NNU Trip to Low Countess Park – 15 June 2002

Volume 88 No. 1 ISSN 0049-5891 THE VASCULUM

The North Country Published by Quarterly the Northern of Natural History Naturalists’ Union

Dates for the Diary-Field Meetings 2003 1 Moth Records for Northumberland 2002 (vc 67 and 68) 3 Notes and Records 7 An Atlas of the Dragonflies of Northumberland and Durham-An Update 12 Observations on the stem galls of the Hawkweed Hieracium sabaudum L. 20 induced by Aulacidea hieracii (Bouché) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae): Local records and associated parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoideae) Some Further Records of Fungi with particular reference to Northumberland 27 Leucoscypha erminea (Bomm. & Rouss.) Boud. an uncommon discomycete 31 found near Blanchland

Editors: Dr P.J. Gates,([email protected]) Department of Biological Science, University Science Laboratories,South Road,Durham. Dr. M Birtle ([email protected]) 10, Avon Grove, Billingham Co. Durham, TS22 5BH

THE VASCULUM The Vasculum is a quarterly journal concerned with the Natural History of North-East England. Founded in 1915 as a privately-published concern, since 1942 it has been the published organ of the Northern Naturalists' Union. Any contribution on the Flora, Fauna and Geology of Northumberland and Durham will be considered for inclusion. Short notes as well as longer articles and simple records all fall within the scope of the journal. Space is also available for secretaries of local societies to record their transactions and announce future meetings.

For preferred style, and particularly for the method of citing references, will contributors please refer to previous issues. At least a four-figure grid reference should be supplied when referring to sites.

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

The Northern Naturalists' Union (NNU) was founded in 1924 to promote co-operation between natural history societies, and to collect and collate local records. Membership currently stands at around 200.

The NNU publishes The Vasculum, and several past publications included a series of Transactions published between 1931 and 1953 and three separately published supplements to The Vasculum: Sources of Information on the Natural History of County Durham (1972) and parts I and II of T.C. Dunn & J.D. Parrack's The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and Durham (1986 & 1992).

The NNU organises a series of field meetings each year, and arranges a speaker for an Annual Invited Lecture, hosted by one of the constituent societies in November. An Annual General Meeting of the NNU is held in March, and is addressed by a guest speaker.

The field meetings serve a dual purpose. First, the informal exchange of knowledge between members and their guests, and secondly the recording of the flora and fauna of the sites visited. Lists of the species seen during field meetings are published in The Vasculum. Subscriptions

Subscriptions are due on 1st January. Subscriptions are £7.00 for individuals, £9.00 for societies/libraries and should be sent to Northern Naturalists’ Union, C/o Office Administrator, Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 6PU

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 88, No 1 March 2003

Dates for the Diary

Dates and locations of field meetings for this year are-

Field Meeting 246 10th May 2pm. Norman's Riding Wood, Winlaton, near Blaydon on Tyne. Meet at NZ 164 618 at the poultry farm car park. Leader; Doug McCutcheon. Woodland birds insects and botany.

Field Meeting 247 14th June. 10 p.m Note night time meeting. Glow worms and moths at Thrislington quarry. Meet at NZ 308 328,Leaders Val Standen and John Hope. Moth trapping also on the night, courtesy of Nick Cook.

Field Meeting 248 12th July 2pm. Hetton Moor to Murton. Meet at NZ 360471 at the fishing lake. Circular route, round Little Eppleton Farm, the site is basically limestone with patches of acid. Interests will be botanical and entomological. Frog orchids are recorded here among other orchid species . Leader Dennis Hall.

Field Meeting 249 27th July.(Sunday).11a.m. Castle Eden Dene. Meet Oakershaw Lodge, Peterlee, NZ428393. With the British Plant Gall Society.

Field Meeting 250 23 August.2pm. Harehope Quarry, Frosterly, Weardale. Meet at NZ 035369 at the river bridge. Leader Tony Jackson. Habitats to be seen include limestone scree, caves, wetland and woodland.

The site is being developed as a sustainable fishery, nature reserve and educational centre. The Bollihope Burn flows through the site, caves, flora, fauna etc. Wind turbine and solar panels are already in place. We must park by the Durham Industrial Minerals sign at the eastern edge of Frosterley and walk about half a mile up the track to the quarry.

Field Meeting 251 13th September. 11am. Fungal foray at Minsteracres. Leader Alan Legg. With North East Fungi Study Group. Details to follow in later issue.

The North of England Pyralid Workshop

The North of England Pyralid Workshop will be held on Saturday 18th October 2003 1030-1530 at Edgehill College, Ormskirk, Lancashire. There will be the opportunity to identify, with the help of experts, any photos or specimens you have collected during the 2003 season or previously. An illustrated talk will be given by Tony Davis who runs the national Pyralid recording scheme and some set specimens and books on the group will be available for examination. Administrative arrangements are detailed in a booking form available on request to Steve Palmer at [email protected] or phone 01772 861570. A small charge may be levied on the day. Tea and coffee will be provided at no charge but food availability is limited on campus at the weekend, as the cafeteria is shut. Sandwiches are available from the college shop which is open all day on a Saturday, and Ormskirk has plenty of places to get hot food. Of course Graham Jones, the organiser, would be more than happy to personally guide people to the nearest pub for lunch if they so require! The event is limited to 40 people so early booking is recommended.

Moth Records for Northumberland 2002 (vc 67 and 68) Nicholas Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3LJ

A good season to report with three new County records, and a new recorder making himself known! As usual, the notable records are presented in chronological order:

April Early Grey Michael Greene took one at Corbridge on 5 April. Xylocampa areola Although there have been a few records from Durham since Dunn and Parrack (1986), this is the first record for Northumberland since 1983. In my experience, this moth is as likely to be sitting on a wall outside the moth trap as being found within!

Red Sword-grass Joyce Keating had one at Kirkwhelpington on 20 Xylena vestusta April.

May Marbled Coronet Roger Edwards recorded one at Belford on 4 May. Hadena confusa The first record for VC68 since 1983.

Glaucous Shears As usual, David Kipling at Keilder produced a Papestra biren specimen on 7 May, and Bill Monck had one at Ladycross on 29 May.

Grey Birch A new County record for VC67. Lance Moore and I Aethalura punctulata look one at light at Havannah Nature Reserve, Hazelrigg on 19 May.

Yellow-barred Brindle Taken at the same time as the Grey Birch above. The Acasis viretata only other recent records are from Allerwash, where Peter Tennant took it three times in 1989, 1990, and 1994.

June Grey Scalloped Bar Belford, 9 June. Dyscia fagaria

Small Yellow Wave Keith Dover beat an adult from alder at Low Countess Hydrelia flammeolaria Park on 15 June (National Moth Night 2002). This specimen has already been recorded in the Vasculum (87.2).

Gold Swift Low Countess Park, 16 June. Over 35 newly emerged Hepialus hecta males were found on grass stems along the disused North Tyne railway line.

Scorched Wing Low Countess Park, 17 June. Only the third locality Plagodis dolabraria for this moth in Northumberland and Durham (the others being Keilder and Allerwash).

Small Clouded Brindle Two at Low Countess Park, 17 June. The moths were Apamea unanimis in a Heath trap set in a wet area with Reed Grass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Scalloped Hook-tip Low Countess Park, 18 June. This is the third recent Falcaria lacertinaria record for Northumberland. Harry Eales has recorded two post-Dunn and Parrack records from Holystone Burn and Phoenix Wood on the Otterburn Ranges during 2000.

Cloaked Pug Low Countess Park, 18 June. Eupithecia abietaria

Figure of Eighty Low Countess Park, 19 June. This species is Tethea ocularis continuing to extend its range rapidly.

Northern Eggar Mature larvae were abundant at Cheviot and Keilder Lasiocampa quercus ssp.callunae Forest on 23 June. Lance Moore and I estimated the number at two per square metre of heather in the area adjacent to the forestry roads!

Beautiful Brocade Two in Joyce Keating’s trap at Kirkwhelpington on Lacanobia contigua 23 and 24 June. These are important records as previously this moth has only been recorded from Wooler in 1910. July Cream Wave Ingram Information Centre, 7 July. Scopula floslactata

Double Dart Shaun Hackett had four on 8 July at the Ingram Graphiphora augur Information Centre.

Large Wainscot Belford, 17 and 28 July, and 5 August. Rhizedra lutosa

Lilac Beauty Kirkwhelpington, 21 July. Apeira syringaries

Double-striped Pug Fenham-le-Moor, 22 July. A new county record for Gymnoscelis rufifasciata VC68. A ‘tourist’s trap’; who kindly sent his records to me!

Crescent Fenham-le-Moor, 22 July. Celaena leucostigma

Pinion-streaked Snout Fenham-le-Moor, 23 July. Previously recorded from Schrankia costaestrigalis this location on 5 August 1998 (Vasculum 85.4).

Dingy Shears Belford, 28 July. Roger Edwards reports that the Enargin ypsillon specimen had a clear greenish tinge.

Galium Carpet Whitley Bay, 30 July and four at Ladycross Quarry Epirrhoe galiata between 13 and 23 August.

Dwarf Cream Wave Rothbury, 30 July. Idaea fuscovenosa

Satin Beauty Belford, 31 July. This was confirmed at Rothamsted. Deileptenia ribeata It is the fifth time that Roger Edwards has taken this species (the others being 25/7/92, 26/8/92, 26/7/95 and 23/7/96).

August The Olive Havannah Nature Reserve, Hazelrigg on 8 August. Ipimorpha subtusa Least Yellow Underwing Havannah Nature Reserve, 8 July; and eight in Noctua interjecta Michael Greene’s trap in Corbridge between 12 and 29 August.

Dark Sword-grass Whitley Bay, 12 August. Agrotis ipsilon

Death’s-head Hawkmoth After a night’s moth trapping at Pow Hill, one flew Acherontia atropos into and settled on Keith Dover’s car headlights as he headed home near Edmondbyers on 12 August. Unfortunately, after the usual hard night’s work around the lamp, Keith was not quick enough to get the moth into his net and it escaped capture!

Heath Rustic Bill Monck took 79 between 14 August and 11 Xestia agathina September at Ladycross Quarry. This is a good number of adults, as Tom Dunn reported that moths are infrequent at light, with most records being of larvae. Shaun Hackett also had three at Tosson (NU 034001) on 14 August.

Pebble Hook-tip One in my suburban trap in Jesmond on 15 August. Drepana falcataria Normally found in birch woodland, although there are one or two silver birches in gardens nearby. Perhaps an example of the adjacent Metro line acting as a wildlife corridor?

Red Underwing Regular records of this moth in County Durham start Catocala nupta from August 1992, and Keith Dover now expects to take about ten a year in his trap at Chester-le-Street. It was, therefore, only a matter of time between it appeared in VC67! Keith Regan took one in his garden at Whitley Bay on 31 August. This is a new county record.

September Convolvulus Hawk-moth One in Keith Regan’s garden at Whitley Bay on 10 Agrius convolvuli September.

Vapourer Males are frequently seen in Jesmond, but on 14 Orgyia antiqua September I had one inside the trap. This is the first time I have taken it at light.

Flounced Chestnut Blanchland Moor, 14 September. Agrochola helvola

Svensson’s Copper Underwing Now common in gardens and woodlands, Keith Amphipyra berbera Dover and I took a moorland specimen on Blanchland Moor on 14 September.

November Juniper Carpet Joyce Keating had two at Kirkwhelpington on 3 and Thera juniperata 15 November. This is only the fourth and fifth record for Northumberland.

To the list of traps published in Vasculum 87.2, I can add: K Regan of Briar Avenue, Whitley Bay I would like to thank all those recorders who have sent me their records.

Notes and Records

Some late records from the Hesleden Dene meeting of 18.5.02, not already recorded in the Vasculum. All are from within the dene.

Flowering Plants Mercurialis perennis Dogs Mercury Allium ursinum Ramsons Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort Hyacinthoides non scriptus Bluebell Crateagus mongyna Hawthorn Corylus avellana Hazel Rubus eboracensis Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Silene dioica Red Campion Angelica sylvestris Angelica Circea lutetiana Enchanters Nightshade Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb Rumex conglomerates Clustered Dock Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb Sambucus nigra Elderberry Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Valeriana officinalis Valerian Gallium aparine Cleavers Primula veris Cowslip Ajuga repens Bugle Poterium sanguisorba Salad Burnet Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John’s-wort Plantago major Greater Plantain Gallium cruciata Crosswort Vicia craca Tufted Vetch Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Trifolium pratense Red Clover Potentilla repens Creeping Cinquefoil Plantago media Hoary Plantain Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Campanula latifolia Giant Bellflower Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Polygonum cuspidatum Japanese Knotweed Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam Tolmiea menzeisii Pick-a-back-plant Crepis paludosa Marsh Hawk’s-beard Geum rivale Water Avens Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Salix cinerea Grey Willow Moehringia trinervia Three-veined Sandwort Equistum arvense Common Horsetail Vicia sativa Common vetch Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella Northern Marsh Orchid Succisa pratensis Devil’s-bit Scabious Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite Leaved Golden-saxifrage Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone Primula vulgaris Primrose Vicia sepum Bush Vetch Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel Alchemilla xanthochlora a Ladies mantle Achillea millefolium Yarrow

Grasses and sedges Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass Festuca gigantean Giant fescue Festuca rubra Red fescue Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Bromus ramosus Wood brome Carex nigra Common sedge

Mosses and liverworts Eurynchium praelongum Eurynchium striatum Thuidium tamariscinum Plagiothecium undulatum Polystichum aculeatum Ctenidium molluscum Mnium hornum Cirryphylum piliferum Brachythecium velutinum Brachythecium populeum Plagiomnium rostratum Orthotrichum affine Conocephalum conicum

Ferns Asplenium scolopendrium Harts tongue fern Drypoteris filix-mas Male fern Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern

Fungi Daldina concentrica King Alfreds cake Polyporus squamosus Dryads saddle

Invertebrates Dasysyrphus fruilensis a hoverfly Rhingia campestris a hoverfly Arion ater a slug Aglais urticae Small tortoiseshell butterfly (larvae) Anthocaris cardamines Orange tip butterfly (eggs on garlic mustard) Eppirhoe alternata Common carpet Cylindroiulus sabulosum Striped millipede Pyrhosoma nymphula Large red damselfly Panorpa communis Scorpion fly Pyrochroa serraticornis Cardinal beetle

Vertebrates Sylvia atricapilla Black cap Phylloscopus collybita Chiff chaff Alauda arvensis Skylark Erithacus rubecula Robin Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Bufo bufo Common toad Talpa europa Mole Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH

Moth records from Malton, NZ179462, 2002.

1.4.02 Oak Beauty Biston strataria first record 19.6.02 Beautiful Carpet Mesoleuca first record albicillata 22.6.02 Poplar Kitten Furcula bifida first record 11.8.02 Broad Bordered Noctua fimbriata first record Yellow Underwing 17.8.02 Least Yellow Noctua interjecta first record Underwing caliginosa 17.8.02 Manchester Treble Bar Carsia sororiata first record anglica 17.8.02 Olive Ipimorpha subtusa only previous record 1992 8.9.02 Bullrush Wainscot Nonagria typhae imago from the Malton Reserve pond (NZ182458), first record.

Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH

Notes on the Lunar Hornet Clearwing (Sesia bembeciformis) For some years now I have been trying to confirm by catching the moth that the holes in the trunks of the sallows on Durham Wildlife Trust’s, Malton Reserve are the exit holes of the caterpillars of the Lunar Hornet Clearwing Moth (Sesia bembeciformis). Daily checks of a group of sallows with old exit holes were made during June 2002 and on the 23 of June a single chrysalis was found protruding from one of the sallow trunks. On the same day I sleeved all of the sallow trunks in the group. Checks were made throughout the rest of June and July but nothing more emerged from this group of sallows. A sallow was found by the reserve pond on the 7th of July with a further three chrysalises protruding from it. No moths were caught. Despite failure at Malton a single imago of the Lunar Hornet Clearwing was found on the trunk of a sallow at the western end of Derwent Reservoir on the 8th of July 2002. The exact location being in the triangle of land formed where the road to the Carricks picnic area leaves the B6306 Edmundbyers to Blanchland road at NY983511.

Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH

Strensall Common Dark Bordered Beauty Survey

The Dark Bordered Beauty is one of Britain’s rarest moths, being confined to just five known sites. Three sites are in Scotland, with Strensall Common, near York one of only two English sites.

This year Butterfly Conservation, in conjunction with Defence Estates and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, are conducting two surveys at Strensall Common:

Larval search 10.00am Wednesday, 25th June 2003 Meet at the car park, adjacent the cattle grid on the Strensall to Flaxton road, 1.5 miles east of the entrance to Queen Elizabeth’s Barracks SE 648612 The larvae are known to feed on Creeping Willow in damp/wet lightly wooded heathland. The purpose of this event is to locate the main breeding areas used at Strensall Common.

Adult search 9.30am Wednesday, 30th July 2003 Meet at the car park as above. The purpose of this event is to map the distribution of the moth, by searching known localities at Strensall Common, as well as several areas supporting potential habitat.

Defence Estates and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust are very keen to ensure the site is managed appropriately for the Dark Bordered Beauty, so these surveys are crucial to our understanding of the requirements of the moth. You do not have to be an expert to participate in these events! Butterfly Conservation will provide any necessary training.

For both events you are advised to bring strong footwear and preferably Wellington boots, as the site remains wet throughout much of the year. The majority of the site is owned by the MOD, and open access is only permitted on Wednesdays. The site is used for military training and access may be closed at short notice. Please contact Dr Sam Ellis 01388 488999 or sellis@butterfly- conservation.org to book a place on the event, leaving a contact telephone number or email address.

An Atlas of the Dragonflies of Northumberland and Durham. An update.

H.T. Eales. 11. Ennerdale Tce. Low Westwood, Durham. NE17 7PN. British Dragonfly Society County Recorder for Northumberland. [email protected]

Naturalists in Northumberland and Durham have, over the past century and a half produced numerous lists, catalogues, reports and more recently, atlases of local flora and fauna. The early (pre.1960) lists and reports occasionally gave localities where species could be found and it was left for those interested, to look up these locations on their own maps. Since the 1960’s recording has been more specific, and, following the lead given by The Biological Records Centre (BRC) now the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology and Hydrology. Recorders now include on their record cards, Ordnance Survey grid references, habitat types, altitude and other ecological data when making a record. This data enables accurate distribution maps to be produced and the additional observations supplied detailed information as to the ecological requirements of many species. This in turn gives nature reserve managers, wildlife trusts and other conservation agencies data on important sites and what habitat conservation measures may be required.

Locally the Dragonflies have been more or less ignored by entomologists until very recently, although the earliest known Northumberland records date from 1769 and those from Durham from 1826, the number of records in the pre.1960 period amount to little more than a mere handful. Potential recorders were handicapped by a paucity of good books on dragonfly identification, the only readily available reference book being Cynthia Longfield’s Dragonflies of the British Isles (1937). This situation started to change in the 1960’s and a virtual plethora of identification guides have appeared over the last forty years.

In Durham in the late seventies a small loose knit group of amateur recorders formed ‘The Durham Dragonfly Group’. These recorders did considerable work before the group’s gradual disintegration in the late 1980’s. In Northumberland during the same period John Durkin, Stuart Ball, Gordon Simpson, and I recorded individually, all of us passing our records on to the BRC or latterly, The British Dragonfly Society.

The lack of a comprehensive local Dragonfly Atlas was noted by Les Jessop, the Natural Sciences Officer at the Hancock Museum then working as a museum volunteer, which had published several local atlas’s during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. In an article in one of the last issues of Recording News No.15 (1990), he announced that he was compiling data with a view to publishing an Atlas entitled: The Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) of North-East England. I along with other recorders submitted our record data and these were entered into the museums ‘Recorder’ computer programme. As these records mounted up maps and text were produced and provisional

12 copies were circulated to interested persons for comment, whilst a publisher was sought.

Several problems then arose which meant that work on the Dragonfly Atlas was temporarily suspended. In 1998 I volunteered to take over the compilation and mapping of data and do further work, if required, on the text. It would appear from the forgoing that little additional work was needed, however, as more data came in several changes were deemed necessary.

Firstly, the ground area encompassed in the atlas originally covered Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland, the latter area being formed by political boundary changes in 1976, and which is now defunct. The records from that part of Cleveland which intruded into Yorkshire were relatively few and far between, and, as the majority of previously published local atlases and catalogues had used the Watsonian Vice-counties, Vc’s 66, 67 and 68 as the local area delimitation, I decided to follow this format in order that there was continuity and consistency in recording area.

A print out of the accumulated records from Recorder (some 2,200 in number) were re-entered onto a special Excel spreadsheet which enabled very rapid transfer of grid reference and record date grouping data onto Dr. Roger Morton’s ‘Dmap’ programme. The decision not to continue using the Recorder programme was made because I personally do not consider it a user friendly system, any computer programme which requires two bulging A4 binders to hold the User Manual is too time consuming and cumbersome to use, even with considerable practice. Admittedly, the Recorder programme has advantages in certain respects, but for the production of the distribution maps nothing is faster than Dmap. A brief analysis of these records is provided below.

Secondly, an increase in the numbers of very active dragonfly recorders, especially in Durham, during the late 1990’s has resulted in a plethora of new record data which brings the total number of local records to over 10,200 individual entries. This new record data necessitated a review of, and considerable modification to, the original species typescript as distribution patterns of some species had changed noticeably.

Thirdly, a critical review of the true status of three reported species needed to be carried out. The species involved here are: The Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo of which there is only one mapable record. The Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum, for which there are five records over a sixty-five year period, and finally a single record of the Vagrant Darter Sympetrum vulgatum. No known specimens exist to verify any of these records.

The 1985 record of the Beautiful Demoiselle was considered by me to possibly be an error in identification and the species is more likely to be the Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens which is known to occur in the same locality. The recorder has been contacted regarding this identification

13 and after discussion has agreed that this record was an unfortunate, but understandable error in identification.

The five records of The Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum pose more of a problem. Specimens of the Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum and Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella are both quite similar in general appearance and are themselves, subject to occasional variation in markings. It is quite possible that heavily marked specimens of the Azure Damselfly have been mistaken for the Variable Damselfly. I have searched three of the traceable localities without success for Variable Damselfly, although I did find both Common Blue and Azure Damselflies to be common on all of these sites. There are no known records of Variable Damselfly from adjoining counties, except on the coast of Cumbria, which casts further doubt on the accuracy of these records. Should however, any recorder find this species I would urge them to take a specimen for verification or obtain, if possible, a series of photographs taken from several different angles so as to show the diagnostic characteristics of the specimen. Collecting insects is frowned upon by many, but there are occasions when taking one specimen for identification is completely justifiable.

Five photographs of a supposed Vagrant Darter Sympetrum vulgatum, seen at Dorman’s Pool, Teesmouth, vc66, were shown on a WWW.page, during 2002. However, these pictures do not conclusively identify the specimen and I personally am of the opinion that the insect is a teneral Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum. The validity of this record is currently being considered by the British Dragonfly Society.

Additionally some individual records have to be queried as the date of the record is well outside the known flight period, e.g. a record of Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense in Durham City in September 1991 is doubtful as the date given is two months outside the usually accepted flight time.

The final change I have made is in the date grouping of records. The pre. 1900 record group is retained, the intermediate group 1900 – 1960 has been altered to 1900 – 1980, and the modern records are from 1980 onwards, the greater majority of records fall into this latter grouping.

Map 1. Shows all the known records, of all dragonfly species, from all three date groups. It is apparent from this map, that there are still areas that are under recorded. Records of even the commonest species are urgently needed from all over north Northumberland, Vc68, from south west Northumberland, Vc67, and from west Durham, Vc66. Recorders are asked to visit these areas as often possible during 2003. Further, if any recorders have data of any dragonfly species in their notebooks which has not reported by them to either Les Jessop or myself, would they please communicate them to me at the above address as soon as possible, so that they may be entered onto my computer record files for inclusion in the atlas. Records from any area within the three Vice-counties and from any date group would be very welcome. The minimum data required for a record would be: A species name, a locality name, a grid reference of at least four figures, a date and the recorders name.

I would urge recorders to explore new areas; it is apparent from the record data that many species are being recorded from the same sites year after year by several recorders. Whilst it is useful to have a continuity of species records from any given site, records from new unexplored sites have more value, in that they add to our current knowledge of distribution. The unexplored areas of our counties can be seen as blank areas on Map 1. The new Ordnance Survey ‘Outdoor Leisure’ and ‘Explorer’ maps of a 1:25 000 scale (2.5” to 1 mile) show far more small water bodies than the older ‘Landranger’ series which has a scale of 1: 50 000 scale (1.25” to 1 mile).

It is planned that the final text will be completed by the end of 2003; this permits a final year for records to be made in the under-recorded areas, and investigative enquiries to be made regarding suspect records. Distribution maps will continue to be updated until just prior to publication.

Map 2. Shows the current number of dragonfly species recorded from each 10km. or part 10km. square in both Northumberland and Durham. Only records within the Vc boundaries are shown.

All Dragonfly records from all date groups.

Map 1. All known records shown by tetrad. (2 x 2km. square).

Dragonfly species recorded per 10km.sq.

1 0 5

0 0 4 4 4

0 1 7 7 3 1 3

0 4 6 12 6 2

0 2 1 1 1 5 1

2 5 6 8 10 5 8 0

1 9 9 7 8 9 4 8 0 9

1 9 10 6 10 9 7 10 0 8

5 12 9 7 7 11 14 10 7

5 10 3 6 11 16 15 17 3 6

4 1 1 9 10 14 18 12 1 5

0 1 3 8 7 16 16 16 14 4

1 2 8 11 14 16 14 13 5 3

0 1 5 11 5 12 17 16 14 2

Map 2.

Analysis of known local Dragonfly records.

Yearof firstknown localrecord

No. of No.

withoutGrid a Ref.

No. of recordsNo.

Current statusCurrent

No. of No. Tetrad

TotalNo.of

1x1kmSq records

records records

Species.

Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella. Breeding 1846 791 239 191 0

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens. Breeding 1769? 157 74 58 2

Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo. Uncertain 1769? 3? 1? 1? 2

Black Darter Sympetrum danae. Breeding 1901 206 88 78 2

Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum. Vagrant 1984 8 5 5 0

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans. Breeding 1901 1611 386 291 2

Broad - bodied Chaser Libellula depressa. Vagrant 1833 11 7 7 2

Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis. Breeding 1827 226 41 36 1

Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum. Breeding 1930 1239 387 287 0

Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum. Breeding 1826 1630 336 251 1

Common Hawker Dragonfly Aeshna juncea. Breeding 1913 1033 495 338 2

Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa. Breeding 1919 1041 292 225 0

Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator. Breeding 1980 73 24 22 0

Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata. Breeding 1826 96 46 43 0

Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii. Breeding 1769? 163 121 99 4

Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense. Vagrant 1919 3 3 3 0

Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens. Vagrant 1982 1 1 1 0

Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula. Breeding 1916 709 364 276 0

Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Anax parthenope. Migrant 2000 11 2 2 0

Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta. Breeding 1994 202 36 32 1

Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombei. Migrant 1998 11 5 5 0

Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum. Breeding 1901 414 99 79 0

Southern Hawker Dragonfly Aeshna cyanea. Breeding 1901 586 172 140 1

Vagrant Darter Sympetrum vulgatum. Uncertain 2001? 1? 1? 1? 0

Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum. Uncertain 1932? 5? 5? 5? 0

Yellow winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum. Migrant 1937 7 5 5 0

Totals. 26 species n/a 10,238 3,235 2,481 20

Breeding= Known to be local breeding resident species in Vc’s 66, 67 or 68. Migrant.= Occasional visitors from abroad which may attempt to breed but which have not established themselves as permanent British resident species. Vagrant.= Species which are resident breeding species elsewhere in Britain but are considered strays from breeding colonies outside the local area or which may possibly have migrated here from abroad. Uncertain or ?= Positive identification currently in doubt or unproven locally.

For those interested in taking up dragonfly recording there are several very good identification guides available at a reasonable price, two of the best are:

The Dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland. By C.O.Hammond. Revised by R. Merrritt. (2nd Edition). 1985. Harley Books. Available in hardback or paperback. I.S.B.N. 0 946589 00 3 and 0 946589 14 3 respectively.

Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland. By Steve Brooks. 1997. British Wildlife Publishing. I.S.B.N. 0 9531399 0 5.

Both these books give excellent illustrations and indicate the diagnostic features of British Dragonflies. The distribution maps in both volumes are out of date, as considerable changes in dragonfly distribution have taken place since their publication, but this does not detract from the value of either book for identification purposes.

Most bookshops these days do not carry such specialist books as stock, but would be able to obtain them to order. Second hand copies however, may be available on the Internet. By far the best site for such books is: WWW.abebooks.com This website gives access to over 10,000 bookshops worldwide and searches for any title can easily be carried out. Purchases can be made online or by contacting the vendor by telephone.

Observations on the stem galls of the Hawkweed Hieracium sabaudum L. induced by Aulacidea hieracii (Bouché) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae): Local records and associated parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoideae) Hewett A. Ellis, 16, Southlands, Tynemouth, NE30 2QS

Introduction Galling of the stems of Hawkweeds by the cynipid Aulacidea hieracii (Bouché, 1834) has been known in Britain for many years (Connold, 1901; Swanton,1912; Darlington,1975; Redfern,Shirley & Bloxham, 2002), Several different species of Hawkweed may be affected (Spooner & Bowdrey,2000). In North-east England the galls were recorded by Bagnall (1916), who considered them to be widely distributed in County Durham (VC66) and common in Birtley and the Wear Valley. Bagnall also referred to a record for Chopwell and a personal record for Wylam. The last location is within South Northumberland (VC67). In more recent years the galls appear to have been overlooked or largely gone unreported in the region. I know of only two recent published records for North-east England and both are within County Durham, One of these is for Hamsterley Forest in August 1985, listed in The Vasculum a decade later (Simpson, 1995); the other relates to two A.hieracii galls which I found on 31st August 2002 during a N.N.U. Field Meeting to Shincliffe near Durham and listed in The Vasculum (Robbins,2002).

During 2002, whilst searching for further examples of galls on the stems of Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata L. induced by the cynipid Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer) (Ellis,2000b.), I found several A. hieracii galls on Hawkweed stems along the course of a dismantled railway between Middle Engine Lane North Shields and Shiremoor, in South Northumberland(VC67). Subsequently I made a deliberate search of hawkweeds for the presence of any galls during field trips, mostly within south-east Northumberland, and found several additional locations. All the galls were on the stems of Hieracium sabaudum L. [= Hieracium perpropinquum (Zahn) Druce], determined using the keys of Clapham,Tutin & Moore (1987).

