years ago this insect was common but is now scarce. Vasychira pudihwnda (Linn.). N ot observed until 1952, when seven were taken at M.V.L. Euproctis chrysorrhoen (Linn.) {similis Fuessly). Plentiful. Levcoma solids (Linn.). Locally common, larvae on poplar. NOTODONTOIDEA STERRHIDAE Sterrha virgvlaria (Hiibn.). Common. Sterrha fuscovenosa (Goeze). Two, July 1943 (G. de C.F.); four, 1949 (M.J.L. & G. de C.F.); Formby Point area, 1955 (H.N.M.). Sterrha subsericeata (Haw.)-. Uncommon. Sterrha aversata (Linn.). Common, type and banded forms occur. 20 RAVEN’ ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Sterrha biselata (Hufn.). Common. Sterrha dimidiata (Hufn.). Common. Sterrha cmarginata (Linn.). Formby, one at light, 29.7.1950 (M. G. Fraser); one taken at Ainsdale in 1908 (R.E.L.)-. Scapula immutata (Linn.). One at light, May 1948 (M.J.L.); previous Lancs., record: Grange over Sands (A. E. W right). Calothysanis amata (Linn.). Freshfield, one, September 1948 (G. de C.F.). GEOMETRIDAE Hemithea- strigafa (Muell.)-. Freshfield, a few taken at light, 1948-52 (G. de C.F. and M .J.L.). Jodis lactearia (Linn.). Scarce. Geometra papilionaria (Linn.). Rather scarce. Pseudoterpna pruinaia (Hufn.). Fairly common though the area of gorse and broom is limited. HYDRIOMENIDAE Acasis viretaia (Hiibn.). In the late G-. de C. Fraser’s original list of Formby Lepidoptera, there is an entry without data—prior to 1931. Chloroch/stis coronata (Hiibn.). Fairly common, specimens have been taken in August and September. Chloroch/stis rectangulata (Linn.). Fairly common, raelanic specimens appear in most years. Gymnoscelis pumilata (Hiibn.). Fairly common. Eupithecia venosata (Fabr.). Formby; two in Mansbridge Coll., 1923 (H.N.M.). Eupithecia goossensiata Mabille. Scarce-. Eupithecia absinthiata (Clerck). Common. Eupithecia assimilata Guen. Commonv Eupithecia valerianata (Hiibn.). Formby Moss, larvae from flowers of Valeriana officinalis L. (B. B. Snell). Eupithecia alhipunctata (Haw.) {tripunctaria H.-S.). Formby Moss, larvae from heads of Angelica, 1949 (B. B. Snell). Eupithecia vulgata (Haw.)-. Common. Eupithecia centaureata (Schiff.). Common. Eupithecia icterata (V ill.) ssp. subfulvata (Haw.). Common. Eupithecia satyrata (Hiibn.). One, May 1950 (M .J.L.). Eupithecia pulchellata Steph. Fairly common. Eupithecia linariata (Schiff.). Freshfield, three, 1949 (G. de C-.F.); probably uncommon in the area though I have found larvae in many parts of Lancs, and Cheshire where Linaria vulgaris Mill, is established (H .N .M .); Formby, bred in some numbers by K.C.G. Eupithecia succenturiata (Linn.). Fairly common; plentiful in 1949; larvae on mugwort; of these a high percentage are “stung” . Eupithecia castigata (Hiibn.). Scarce. Eupithecia virgautreata Double. Scarce. Eupithecia pygmaeata (Hiibn.)-. Not common. Formby Moss, larvae on flowers of Gerastium in early July (B. B. Snell), THE LEPIDOPTEllA OK FORMBY 21 Eupithecia tenuiafa (Hiibn ). Formby district, a few in July 1950 (G. do C.F. and J f.J .L .); first Lancs, records since prior to 1890. Eupithecia indigafa (TTiilm.). Among pine near Freshfield shore two in 1949 (M .J.L.). Eupithecia nanata (Hiibn.). Common. .4naitis plogiata (Linn.). After an absence of many years, larvae taken at Freshfield in 1942: a specimen taken in October 1948 (G. de C.F.). Calocalpe nndulaia (Linn.). Freshfield, first record. 25.6.1947. and three at M.V.L. in 19.52 (G. de C.F.). Lygris prviiata (Linn.). Occasional at light. Lygris tesfafa (Linn.). Common. T/ijgris populata (Linn.). Fairly common. Lygris mellinaia (Fabr.). Uncommon. Lygris doiaia (Linn.). Uncommon. Pfemyrin hicoloraia (H iifn.). Locally common near alders. Epirrhne gnliata (Schiff.). One bred (M .J .L .): one old record from Aiusdale (R.E.L.). Epirrhne nlternata (M iill.). Common. T/i/ncometra ocellata (Linn.), Common, Thera oheliscnin (Hiibn.). Common. Cidaria fitlvata (Porst.). Scarce. Chlorochjsta miata (Linn.). Scarce. Hydriomena fnrcata- (Thunb.). Common among Sallow and W illow; mainly melanic specimems occur. Tlydrinmena impluviaia (Schiff.). Very common amongst alder; 95% are melanic forms. (A plate showing Formby and Aviemore specimens is shown in the Raven Report, 1948.) Hydriomena ruhe.raia (Freyer). Uncommon (also shown in plate. Raven Report. 1948). Eysstrnmn trvncata (Hufn.). Common. Thissirnmn cifraia (Linn.). Common. EcUptopera silacenta (Schiff,). Fir.st recorded in the area in 1949: fairly common in 19.52. Triphosa dsihitafn (Linn.). Occasional at light and honey dew. Eairophila hadiata (Schiff.). Uncommon. Evphyia bilineata (Linn.). Abundant. Perizoma alrhemillafa (Tiinn,). Uncommon but seen more frequently than the next species. Perizoma afUnitata (Steph.). Uncommon. Perizoma nlbulnta (Schiff.). Common. Perizoma flavnfasciata (Tliunb.). Fairly common, more so near the coast than on the mosses. Mesnlevca olhicillata (Linn.). Scarce. Nycterosea ohsfipata (Fabr.). An occasional immigrant, Freshfield, 1947, at light (6. de C.F. & M.J.L.): July 1950 (G. de C.F.). Pehirga eomitnta (Linn.). Common. Operophtera brvmata (Linn.). Abundant. Euchoeca obliterada (Hufn%). Local but not uncommon where it occurs. 