Welsh Journals

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Dilta hibernica was first recorded from North Wales by Lewis Davies (Entomologist 99, 1966, 300) who found 8 specimens by the Aber Falls, Caems. A single specimen was taken at Coed Dolgarrog NNR, Caems., 14 April 1973, by J.M. Brummitt and H.N. Michaelis. In view of Dr Ing's record of the species at Coed Cymerau in 1975 it is worth noting that 3 specimens of Dilta were found at this Reserve in NCC acorn traps 22 July 1968 (M.J. D'Oyly), but it was not possible to assign them definitely to hibernica. Petrobius maritimus is common around many parts of the British coast and is in fact also found up to 10 miles inland in North Wales and as high as 1100' above sea level (M.J. Morgan, Entomologisfs mon. Mag. 101, 1968, 73-75). Dr Lewis Davies has studied the distribution of maritimus and the closely related P. brevistylis in Britain and found that they were often abundant except on the east coast (L. Davies & J. Richardson, Entomologist 103,1970, 97-114). In South Wales they were chiefly found around the Pembrokeshire coast associated with suitable cliffs and rocks. They feed mainly on algae and lichens growing on the rocks. The remaining 4 species of Bristle-tails have not been recorded in Wales and are known to have a very restricted distribution in Britain, though with the very retiring habits of this group of insects it is possible that they may have been overlooked. BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS Though there were a few bright spots, on the whole 1979 was not to be remembered as a particularly good year for butterflies. Of the Whites, perhaps the Large White was somewhat more abundant than usual and they were frequently seen in late August and throughout September inspecting the brassicas for potential egg-sites. Small Tortoiseshells were not so common as usual, but Peacocks and Red Admirals were to be seen in reasonable numbers during warmer days in the autumn. An extensive survey of the insect life at South Stack, Holyhead, by Ian Bullock produced an impressive list including 19 species of butterflies in 1979 between April and September. As well as the Whites and several Browns there were Fritillaries and Painted Ladies. Mrs D.M. Phillips reported a particularly good emergence of the Holly Blue at Old Radnor, starting in mid May and lasting into July. She also caught the uncommon Humming-bird Hawk moth, Macroglossum stellatarum on a window. This migrant is not often seen in mid Wales. The Lime Hawk moth, Mimas tiliae, occurs mainly in S.E. England, where in some years it may be quite common, but there are no records during the last 20 years for the whole of Wales. Consequently it is noteworthy that a small colony appears to be established in the Wrexham area. A caterpillar was discovered on a road at Gresford in August 1976, another in August 1977 and a third in 1979 by J.B. Formstone, who also reports that a few adults have been taken in a light trap at Rossett near Wrexham in the last few years. The nearest localities shown in the BRC distribution map for the species are on the Wirral and south of Shrewsbury. BUSH CRICKETS Leptophyes punctatissima, the Speckled Bush-cricket, has been recorded infrequently in North Wales. Three specimens were taken in the Conwy Valley in August and September 1978 (John Willis). It is bright green with minute dark spots, and though only about Vain, long appears to be bigger than this as the hind legs are more than twice the length of the body. As with all Bush-crickets the antennae are very long and threadlike. The conspicuous sabre-shaped ovipositor makes slits in the vegetation into which the eggs are inserted. Metrioptera brachyptera, the Marsh Bush-cricket, is even more uncommon. The wings are much reduced but the insect has great powers of jumping and is difficult to catch. One was taken at Fenn's Moss, Denbs. V.C. 18 August 1979 (M.J.M.). There are few other records for the species in Nortr Wales. M.J.M