The gross appearance of the stem galls is sufficiently characteristic to permit identification in the field. However, as this was my first experience of the galls, samples were collected and reared and the identity of the cynipid A. hieracii confirmed. In addition to the gall-inducing cynipid A. hieracii, several species of chalcid parasitoids were obtained. The purpose of the present paper is twofold:  to document personal records of A. hieracii galls found on the stems of H. sabaudum,  and to give an account of the inhabitants reared from galls collected at one of the locations.

Personal records of A. hieracii galls During 2002 I found 63 galls (53 first and 10 second, calendar year galls) at several different locations within 9 tetrads (8 in VC67 and 1 in VC66), as follows:

North Tyneside (VC67) 1. Course of dismantled railway from south of Middle Engine Lane North Shields, to north of New York Road bridge near Shiremoor NZ 323 693 to NZ 315 706. The host Hawkweed is scattered along this route, usually in groups at intervals. Found 5 brown dried second calendar year galls north of New York Road bridge 8.v.2002. These collected and the inhabitants reared Subsequently ( 2.vi.2002, 8.vii.2002, 20.vii.2002, 20.ix.2002 & 24.ix.2002) found a further 4 second year galls and 18 first year galls (green and pubescent) [total number of galls= 27]. 2. On old pit heap, site of former Duke and Duchess Colliery, Earsdon Square near Earsdon NZ 309 721. Single first year gall 26.vii.2002. 3. Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend (i) Reclaimed pit waste, foot of The Hill, edge of small plantation NZ 298 685. Single first year gall and one old gall with exit holes. 6.viii.2002. (ii) Side of old wagonway NZ 304 689. Six plants each with a first year gall. 4.ix.2002. (iii) Hedgerow and ditchsides near The Hill NZ 298 687.Several groups of host plants and 7 with galls (one stem with 2 galls). 18.ix.2002. [Total number of galls= 16] 4. Tynemouth Tyne estuary bank west of Knott's Flats near A.N.D. Works NZ 364 687. One plant with 2 galled stems (first year). 13.viii.2002.

County Durham (VC66) Shincliffe near Durham, bankside near footbridge across River Wear NZ 287 418. Two plants each with a single galled stem (first year galls). 31.viii.2002.

Valley of River Wansbeck (VC67) Wansbeck Riverside Park near Ashington NZ 286 857. A few plants growing in river bank opposite Castle Island. Only one with a single first year gall on each of two stems. 11.ix.2002.

Valley of River Blyth (VC67) Dunes and adjacent grassland near sea, Cambois to North Blyth NZ 306 839 to NZ 311 829. Host plant widespread but in small numbers. Found 13 plants each with a single galled stem; one beginning to turn brown but all were first calendar year galls. 27.ix.2002..

Gall inhabitants reared Five intact second calendar year galls were collected on 8th May 2002 from the dismantled railway site immediately north of New York Road bridge near Shiremoor (NZ 315 706). Each gall was kept separately in a plastic container in an unheated room and examined daily for any emerging insects. The cynipid gall-inducer A. hieracii was identified using the Royal Entomological Society Handbook for the Identification of Cynipoidea (Eady & Quinlan, 1963) and subsequently confirmed by Dr R.R.Askew, who also determined the chalcid parasitoids which emerged.

Gall-inducer A. hieracii

A. hieracii began to emerge on 20th May 2002. In all 8 were obtained (2 male & 6 female) including one female found trapped partially emerged in the wall of a gall. The last cynipid emerged on 26th May 2002.

Parasitoids A total of 62 parasitoids were reared, belonging to three families and four genera of the Chalcidoidea. These were : Eurytomidae Eurytoma cynipsea Boheman, 1836 Sycophila subrnutica (Thomson, 1875) Torymidae Torymus chloromerus (Walker, 1833) Pteromalidae Pteromalus hieracii (Thomson, 1878)

E. cynipsea Twenty-four (10 male & 14 female) accounting for 38.7% of the parasitoids were obtained from 4 of the 5 galls between 26th May and 15th June 2002.

S. submutica Twenty-nine (4 male & 25 female), 46.8% of parasitoids, were obtained from 4 galls between 1st and 11th June 2002.

T. chloromerus Eight (6 male & 2 female), 12.9% of parasitoids, were reared from only 2 galls between 16th and 24th May 2002.

P. hieracii This was the least frequent parasitoid (1.6%) with only 1 of the 5 galls giving rise to a solitary female on 20th May 2002.

In general, male individuals of E. cynipsea, S. submutica and T. chloromerus showed a tendency to emerge earlier than the female, although there were individual exceptions in each species. The data for each of the 5 galls are summarised in the Table

Discussion In view of the paucity of records for A. hieracii galls in Northumberland I was surprised that my searches revealed the characteristic galls at so many different locations. The Hawkweed H. sabaudum is scattered throughout South Northumberland (VC67) and very localised in North Northumberland (VC68) (Swan, 1993). In VC67 I have found the species growing at the foot of hedgerows, edges of woods and small groups of trees, in an overgrown cemetery, along the sides of dismantled railways, on river banks, on dunes and on various wastelands including the sites of former collieries. The galls are not found at all locations where the Hawkweed occurs and, at any given site usually only a few of the plants present are affected. Apart from the single occasion at Shincliffe mentioned above, I have not sought the galls in County Durham (VC66) although the host plant H. sabaudum is said to be frequent in that county (Graham,1988).

The galls are readily recognised and although they may be located at any point along the stem, they appear to be commoner towards the upper part.

Occasionally more than one gall is present but typically there is only one per stem. The galls are characteristically asymmetric on the stem, ovoid, rounded or pyriform and covered in grey-white hairs. Mature specimens measure from about 14mm X 8mm to 25mm X 15mm, but occasional smaller or larger galls up to 65mm X 20mm are encountered. The Hawkweed stem may be angulated at the site of the gall or there may be an apparent excess of leaves arising from its surface as though normal stem lengthening has been inhibited at this point. Commonly galls on the upper part of the stem occur where several flower stalks originate.

The fresh galls are first recognisable at the beginning of June as a localised thickening of the stem covered by fine grey-white hairs. Initially green there may later be a slight pink flush. The galls enlarge and mature by the end of August. By late September they are beginning to dry out and become brown, the pubescence is gradually lost and the hard brown dry galls persist on the stems overwinter. If opened the galls can be seen to be plurilocular with up to 20 or more cells per gall. I found the best times to look for the galls were in late summer when the yellow flowers attract attention to the presence of hawkweeds, and during the winter and following spring, when the surrounding vegetation has died down and the upright galled stems become relatively conspicuous.

I am unaware of any previous published works concerning the various species of chalcid parasitoids associated with A. hieracii galls in Northumberland. However, there are such records for all four species found in the present study from the galls elsewhere in Britain and Europe. The three species E. cynipsea, S. submutica and P. hieracii, are specialised in that they are known only as parasitoids of cynipids which induce galls on herbaceous plants, especially Compositae (Asteraceae). In contrast, T. chloromerus is a polyphagous species of ectoparasitoid which attacks Diptera (Cecidomyiidae, gall-midges and Tephritidae, gall-flies) as well as cynipids (Graham & Gijswijt, 1998).

Thus E. cynipsea, in addition to its association with A. hieracii, is known to attack the cynipid Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer, 1887) in the stems of Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata L. (Mayr, 1878; Connold,1901). In Northumberland I have reared E. cynipsea previously from P. hypochoeridis galls of Cat’s-ear collected from three widely separated locations (Ellis,2002a.& 2002b.). Interestingly, one of these sites was along the course of the same dismantled railway near the present location of A. hieracii galls which proved to have been attacked by E. cynipsea. It seems that the local E. cynipsea population has a choice of two cynipid hosts.

S. submutica has been reared from A. hieracii galls of various hawkweeds stems in several English counties- Buckinghamshire, Lancashire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire and Surrey (Claridge,1959; Askew, 1962). S. submutica has also been reared from a P. hypochoeridis gall of Cat's-ear stem collected in Lancashire (Askew, 1962) and from a third species of cynipid, Isocolus rogenhoferi Wachtl, 1880, galling the bracts and achenes of Centaurea scabiosa L. Greater Knapweed in Berkshire and Oxfordshire (Claridge, 1959).

P. hieracii (as Habrocytus hieracii, Thomson), has been recorded previously from A. hieracii galls from Shotover Hill near Oxford in 1960 and from Ainsdale and Freshfield , Lancashire in 1962 (Askew, 1970). It has been recorded also from another cynipid Aulacidea tragopogonis (Thomson,1877) galling Tragopogonis pratensis L. Goat's Beard. This last host is of special interest here since the galls were found by Dr Askew in Northumberland in 1960-61; a few at Cornhill-on-Tweed (VC68) and one at Tynemouth (VC67 (Askew, 1970 & pers. comm.,2000). P. hieracii has also been reported from an A. tragopogonis gall in Spain (Nieves-Aldrey & Martin- Chicot, 1986).

T. chloromerus has been a well recognised parasitoid of A. hieracii in Britain for many years (Connold, 1901) as well as in Europe (Nieves-Aldrey & Martin-Chicot,1986; Graham & Gijswijt,1998). In the present case the parasitoid attacked A. hieracii causing galls in the stems of the Hawkweed H. sabaudum, whereas the T. chloromerus parasitoids recorded by Nieves-Aldrey and Martin-Chicot from Spain had been derived from A. hieracii galls on a different species of Hawkweed, Hieracium vulgatum Fries. Elsewhere in Britain the polyphagy of T. chloromerus extends to the gall-flies (Tephritidae), for example, Urophora jacaena and Urophora stylata which gall the flower heads of knapweed Centaurea nigra L. and Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten., respectively (Redfern & Askew, 1992).

In future it would be of interest to extend the present observations to include rearing records from A. hieracii galls collected at other locations in our region. Doubtless further parasitoid species will be found. In addition, parallel rearings of Hawkweed A. hieracii and Cat’s-ear P. hypochoeridis galls, where both occur at the same location, would be worthwhile to determine which of the parasitoid species are peculiar to each type of gall and which attack both galls.

References Askew, R. R. 1962. Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera) in the Manchester Museum (Part 1). The Entomologist 95:97-99. Askew, R. R. 1970. Observations on the hosts and host food plants of some Pteromalidae (Hym.,Chalcidoidea). Entomophaga 15(4): 379-385. Bagnall, R. S. 1916. Talks about plant-galls III. Gall-wasps other than those affecting oaks. The Vasculum 2(1):9-12. Clapham,A.R., Tutin,T.G. & Moore,D.M. 1987. Flora of the British Isles. Third edition.Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Claridge, M. F. 1959. A contribution to the biology and taxonomy of the British species of the genus Eudecatoma Ashmead (=Decatoma auctt. nec Spinola) (Hym.,Eurytomidae). Transactions of the Society for British Entomology 13(9):149- 168. Connold, E. T. 1901. British Vegetable Galls. An Introduction to Their Study. Hutchinson & Co.,London. Darlington, A. 1975. The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Plant Galls. Revised edition. Blandford Press, Poole. Eady, R. D. & Quinlan, J. 1963. Handbooks for the Identification of

British Insects. Vol.VIII Part1 (a) Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea. Royal Entomological Society, London. Ellis, H.A. 2002a. Parasitoids (Hymenoptera:Chalcidoidea) of Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer) (Hymenoptera:Cynipoidea) galls of Cat’s-ear (Hypochoeris radicata L.) in North East England. Cecidology 17(1):2-9. Ellis, H. A. 2002b. Further records of Cat s-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. galled by Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer) (Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) and notes on the associated parasitoids (Hymenoptera:Chalcidoidea). The Vasculum 87(4):3-6. Graham, G. G. 1988. The Flora & Vegetation of County Durham. The Durham Flora Committee and The Durham County Conservation Trust. Graham, M. W. R.de Vere & Gijswijt, M. J. 1998. Revision of the European species of Torymus Dalman (Hymenoptera:Torymidae). Zoologische Verhandelingen 317:3-202. Mayr, G. 1878. Arten der Chalcidier-Gattung Eurytoma durch Zucht erhalten. Verhandlungen der zoologisch-botanischen Gesellschaft Wien 28:297-334. Nieves-Aldrey, J. L. & Martin-Chicote. l. 1986. Nuevas citas de calcididos parásitos de insectos en España (Hym.Chalcidoidea). Boletin de la Asociaziona de España Entomologica 10:209-213. Redfern, M. & Askew, R. R. 1992. Plant Galls. Naturalists' Handbooks 17. Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd., Slough. Redfern, M., Shirley, P. & Bloxham, M. 2002. British Plant Galls. Identification of galls on plants and fungi. F.S.C. Publications, Shrewsbury. Robbins, S. 2002. Report of N.N.U. Field Meeting 244, Shincliffe near Durham. The Vasculum 87(3): 10-13. Simpson, G. 1995. Insect Records-Hymenoptera. The Vasculum 80(1):12. Spooner, B. M. & Bowdrey, J. P. 2000. Checklist of British galls and gall-causing organisms. 4.Hymenoptera, Part 1 Cynipinae: Preliminary List. Cecidology 15(1):41-74. Swan, G. A. 1993. Flora of Northumberland. The Natural History Society of Northumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne. Swanton, E. W. 1912. British Plant-Galls. A Classified Textbook of Cecidology. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London.

Acknowledgement I wish to thank Dr R. R. Askew for his continued help and encouragement, and for the insect determinations.

Gall Cynipid Chalcid Parasitoids A. hieracii E.cynipsea S. submutica T. chloromerus P.hieracii 1 1(F)dead 3 (1M,2F) 2(F) 4(M) - 4.10.&15.vi.02 4&6.vi.02 16-18.v.02 2 - 9 (2M,7F) - 4 (2M,2F) - 1-10. vi .02 17-24 .v. 02 3 - 3 (2M,1F) 1(F) - 1(F) 26-30 .v. 02 1.vi.02 20.v.02 4 4 (2M,2F) 9 (5M,4F)* 19 (2M,17F) - - 20-2 2 .v.02 7-12.vi.02 2-11.vi.02 5 3 (F) - 7 (2M,5F) - - 20-26.v.02 2-10.vi.02 Total 8 (2M.6F) 24 (10M,14F) 29 (4M,25F) 8 (6M,2F) 1 (F)

TABLE- Sex, number and dates of emergence of A. hieracii and various chalcid parasitoids obtained from five stem galls of H. sabaudum. * includes one female cut from gall.

Some Further Records of Fungi with particular reference to Northumberland Hewett A. Ellis and Christine C. Ellis, 16, Southlands, Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 2QS

Introduction In comparison with other counties in Britain little is known of the fungi in Northumberland and there are few published records. The situation in County Durham is much better, largely due to the efforts of John Durkin and particularly of Alan Legg who has recorded many species in that county and documented them in a series of articles published in The Vasculum since 1990. We have previously reported individual or small numbers of rare and/or interesting fungi which we have encountered in Northumberland (The Vasculum: (A). 1994, 78(4):71-72; (B). 1995, 80(1):4- 5; (C). 1997, 81(4):70; (D). 1998, 83(4):82-84; (E). 1999, 84(1):10-11; (F). 1999, 84(4):8-14; (G). 1999, 84(4):16-25; (H).2000, 85(1):36-44). The present supplementary list provides a record of further locations for six of these species (indicated by an asterisk and Reference letter), together with records of thirty-four additional species. Most of the records relate to Northumberland VC67 and only a few to County Durham VC66.