22 RAVEN ENTOMOr,OGlCAT> AND NATCRAT- HISTORY SOCIETY JlydreVta ftnmvirokiria (H ufii.). An example of an insect Avliich has recently appeared in the area. Common in 194o (M..T.T>A; local among alder in -lime ami 19o4 (H .N .JI.)- Oporina dilutafn (RchiffA. Common. Oporhin nntuniiiafa (Rorkh.). Scarce. OpoTUia fiH(jramnwria (H.-Sx). Freshfield. 16.9.1936 (G. de C.F.): W. Mansbridge in R.K.L., )). 256. “ have seen the specimen and have no doubt almut its determination". Xanthorhoe femigntn (Clerck). Common in most years. Xanthorkoe designafa (Hufn.). Scarce. Xantkoirhoe monfanafa (Schiff.)-. Abundant. Xnnthorhoe flitctnata (Linn.). Abundant. Larentia cervinaUs (Scop.). Freshfield, two, 1936 (G. de C.F.), at light in September 1948 (M .J.L., G. de C.F. and G. M. Tonks . Larvae have since been found on Hollyhock and the moth bred. Ortholitha w^ucronata (Scop.). A few larvae beaten from gorse in 1948. Ortholiiha limitata (Scop.). Plentiful. ('ahMigxa xauIMrigann (Haw.). Very common, dark females are found on Formby Moss. Colostigia didijnuifa (Linn.). Widespread on the mosses but not common. ('nhiafigia pectinatarin (Knochh Formby Moss, local but fairly com mon where found. Orthonama vittata (Bork.). Rare and local; in August 1948 the second brood was common at light in one locality at Freshfield. It approaches the light in a series of short flights. Previous records are Formby 1933 and 1937. BREPHIDAE Anisopteryx aescvlaria (Schiff.). Common. SELinOSEMTHAE Opiidhograptis hiteolata (Linuv). Plentiful. Semiothisa litumfa (Clerck). Scarce, both type and var. mgrofulrata Collins occur. Chiasmia duthrata (Linn.). Freshfield, one at light, 10.5.51 (G. de C .F .); common in 1952. Itama wavaria (Linn.). Uncommon. Ectrojris bistortata (Goeze). Fairly common. Cleora repandata (Linn.). Common, very dark forms occur. Cleora rhomboidaria (Schiff.)x Common, a tendency towards melanism is apparent. Bxipalus piniarius (Linn.). Very common and variable. Ematurga atomaria (Linn.). Fairly common. Erannis progemmaria (Hiibn.). Common, var. fv-scata Mosley almost as plentiful as the type. Erannis auraniiaria (Esp.). Uncommon, first taken at Freshfield in November 1947 (G. de C.F.). Erannis defoliaria (Clerck). Common. THE LEPIDOPTEKA OF FORMBY 23 Nyssia zonaria (Schiff.). Probably extinct; Mansbridge states last seen on Crosby snndliills prior to 1915. Phigalia pilosaria (Schiff.). A t one time common now quite scarce; ab. monacharia Stand., occurs. Bisfon. strataria (Hufn.). Formby Moss, two larvae, 1952 (G. M. Tonks). Biston betvlaria (Linn.), Plentiful. The re-appearance of type speci mens is interesting for up to 1950, the typical form, was almost unheard of in the area. They were found in some numbers in June and July 1951. Abraxas grossulariata (Linn.). Common. Abraxas syivata (Scop.). Occurs only in a very small area where it is not uncommon. Theria rupicapraria (Schiff.). First taken in 1952, Lomaspilis viarginata (Linn.). Common. Bapta punctata (Fabr.) (temerata (Schiff.)). First taken in the dis trict; one in June 1952 at M.V.L. (G. M. Tonks). Lithina chlorosata (Scop.). Common. Cdbera pvsaria (Linn.). Plentiful. Cabera exanthemata (Scop.). Fairly common. Ourapteryx sambucaria (Linn.). Common. EUopia prosapiaria (Linn.). Fairly common. Campaea margarita.fa (Linn.). Common. Epione repandaria (Hufn.)- Uncommon in most years though 1962 was a good year for the species. Selenia bilunaria (Esp.). Common. Colotois pennaria (Linn.). Uncommon. Deuteronomos alniaria (Linn.). Common. Deuteronomos erosaria (Schiff.). First taken in 1951, several at light late August and early September (G. de C.F., K.C.G.. W. Quibell). Deuteronomos fuscanfaria (Haw.). Formby, one, 5.9,50 (M. G. Fraser); Freshfield, 229.51 (G. de C.F.); also taken in 1952 (G. M. Tonks). Gonodontis bidentata (Clerck). Common, ab. nigra Prout occurs freely. CrocaXlis elinguaria (Linn.). Common. POLYPLOCIDAE Mahrosyne derasa (Linn.). Not uncommon in most years. Thyatira batis (Linn.). N ot uncommon. Tethea duplaris (Linn-.). Common; the dark form var. obscura Tutt predominates. Tethea octogesima (Htibn.), First taken in June 1952, one at M.V L (G. de C.F.). Achlya flavicornis (Linn.). Common among birch in most years. SPHINGIDAE Macroglossa stellatarxim (Linn.). Scarce, a few larvae taken each year. Imagines fairly common in 1945. Deilephila porcellxis (Linn.). Uncommonv Deilephila elpenor (Linn.). Seldom seen either as imago or larva though Epilobium angusfifnlium. L. is widespread and prolific. Acheroniia airopos (Linn.). Occasional; two in 1950. 