NEURO NEWS

The Newsletter of the British Isles Neuroptera Recording Scheme

Number 17 Winter 1995/96

WELCOME

Writing this newsletter in the first week of December 1995 I am wondering to myself just what effect the exceptionally hot and dry summer this year had on the British Isles lacewing fauna. Having spent considerably more time "in the field" this year than ever before, simply because it is now my job to do field work, I seem to have caught less Neuropteroids than in earlier years. Even at my garden m.v. light trap numbers have been lower, though I have not yet begun to look at the 1995 Rothamsted light trap samples which now make two piles each 2 metres tall in my study! Is this a reflection of the season or did my clients send me to look at particularly poor sites, I wonder? Just what, if anything, came into eastern England with all those migrant dragonflies in the first week of August? So far, only Jerry Bowdrey has sent in any records from there (see article below). With all my backlog of specimens in other Orders and the associated paperwork, it is beginning to look as if I will have a weekend to spare by the end of March. Please don't let me get bored at that time ... send me all your completed record cards in the new year (or unidentified specimens if you prefer) and make sure that I don't have time to watch the telly!

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO THE MAILING LIST

A warm welcome is extended to Dr Du6an Devetak who may be contacted at Dept. Biology, University of Maribor, Koroska 160, 62000 Maribor, SLOVENIA.

A couple of alterations to the mailing list that was circulated with Neuro News 16 are needed.

Dr John A. Thompson has moved and is no longer at Rose Cottage. His address is now Shotton Cottage, Godings Lane, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury, SY4 3HB.

Lena Ward's address as given is incorrect; I seem also to have lost Tim Winter and allocated his address to Lena! I blame the computer, of course!!!. This section of the list should read as follows:

WARD, Dr Lena K. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Furzebrook Research Station, Wareham, Dorset,

BH20 5AS.

WINTER Dr Tim G. Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH.

Please alter your copy of the mailing list accordingly and let me know if there are any other errors.

AIDGAP KEY TO BRITISH LACEWINGS

By now every UK resident on the mailing list for this newsletter should have received a copy of the "test version" of the new AIDGAP key to lacewings. If you haven't, or if you are an overseas reader and you want a copy, write direct to Dr Steve Tilling, Publications Manager, Field Studies Council, Preston Montford, SY4 1HW and ask to be put on the panel of key testers. However, please be aware that, like all the keys in the AIDGAP series, this one only works (at least I hope it works) for known British species. It will not work for species that do not occur in Britain and so has little value to overseas readers. Please do not write to me for copies of the key ­ I haven't got any and I do not control who receives them. After field testing you should send your comments to Steve Tilling on the form provided. It is hoped that the final version of the keys will be published next November.

CONCERN OVER MEGALOMUS HIRTUS ON ARTHUR'S SEAT, EDINBURGH

I was recently alerted by somebody to a proposal to re­introduce the Northern Brown Argus butterfly to Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh ­ the only known British Isles site for the brown lacewing Megalomus hirtus. Concern was expressed that this might also involve introduction of sheep grazing to manage the site. M. hirtus is evidently associated with wood sage growing on rocky slopes and if sheep were to be let loose on this habitat the lacewing could soon be rendered extinct! Somewhat concerned, I put this to David Phillips at Scottish Natural Heritage and was extremely relieved to receive the following reply ... "The plans for the Northern Brown Argus butterfly do not involve any sheep. The only habitat management which we might propose is clearance of some of the gorse scrub which would favour wood sage as well as the rockrose on which the butterfly feeds. In addition, I am not sure that sheep are such a threat: the site was extensively sheep grazed until recent times and the lacewing must have co­existed with sheep for long periods. The main grazing pressure on the site at present is from rabbits ­ this is hard to quantify but it may well have a significant effect on the wood sage, especially in dry summers such as this last one. The priorities for the conservation of this species must be to identify its main prey species and to sort out how strongly the species is associated with wood sage in the UK. Without these pieces of information it is difficult to develop detailed management recommendations. We shall certainly highlight this species in our discussions with our local office and with Historic Scotland who run the park".

This is a very encouraging reply. The sad fact is that we know very little about this particular lacewing in Britain. It is secretive and inconspicuous and reluctant to move even when captured. It can easily be overlooked in a sweep net. Throughout its European range it occurs at low densities and so it may well be present un­detected at other Scottish (or even English?) sites. There are old records from the coast in Kincardineshire ­ has anyone looked there in recent years? There is an old but unconfirmed record from the early 19th century in county Durham in the VCH for that county in 1905 and an unconfirmed record for Devon given in the Report & Transactions of the Devonshire Association for the Advancement of Science, Literature & Art for 1879. As Dave says, we must somehow establish the exact relationship with wood sage ­ even prove there is one ­ and elucidate the larval prey species. There is much research to be done in this field; anyone connected with Edinburgh University might suggest this to someone as a potential student project. I'd love to get up there myself, but I'm afraid that unless SNH pay my petrol there is little likelihood of me being able to do anything constructive that far north!