ASCOMYCOTINA

Aleuria aurantia (Pers.:Fr.) Fuckel Several large clusters in grass, garden Hartington Road, Cullercoats VC67; NZ 353 703. 14.xi.2002. Helvella lacunosa Afz.:Fr. (*Ref.H). Additional location: six specimens, Brierdene, Whitley Bay VC67 ; NZ 343 738. 25.viii.2002. Helvella leucomelaena (Pers.:Fr.) Nannf. Cluster of cups amongst moss in stony forest track. Winnows Hill Plantation, Slaley Forest VC67; NY 977 541. 12.v.2002. Rare in North-east England (See NEFSG Newsletter 2002, No.25 page 8). Hymenoscyphus fructigenus (Bull. :Fr.) Gray Frequent on acorns in leaf litter beneath Quercus robur L., Gosforth Park Reserve, Newcastle-upon-Tyne VC67; NZ 257 703. 28.ix.2000. Leucoscypha erminea (Bomm. & Rouss.) Boud. Several tiny white cups on Birch debris found on ground (H.A.E.) on joint NNU & NEFSG foray, Baybridge to Blanchland, in mixed woodland immediately south of border between VC's 66 & 67; NZ 963 499. 14.ix.2002. Subsequently determined by Alan Legg; apparently previously unknown in North-east England (See A.Legg NEFSG Newsletter 2002, No.27 page 4 and The Vasculum 2002, 87(3):14). Melastiza chateri (W.G.Smith) Boud. [now known as M. cornubiensis (Berk. & Br.) J. Moravec]. Numerous in compressed sandy soil, Hartley Links near Meggies Burn South Blyth VC67; NZ 321 788. 17.x.2001. Otidea cantharella (A. & S.:Fr.) Sacc. (*Ref.E) Additional location: Three groups of cups in soil beneath beech tree Fagus, Preston Cemetery, North Shields VC67; NZ 347 693. 20.ix.2000. This is only second record for VC67. Otidea onotica (Pers.:Fr.) Fuckel, Found (C.C.E.) in mixed woods south shore of Derwent Reservoir VC66; NY 98 51. 16.ix.2000. Determined A. Legg (See NEFSG Newsletter 2000,No.19 page 4).

Peziza ammophila Dur. & Mont. Several in sand dunes amongst Marram grass Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link., Druridge Bay north of Chevington Burn VC67; NZ 273 981. 27.viii.2001. Sclerotinia (= Dumontia) tuberosa (Hedw.:Fr.) Fuckel (*Ref. H) Additional location: several as parasite on Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa L., riverside, Hartford Hall Wood, near Hartford Bridge VC67; NZ 257 797. 21.iv.2001.

BASIDIOMYCOTINA

Cantharelles Clavaria fumosa Fr. Several groups in grass, clifftop. Hartley Bay Old Hartley VC67; NZ 343 760. 2.x.2000. Clavulina rugosa (Fr.) Schroet. Numerous on ground beneath beech Fagus, Preston Cemetery North Shields VC67; NZ 347 692. 8.xii.2002. Clavulinopsis helvola Fr. Two locations: (i) in lawn Marden Estate Cullercoats VC67; NZ 353 703. 5.xi.l999; (ii) several groups in field, clifftop south end of Collywell Bay near Old Hartley VC67; NZ 342 762. 23.x.2001.

Poriales (non-lamellate) Oxyporus populinus (Schum.: Fr.) Donk (*Ref. H) Small brackets on deciduous branch, Plessey Woods, riverside, Stannington Vale VC67; NZ 22 78. 8.i.2000 & 11.iii. 2000. Physisporinus sanguinolentus (A. & S.:Fr.) Pil. Encrusting dead deciduous branches and bruising red, Thornley Woods,VC66, NZ 17 60. 22.ix.2001. Generally regarded as common in Britain but this species has only been recorded once previously in VC66 in 1911 in Raby Park, Staindrop (See NEFSG Newsletter 2001,No.23 page 5). Presumably it is frequently overlooked.

Hymenochaetales Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Dicks. :Fr.) Lév. Numerous overlapping brackets on dead felled beech Fagus, Holywell Dene, Holywell VC67; NZ 328 747. 8.i.2002.

Stearales Byssomerulius corium (Fr.) Parm. On dead deciduous branch in mixed woodland,Holywell Dene near Holywell VC67; NZ 333 749. 10. iii .2000. Peniophora incarnata (Fr.) Karst. Common on undersides of gorse Ulex europaeus L. branches, Holywell Dene near Old Hartley VC67; NZ 337 756. 16.i.2000 & 14.i.2003.

Thelophorales Thelophora palmata (Scop.) Fr. Two locations: (i) on ground pathside (H.A.E.) during NEFSG foray Derwent Reservoir Reserve VC66; NY 98 51. 16.ix.2000; (ii) on ground in woodland, pathside near River Blyth, Humford, Bedlington VC67; NZ 265 799. 4.x.2000.

Agaricales Arrhenia acerosa (Fr.) Kühn. Several on wet wood chips in riverside deciduous woodland, Plessey Woods, Hartford Bridge VC67; NZ 239 794. 23.ix.2002. Arrhenia retiruga syn. Leptoglossum retirugum , Dictyolus retirugus (Bull.) Quél. On moss in garden lawn, Marden Estate, Cullercoats VC67; NZ 355 705. 19.xi.2002. Clitocybe houghtonii (Phill.) Dennis Small group at base of Sycamore tree Acer pseudoplatanus L., Kepier Woods VC66; NZ 293 439. 14.x.2000. Rare, confirmed Dr P. Roberts (Kew); all previous specimens at Kew from southern England. Present collection retained at Kew, Accession No. K(M) 82540. Probably first record for North-east England. Entoloma icterinum (Fr.) Moser Several beneath pine Pinus in small plantation. Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend VC67; NZ 299 694. 25.x.2000. Hebeloma pusillum Lange Several beneath Willow Salix in wet area beside trackway Druridge Bay Country Park VC67; NU 274 002. 30.ix.2002. Confirmed Dr P. Roberts (Kew); only one previous collection from Northumberland at Kew. Present collection retained at Kew, Accession No. K(M) 104735. Hygrophorus agathosmos (Fr.:Fr.) Fr. (* Ref. H) Additional location: Beneath pines Pinus in small plantation near wagonway. Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend VC67; NZ 298 694. 3.xii.2002. Lactarius circellatus Fr. Group beneath Hornbeam Carpinus betulus L. in mixed woodland besides River Blyth, Plessey Woods immediately west of rail viaduct VC67; NZ 221 787. 10.viii.2001. Uncommon in North-east (See NEFSG Newsletter 2002, No.24 page 7). Macrocystidia cucumis (Pers.:Fr.) Joss. Several on ground amongst plant debris, pathside Holywell Dene near Seaton Sluice VC67; NZ 337 758. 30.xi.2000 & 9.xii.2002. Mycena acicula (Schaeff.:Fr.) Kummer Several amongst moss, Plessey Woods near Hartford Bridge VC67; NZ 239 794. 23.ix.2002. Omphalina ericetorum (Fr.:Fr.) J Lange Common amongst moss on peaty soil, edge of Primrose Wood near Rothbury VC67; NU 058 039. 3.x.2002. Oudiemansiella mucida (Schrad.:Fr.) Höhn. Four locations: (i) several groups on standing Beech Fagus, Primrose Wood Debden near Rothbury VC67; NU 057 034. 22.xi.1994; (ii) several on felled Beech in woodland. Holystone near Rothbury VC67; NT 955 026. 20.ix.1995 & 21.ix.1998; (iii) small group at base of standing Beech tree, riverside Warkworth VC67; NU 240 058. 3.x.1998; (iv) several groups on fallen Beech trunk near Crow Hall Farm, Holywell Dene, Holywell VC67; NZ 325 748. 24.x.2002. Panellus mitis (Pers.:Fr.) Sing. Several on surface of rotting felled conifer in small plantation, Druridge Bay Country Park VC67; NU 274 003. 28.xii.2002. Phaeomarasmius erinaceous (Fr.) Kühn. Two on branch of dead Willow Salix, wet area beside lake Gosforth Park Reserve, Newcastle-upon-Tyne VC67; NZ 254 704. 28.ix.2000. Confirmed Dr P.Roberts (Kew). Apparently there is one previous collection from Northumberland at Kew. Present collection retained at Kew. Note: A. Dickson subsequently found a further Northumberland

specimen 20.vii.2002 on an NEFSG foray to Ministeracres VC67, NZ 02 55 but there are still no County Durham VC66 records (See NEFSG Newsletter 2002, No.26 page 8). Pluteus thomsonii (Berk. & Br.) Dennis On rotting Elm Ulmus log near river, Kepier Woods north-east of Durham VC66; NZ 292 439. 14.x.2000. Determined A.Legg. A new record for VC66 (See NEFSG Newsletter 2000,No.19, page 5). Psathyrella ammophila (Dur. & Lév.) P Orton We first noted this species on the sand dunes amongst Marram Grass Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link at Druridge Bay VC67 in 1992. Since then we have recorded it on the dunes near Birling Carrs at Warkworth VC68; NU 252 078. 10.x.1994 and on a NEFSG foray to Coatham Dunes, North-east Yorkshire VC62; 11.ix.1998. Latest record- dunes at Druridge Bay north of Chevington Burn VC67; NZ 273 981. 27.viii.2001. Resupinatus trichotis (Pers.) Sing. Several on decorticate deciduous tree trunk overlying stream, Holywell Dene near Seaton Sluice VC67; NZ 333 762. 17.x.2000. Confirmed Dr P. Roberts (Kew). This species is now regarded as "hairy" variant of Resupinatus applicatus (Batsch.Fr.) S F Gray. Strobilura tenacellus (Pers. :Fr.) Sing. (*Ref.H). Two additional locations: (i) several on ground beneath Pinus, Hartford Hall Wood near Hartford Bridge VC67; NZ 254 798. 16.iii.2000. (ii) several beneath Pinus, plantation side of wagonway, Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend VC67; NZ 299 694. 19.iv.1998 & 6.v.2000. Tubaria hiemalis Romagn.:Bon [Note: this species has been distinguished from T.furfuracea (Pers.:Fr.) Gill. by the presence of capitate gilledge cystidia (Jordan,1995) ] Nine locations: (i) Plessey Woods, Stannington Bank VC67; NZ 228 792. 8.i.2000. (ii) several groups on ground by dead Gorse Ulex europaeus L., Holywell Dene near Seaton Sluice VC67; NZ 337 758. 16.i.2000; and on ground amongst leaf litter Holywell Dene near car park Old Hartley VC67; NZ 338 757. 3.ii.2000 & 31.xii.2002. (iii) several on wood chippings, woodland near wagonway. Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend VC67; NZ 298 695. 16.ii.2000. (iv) amongst leaf litter beside deciduous log, riverside, Hartford Hall Wood near Hartford Bridge VC67; NZ 255 796. 16.iii.2000. (v) several in wood chips on ground. Holy Saviour Church Tynemouth VC67; NZ 365 696. 18.xi.2002. (vi) trooping amongst wood chips, Preston Cemetery, North Shields VC67; NZ 346 692. 8.xii.2002. (vii) several on ground amongst wood fragments pathside near Visitors' Centre, Druridge Bay Country Park VC67; NU 274 003. 28.xii.2002. (viii) several dozen on wood chippings on ground east of Cambois Boat House, Wansbeck Riverside Park near Ashington VC67; NZ 275 859. 11.i.2003. (ix) five groups at sides of dismantled railway between Hartley Lane and Crow Hall Farm, Whitley Bay VC67; NZ 330 743. 16.i.2003.

Poriales (lamellate) Pleurotus dryinus (Pers.:Fr.) Kummer Two on rotting fallen Elm Ulmus trunk, Holywell Dene, burnside below Hartley West Farm VC67; NZ 333 749. 25.ix.2002.

Nidulariales Crucibulum laeve (Huds.) Kam. Several Bird's Nest Fungi on fallen rotting fence post, side of dismantled railway, near Middle Engine Lane North Shields VC67; NZ 317 703. 28.xi.2002.

Uredinales Phragmidium rosae pimpinellifolia Diet. On stems of Burnet Rose Rosa pimpinellifolia L., dunes near Gloucester Lodge Farm, Hartley Links, Seaton Sluice VC67; NZ 323 786. 17.x.2001.

Reference Jordan, M. 1995 The Encyclopaedia of Fungi of Britain and Europe. David & Charles, Newton Abbot.

Leucoscypha erminea (Bomm. & Rouss.) Boud. an uncommon discomycete found near Blanchland A.W.Legg, 36, Carleton Drive. Darlington. Co. Durham DL3 9QP

During the joint foray of the North Eastern Fungi Study Group and Northern Naturalists’ Union, held as Field Meeting 245, on September 14th 2002, ascomata of a tiny white discomycete were found scattered among the runners of Luzula sylvatica near the footpath along the south bank of the River Derwent between Baybridge and Blanchland (Legg, 2002). Subsequent examination of relevant literature has confirmed the initial identification of the fungus as Leucoscypha erminea. As the national fungus record database was found to list only 35 records of this species, none of which was from the North East of England (including the whole of Yorkshire), it was decided to give a somewhat longer account of this collection.

As is often the case with small, infrequently-collected fungi, there is some disagreement in the literature as to how many Leucoscypha species have been found in Britain. The British Ascomycotina (Cannon et al.. 1985) lists only three species. However, Dennis (1995) unites the genus with Neotiella, mentioning a total of seven species. Nevertheless, authorities agree that most of these species are orange-red in colour, there being only two white ones: Leucoscypha erminea and L. leucotricha (Alb. & Schw.) Boud., the type species.

The latter two taxa are very similar in most respects, the general distinction being in size of ascomata and size of constituent characters. In more detail, L. erminea is said to have shorter hairs, smaller asci, smaller ascospores and narrower paraphyses. According to ElIis & ElIis (1988), the spores of both species have ''minutely spinulose" walls, though Dennis (1981) describes the spores of L. leucotricha as having "minute, closely-spaced warts". This latter

description fits closely that given by Hansen & Knudsen (2000) who describe the spores of this species as being densely ornamented with low warts.

Following his mentor, W.D.Graddon, M.C.CIark, editor of the Warwickshire Fungus Flora (1980), felt it necessary to give a lengthy note on Leucoscypha collections made in preparation for that volume. In it he commented on the fact that, until then, all white British material had been assigned to L. leucotricha but that he considered material from no fewer than eleven Warwickshire localities to consist entirely of L. erminea. Significantly, when Leucoscypha collections in the Kew herbarium were recently checked, (Yao & Spooner, 1995), the conclusions reached by Clark were generally upheld and all white British material considered to be of L. erminea. No intermediate material was found, but the authors saw fit to add the cautionary note that, should the two "prove eventually to be extremes of a single taxon, then the earlier name, L. leucotricha, must be applied to it".

Much of the rather sparse material collected near Blanchland was slightly immature but, even in mature ascomata.. ornamentation was difficult to see, certainly neither dense nor verrucose. No spore reached the dimensions of 29.5-33 x 11-14 microns given by Hansen and Knudsen for Leucoscypha leuchotricha, the largest being 28.0 x 10.5. Other characters similarly fitted dimensions of Leucoscypha erminea characters given by Ellis & Ellis (1988). In view of these measurements, it was confidently assumed that the material in question should be assigned to Leucoscypha erminea, at least for the time being.