24 HAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATCHAE HISTORY SOCIETY Smerinihus orellafus (Linn.)- Has become more common in recent years, especially in the larval stage. Celerio Uneata (Fabr.) var. Urom ica (Ksp.). Occasional specimens reported; June 1931 two; June 1941 three; March 1952 one (G. clc C.F.) ; June 1931 one (W-. Mansbridge). Cplerio NOTODONTIDAK Notodonta ziczar (Linn.). Common. yotodonta dromedarius (Linn.). Common; dark specimens occur. Pheosia gnoma (Fabr.). Fairly common among birch. Pheosia tremuJa (Clerck). Common most years. Lophopteryx rapucina (Linn.). Common. nerura vimdfi (Linn.). Common; larvae mainly on Balsam Poplar. Cerura hermeUna (Goeze). Uncommon; larvae found sparingly on Balsam poplar and Black poplar in nio.st years. Cerura furcula (Clerck). Somewhat commoner than the last species; on sallow and willow.. Phalera hncephala (Linn.). Common. SATURNIIDAE Saturnia pnvnnia (Tjinn.). Common. PAPILIONOIDEA SATYRIDAE Pararge aegeria (Linn.). First seen in the district in August 1949. A few seen near Formby Station in August 1951 (H .N .M .). D im megera (Linn.). Common most years. Eumenis semele (Linn.). Common everywhere; has been observed in gardens in recent years. Maniola tithomis (Linn.). Very common near the coast and on Formby Moss. Maniola jwrtina (Linn.). Abundant. Coenonympha pamphilus (Linn.). Common. NYMPHALIDAE Argynnis aglaia (Linn.). Common every year in coastal region. Fones.'ia. atalanta (Linn.). Common most years; a specimen with the ground colour replaced by a chocolate shade seen feeding on exudations from a birch stump in August 1947. Vanessa cardui (Linn.). Numbers vary each year dependant on migra tion from overseas. One was taken at rest on the night of 9th March 1952 (M .J.L,). TH E LE PID O I’TKUA OK KOB41HV '2o .\ LYCAKNIDAE Pnlyommatiis icarus (Rott.). Very common, fine female forms occui\ Cehisfrina urgiohis (Linn.). After an absence of fifty years, it re appeared ill Freshfield in 1945 (W .M .); was common in 194^, while in 1949 specimens were seen in October— pos-sibly a third brood. Since then tlie butterfly has been scarce. Lycaena phlaeas (Linn,). Common most years, but has recently tended to become scarc’or. I’ lERIDAK I ievis hrutisicae (Jiinn.). Common most years, especially plentiful in yeans when there is a large migration from Flurope. Picris rajHie (Linn.), Very common most years. Pieris napi (Linm)- ^ ery common, especially on coastal extremities where its food plants arc plentiful. huckloe cardamines (Linn.). Only one undated record exists. C'oHas croceus (Fourc.). Seen only during migration years; fairly {com mon in 1941; common in 1947 when var. helice Hiibn. was also seen. Gmieopteryx rhawni (Linn.). One seen at Freshfield at Whitsuntide in 1948 by members o f N .W . Nats. Union. Possible food-plants are scarce in the area, HESPERIIDAE Augiades venatii (B, & G.) (sylvanus Esp.). Formby, first record, on the mosse.s in 1947 (M .J .L .); common in same locality in 1952. DREPANOIDEA DREPANIDAE Cilix glaucata (Scop.). Fairly common-. Drepana falcataria (Linn.). Fairly common in birch areas, also feeds on alder. Drepana hinaria (Hufn.). Specimens taken at M .V.L. in 1950 are a new record for Formby; 1st and 2nd broods were taken in 1951-52 (M.J.L.). This moth appears to be widespread but not commoti over large areas of Lancs, and Ches. and has been taken on the outskirts of large industrial areas (H .N .M .). 26 HAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATUKAL HISTORY SOCIETY I’YLIALOIDEA. p h y c i t i d a p : Ane-rustia lotelia (Hiibn.). On coast, Crosby-Ainsdalo; occasional among Psaviina arenaria (L .) R. & S. SaXebria fusca (Haw.). Forniby Moss and Ainsdale; occasional. Erica. Salebria betidae (Goeze). P’ormby Moss; three, 1923 (M). Birch. Salcbria palumheUa (Fabr.). Forinby Moss and Ainsdale, occasional (M .). Erica. [^Epischaia boisduvalieLla Gueu. Reported in error in R .E .L., proved to be a dark .4.. lotelia (Hiibn.). See Eat. Record, vol. 69, p. 247.] Dioryctria abietella (SchifE.). Freshfield; freely in 1950 (G. de C.F.). Pinev Ephestia kuhaiella Zell. Occurs in stored food products. Ephestia elutella (Hiibn.). Occurs in stored products. Euzophera piaguis (Haw.). Birkdalc; one in 1950 (K.C.G.). Ash. llomoeosoma binaevella (Rixhn.). P’ormby; one in June 1930, det. Pierce (M.). Carduus. HoiiioeosonM cretucella Roess. Formby; larvae common on Seaecio jaoobaea L., 1930 (M.). Homoeosomu saxicola Vaughan. P'ormby; one in 1933, det. Pierce (M.). Seaecio jacobaea L. and .ichillea. GALLERIIDAE .Ip/iOHu'a