FRUSTRATED NEUROPTERISTS AT MINSMERE

Steve Brooks, Dept. Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

On the weekend of 28­30 July 1995 a group of entomologists from the Natural History Museum, accompanied by distinguished American Chrysopidologists (and sometime stock car driver) Charlie Henry and Ding Johnson, spent a weekend at Minsmere RSPB reserve searching for the elusive antlion Euroleon nostras. Light traps were run in perfect conditions on two nights in six different parts of the reserve and although 187 species of moth were recorded, the antlion failed to make an appearance.

The toilet blocks ­ scene of the discovery of the antlion last year ­ were subject to frequent and painstaking scrutiny, but the only things raised were the eyebrows of visiting birdwatchers. A search at the base of the sand martin cliff and below earth­moving equipment, brought in to build the new reception block, failed to reveal any signs of antlion larvae.

Unfortunately, the visit preceded the massive influx of migrant insects to the east coast of England by three days. I assume we would have heard by now if anyone else managed to find British antlions this year.

MORE ON MIGRANT LACEWINGS

Jerry Bowdrey, Colchester & Essex Museum, Museum Resource Centre, 14 Ryegate Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1YG.

I was interested to read Mike Pennington's article on immigration and Neuroptera in Shetland (Neuro News 16), especially the suggestion that migrant Chrysoperla carnea agg. might originate in Scandinavia. A chance find in Suffolk this summer also suggests that C. carnea can be a primary immigrant into Great Britain.

On 2nd August 1995, at Covehithe Beach in East Suffolk (grid TM 5281), I noticed a large assortment of dead insects including butterflies, moths, ladybirds, hoverflies, dragonflies and two lacewings washed up on the tideline.

Around this date there had been a well­publicised influx of Camberwell Beauty butterflies Nymphalis antiopa, together with several species of migrant Sympetrum dragonflies, almost certainly originating in Scandinavia. Indeed, the remains of at least one specimen of Sympetrum flaveolum were found with the lacewings.

Further evidence for the possible migrant origins of the lacewings was provided by Colin Plant who determined both specimens as female carnea sensu stricto, which is evidently rare in Britain where the segregate taxa lucasina and "kolthoffi" are more usual. My thanks go to Colin for identifying the Covehithe material.

EDITORIAL COMMENT I am having a great deal of difficulty in convincing myself that the segregation of carnea into different species is valid; everywhere I look I find intermediates and ones that simply don't fit. It was very interesting, therefore, to see these two "true" carnea" associated with migration. It will be very interesting indeed to discover what other people have captured on the east coast during early August 1995 during one of the most interesting immigrations of insects to Britain for a long time. I do hope that everyone kept voucher specimens?

20th INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF ENTOMOLOGY ­ ITALY, 1996

This event will take place during 1996 on 25th to 31st August at the Palazzio dei Congressi and Centro Affari, Piazza Adua, 1 ­ 50123 Firenze, Italy. The conference language will be English and daily sessions run from 08.00 to 19.00 hours. Fees (which include a copy of the Abstracts), for delegates, if paid before 30 April, are 650,000 Lire; for students 350,000 Lire and "accompanying persons" 200,000 Lire. All prices include V.A.T. and rise for payments after 30th April. The scientific programme comprises four units ­ Systematics & Phylogeny; Biogeography & Biodiversity; Morphology & Ultrastructure; and Reproduction & development. Of interest to readers of Neuro News will be a Special Interest Group Meeting entitled "Phylogeny of Neuropteroid Insects", led by Horst and Ulrike Aspock. Official invitations can be sent on request. Fuller details may be obtained either from the Aspocks (address in list issued with last newsletter) or from me (if you have a fax I can send details immediately).

FOCUS ON IRISH LACEWINGS

On the last page of this newsletter is a map of Ireland ­ the most under­recorded area of the British showing the relative numbers of lacewing species records in each square since 1979. It deliberately excludes records of Chrysoperla carnea which is likely to be present in all squares and which distorts the maps purpose. The map is presented in order to make planning your 1996 summer holiday easier! There is plenty of scope for new and exciting discoveries over there. Did St Patrick really banish snake flies as well as snakes? Is Sialis nigripes really the commonest alder fly? Are there really only two species of Coniopterygidae? Surely there must be at least one Sympherobius species? Or Chrysopa perla? Anyone going over there this year should try very hard to get at least one lacewing ­ even if the holiday is not an entomological one. I look forward to all your records and as always am willing to identify or confirm specimens.

ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD WELCOMES PAPERS ON LACEWINGS!