References

Cannon, P.F., Hawksworth, D.L. & Sherwood-Pike, M.A., 1985, The British Ascomycotina: an Annotated Checklist. Slough, C.A.B. Clark, M.C. ed., 1980, A Fungus Flora of Warwickshire. London, B .M.S. Dennis, W.B.G., 1981, British Ascomycetes. Vaduz, J. Cramer. Dennis, W.B.G., 1995, Fungi of South East England. Kew, R.B.G. Ellis. M.B. & Ellis, J.P., 1988, Microfungi on Miscellaneous Substrates. London, Croom Helm. Hansen, L. & Knudsen H. eds. 2000, Nordic Macromycetes Vol. 1. Copenhagen, Nordsvamp. Legg, A.W., 2002, Field Meeting 245, 14th September 2002 Baybridge – Blanchland. The Vasculum 87:4 13-14. Yao, Y.J. & Spooner, B.M. 1995, Notes on British species of Leucscypha with a new combination in Melastiza. Mycological Research 99:12 1513-1514.

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President Dr. P. Gates

President Elect

Vice Presidents Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey, Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors Dr. M Birtle Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies Mike Hunter, 45. Brinkburn Ave, Darlington, DL3 0JN. Northumberland and Durham. British Butterfly Conservation.

Moths Durham:Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies Durham, Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Birds Durham Bird Club: Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham City, County Durham. DH1 4RJ (tel. 386 1519). Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club: Nick Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham. NE46 1SX.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Mammals (general) Northumberland: Mary Gough, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) Durham: Kevin O'Hara, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) email: [email protected]

Bats Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20 0SA. Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Plants B.S.B.I. recorder (Durham): G.G. Graham, 3 The Willows, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7HH. B.S.B.I. recorder (Northumberland): Professor G.A. Swan, 81 Wansdyke, Morpeth, Northumberland. NE61 3QY. Algae: Dr F.G. Hardy, Dept of Marine Sciences & Coastal management, Ridley Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU.

Spiders Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon, Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.

Volume 88 No. 2 ISSN 0049-5891

THE VASCULUM

The North Country Quarterly of Natural History Published by the http://www.thevasculum.com Northern Naturalists’ Union

Dates for the Diary-Field Meetings 2003 1 Notices 2 Hartlepool Natural History Society 3 Field Meeting Reports 2003 4 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus (L.) 8 Notes and Records 9

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 88, No 2 March 2003

Dates for the Diary

Dates and locations of remaining field meetings for this year are-

Field Meeting 249 27th July.(Sunday).11a.m. Castle Eden Dene. Meet Oakershaw Lodge, Peterlee, NZ428393. With the British Plant Gall Society.

Field Meeting 251 13th September. 11am. Fungal foray at Minsteracres. Leader Alan Legg. With North East Fungi Study Group. Details to follow in later issue.

Autumn Lecture

The Autumn Lecture will take place on Saturday the 25th October at 2.30 pm in Hart Village Hall. This is by kind invitation of the Hartlepool Natural History Society. The speaker will be Sam Ellis on ‘Butterfly Conservation in Northern England’. Members and visitors are invited to bring photographs and exhibits from the current 2003, and previous, field seasons.

New Website

The Northern Naturalists’ Union website has changed. The new web address (URL) is

http://www.thevasculum.com

The site currently contains only basic information but will grow over the coming weeks to include

 Field meeting information  Archive of ‘Vasculum’ back copies  Images from field meetings  Material that members wish to share  Membership information

If any member wishes to place anything on the web site please send material to the editor - [email protected].

Affiliated societies are more than welcome to send information on their activities and/or links to their own web sites.

Hartlepool Natural History Society 30th Anniversary

Members will wish to congratulate Hartlepool Natural History Society on their 30th anniversary year. The society holds indoor winter, and outdoor summer, meetings and publishes ‘The Spine’ every month. This is a newsletter chronicling notable records from south-east Durham distributed to members of the society. These records have recently included-

January 2003 Crane over Marina Way on the 5th. Barn Owl at Phillips Tank Farm Lesser Celandine - Flowering profusely by Greatham Beck upstream of the A689 on the exceptionally early date of 28 December, 2002

March 2003 Hen Harrier west of Hartlepool. Red Squirrel in Thorpe Bulmer dene

April 2003 Mistletoe on a tree at English Martyrs School, Catcote Road. Barn owl in the Hart-Greatham area

May 2003 Dingy Skipper at Conoco Phillips Tank farm

The chairwoman is currently Jennifer Watt, vice chairman Steve Robbins, treasurer Ron Godfrey and the secretary of the society is Russell McAndrew, (5 Thornhill gardens, Hartlepool, TS26 0HX.)

Other Local Natural History Publications

Cleveland Naturalists Field Club produces Proceedings every year. This includes reports from field meetings and articles on local natural history topics. It is published in spring each year. Printed copies can be obtained (cost one pound) from Dr. M. Birtle, 10 Avon Grove, Billingham, TS22 5BH, or electronically (free) by mailing [email protected]. Back copies of the ‘Vasculum’ are also available electronically from the same source (free).

Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists’ Field Club publish an annual report each year. This is provided free to members. This also contains reports from field meetings and other observations on natural history on their ‘patch’.

The Editors of the ‘Vasculum’ would be pleased to hear about any other publications produced by our natural history societies.

Field Meeting Reports 2003

Field Meeting 246 10th May 2pm. Norman's Riding Wood, Winlaton, near Blaydon on Tyne. Leader; Doug McCutcheon.

Fungi

Ascomycetes:

Colpoma quercinum on dead Quercus twigs Daldinia concentrica on dead Fraxinus wood Diatrypella favacea on fallen Betula twigs Diatrypella quercina on fallen Quercus twigs Leptosphaeria maculans on dead stem base of Alliaria Microthyriurn ciIiaturn on old fallen leaf of Ilex Trochila ilicina on old fallen leaf of Ilex Xylaria hypoxylon on indet. dead wood Xylaria longipes on log of Acer pseudoplatanus

Basidiomycetes:

Coprinus laanii on cut end of conifer log CorioIus versicoIor on indet. deciduous stump Exidia truncata on fallen branch of Quercus Fomitopsis pinicoia on indet. conifer log Hirneola aurricuIa-judae on moribund Sambucus etc. Kuehneola uredinis on stems of living Rubus fruticos Milesina kriegceriana on moribund Dryopteris Uromyces dactylidis on living leaves of Ranunculus repens Uromyces ficariae on living leaves of Ranunculus ficaria

Other groups:

Plasmopara pygmaea on leaves of Anemone nemorosa Pyrenochaeta. ilicis on old dead leaves or Ilex Ramularia didyma on leaf of Ranunculus repens Alan Legg

Plants

Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea Wood Speedwell Veronica montana Bugle Ajuga reptans Bluebell Endymion non-scriptus Wavy Bittercress Cardamine flexuosa Read Campion Silene dioica Yellow Pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum Ladies Smock Cardamines pratensis Wood Sanicle Sanicula europaea Bitter Vetch Lathyrus montanus Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum Primrose Primula vulgaris

Wood Cranesbill Geranium sylvaticum Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella

Cliff Evans

Butterflies

Large White Pieris brassicae Green Veined White Pieris napi Orange Tip Anthocaris cardamines Males and ova on Jack-by-the-Hedge Peacock Inachis io Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Galls

On Pendunculated Oak (Quercus robur) All Hymenoptera:Cynipoidea:- Andricus curvator Andricus lignicolor Cola-nut Gall Andricus kollari Marble Gall Andricus fecundator Artichoke Gall Andricus quercuscalicis Knopper Gall Neuroterus quercusbaccarum Currant Gall Biorhiza pallida Oak Apple

On Hawthorn (Crataegus) leaves:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax (mite)

On Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) leaves:- Eriophyes sorbi (Mite)

Field Meeting 247 14th June. 10 p.m Thrislington quarry.

Accompanied by Pipistrelles, large numbers of Ghost Swifts fluttering above the grassland, and the screech of Tawny Owl a party of about ten members and visitors watched more than twenty glowworms (Lampyris noctiluca) displaying amongst the grassland and rougher vegetation after 11.00 pm.

Moths:

Grass Rivulet (abundant) Perizoma albulata Silver-ground Carpet (abundant) Xanthorhoe montanata Ghost Swift Hepialus humuli (males abundant 'leking' in the grass until midnight): Chimney Sweeper (4) Odezia atrata Large Yellow Underwing (2) Noctua pronuba Heart and Dart (2) Agrotis exclamationis Yellow Shell (1) Camptogramma bilineata Middle-barred Minor (1) Oligia fasciuncula

On leaving the quarry at about 1.00 am on 15th June, we found a further two female glow-worms on the grass verge, immediately adjacent to the car park lay-by.

In addition, the reserve at Bishop Middleham quarry was also searched for glowworms after the Thrislington meeting, but none were found.

The following information has been copied from the UK Glow Worm Survey web site (http://www.glowworms.org.uk) authored by Robin Scagell. It may be useful to anyone who wishes to search for glow worms in Durham or Northumberland.

“The glow worm, Lampyris noctiluca, is not at all worm-like but is a beetle up to 25 mm long. Only the wingless female glows strongly, to attract the flying males. Each individual female has an adult glowing life of only a few weeks until she mates, since she dies soon after laying her eggs.

After a few weeks the eggs hatch into larvae, and they remain as larvae for one or two further summers, feeding on small snails which they apparently paralyse before sucking them empty. The two- or maybe even three-year gap between a mating and the subsequent appearance of an adult helps to explain the characteristic ‘boom or bust’ cycles of glow-worm populations. It’s possible to find plenty on a site one year, yet few or none at all the next. And, of course, sites where they seem to have died out can’t be written off on the basis of a single night’s search.

Wherever you find small snails, though unfortunately not the large common-or-garden variety, it’s worth looking for glow worms. They prefer open grass or

hedges to woodland, but rarely are they to be found on land which has been ‘improved’ for agriculture. Look for them from late May to early September (with a peak in mid July), as soon as it gets dark. They glow for a few hours at a time, and usually stop glowing soon after mating. If you do see glow worms, don’t disturb them and certainly don’t take them home as trophies, no matter how many there are on a site. Their continued existence at your site could be on a knife- edge. But a short look by torchlight will do no harm, and you may see the smaller, darker (and glow-less) male mating – perhaps even several on one female! “

The Glow Worm Book The new, fully revised edition, published April 2002 (76 pp paperback, A5 format) costs £10 post free. For a copy please write to John Tyler at Tadorna, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3DH, enclosing a cheque for £10.00 made payable to John Tyler. A few copies of the first edition (64 pp, published 1994) are still available at £5.00 post free, or you can read the text-only at http://website.lineone.net/~galaxypix/Tylerbookpt1.html completely free.

Visiting Derbyshire?

Detailed distribution information on glow worms in Derbyshire can be found at http://www.dbrc.freeserve.co.uk/html/glow_worms.html or Scotland?

A colony of glow worms was discovered in a woodland location in the new Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in 2002, the first recorded Scottish sighting of the fascinating phosphorescent beetles in several years.

Personal sightings of the Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus (L.) in North Tyneside during 2002 Hewett A. Ellis, 16, Southlands Tynemouth NE30 2QS

During the 2002 season I recorded the Holly Blue butterfly Celastrina argiolus (L.) at two locations in North Tyneside (VC 67).

1. A male individual flew into my garden in Tynemouth (NZ 357 700) on 4th August at 12-20pm and nectared for several minutes on Hebe and Marjoram flowers. A Holly Blue re-visited the garden, during the late morning or early afternoon, on 5th,7th,8th,13th, 14th and 15th August. This appeared to be the same individual on each occasion.

2. A female butterfly was observed 12th August flying along the hedgerow to the course of a dismantled railway, near Crow Hall farm, Holywell (NZ 328 744). It settled occasionally and appeared to be in search of a suitable place to oviposit, but I could not find any ivy in the hedgerow.

Comment

It is four years since I have seen the Holly Blue locally. The last occasion was on 4th and 6th September 1998, when a female was noted nactaring in my garden in Tynemouth (Ellis, 1999, Vasculum 84 (1):27). This was eight years after the Holly Blue was first recorded in Northumberland (Ellis,1990,Vasculum 75(3):43-44), and subsequently bred successfully in the county for several years (Ellis, Vasculum 1992,77(1):4-5; 1992 77(2):20; 1993 77(4):79-83).

Holly Blue, Hartlepool

A female Holly Blue was reported in Granville Avenue, Hartlepool, on 23rd May 2003 in ‘The Spine’ (newsletter of Hartlepool Natural History Society), Issue no. 334, March 2003.

And at Malton, North Yorkshire Although well away from our area it may be worth noting that a number of Holly Blue’s were seen on a Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists Field Club meeting to Manor Farm, about 2 miles south of Malton in North Yorkshire on Saturday 7th June 2003. Malcolm Birtle

Notes and Records

Female Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa) was found on the path at Findon Hill, Sacriston on the 14th June 2003 Linda Mann

Mother Shipton (Callistege mi) x 10, was flying at Saltersgate in bright sunshine, NZ072432, 29.5.03. Michael Mann

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) was seen on the 14th June 2003 on the site of an old colliery yard at Sacriston Michael Mann and K. Dover

Two more Painted Ladies were seen in the same week in a garden at Iveston. Gerry White

More than twenty Painted Ladies were seen on the North Yorkshire Moors between Blakey Ridge and Bloworth Crossing on 3rd June 2003, along with very many Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeus) and Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus).

Also, one Painted Lady seen at Eggleston, Teesdale, on a Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club meeting on Wednesday 18th June.NY998228 Malcolm Birtle

Spiders Latrodectus mactans (Black Widow). Three in 2003 from Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead. On car parts from California, USA Haplodrassus signifer Common under stones, females with egg sacs, Kielder water, vc 67, 7th June 2003. Also at Bishop Middleham Quarry. Females with egg sacs, 14th June 2003 Michael Mann

A Water Vole was seen in the burn at North Burn Bridge, near Cowpen Bewley on 21st March 2003, NZ482261, along with a kingfisher.

Aphid Gall, Tetraneura ulmi, a stalked green gall on upper surface of leaves, St Cuthberts churchyard Darlington centre, 27th May 2003, Darlington and Teesdale Field Club meeting.

Reproduced from Swanton E.W., British Plant Galls, 1912 Also, Eriophyes tiliae, a red nail gall on the upper surface of Lime (Tilia sp.) leaves.* It was also pleasing to see many Brown Trout in the Skerne through the centre of town at this meeting. Malcolm Birtle

Corrections

A slight formatting error appeared in the table associated with Observations on the stem galls of the Hawkweed Hieracium sabaudum L. induced by Aulacidea hieracii (Bouché) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae): Local records and associated parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoideae), Hewett A. Ellis , in Vasculum 88(1). This error made one of the dates in row 4 seem incorrect. The reformatted table is presented here-

Gall Cynipid Chalcid Parasitoids *A. hieracii E.cynipsea S. submutica T. chloromerus P.hieracii 1 1(F)dead 3 (1M,2F) 2(F) 4(M) - 4.10.&15.vi.02 4&6.vi.02 16-18.v.02 2 - 9 (2M,7F) - 4 (2M,2F) - 1-10. vi .02 17-24 .v. 02 3 - 3 (2M,1F) 1(F) - 1(F) 26-30 .v. 02 1.vi.02 20.v.02 4 4 (2M,2F) 9 (5M,4F)* 19 (2M,17F) - - 20-22.v.02 7-12.vi.02 2-11.vi.02 5 3 (F) - 7 (2M,5F) - - 20-26.v.02 2-10.vi.02 Total 8 (2M.6F) 24 (10M,14F) 29 (4M,25F) 8 (6M,2F) 1 (F) TABLE- Sex, number and dates of emergence of A. hieracii and various chalcid parasitoids obtained from five stem galls of H. sabaudum. * includes one female cut from gall.