sociella (Linn.), Crosby; one in 1943 (M .). Comb in nests of bees and wasps. CRAMBIDAE Crambus pratellus (Linn.). Common. Grasses. Cramh'iis culmellus (Linn.). Common. Grasses. Craiabiis hortuellus (Hiibn.). Common. Grasses. Crambus latistrius (Haw.). Formby-Ainsdale; fairly common on sand hills, July-August 1953-55 (H .N .M .). Food unknown, probably a grass. Crambus perleUvs (Scop.). P'ormby; occasional 1953-55 (H .N .M .). Grass. Crambus inquiaatellus (.Scdiiff.). Formby; occasional 1930-43 (M .). Crambus geaicuieus (Haw.). Common on sandhills. Grasses. Crambus salinellus Tutt. Birkdale, scarce, 1950-53 (K .C .G .); Formby Point, one in 1955 (H .N .M .). Poa viaritim a Hudson. Crambus tristellus (Schiff.). Common. Grasses. PYRAUSTIDAE Catachjsta lemnata (Linn.). Formby Moss; one, July 1952 (H.N.M.). yymphula nymphaeaia (Linn.). Formby; occasional (M .). Potamo- geton, Sparganium, etc. yymphula stagnata (Don.). Formby, 1937 (M.). yymphula stratiotata (Linn.). Crosby (M.). yotarcha ruraiis (Scop.). Common; XJrtica. Ewrrhypara hortvlata (Linn.)% Common; Urtica, Meatha, etc. THE I-Kl’IDOl’TBllA OK FOltllUV riilyctu i’niu crucealis (Htibn.). Lcx'ally coniiiioa among Inula on sand- hills. 1‘hlyctaenia lutealis (Hiibii.), Common; various low growing plants. i ’hli/ctaeaia nivcuUs (Fabr.). Fairly oouiiium on various plants. 1 lili/ctaenia ferrugulis (Hubn.). Formbj’ ; occasional, status varies with migration. 1 hhjvtaeaia fuscalis (iSchiff.). Freshfield, Formby, Ainsdale; locally common. and Ithinunthus. Phll/ctaenia cornnata (Hufn.). Formby, a few (M.)-. Samhucus. y ouiophila noctiiella (Schiflr.). \aries with migration. VyraU'Sta purpumlis (Linn.). Formby; crommon (M.). Puraustu cespiUilis (Schiff.). Freshfield and Ainsdale sandhills; occa sional (H .N .il.). Plantago. Scoparia angustca (Steph.). Common on .sandhills. Mosses. ScuiHiria mercurea (Haw.). Formby, a few (M.). Scoparta pallida (Steph.). Formby Moss, one, 27.7.1922, and Freshfield, uncommon (M .). ’ ii'cojxirici amhigualis (Treits.). Common. Evcrgestis pallidafa (Hufn.). Freshfield, one, 1949 (G. de C.l'\). .Vesoyraphe forjim lis (Linn.). Common. PYRALIDIDAE Ilgpsopijgia glaucinuUs (Linn.). Formby, one, 1950 (M .J.L.). Hijpsopygia costalis (Fabr.). Formby, several at liglit, 1952-4 (G. de C.F.). l>ry vegetable matter. Pgralis farinalis (Linn,). Formby Moss area; common in farm buildings. ALUCITIDAE Oryptilus hriianniodactylus Greg.son. Formby sandhills; common (M.). Teucrium scorodonia L. PlatyptiUd. acanthodactyla (Hiibn.). Formby; one, 193;! (M .). Stachys, Ononis, etc. Platyptiiia gonodactyJa (Schiff,). Common. Tussilago farfara L. Platyptilia calodactyla (Schiff.). Formby; one, 1922 (M .). Stems of Solidago virgaurea L. Platyptilia pallidactyla (Haw.). Common. Achillea. Stenoptilia zopkudartyla (Dup.). Ainsdale, one bred, 1920 (H. Britten); Formby and Freshfield, occasional 1949-54 (B. B. Snell; r ! Prichard). Blacicstonia, Centauriuni. Stenoptilia hipunctidactyla (Scop.). Formby Moss, common (H .N .M .) Scabiosa. Stenoptilia pterodactyla (Linn.). Crosby sandhills, fairly common (M .). Veronica chamaedrys L. Alucita pentadactyla (Linn.). Common-. Convolvulus. Oidaematophoruc osteodactylus (Zell.). Crosby sandhills, one, 191.3 (M .); Fieshfield, one, 1949 (G. de C.F.). Solidago virgaurea L Oidaematophorus lithodactylus (Treits.). Formby and Freshfield com mon among Inula (M-). ’ Oidaematophorus tnonodaciylus (Linn,). Crosby and Formby, infre quent (M.). Convolvulus. ’ 28 RAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY LASlOCAMl’OlUEA LASIOCAMPIDAK Lu$iocampa qxk&rcus (Linn.)- C’ommou some years, scarce in others (M.J.L.). Lasiocam%/a trifolii (Schiif.). Usually common, abundant in 1945, larvae can be fed on most of the Leguminosae (M .J.L.). Poecilocawpa populi (Linn.). A few are observed each year. Macroth'i^acia rubi (Linn.). Fairly common. Fhiludoria potatoria (Linn.). Fairly common, yellow males sometimes occur (M .J.L.). rS Y C E O ID E A ZYGAENIDAE Zygaena filiperidulue (Linn.). Very common. Zyguena loniceroe (Scheven). Common, but local. Procris statU-es (fiinn.). Rare. PS YC H ID A E Fumaria casta (Pall.), Formby, fairly common (M .). Grasses and lichens. COSSOIDEA OOSSIDAE Zeuzera pyrina (Linn.). Rare. Crosby (1951). Cossus cossus (Linn.). Taken most years. TORTEIGOIDEA PHALONIIDAE Phalonia smeathmanniana (Fabr.). Freshfield; one, 1953 (H.N.M.). Senecio, Achillea, Centaurea, etc. Phalonia manniana (F.v.R .). Formby; common in ditches (M .). Mentha. Phalonia alismana (Rag.). Formby; one in 1923 (M.). Alisma. Phalonia nana (Haw.). Common among birch. Phalonia atricapitana (Steph.). Crosby-Ainsdale, common (M .). Se-necio jacobaea L. Phalonia dubitana (Hiibn-.). Common. Senecio, Crepis, etc. Chlidonia- hartmanniana (Clerck). Formby Moss, common, appears to have been overlooked by Mansbridge (H .N .M .). Scabtosc. Euxanthis angustana (Hiibn.). Formby Moss; a few, 1956-57 (H.N.M.). Plantago. AchiUea, etc. Euxanihis siraminea (Haw.). Common. Centaurea. Euxanthis zoegana (Linn.). Ainsdale; several, 1949 (H.N.M.). 6'en- taurea. Euxanthis hamana (Linn.). Formby and Freshfield; a few, 1922-35 (M.). Carduus. THE LRI'TOOPTERA OF FOUMRY ‘29 TORTRICTDAE Philedone gerninomui (Sdiilf.). Formby Moss; one in August 1954 (H.N.M.). Probably feeds on PoientlUa. Cacoccia oporano (Linn.) {podtina Scop.). Common. Oak, bramble, etc. Cncoectn xylosteana (Linn.). Common. Various trees and shrubs. Cocoecia Tosana (Linn.). Common and variable. Mainly on Snli.r. Cacoecia lecheann (Linn.). Formby Moss, two beaten from Salix, June 1953 (H.N.M.). Pandemis corylana (Fabr.). Common. Various trees and shrubs. Pandemis heparaiui (Sehiff.). Common. Various trees and shruOs Pandemis cera.sana (Hiibn.). Common. Variou.s trees and shrubs, Tortrix loeflingiana (Linn.). Formby (M.). Tortrix viridana (TJnn.). Local. Oak. T ortrix paleana (Hiibn.). Formby, fairly common. Various plants. Tortrix costnna Sehiff. Common. Vainous plants. T ortrix eonsimilnna Hiibn. (vnifasciana Dup.). Common on Privet hedges. Tortrix mu^cnlnna- Hiibn. Common. Oak, birch, bramble, etc. E uUq’ minisirana (Linn.). Common. Birch and alder. Eulia piilchellan/j (Haw.). Formby Moss, a few (M .). Birch, Exopate rongeiateUa (Clerck). Formby, scarce (M.). Cnephasia longnna (Haw.). Common on Sandhills (M.). Flowers of various plants. Onephnsia interjectnna (Haw.) (virgnuTeana Treits.). Common on many low growing plants. Cnephafin chr>jsantheana (Dup.). F'reshfield, several at light, 1949-51 (G. de C.F.) det. H.N.M, Polyphagous on low plants. Cn.epfin.f7rt incertana (Treits.). Common. Polyphagous on low plants. Isntrias irifasciana (Don.) (rectifosciana Haw.). Formby; a few (M.). Food not known. Arj7 i/rofo2 rt forssl-nlenna (Linn.). Formby; a few (51.). Sycamore. Argifrotoza bergmanniann (Linn.). Common and variable. Rose. Peronen holmiano- (Linn.). Formby; occasional (M .). Rose, hawthorn, Peronea emargana (Fabr.). Formby; widely distributed but not com mon (51.). Salix. Peronea rhomhana (Sehiff.) (contaminana Hiibn.). Common. Haw thorn. Peronea aspersana (Hiibn.). Formby Moss; larvae fairly common on Spiraea (M .). Peronea fe/rrugana (Sehiff.). Formby Moss; larvae common on birch. Peronea enmarinna. Zell. Formby, abundant (M.). Comarum. Peronea variegana (Sehiff,). Common: especially so among dewberry on the sandhills (M.). Peronea sparsana (Sehiff.), M., ha.s a series from Crosby. Beech. Peronea hastiana- (Linn.). Larvae common among Salix repens L. Of the 79 named forms. 56 have been found in the Formby district (M.). 30 RAVFX RXTOMOLOOICAI^ AXD XATTRAI- HISTORY SOCIETY ET’ COSMTDAE !^pihinnta orelhiiia (Schiff.). Commoii. Feeds on various trees and slinibs and lias lat('ly been I'ound in numbors on Hippophiii’ rhruinwides L. .lfror/i7« napvnna (Hiilm.). Fairly eonimon on Holly. EiPfria phiiralaiw (Doiib,). Fonnby; eoininon among Pine K rctrin hunliana (SebifF.). Common, E^pfrin j)inirorniui (Z(‘ll.). M. says an “ abundant species” , appeal's to be present in small numbers on pine at Freshfield and Fonnby (H.N.M.). Erefria ftirionana (Hubn.). Freshfield; one, May 1951 (H .N .il.). Pine. Erpfria purileyi (Diiri'ant). Formby ; one in late July 1950 by Chnrl- son. Pine. Anri//?/! ha^iann (SebifF.) (hindona Fabr.). Common. T ?Vin and La thyrus. Gypxonoma arPriann (Dup.). Formby. Freshfield and Ainsdale; larvae common in shoots of Pnpuhis (M ., B. B. Snell, & H .N .M .). Crosby, common (JI.). Criips^nnoma socinnn (Haw.) (dPaUunu, Frol.). Common. Oak, Poplar and Salix. Gvp/^onoma n-eglecfnna (Hup.). Ainsdale. a few bred from Poplar. 1939 (H.N.M.). SotoceUa mldmanniann (Linn.). Common. Bramble. Xntocplin rosatcnlona Doub. Common. Rose. NnfoceVin incarnatanc. (Hiibn.). Crosby (M .). Bosa^pimpinpllifolia T,. Eucosma rruc'iana (Linm.)- Plentiful on sandhills. Salix. Eucoxma rubioino.^ana (H.