Similar formatting errors afflicted Harry Eales paper on Dragonfly Recording and the table is re- presented here-

Year ofYearfirst known localrecord

No.of1x1km recordsSq

withoutGrida Ref.

Currentstatus No.ofrecords

No.ofTetrad

TotalNo.of

records records

Species.

Azure Damselfly Breeding 1846 791 239 191 0 Coenagrion puella. Banded Demoiselle Breeding 1769? 157 74 58 2 Calopteryx splendens. Beautiful Demoiselle Uncertain 1769? 3? 1? 1? 2 Calopteryx virgo. Black Darter Breeding 1901 206 88 78 2 Sympetrum danae. Black-tailed Skimmer Vagrant 1984 8 5 5 0 Orthetrum cancellatum. Blue-tailed Damselfly Breeding 1901 1611 386 291 2 Ischnura elegans. Broad - bodied Chaser Vagrant 1833 11 7 7 2 Libellula depressa. Brown Hawker Breeding 1827 226 41 36 1 Aeshna grandis. Common Blue Damselfly Breeding 1930 1239 387 287 0 Enallagma cyathigerum. Common Darter Breeding 1826 1630 336 251 1 Sympetrum striolatum. Common Hawker Dragonfly Breeding 1913 1033 495 338 2 Aeshna juncea. Emerald Damselfly Breeding 1919 1041 292 225 0 Lestes sponsa. Emperor Dragonfly Breeding 1980 73 24 22 0 Anax imperator. Four-spotted Chaser Breeding 1826 96 46 43 0 Libellula quadrimaculata. Golden-ringed Dragonfly Breeding 1769? 163 121 99 4 Cordulegaster boltonii Hairy Dragonfly Vagrant 1919 3 3 3 0 Brachytron pratense. Keeled Skimmer Vagrant 1982 1 1 1 0 Orthetrum coerulescens. Large Red Damselfly Breeding 1916 709 364 276 0 Pyrrhosoma nymphula. Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Migrant 2000 11 2 2 0 Anax parthenope. Migrant Hawker Breeding 1994 202 36 32 1 Aeshna mixta.

Red-veined Darter Migrant 1998 11 5 5 0 Sympetrum fonscolombei. Ruddy Darter Breeding 1901 414 99 79 0 Sympetrum sanguineum. Southern Hawker Dragonfly Breeding 1901 586 172 140 1 Aeshna cyanea. Vagrant Darter Uncertain 2001? 1? 1? 1? 0 Sympetrum vulgatum. Variable Damselfly Uncertain 1932? 5? 5? 5? 0 Coenagrion pulchellum. Yellow winged Darter Migrant 1937 7 5 5 0 Sympetrum flaveolum.

Totals. 26 species n/a 10,238 3,235 2,481 20

Apologies to both authors.

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President Dr. P. Gates

President Elect

Vice Presidents Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey, Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors Dr. M Birtle Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies Mike Hunter, 45. Brinkburn Ave, Darlington, DL3 0JN. Northumberland and Durham. British Butterfly Conservation.

Moths Durham:Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies Durham, Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Bats Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20 0SA. Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Spiders Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon, Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.

Volume 88 No. 3 ISSN 0049-5891

THE VASCULUM

Published by the The North Country Quarterly Northern Naturalists’ of Natural History Union

Table of Contents

An Unusual Ichneumon Ian Wallace 11 Hydnotrya tulasnei (Berk.) Berk. and Br. A.W.Legg 12 Helvellaceae, A Truffle Newly-Recorded For County Durham (VC 66)

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 88, No 3 September 2003

Dates for the Diary Autumn Lecture The Autumn Lecture will take place on Saturday the 25th October at 2.30 pm in Hart Village Hall. This is by kind invitation of the Hartlepool Natural History Society. The speaker will be Sam Ellis on ‘Butterfly Conservation in Northern England’. Members and visitors are invited to bring photographs and exhibits from the current, and previous, field seasons. In addition, the Hartlepool Society will be celebrating their 30th anniversary at this meeting. CLEVELAND NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB WINTER PROGRAMME 2003-2004 Winter meetings are in the Hydroponicum Lecture Hall at Natures World at the Botanic Centre, Ladgate Lane, Acklam, Middlesbrough and, unless shown otherwise, are held on Monday evenings and start at 7:15pm. 2003 Oct 6th Pauline Bastow In Shackleton's Footsteps Oct 20th Norma Pagdin and In Search of the Ice Bear Joan Bradbury Nov Ian Bond Small Mammals 17th Dec 1st Ken Smith The Tees, the Living River Dec 15th Social Evening 2004 Jan 19th Ken Trewren Tropical Images Feb 2nd David Barlow Wild Life of the North York Moors Feb 16th Members' Night Mar 1st Annual General Meeting with entertainment to follow Mar 15th Eric Gendle Flowers of the West Coast of South Africa

Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists' Field Club http://www.communigate.co.uklne/dtnfcl Winter programme 2003 - 2004

All evening meetings take place at the Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Darlington on a Tuesday evening and commence at 7.30pm. Meetings are open to non member

Oct 7th Living Churchyard Project Val Standen. Oct 14th Plants of Upper Teesdale Margaret Bradshaw. Oct 21st Alaska, Kenai Fjords, Mount Mckinley David Raeburn. Oct 28th Conservation and Archaeology on MOD Niall Hammond. Nov 4th sites Steve Sampson Nov 11th Killer Whales of Puget Sound Keith Bowey. Nov 18th Durham Biodiversity Action Plan Update Kevin Spindloe. Nov 25th Wardening Widlife Members. Dec 2nd Short talks Kevin Bayes. Dec 9th A New Experience for Teeside Cliff Evans. Jan 6th Christmas Dinner. Victoria LLoyd. Jan 13th A Glimpse at Geology Doug McCutcheon Jan 20th Parish Paths Partnerships Alison Raw & Jim Jan 27th Lichens McManners. Feb 3rd Watching the Earth GeorgeWall Feb 10th Weardale Wildlife Members. Feb 17th Short talks Martin Fuller. Feb 24th Ecology of the River Swale Janie Walkinshaw. Mar 2nd AGM. followed by 'Janie in Oz' Steve Kirtley. Mar 9th Butterflies of Northern England Dr.David Knight. Mar 16th Earthworms Phyllis Garrod. Mar 23rd Natural History of the Eden Valley Carol Sobkowiak. Mar 30th Rock Pools & Rock Roses lan Dougill. Apr 20th History of the River Skerne Don Griss. Apr 27th Bird Recognition Presidential Lecture.

Hartlepool Natural History Society

Indoor meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month in the Art Gallery, Christ Church, Church Square, Hartlepool, commencing at 7.30 pm October 1st Hedgehog Rescue Joyce Kaiser November 19th Otters and Water Voles Stuart Priestley December 17th Members Night and Social Russell McAndrew Evening January 1st 2004 AGM and Review of 2003

Field Meeting Reports 2003 Field Meeting 246 10th May 2pm. Norman's Riding Wood, Winlaton, near Blaydon on Tyne. Leader; Doug McCutcheon.

Fungi

Ascomycetes:

Colpoma quercinum on dead Quercus twigs Daldinia concentrica on dead Fraxinus wood Diatrypella favacea on fallen Betula twigs Diatrypella quercina on fallen Quercus twigs Leptosphaeria maculans on dead stem base of Alliaria Microthyriurn ciIiatum on old fallen leaf of Ilex Trochila ilicina on old fallen leaf of Ilex Xylaria hypoxylon on indet. dead wood Xylaria longipes on log of Acer pseudoplatanus

Basidiomycetes: Coprinus laanii on cut end of conifer log CorioIus versicoIor on indet. deciduous stump Exidia truncata on fallen branch of Quercus Fomitopsis pinicola on indet. conifer log Hirneola auricuIa-judae on moribund Sambucus etc. Kuehneola uredinis on stems of living Rubus fruticosus Milesina kriegeriana on moribund Dryopteris Uromyces dactylidis on living leaves of Ranunculus repens Uromyces ficariae on living leaves of Ranunculus ficaria

Other groups:

Plasmopara pygmaea on leaves of Anemone nemorosa Pyrenochaeta ilicis on old dead leaves or Ilex Ramularia didyma on leaf of Ranunculus repens Alan Legg Plants

Bitter Vetch Lathyrus montanus Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum Primrose Primula vulgaris Wood Cranesbill Geranium sylvaticum Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella

Cliff Evans

Butterflies

Large White Pieris brassicae Green Veined White Pieris napi Orange Tip Anthocaris cardamines Males and ova on Jack-by-the-Hedge Peacock Inachis io Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Galls

On Hawthorn (Crataegus) leaves:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax (mite)

On Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) leaves:- Eriophyes sorbi (Mite)

Field Meeting 248 12th July 2pm. Hetton Moor to Murton. NZ 360471, Leader Dennis Hall.

Mammals Molehills

Birds Mute Swan Coot Moorhen Little Grebe Mallard Whitethroat Greenfinch Goldfinch

Bumblebees Bombus lapidarius B. lapponicus B. lucorum B. pascuorum B. pratorum

Lepidoptera Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Green Veined White Pieris napi Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Five Spot Burnet Zygaena lonicerae latomarginata Shaded Broad Bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata Grass Emerald Pseudoterpna pruinata atropunctaria Cliff Evans

Damselflies Common Blue Enallagma cyathigerum Blue-tailed Ischnura elegans

Hoverflies Cheilosia illustrata Chrysotoxum bicinctum Rhingia campestris Syritta pipiens Volucella bombylans

Beetles 7 Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata Leaf Beetle Phyllodecta vitellinae

Galls Artichoke Gall Andricus fecundator Cola Gall A. lignicola Nettle Gall Dasineura urticae Hawthorn Leaf Gall Eriophyes goniothorax Ash Leaf Gall Psyllopsis fraxini

Fungi Mildew on Meadowsweet Erysiphe ulmariae Rust on Purple Willow Melampsora epitea Oak mildew Microsphaera alphitoides Rust on Bramble Phragmidium violaceum Mildew on young Hawthorn Podosphaera clandestina Rust on Colt's-foot Puccinia poarum Rust on Great Willowherb P. pulverulenta Rust on Creeping Thistle P. punctiformis Red Spots on Broad-leaved Dock leaves Ramularia rubella Mildew on Lady's-mantle Sphaerotheca alchemillae Mildew on Dandelion S. fusca Smut on Field Scabious Ustilago scabiosae Rust on Great Burnet Xenodochus carbonarius

Field Meeting 249 27th July.(Sunday).11a.m. Castle Eden Dene. NZ428393. Leader Steve Robbins

Fungi Oomycetes Plasmopara pusilla On leaves of Geranium pratense

Ascomycetes Cymadothea trifolii Polythrincium state on Trifolium Erysiphe cynoglossi on leaves of Symphytum Erysiphe ulmariae on leaves of Filipendula Hymenoscyphus caudatus on indet. Decid. Petiole on ground Leptotrochila ranunculi on leaf of Ranunculus repens Mycosphaerella ulmi Phloeospora state on leaves of Ulmus Taphrina amentorum {both on Ulmus} new “cones” Taphrina tosquinetii {glabra} living leaves

Agarics

Inocybe godeyi with Fagus (an uncommon species with only one previous VC66 record, also from Castle Eden Dene but at the Opposite (western) end)

Rusts Coleosporium a plurivorous species seen here on various hosts tussilaginis Phragmidium on leaves of Rosa canina mucronatum Phragmidium on Poterium on shore sanguisorbae Puccinia galii-verni on Cruciata Puccinia glechomatis on leaves of Glechoma Puccinia punctiformis on leaves of Cirsium Puccinia saniculae on leaves of Sanicula Puccinia variabilis on leaves of Taraxacum Pucciniastrum on lower leaves of Circaea circaeae Uromyces anthyllidis on Anthyllis Uromyces geranii on leaves of Geranium pratense Uromyces polygoni- on leaves of Polygonum aviculare aviculare

Smut Urocystis ranunculi on leaves of Ranunculus repens Hyphomycetes Cercospora ferruginea on leaves of Artemis vulgaris. Probably a new VC66 record Ramularia lapssanae on leaves of Lapsana communis Trimmatostroma on dead attached twig of Corylus betulinum

Field Meeting 250. 23 August. 2pm. Harehope Quarry, Frosterly, Weardale. NZ 035369 Leader Tony Jackson.

Plants Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Lycopus europaeus Gypsywort Mimulus guttatus Monkeyflower Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Thymus drucei Thyme Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss Odonata Ischnura elegans Blue Tailed Damslfly Aeshna cyanea Southern Hawker

Sympetrum striolatum Common Darter Aeshna juncea Common Hawker Lepidoptera Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown Polygonia c-album Comma Inachis io Peacock Cynthia cardui Painted Lady Polyommatus icarus Common Blue Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Pieris rapae Small White Pieris napi Green Veined White Mormo maura Old Lady Bumblebees Bombus pascuorum B. hortorum Mammals Otter spraint Fish Brown Trout Galls Diplolepis rosae Bedeguar Gall Pontania pedunculi Sawfly on Willow Iteomyia capreae Diptera on Willow Eriophyes goniothorax Hawthorn Mite E. laevis On Alder Birds Grey Partridge Fungi Ascomycetes Erysiphe aquilegiae on leaves of Caltha Erysiphe heraclei on leaves of Heracleum Leptospora rubella on old stem of Filipendula Lophiostoma caulium on dead stem of Epilobium Mollisina rubi on dead stem of Ulex Rhytisma acerinum on leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus Taphrina tosquinetii on living leaves of Alnus Trochila craterium on dead leaf of Hedera Sawdea bicornis on leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus Uncinula adunca v. regularis on leaves of Salix capraea Lacnella villosa on dead stem of Filipendula Paxillus rubicundulus with Alnus by Bollihope Burn

Rusts Coleosporium tussilaginis on living leaves of Tussilago

Melampsora capraearum on living leaves of Salix capraea Puccinia menthae on living leaves of Mentha aquatica

Hyphomycetes Thyriostroma spiraeae on dead stem of Filipendula Trimmatostroma salicis on dead attached twig of Salix

Submitting Moth Records for Durham using Excel

Terry Coult, Moth Recorder for Durham can accept records in an Excel spreadsheet providing the field headings are as follows and in the same order from left to right. Taxon, Site, Grid Ref., VC, Recorder, Determiner, Date, Quantity, Method, Sex, Stage, Status, Comment. All species names under taxon should be scientific name and method should be light trap or field observation.

Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, OH? OTH [email protected]

Like Terry I am anxious to receive as many butterfly records by the end of October in what, thanks to the weather, has been one of the best and most exciting recording years for many. I have an ernailable version of the recording form available on request or, in exchange for names and addresses, I can post out recording forms for completion and return. I am also very happy to accept records by ernail if the species, date, number, locality and grid reference are included.

Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli)

Andrew Donnison found an adult Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli) at Washington Waterfowl Centre (NZ332562) on Sunday the 10th of August 2003.