-S.). Fre.shfield; common among pine (H.N.M.). Eucosma trimuculann (Don.). Formby, common (51.). Flm. Exicosjiia nigrnmnPulonn (Haw.). Common in sandhill area. .Srnerio jncohnea L. Eiiroswa, hahemrarfiana (vScliifF.). Common. CentaTirPa. Euroxwa expaUidann (Haw,). Crosby; not common (M .); Freshfield sandhills, one. August 1951 (H .N .5I.). Sonchus. Eucnamn fnenplla (Linn.). Freshfield; fairly common at light in 19.50-51 (G. de C.F.). Artemisia vulgaris T.. Evcnsma farfarae Fletcher. Formby and Ainsdale; fairly common. Tvssilago farfarn. L. Evpfismn lurtvosann (Dup.) (cirsiann Zell ). Crosby and Formby (M.). Cenfaxirea. Eucosma pftvgiana (Fabr.). Fairly common. In stems of Cardxnis. Eucosma rostipxinctana. (Haw.) (frigemivarxa Stepli.) Common, especi ally among Senp-cin jaeohaea L. Eucosma cynosbateUa (Linn.). Common. Rose. Extcosma sxibocellana (Don.). Not recorded by M .; a few among Salix on Formby 5Ioss, June 1953 (H .N .M .). Eucosma ramplla (Linn.), Common among birch on Formby Moss. Eucosma nis4la (Clerck). Crosby, scarce; Formby, locally abundant (M .). Salix and poplar. TH E LFJ'IDOPTERA OF FORM HY 31 Eurosma fetrnquefraTM (Haw.). Formby Moss; common, also amongst alder at Fro.slifield. liirch and alder. Kucosmii triguRtrana (Haw.). Local among alder. Eucosmn similana (Seliiff.). Formby Moss (Sf.). Birch. Eurosma mnrvlami (Fabr.) (ophfhtilmicana Plubn.). Formby Moss; one, Aiignst 1957, from white poplar (H.N.M.). Eurosma soloruhiann (Linn.). Common. Birch. Euensma semifnsrona (Steph.). Common and variable (M .). Snlix. Eurosma sordiilnna Hiibn. Formby; common amongst alder (M .). Barfra lancealana (Hiibn.). Common among Junnts. Bactra- f^irfurana (Haw.). Formby; locally common (M .). Elenrharis and Juncus. Endofhrnm erice.tan Ernnrmonia janthhwnn (Dup.). Forniliv; one bred from hawtliorn berries (M.). Enuirmnnin poinnnelln (Lm n.). Common on apple. Ern-nrmn/tia .ivrrednTin fScliiff.) (nlirefon" Haw.l, Common -where T'lex grows. Ernnrmnv'ui jtingielhi (C’lerok) (perlepidonn Haw.). Ainsdale, a few among T’/rJO- in June 1949 (H .N .M .). In pods of their food. Ernarmonia n'njrirniui (l''abr.), M. says ‘‘Ainsdale .scarce” ; ttie larva is often |)lentiful in garden peas. Eriuirmonia conifernna (Ratz.). Formby; fairly common (M.). In hark of pine. TIXAEOIDEA GRLFCHIIDAF A’rhtotelia viiicrdoreUa (Diip.). Woodvale near Formby; one (M.). AristofeUa tf’iu’hreUa (Hiibn.). Formby; a few (M.). Rootstock of Eumex ncptosellfi L. Arixtofelia IvcideUa (Stepli.). Formby; one 1932 (M .); Freshfield. 19o2, a few by H.. 1-. Burrows. Stems of Scirpvs pnhisfris L. ArixfoteUn hermnnnella (Fabr.). Crosby in 191/) (M .). Mines in leaves, Chpiwpndiuni and A fripler. Exntelpin. dodecpJla (liinn.). Formby; a few (M.). Pinp. Xenolechia proximella (Hiibn.). Common among birch. A'enoiec/iia fugitivella (ZelU)- Formby; bred from elm (M.). Xenolerhia vvIgeUa (Hiibn.). Formby; a few (M. and H.N.M.). Haw thorn. Jiryntropha dotnesfirn (Haw.). Formby; common (M .). On moss. Pryofrophn \mbroseUo- (Zell.). Common on the sandhills. On moss. Bryofrophn- aijUnh (Haw.). Fre.shfield; two, 1951 (H .N .M .). Brynfropha mundella (Doug.). Formby; occasional (M .); Freshfield, three on sandhills, 1951 (H .N .M .). JiryotTopha senectella (Zell.). Common on sandhills. Bryofropha despirtelld (Doug.). Common on sandhills. Bryotropha politeUa (Staint.). Formby; four (M.). Bryoiropha t&-rella (Schiff.). Common. Gelechia diffinis (Haw.). Ainsdale; one. 1951, by K.C.G. Rumex acetosella L. Gelerhxa mvlinPUa Zell. Freshfield; larvae plentiful in flowers of Cytisxis scoparins (L.) Link, in May 1949 (H.N.M.). Gelechm betulae (H aw .) {ericeteV/i Hiibn.). Freshfield and Formby: common among CaUuna. Gelechia fumatella Doug. Freshfield; one on sandhills, 1951 (H .N .M .) teste J. D. Bradley. Gelechia distinctella. Zell. Formby; one in 1915 (M .). LotuJi carnicu- latvs L. Gelechia sororrvleUa- (Hiibn.). Larvae common on SaMx on sandhills. Phthnrimaea costella- (Westw.). Formby; one, 1950 (H. W. Wilson); do, in 195*2 (H .N .M .). .So/anum dtilcamara L, THE l/EPID01>TEHA OF FORilBV ;33 IPhthimmaea (Treits.)v The Ellis List, 1890, says ‘-abun dant on coast sandhills” ; possibly an error as the food is Tht/inus. •■il.” does not record the species from the Southport sandhills.] 1‘hfhornnaea avumlnatella (Sire.). Forniby (ih.) : Freshfield, bred from ('ardnus (H .N .M .). 1‘kfhorimnea junviellu (Doug.). Formby and Ainsdule sandhills (iJ ) Phthorm aea visvariella (Staiiit.), Hall Road and Crosby; bred from lychnis, 1951 (R. R. Snell). Phfhorimaeu mannoreu (Haw.). Abundant on .sandlulls. Verastium. ."^tomopteryx anfhylbdella (Hiibn.). Locally common on sandhills (M.). AnthylUs and I'rifolium. Stomojyferyx taeniolella (Zell.). Formby (iJ.). Lotvs and Trifoliam (Jimpsolethm Umerella (Zell.). Crosby-Ainsdale; common. Salix repens L. Amicampsis populella (Clerck). Hentifii] among Salic Anarsia spartielhi (Schrank.). Freshfield. a few on Cytisns scoporius (L .) Link. (M, and H .N .M .). Uypathna con-svriptella (Hiibn.). Formby Moss; common (M ) Birch Brachmia. rnfescens (Haw.). Freshfield; larvae in rolled leaves of grasses, 1954 (H .N .M .), COSMOPTERIGJDAE Blastodania heihrella (I)up.) (afra Meyr.). Common in old hawthorn liedges, Spulen-ia jiadcapMf (Haw-.). Common in old hawthorn hedges Mompha >ascU OECOPHORIDAE Esperia sulphurella (Fabr.). Plentiful. Dead wood Endrosis sarcitrella (Linn.).. Plentiful. Dry vegetable matter, old birds nests, etc. Borkhansema ftiscescen^ (Haw.). Common. Decaying vegetable mat ter, birds’ nests, etc. Borkhauseaia. pseudospretella (Staint.). A common pest in houses Ihurnea fagella (Schiff.). Common. Various trees and shrubs Pleurota bicostella (Clerck). Freshfield-Ainsdale; occasional on'heaths Erica-. Carcina qiiercana (Fabr.). Common in gardens (M .). Various trees. d i KAVEN ENTOMOEOGICAI. AND XATUR.U^ HISTORY SOCIETY Ksdcn’tia uUiseUu Staint. Koniiby, one iii 1955 (R. Pricliard). .Irif'm/sm vulgaris L. JJi’liressiiria upiella (Hubn.) {ntrvosa Haw.)- Crosby (M-). Freshtield, a few, 1951-55 (H .N .M .). Oenanthe crocata L. ])r.i)rrssa.ria hnudiuiia (I,inn.). Plentiful, lleradeuin. J)ei>ress(iria costasa Haw. Common. Cj/tisus and UU’x. J)('[>ressuria uin-beUana Huw. Formby; occasional (M .). lIU x. Dvpressaria lifurdhi- (Scbifi-). Formby (I I .); 1'reshficld, bred from (Jiiiitauri'a mgra L., 1955 (H.N.M.). J)('irr(’.ssaria assimiidla (Treits.). J’'oriiiby, Freslifield; larvae common between slioots and twigs of Cgtisus (M .). Jh-irn-ss ORNFODIDAE Orneodes hexudoctyla (Linn.). J'’ormby; occasional (M .). Lonicera. SESIIDAE Acgeria tipuliforinis (Clei’ck). Formby; two (M.). Black Currant. SCHRECKENSTEINIIDAE rancaUa lemcenhoehelta (Linn.). Formby sandhills; two, 1936 (JI.). Viola. GIA'PHIPTERIGIDAE .■Infhopliila fabriciuna (Linru)- Plentiful. Lrtica. Chorevfis myllerana (Fabr.). Formby Moss; fairly common (M.). Scutellaria. Choreutis punctosa (Haw.). Formby; two, circa 1916 (M.). Scutellaria. (tIyphipterix fuscovirideUa (Haw.). Plentiful. Luzula campestris (L.) DC. (Uyphipterix thrasonella (Scop.). Common. Juncus. Glyphipterix cramerella (Fabr.). Common where Dactylis glomerate L. grows. THK LEl'lDOl’TliltA OF FOKilHV I-:LA( M IS T ID A K Klavhi.-ita altiifronteUu (lliibii.)- C'oimnoii. iliiios leaves of Airu, D m - fifluH and llolcus. KUuhiaia afriniinrUa Staint. Ainsdale; 19.‘19 (-M.)- linctyluti. J'jliirhista iii'rph'xella Staint. Foriiiby Moss; bred from .4/ra cacspitona I.- (H.N.M.). Kliirhi.'ifa siilinifjrelhi Douglas. L-'orinby (M .). Jlmmiis. ICIar]tixta niijrelhi (Haw-.). Forniby (M .). Pou. lilachiata t>bsctire1la Staint. Common, llolcus. Klachista hkitomella (Staint). Kreslifield, two (M .). Curex. Elachisfa ceiu.selta (Hubn.). Formby, Freslifield; common (M.). Pluilaris, and other grasses, Elfichhta ru-fociiwri'.a (Haw.), I’ leiitil'ul. llolcus. Plachista argentella (Clerek). Plentiful, liromus. ihirfylus. Klachista subolbidclla Sciilaeg. Fonnby Moss, apparently overlooked by M., eoinmon in bireli plantations where Molinia and other broad leaved grasses grow (H .N .M .), Note:—The larvae of genus Klachista mine the leave.s of grasses, Carex and Kriophoniin. Many species are easily rearoil. VPONOMEUTIDAK Cedesfis farinatelhi (Zell.). Common in the pine woods. Sini.mmcrdainia heroldellu Hubn. Common among birch. Su-umiiicrdaiiiia lutarea (Haw.). Common among hawthorn (M.). Sirawmerdamia pyrella (Vill.). Common among hawthorn, 1 ponomeuta padella (Linn.). Larvae^ Common in webs on hawthorn. (lOLEUPHOlUDAK Coleophora utcyonipcnmdla (Koll.). Fonnby Moss area; a few on Ce'n- tuiuea nigra L. (H .N .M .). Cfdeophora iiigricdUt (Steph.). M. gives Fonnby once; have found lai val eases on hawthorn in several parts of Formby (H .N .M .). Coleophora vimiMtella Zell. ]>arvae plentiful on 8olix. Coleophora fuscedinella Zell. Plentiful on birch. Coleophora ulbidella H.-S. Formby (M.). G. pulliatella (Zinck.) re corded in the Report of the Lancs, and Clies. Fauna Committee, 194;M6, was incorrectly identified and is this species. Coleuphorii discordella Zell. Common on .sandhills. Lotus corniculatus L. Coleophora albicosta (Haw.). Common on Ulex (M.). Coleophora trochihlla (Dup.) (thermclla Tengst.). Ainsdale (M.). A few larvae on Carduiis at Freslifield (H .N .M .). Coleophora leucapennis (Haw.) (murinipemiella DupO. Crosby and Formby (M.). Luzula campesfris (L .). DC. Coleophora glaucicolella Wood. Formby and Aimsdale; conmion, det. F. N. Pierce (M.). Juiictis glaucus Sibth. Coleophora caespititiella Zell. Formby-Ainsdale; common. Juncus. N o te :— The lan-vae of Coleophora live in a case composed cither of a portion of a leaf or within the husk of a seed of their foodplant. The presence of tlie leaf-feeding species are indicated by a punc tured blotch mine in the leaf and the larva in its case cati bo found attached, usually on tlie underside. ;J6 HAVEN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY GRAC1LJ.A1UIDAE hithuc(i]hih hurrisellti (Liim .) {cramereUa l'’abr.)» Common on oak. Jjithtirolletis q\iP.n'ifo1iv,lla Zell. Common on oak. Jjithocutletis nijelUi (Inmi.) (alnifoliella Hiibn.). Common on alder. TAthocolletis scopariella Zell. Formby; 1939 (M.); Froshfield; two, 1953 (H.N.M.). Larva in