On Tuesday 12th of August 2003 Trevor Stephenson collected a large caterpillar from the footpath at Durham Wildlife Trusts' Blackhall Rocks Nature Reserve NZ469393 which he suspected to be Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli). The footpath at this point is bordered with Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) the preferred caterpillar food plant. Harry Eales confirmed that the caterpillar was the green form of Convolvulus Hawk-moth caterpillar in its final instar. This is an unusual record for two reasons, firstly the female that laid the egg must have been a very early migrant and secondly it is very rare to find the caterpillar of this moth in the wild in the UK. The last record for the caterpillar in the North East was at Seaton Sluice in 1901.

Parrack found a Convolvulus Hawk in his conservatory on 13 August 2003 22:23, at Seaton Sluice, Northumberland.

Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis antiopa)

Sarah Young found a Camberwell Beauty butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) in her garden in Lanchester on the 10th of August 2003, (NZ1647). Terry Coult

Darlington Naturalists at Teesmouth Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists' Field Club observed Marsh Harrier quartering reed beds at Dormans Pool, Teesmouth on 21st September 2003. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) were active along Greatham Creek. As is normal now, the Creek held both Grey and Common Seal. Short Eared Owls were seen on Cowpen Marsh. Members were surprised to see Greater Spotted Woodpecker on the Long Drag.

Cleveland Naturalists at Hurworth Burn At a field meeting on 31st August 2003 at Hurworth Burn near Trimdon, members came across Rorippa palustris (Marsh Yellow Cress) and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (Water Cress) and Chenopodium rubrum (Red Goosefoot) on the Northern margin of the reservoir. Comma (Polygonia c- album), Wall (Lassiommata megera) Peacock (Inachis io), Common Blue, (Polyommatus icarus), Silver Y (Autographa gamma), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), and Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea) were also seen. The carabid ground beetle Carabus nemoralis was found on the old railway. A late swift was seen to fly by. The number of species of birds on and around the reservoir was rather limited, but included Ruff, Snipe, and Great Crested Grebe. There were large numbers of Ruddy Duck. Malcolm Birtle

An Unusual Ichneumon Ian Wallace, Caddis recording Scheme, Liverpool Museum

Ichneumons are not particularly associated with the underwater environment. One of the best known exceptions is Agriotypus armatus Curtis. This parasitises caddis larvae and when their host pupates the parasite produces a dark brown respiratory strap from the end of the caddis case. Few would recognize the adult ichneumon, but the parasitised case is figured in many books illustrating freshwater life.

This frequent illustration can suggest that Agriotypus is common, but my experience of twenty five years of collecting caddis larvae have not given me that impression. The Recorder computer package describes it as relatively uncommon. However, where it occurs several are usually found.

Norman Philipson records finding one parasitising Goera pilosa (Fabricius) probably the commonest British host, from the Blyth at Plessey on 3/6/1938 (Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne (1957), new series, Vol. 12(3), page 82).

I collected caddis larvae extensively in Northumberland in the 1970’s and never met Agriotypus. I was thus delighted, during a recent holiday, to find several parasitised cases of Odontocerum albicorne (Scopoli), another well known host, in the Fallowlees Burn near Fallowlees (NZ02-93-) on 21/08/2003.

Although this is a not a caddis, it seems appropriate to add it as a species to note as part of the caddis recording scheme, and I would welcome records.

Ian Wallace, Caddis Recording Scheme, Liverpool Museum

Hydnotrya tulasnei (Berk.) Berk. And Br. Helvellaceae, a Truffle newly-recorded for County Durham (VC66)

A.W.Legg, 36, Carleton Drive, Darlington, Co. Durham DL3 9QP

In recent years, attention has been drawn, both to the general paucity of truffle records for County Durham (Legg, 1994b) and to new records of this group as they have been made (Legg, 1993: Legg, 1994a; Legg, 1998). In 1994, I drew up a list of truffle species already recorded for VC66 and VC67 together with a supplementary list of other species thought likely to occur in the North East.

In early August 2003, one of the latter, Hydnotrya tulasnei, was indeed found in County Durham, collected from litter and scuffed earth under Quercus in Norman’s Riding Wood near Winlaton (NZ1660). A single specimen, probably unearthed by a deer or rabbit, was found by Mr. D.E. McCutcheon who owns the wood and knows its natural history intimately. The specimen was sent to me for identification, as it turned out a fairly simple matter since, although slightly immature, the material was in good condition, and contained mature asci and spores. The species has the reputation for smelling musty, often unpleasant when old. This particular specimen had a very strong smell of stale beer, which the foraging animal possibly found too powerful! The specimen was sent to Mr. A. Henrici who confirmed the identification and deposited the material in the Kew Herbarium.

The fungus is considered to be probably the most “common”of the four British species with a number of examined collections listed by Pegler at al. (1993). The British Fungus Database gives 34 records for the British Isles, including the Irish Republic as well as England, Scotland, and Wales. There is one record from the Isle of Arran and one from the Clyde Isles. Nearest to home are two recent records from South West Yorkshire (VC63), in 1988 under Picea and 2000 under Fagus. Hydnotrya tulasnei is not thought to have an affinity with any species of tree or tree family but occurs, generally, in woodland. The present collection seems to be the first from North east England

References

Legg, A.W., 1993. rarely-recorded and unrecorded groups of Fungi. The Vasculum 77(4): 76-77 Legg, A.W., 1994a. The Truffles of Northumberland and Durham. The Vasculum 78(1): 4-7 Legg, A.W., 1994b. A “lost” record found. The Vasculum 78(4): 70. Legg, A.W., 1998. Paurocotylis pila – a new County Durham Truffle, The Vasculum 83(1):12. Pegler, D.N., Spooner, B.M. and Young, T.W.K., 1993, British Truffles, Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens.

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies Mike Hunter, 45. Brinkburn Ave, Darlington, DL3 0JN. Northumberland and Durham. British Butterfly Conservation.

Moths Durham:Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies Durham, Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Bats Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20 0SA. Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Spiders Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon, Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.

THE VASCULUM

The North Country Quarterly Published by of Natural History the Northern Naturalists’ Union

http://www.thevasculum.com

Table of Contents

Field Meeting Reports 2 Notes and Records 2 The American Horse Chestnut mildew reaches County Durham 2 Schizophyllum amplum (Léveillé) Nakasone an uncommon fungus found at Tynemouth 2 Moths from Greenabella Marsh, Seaton Road, Teesside, in 2003 2 Flora of County Durham-Poppies, Papaveraceae 2 Moth Recorders Report 2003

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 88, No 4 December 2003

Field Meeting Reports

Field Meeting 246. 10th May 2003 at Norman's Riding Wood. Winlaton

Additional Botanical Records

The Set-aside Field

Myosotis discolor Changing forget-me-not Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved speedwell Carex flacca Glaucous sedge Dactylorchis fuchsii Spotted orchid Equisetum arvense Common horsetail (fruiting) Cerastium holosteoides Mouse-ear chickweed Galium mollugo Hedge bedstraw

Woodland

Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Viola riviniana Common violet Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard Caltha palustris Marsh marigold Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine Conopodium majus Pignut Mercurialis perennis Dog's mercury Allium ursinum Rarnsons Callitriche stagnalis Water starwort LuzuIa sylvatica Greater woodrush Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Potentilla anserina Silverweed Festuca gigantean Tall Brome

Mosses Liverworts

Cratoneuron filicinum Lophocolea heterophylla Plagiothecium undulatum Lophocolea bidentata var bidentata Plagiothecium curvifolium Nardia scalaris Pseudoscleropodium purum Pellia endiviifolia

Brachythecium rutabulum Conocephalum conicum Brachythecium velutinum Calliergon cuspidatum Mnium hornum Rhizomnium punctatum Dennis Hall

Field Meeting 248 12th July 2pm. Hetton Moor to Murton. NZ 360471, Leader Dennis Hall.

Additional Botanical Records

Angelica sylvestris Angelica Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort Achillea millefolium Yarrow Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed Centaurea nigra Hardheads Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Calystegia sylvatica Hedge Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Cytisus scoparius Broom Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Calluna vulgaris Ling Conopodium majus Pignut Cerastium fontanum Mouse-eared Chickweed Caltha palustris Kingcup Crepis capillaris Hawksbeard Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond Sedge Carex nigra Common or Black Sedge Carex panicea Glaucous Sedge Dactylorhiza fuchsii Spotted Orchid Dryopteris dilatata Buckler Fern Daucus carota Wild Carrot Epilobium parviflorum Small-flowered Willow Herb Epilobium hirsutum Codlins and Cream Euphrasia nemorosa Eyebright Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw Glyceria declinata Sweet Grass Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stemmed St John's Wort Hypericum forrestii Forrest's Hypericum Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Hypochaeris radicata Cat's Ear Hieracium Section Caesia Hawkweed Hieracium Section Sabauda Hawkweed Juncus articulatus Articulated rush

Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Juncus effusus Common Rush Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Lotus corniculatus Bird's Foot Trefoil Lots pedunculatus Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil Leontodon hispidus Hairy Hawkbit Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Pea Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Weed Myosotis laxa Water Forget-me-not Melilotus altissima Tall Melilot Melilotus officinalis Melilot Mentha aquatica Water Mint Nardus stricta Mat Grass Odontites vernus Red Bartsia Polygonum lapathifolia Pale Persicaria Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla anserma Silverweed Populus tremula Aspen Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock Rumex acetosa Sorrel Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Reseda luteola Weld Rosa canina Dog Rose Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Water Cress Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Symphytum officinale Comfrey Senecio jacobaea Ragwort Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Succisa pratensis Devil’s-bit Salix cinerea Grey Willow Salix caprea Sallow Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Stachys officinalis Betony Stachys sylvaticum Hedge Woundwort Sambucus nigra Elderberry Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet Sparganium erectum Bur-reed Torilis japonica Upright Hedge Parsley Trifolium dubium Lesser Yellow trefoil Trifolium medium Zig-zag Clover Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Tragopogon pratensis Goat's Beard Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

Valeriana officinalis Valerian Viola riviniana Common Violet

Bryophytes Brachythecium velutinum Pellia epiphylla Calliergon cuspidatum Plagiomnium rostratum Encalypta vulgaris Pohlia camea Eurhynchium praelongum Rhvtidiadelphus sauarrosus Dennis Hall

Field Meeting 251. 13th September. 11.00 a.m. Minsteracres, VC67 Leader: Alan Legg

This outing joint with the North Eastern Fungus Study Group, followed routes covered by the Fungus Group in July 2002. the "Shrubbery", a small, rather overgrown arboretum, and the edges of a small lake and silted pond.

The arid weather of the previous month had rendered the site extremely dry so it was not surprising that there was a low total count of fungi seen and that most of these were very common species, not worth listing in full. Of most interest were two species newly recorded for VC67:

1. Lactarius voIemus This uncommon milk-cap is easily recognised in the field by its orange- brown colour, firm flesh., slightly decurrent gills and strong smell of fish. It is thought to be declining in a number of European countries. The writer has seen it only twice before, in 1972 and 1987. Several specimens were found in a group under oak, its favoured habitat in this country. No previous records are known from Northumberland or Durham.

2. Mycosphaerella macrospora Brown patches on leaves of Iris pseudacorus. looking rather Iike rust teIia, later reveaIed smaII groups of Mycosphaerella macrospora, a fungus with no previous records from any of the three north eastern vice-counties.

Of the 48 fungal species seen, 30 were newly-recorded for the site. bringing the total species count to 97.

Members of the party also enjoyed examining plants of the uncommon Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, but were saddened to note that its habitat appeared to be drying out completely.

Notes and Records

Bee Orchids in Warden Law Quarry

Whilst leading a nature walk with the Lanchester Group around Warden Law Quarry on 8th July, I came across a grouping of Bee Orchids (Ophrys apiferd). It doesn't appear to have been recorded there before. Fragrant Orchids were also seen there,

as we reported last year in the Vasculum, but the Greater Spearwort was in rapid decline due to drying up of the pools, it being totally absent from one pool where last year there were several. Unless some conservation is tackled the pools are all in danger of drying up. Dennis Hall

The American Horse Chestnut mildew reaches County Durham A.W.Legg, 36. Carleton Drive, Darlington, Co. Durham DL3 9QP

During a visit of the British Mycological Society to Switzerland in September 2000, collections were made, in Erlach and Bern, of a powdery mildew on leaves of Aesculus carnea J. Zeger. These were the first European collections of the American Horse Chestnut mildew, Uncinula flexuosa Peck. In August 2001, the mildew was found to have infected other trees in Erlach and Bern and moved on to A. hippocastanum, our own familiar Horse Chestnut. In November, 2001, the first British collections were made from A. carnea, A. x dallimorei Sealy, A. flava Solander and A. x hybrida Sargent, all of American origin, in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Kew. Later the same year, the fungus was found on A. hippocastanum near Esher, Surrey.

Since publication of these records in the Mycologist in August the following year (Ing & Spooner, 2002), the fungus has been reported from various parts of southern Britain. A letter I received on September 24th 2003 (Robinson, K. in litt.) told me of a collection from Hertfordshire. This reminded me of a note I had made on September 10th 2003, of a powdery mildew on leaves of Aesculus carnea in Darlington West Cemetery (NZ2710) which, by reference only to Ing (1990), I had mistakenly assumed to be Phyllactinia guttata (Wallr.: Fr.) Lev. On examination of more material from the same tree on 13th October 2003, the fungus was found to match the description of U. flexuosa given by Ing &. Spooner (2002). No infections of nearby trees of Aesculus hippocastanurn were found.

Material was sent to Professor Bruce Ing who replied confirming my determination and describing the Darlington collection as "the most northerly to date". He added that the fungus was now known to have spread to Belgium, Italy, Poland and, possibly, Ukraine. It seems to be crossing the species barrier within a year so Vasculum readers are invited to examine the leaves of all Aesculus species in their neighbourhoods from late summer onwards in 2004. At first the upper surfaces of leaves appear covered with pale bluish grey pruina. Later the lower surfaces especially will be seen with a hand lens to have developed numerous black dots which are the fertile ascocarps of this fungus. I would welcome samples from further north than Darlington and, particularly, on leaves of Aesculus hippocastanum.

References Ing, B., 1990. An introduction to British Powdery Mildews - 2. Mycologist 4: 88-90. Ing, B., & Spooner, B.M.. 2002. The Horse Chestnut powdery mildew in Europe. Mycologist 16: 112-113.

Schizophyllum amplum (Léveillé) Nakasone an uncommon fungus found at Tynemouth Hewett A. Ellis, 16. Southlands, North Shields, NE30 2QS

On 17th October 2003 I found several small cup-saucer-shaped fungal fruiting bodies growing on the bark of felled branches of an unidentified deciduous tree at The Flats, Tynemouth near the A.N.D. Works (South Northumberland, VC67; Grid Reference: NZ 364 687) The smallest bodies measured a few millimetres in diameter and were sessile cups with an outer white hairy aspect and a tan smooth inner surface. Mature specimens measured up to 10mm in diameter and were more saucer-shaped. Close inspection revealed scant slight ridges in the inner lining but no true gills.

The general appearances were reminiscent of those of a cup fungus, that is, an Ascomycete, but microscopy of thin sections failed to reveal any asci and it became clear that this was some form of Basidiomycete. Several of the fruiting bodies produced white spore prints. Microscopy of these revealed smooth non-guttate cylindrical spores, slightly curved (allantoid) and measuring 10.1 X 3.1 µm on average.