bark of Cytlsus. JJfhocDlletis faginella Zell. C'rosby, probably anywhere where beech grows (M.). LtthoroUetis blancurdf.lla (Fabr.). Formby; on apple (M»). Lithocolletis quinqiiPfiutteJIa Staint. Common on sandhills on Salix repens I.. hithuvulletls viminetorum- Staint. Foirmby; local among osier (M.). Lithocolletis spinolelhi (Diip.). Apparently overlooked by M.; a few mines on Salix caprea L. near Formby iloss, 1957 (H.N.M.). JAthocolletis uiinifolielln (Hiibn.). Common among birch. Lithocolletis trifnscicllu (Haw.). Formbj'-Ainsdale; uncommon (M.). Lonirera. JAthocolletis tiistriqclla (Haw.). Formby; scarce on elm (H .N .M .). Lithocolletis slettinensis Nicelli. Froshfield; larvae fairly common in uijperside mines in leaves of alder, 1952 (H .N .M .). Lithocolletis Idemannella (l<'abr,). l''ormby; old record by C’. S. Gregson. Alder. Lithocolletis vimituella (Staint,). l''ormby-Ainsdale, locally common (51.). Siilix. other than Salix re/iens L. Lithocolletis gcniculf'.lla Rag. Frc‘shfield sandhills (H. Britten and H .N.5I.). Sycamore. Note:—Larvae of Lithocolletis with the exception of two species, live in blister mines, usually elongate, in leaves of deciduous trees, shrubs and plants. Caloptilia phasianipennella (Hiibn.). Formby; scarce (M .). Polygonum and Pumex acetosella L. Ornix guttea (Haw.). Formby; on apple (M.). Ornix anglicella Staint. Comtuon among hawthorn. Ornix hetulae Staint. Common among birch. (rracdktTiu syringella (Fabr.). Abundant. Lilac, Privet, and ash. (iracillarui trin-gipennella Zell. Formby; fairly common (M .). Larvae in blotch mine in leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. (iracillan'ia elongella (Linn.). Fairly common among alder. Gracillaria betulicola Heriiig. Formby; one bred from birch, September 1957 (H.N.M.). Gracillaria stigmatella (Fabr.). Larvae common on sandhills on Solix and white poplar. PLUTELLIDAE Ypsolophus vittellus (Linn.). Formby; common on elm (M.). Plutella porrectella (Linn.). Formby; scarce, on Hesperis rnatronaUs L. (M.). Plutella maculipennis (Curt.). Plentiful; a frequent migrant. Cruci- ferae. THE LEPIDOPTERA OF FORMBY 37 Argyresthia hrocl;eiilla (Hiibn.)- Common among bircli and alder. Argi/resthia goedarteUa (Linn.). Common among birch and alder. Argyresthia pygmue'eUn (Hiibn.). Common among Salix. Argifi-esthin coriiello (Fabr.), Formbv; sometimes common on apple (M-.). Argyresthia- retineUn Zell. Common among birch. Argyresthia ciirrella (Linn.) {nitidella Scliiff.). Common among haw- thorn. LYONETIIDAE Oposfega sataeiella (Treits.). Formby; uncommon (M .). In flower stems of Rvm cx acetnseUa L. Opostega crepusrulella Zell. Formby; two among Mentha, 1925 (M.). Leucopfera laburnella (Staint.). Common among Laburnam. Leucoptera sportifoUella (Hiibn.). Common among Cytisns at Fresh- field. Lyonetia clerhe.Ua (Linn.). Formby (M.). Tisrherin Jiiarginea- (Haw.). Formby (M .); larvae in blotch mine in loaves of liuhvs at Aiiisdale (H.N.M.). Jhiccvlatrix cristatella (Zell.). Formby; one by W. A. Tyerman in 1912. Achillea. TINAEIDAE Moiiopis rusticella (Clerck), Common. Dry refuse, birds’ nests, etc. ^fnnopi.s imeUa (Hiibn.). Crosby and Formby (M .). Animal refuse wool, etc. Tineola hisseUiella (Hum.). Common in houses. Tinaea claacella- Haw. Common. Decayed wood and fungi. Tinaea pelllonella (Linn.). Common in houses. Tinaea- gannmella- Treits. Formby (M.). Bred from birds’ nests. Tinaea semifulvella Haw. Common; bred from birds’ nests fM.). Ochsenheimeria hirdella (Curt.). Formby (iL). LAMPRONIIDAE FhyUoporia bistrigcUa (Haw.). Formby Moss; among birch (H.N.M.). IneuTvaria maseulella (F'abr.). Common. Hawthorn and other trees. Lampronia ruhiella (Bjerk.). Formby; common on raspberry. Txxmpronia morosa- Zell. Formby; one bred from shoots of wild rose (M.); Freslifield, a few, 1953 (H.N.M.)-. ADELIDAE Adela reamurella (Linn.) (vwidella Scop.). Common. Nematopogon panzeriella (Fabr.) (schwarziella Zell.). Common. 38 RAVEN ENTOMOROOICAT, AND N\TVRAI. HISTORY SOCIETY STIGMELLOIDEA STIGMELLIDAE Stigmeila aurella (Fabr.)- Freshfiekl; bred from Ruhus (H.N.M.)- Stiginelhi (u gentipedello (Zell.). Formby; 1918, by W. A. Tyennan. Birch. Trifurcula immundeUn (Zell.). Formby (M.). Cytisvs. X (,te:— The.se small moths, whose larvae mine in leaves, have been little worked and few records are available. More species are likelv to be found in the area. MTCEOPTEBIGOIDEA MICROPTERIGIDAE Micropte.rix arunceUn- (Scop.). Formby (M.). Possibly Jiivenvorts (Hepaticae), Mirropterix ralthella (Linn.). Formby (M.). Mosses (Hypmnn) and possibly Liverworts. HEPIALIDAE Jlepialus huvixdi (Linn.). Common. Hcpialvs fvsvonehuloxv.'i (Degeer). Common. Hepiahi^ lupidinns (Linn.). Common. Tfepialus hecfiix (Linn.) Formby; one at light in 1952 (G.M.T.).