I had not previously encountered this fungus and was unable to determine the species even after microscopic examination. I sent material to Alan Legg who reported that, although he had never seen it before, he was reasonably certain that the species was Auriculariopsis ampla, which has recently been placed in the family Schizophyllaceae within the order Schizophyllales. Alan sent my material on to Dr Peter Roberts at Kew for a further opinion. Alan’s determination was subsequently confirmed by Dr Roberts and material has been retained in The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (Accession Number: K(M) 120252). The species is Schizophyllum amplum (Léveillé) Nakasone, which is very uncommon in Britain. It seems to be a southern species, rare in Denmark and absent from other Nordic countries. All previous Kew collections have been from the south where the species is very local in distribution. The usual host is Poplar. It seems that the present record is the first for northern England.

Acknowledgement-I wish to thank Alan Legg and Peter Roberts for their expert help with this material.

Moths from Greenabella Marsh, Seaton Road, Teesside, in 2003 Peter Waterton, Great Ayton, N. Yorks.

(The following records were made with access permission from Huntsman Tioxide, Teesside). Records are from two locations on the marsh.

(NZ 5126) Bradley Genus Species Name Food Plants Comments Numbers Number 14 Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth Grasses, Common 1 Polyphagus 15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Dock, Common 2 Swift Dandelion, others 169 Zygaena filipendulae Six Spot Birds-foot Common 3 Burnet Trefoil 170 Zygaena trifolii Five-Spot Birds-foot Common 2 decreta Burnet Trefoil 425 Yponomeuta padella Orchard Hawthorn, Common 1 Ermine Blackthorn 937 Agapeta hamana Thistles Widespread 1 970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit Common 1 Tree Tortrix 972 Pandemis heperana Dark Fruit Polyphagus Very 2 Tree Tortrix Common 993 Clepsis spectrana Cyclamen Saltmarsh Fairly 2 Tortrix Plants Common 1193 Eucosma tripoliana Sea Aster Local 1 1332 Scoparia subfusca Coltsfoot Regular 1 1388 Udea lutealis Abundant 3 1526 Thymelicus sylvestris Small Grasses Numerous Skipper 1549 Pieris brassicae Large White Crucifers 1551 Pieris napi Green Crucifers Veined White 1574 Polyommatus icarus Common Birds-foot 3 Blue Trefoil 1590 Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral Nettles 1 1591 Vanessa cardui Painted Thistles 1 Lady 1593 Aglais urticae Small Nettles 3 Tortoiseshell 1626 Maniola jurtina Meadow Grasses Numerous Brown 1627 Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath Grasses Numerous 1640 Philudoria potatoria The Drinker Grasses 5 1708 Idaea dimidiata Single Cow Parsley, 2 Dotted Bedstraws Wave 1713 Idaea arversata Riband Dandelions, Common 1 Wave Docks etc. 1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Clovers, Common 5 Broad Bar Vetches

1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Bedstraw, Common 5 alternata Carpet Cleavers 1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Bedstraw, Common 1 Straw Cleavers 1765 Cidaria fulvata Barred Wild Roses Common 1 Yellow 1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Polyphagous 2 Pug 1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Willows, 1 Wave Poplar 2030 Euproctis similis Yellow-tail Hawthorn, 1 Blackthorn 2069 Tyria jacobaeae The Ragwort Scarce 1 Cinnabar 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Abundant 3 Yellow Underwing 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Grasses 2 Yellow Underwing 2112 Noctua interjecta Lesser Ragwort Scarce 1 caliginosa Yellow Underwing 2123 Diarsia rubi Small Dandelions, Widespread 3 Square-spot Docks 2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay Nettles Common 1 2134 Xestia xanthographa Square Spot Grasses Abundant 5 Rustic 2192 Mythimna conigra Brown-line Grasses Fairly 1 Bright-eye Common 2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Grasses Common 20+ impura Wainscot 2199 Mythimna pallens Common Grasses Common 5 Wainscot 2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Grasses 1 Underwing 2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches Grasses Common 3 2322 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches Grasses Common 1 2340 Oligia fasciuncula Middle- Grasses Common 3 barred Minor 2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Grasses Scarce 1 Minor 2343 Mesapamea secalis Common Grasses Common 1 Rustic 2440 Plusia putnami Lempkes Reeds, Scarce 2 gracilis Gold Spot Grasses 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y Polyphagous Common 5

NZ 4621 Bradley Genus Species Name Food Plants Comments Number 15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift Dandelions, Common Docks etc. 1076 Olethreutes lacunana Polyphagous Very Common

1304 Agriphila straminella Grasses Abundant 1388 Udea lutealis Thistles, Abundant Knapweeds 1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Nettles Abundant Pearl 1501 Platyptilia gonodactyla Coltsfoot Common 1526 Thymelicus sylvestris Small Skipper Grasses 1549 Pieris brassicae Large White Brassicae 1550 Pieris rapae Small White Brassicae 1574 Polyommatus icarus Common Blue Birds-foot Trefoil 1590 Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral Nettles 1591 Vanessa cardui Painted Lady Thistles 1593 Aglais urticae Small Nettles Tortoiseshell 1597 Inachis io Peacock Nettles 1615 Lasiommata megera Grasses 1626 Maniola jurtina Meadow Grasses Brown 1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet Crucifers Common 1839 Eupithecia succenturiata Bordered Pug Mugwort Local 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Grasses Abundant Underwing 2134 Xestia xanthographa Square Spot Grasses Abundant Rustic 2199 Mythimna pallens Common Grasses Common Wainscot 2274 Xanthia icteritia The Sallow Sallows, Common Poplars 2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Grasses Very Rustic Common 2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Bulrush Scarce Wainscot 2440 Plusia putnami Lempkes Gold Reeds, Scarce gracilis Spot Grasses 2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot Grasses Rare Migrant

Flora of County Durham-Poppies, Papaveraceae John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF

This article updates the records for the poppies and their related species, since the publication of the Durham Flora. The “New Atlas Of The British and Irish Flora”, published in 2002, has updated our local floras with many new records, particularly if you use the CD that comes with the book. It includes all of the field records from the Durham Flora, but not all of the earlier records that may have appeared in the Vasculum or elsewhere. It is an excellent book, and highly recommended despite being rather expensive.

Oriental Poppy Papaver pseudoorientale Several plants on waste ground in Stockton, NZ4417, with Opium Poppies and other garden escapes. A new species for the county.

Opium Poppy Papaver somniferum L. Has become much more frequent in the last ten years, mostly on wasteland, particularly in the Stockton area. Papaver hybridum, Rough Poppy

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Rough Poppy Papaver hybridum L. Our only modern site for this poppy was found at Cleadon Hills by Paul Mortimer. The plant still grows there, just outside of the S.S.S.I. The map shows this record as the most northern of the solid circles. The overall distribution is close to the coast, mostly on rough ground in limestone areas.

Welsh Poppy Meconopsis cambrica (L.) Vig. Now much more frequent in Weardale and Teesdale, and occasional in the east of the county.

Climbing Corydalis Ceratocapnos claviculata Formerly Corydalis claviculata. There are several new records of this plant in the woods of the Team Valley, between Gateshead and Beamish. This seems to be its centre of distribution in the county.

Pseudofumaria lutea, Yellow Corydalis

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Yellow Corydalis Pseudofumaria lutea (L.) DC Common on walls in the Dales villages, this garden plant is now spreading into the east of the county. Its spread is similar to that of the Asplenia ferns, and of the Ivy Leaved Toadflax, Glechoma hederacea. This may be related to cleaner air, though in some suburban areas it also depends upon the ageing of the mortar in walls. Housing from the 1930s now provides suitable conditions for these plants in several areas. Formerly called Corydalis lutea.

Bird-in-a bush Corydalis solida (L.) Swartz Still present on the south bank of the Wear east of Prebends Bridge in Durham City. It grows from tubers as well as from seed, so it can persist for

some time. The older colony at Wolsingham has not been found recently, though the location of the old colony is vague. The “New Atlas” shows this as a modern record, possibly as a mistake, but if anyone has seen it recently, please get in touch!

Dense Flowered Fumitory Fumaria densiflora DC A careful search of old sites has produced only Fumaria muralis boraei, which can be superficially quite similar. Despite this, the original records may, of course, have been correct. I am grateful to Prof. G Swan for his assistance with determination of the fumitories.

For the poppies listed in the Durham Flora but not covered here, there is no significant change in status.

References Dines, T. et al 2002 “New Atlas of The British and Irish Flora” BSBI. Graham, G.G. 1988 “The Flora and Vegetation of County Durham” Durham Flora Committee. Graham, G.G. 1991 “Botanical Records” Vasculum Vol. 76 No1. Northern Naturalists Union Lawrence, I. 1994 “A guide to the wild flowers of Cleveland” Cleveland County Council. Preston, C.D, Pearman, D.A, Dines, T.D. 2002 “New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora” Oxford University Press. Rich & Jermy 1998 “Plant Crib 1998” B.S.B.I. Stace, C.1997 “New Flora of The British Isles” Cambridge University Press. Swan, G. A.1993 “Flora of Northumberland” Natural History Society of Northumbria.

Moth Recorders Report 2003 Terry Coult

(reprinted by permission from Butterfly Conservation, North East England Branch. Presented to the Annual General Meeting held Wednesday 26th of Nov. 2003, Rainton Meadows )

1. Mapmate Most of the records sent to the moth recorders in both Northumberland and Durham are now being collated in Mapmate. Recorders using Mapmate can exchange information quickly and easily and all contributing recorders can have access to the whole of the database if they wish it. I would encourage all who record moths to utilise Mapmate it makes the recording process so much easier.

As of the 25th of Nov. 2003 the Mapmate database for the two counties holds 55,192 records not a bad total for just a few months work. Breaking that total down the figures are:

 Durham Macro moths 36847  Durham Micro moths 5785  Northumberland Macro moths 11870  Northumberland Micro moths 690

If any of the recorders have further records to send please do so as soon as possible. For those recorders who do not have Mapmate it is possible to import data from a Microsoft Access database directly into Mapmate but it can be tricky and the Access database must be structured exactly right. Please update and submit your records on a regular, preferably monthly, basis. Large quantities of records arriving at once tend to clog the system.

2. Recorders and records The list of recorders is to long to incorporate here but on behalf of Nick Cook the county recorder for Northumberland and myself I would like to thank you all. Please keep the records coming. Progress to date has been exemplary.

Whilst we have made an excellent start in creating the Mapmate database there are still a large number of paper records in storage and being submitted which need to be put into Mapmate, if anyone has the time to volunteer to do this I would be pleased to hear from them.

Nick Cook and myself have discussed the problem of verification of some of the new or unusual records. Mapmate records include details of the moth recorder and the verifier, often however these are one and the same person. I would ask that if you take a moth, which is new to the county, you have someone else look at it or provide a good quality photograph for verification. It is likely that our data will eventually form part of the national moth recording database and I would hate to think that we were providing erroneous data. Change in the distribution of moths is happening very quickly and new species are appearing in the region regularly we need to map that change but we need to do it accurately.

As an experiment and an example of change, I did a search on the macro moth database for Durham for species new from the year 2000. Bearing in mind that the Mapmate database does not yet have all the records, which are stored on paper or in lit. the results were:

Taxon Vernacular Authority Records Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald (Hübner, 1799) 1 Eupithecia intricata Freyer's Pug (Zetterstedt, 1839) 5 Lobophora halterata Seraphim (Hufnagel, 1767) 3 Plagodis dolabraria Scorched Wing (Linnaeus, 1767) 2 Mimas tiliae Lime Hawk-moth (Linnaeus, 1758) 2 Eilema depressa Buff Footman (Esper, 1787) 1 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart (Hübner, 1803) 56

Lithophane hepatica Pale Pinion (Clerck, 1759) 1 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1 1775) Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock (Linnaeus, 1758) 1

All of these species are either not recorded in “The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and Durham”, Dunn and Parrack 1986 or are described as very rare. Whilst it is likely that their current occurrence is a true record of expansion of range or numbers it would be wise to have such changes confirmed by an independent verifier. I’m sure that the recorders could arrange such confirmation amongst themselves.

Changes in the distribution of the Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae have caused some scratching of heads and discussion this year. This moth which until quite recently was restricted to the Northumberland coast, has in the last few years expanded its range quite dramatically to the Durham coast and more unusually to a scattering of inland locations across the two counties. It is difficult to make sense of the new distribution maps and it has been suggested that the species is being moved around the region, possibly in an attempt to control the caterpillar food plant Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea. I draw no conclusions myself you can look at the maps and formulate your own ideas.

Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae)

Durham 4

NY NZ

SD 7 8 9 SE 1 2 3 4 5

Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae)

NT NU

4 NY 5 6 7 8 9 NZ 1 2 3 4

There has been a very obvious immigration of Humming Bird Hawk-moths Macroglossum stellatarum and Convolvulus Hawk-moths Agrius convolvuli this summer. Immigration of adults of the above species happens on a regular basis but records of attempted breeding are rare. A single Convolvulus Hawk-moth caterpillar was found at Blackhall Rocks near Sunderland on the 12th of August, which successfully pupated with the imago emerging on the 26th of Sept. This is the first time since 1901 that the caterpillar has been found in the region. On the 26th of August a caterpillar of the Humming Bird Hawk-moth was found at Iveston near Consett the most recent record that I’m aware of since several in the 1970s.

Two specimens of Red Underwing Catocala nupta were recorded in Northumberland during 2003, the second and third county records and the long hot summer unusually produced second generations of some moth species which are usually single brooded this far north. Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis, Snout Hypena proboscidalis, Turnip Moth Agrotis segetum, Light Emerald Campaea margaritata and Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria all produced second generations

3. National Macro Moth Recording Scheme Butterfly Conservation is planning a National Macro Moth recording scheme. As part of the process they are asking the views of all those who record moths. You can make your views known through their questionnaire leaflet or on the website at www.mothrecording.org.uk

4 National Moth Night National Moth Night 2004 has expanded to include the day of Saturday the 22nd of May. The reasons being that the target species are False Mocha Cyclophora parata, Netted Mountain Moth Macaria carbonaria and Narrow Bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus, the latter two species being day flyers. Only Narrow Bordered Bee Hawk-moth has been found in the region and even then doubtfully and more than 100 years ago. We will be having a trap and event somewhere in the region, details nearer to the date. For more details of National Moth Night go to www.nationalmothnight.info

5 Target Species for 2004 Butterfly Conservation has asked us to target three species next year. Dark Bordered Beauty Epione vespertaria in Durham, Chalk Carpet Scotopteryx bipunctaria and Argent and Sable Rheumapatra hastata. We will be organising events to search for all three at appropriate times. Any recorders who have the time are urged to search for these species and send in the records. Please note all three species are rare and threatened. Take care when searching for them that you do not contribute to the species decline in any way and if accessing private land you have the necessary permissions.

I was about to conclude with have a good season next year but of course unlike butterfly hunters, moth hunters never rest. So get out there and record those winter and spring moths and don’t forget to send in the records.

Many thanks

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President Dr. P. Gates

President Elect

Vice Presidents Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey, Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors Dr. M Birtle Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies Mike Hunter,17 Gilderdale Close,Faverdale,Darlington,DL3 0EE Home: 01325 243022 E-mail: [email protected]

Moths Durham:Terry Coult, 4 Officials Row, Malton, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0TH. [email protected] B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies Durham, Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Bats Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20 0SA. Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Spiders Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon, Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.