As if he didn't already have enough to do, your newsletter Editor has now taken on the Editorship of the journal Entomologists Record & Journal of Variation. This has always been, and probably will remain, primarily a journal for Lepidopterists, but the new Editor has stated his intention of diversifying taxonomic coverage. In particular papers and notes are welcomed on anything to do with the Neuropteroidea. All papers will be refereed. Address for contributions at the foot of this newsletter.

PUBLICATIONS BROUGHT TO MY NOTICE

As usual, this section of the newsletter depends on authors sending reprints or photocopies of their papers to me for inclusion. Recently published papers will, if sent to me, automatically be included; older papers may be included if space permits or if they are particularly relevant. I will include papers from all countries in all languages if they are relevant to the study of Neuroptera, Raphidioptera, Megaloptera or Mecoptera. Would contributors please note that I try to publish journal titles IN FULL. If only the "World List" abbreviation is printed on your reprints please write out the title in full in a covering note to avoid any confusion caused by my lack of linguistic skill.

Unless stated to the contrary, papers listed are written in English. In cases where the title is not, I have attempted a translation. If an English summary is given in a non­English language paper this fact is stated. Where it is not, I usually attempt a brief translation of the summary given.

Aspock, H. & Aspock, U. 1994 Mongoloraphidia (Hissaroraphidia) karatauica n. sp. ­ eine neue Spezies der Familie Raphidiidae aus dem Karatau­Gebirge in Sudkasachstan (Neuropteroidea, Raphidioptera). Entomologische Nachrichten und Berichte 38: 217 ­ 220.

A new species ­ Mongoloraphidia karatauica is described from the Karatua mauntains of southern Kasachstan. It represents the first record of a snake fly from this mountain range to which it is probably endemic. In German.

Aspock, U. & Aspock, H. 1995. Dilar duelli n. sp. ­ eine neue Spezies fer Familie Dilaridae aus Europa (Insecta: Neuropteroidea: Neuroptera). Zeitschrift der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Osterreichischer Entomologen. 47: 49 ­ 54.

This species is described as new from two males taken in the south­east of France. In German with brief English summary.

Aspock, U., Aspock, H. & Rausch, H. 1994 Die kopulation der Raphidiopteren: eine zuzammenfassende ubersicht des gegenwartigen wissensstandes (Insecta: Neuropteroidea). Mitt. Dtsch. Ges. Allg. Angew. Ent. 9: 393 ­ 402.

Mating in the Order Raphidioptera: a review of present knowledge. In German with a brief English summary.

Aspock, U. & Hynd, W.R.B. 1995 A new genus and species of Nosybinae (Neuropt., Berothidae) from eastern Africa. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 131: 107 ­ 113.

Describes Tanzanberotha hirsuta gen. et sp. nov. from Tanzania and Kenya.

Aspock, U. & Mansell, M.W. 1994 A revision of the family Rhachiberothidae Tjeder, 1959 stat. n. (Neuroptera). Systematic Entomology 19: 181 ­ 206.

The subfamily Rhachiberothinae originally included in the Berothidae and recently transferred to the Mantispidae is elevated to family rank. Five new species of Rhachiberotha are described ­ R. ingwe, R. sheilae, R. aethiopica, R. angolana and R. minteri.

Devetak, D. 1988 The distribution of Scorpionflies (Mecoptera, Insecta) in Slovenia. Biol Vestn 36(2): 1 ­ 12.

The distributions of 9 species of Mecoptera are shown on the UTM map grid for Slovenia. Two species are described as new to the Yugoslav fauna. In English.

Devetak, D. 1995 New records for the Neuropteroid fauna of Slovenia (Raphidioptera, Neuroptera). Acta

Entomologica Slovenica 3(1): 49 ­ 57.

Records are given for 16 rare Neuropteroid species, 9 of which are new to the fauna of Slovenia. The village of Osp represents the northernmost known locality for Mantispa alphavexelte in Europe. In English.

Devetak, D 1992 Megaloptera, Raphidioptera and Planipennia (Neuropteroidea, Insecta) of Croatia. Znanstvena revija 4 (1): 89 ­ 114.

The Neuropteroidea of Croatia comprises 94 species in 48 genera and 11 families. These are discussed and selected distribution maps are given. The fauna is influenced by the diverse climate, topography and vegetation having elements of the Mediterranean, Central European and Pannonian faunas. Excellent background for anyone planning a collecting trip in that region.

Greve, L. & Hanssen, O. 1994 Maurloven Myrmeleon formicarius funnet I More og Romsdal. Insekt­Nytt 19(3):

15 ­ 17.

The authors report a new record of the antlion Myrmeleon formicarius from the More & Romsdal Province at 62 17 ' North, the northern­most localty in Norway so far. In Norwegian.

Pennington, M. 1995 Lacewings in Shetland. Shetland Entomological Group Newsletter No. 8: 10 ­11.

The status of the six species of Neuroptera recorded in the Shetland islands is discussed.

NEUROPTERA LISTSERVER

Peter McEwen, School of Pure and Applied Biology, University of Wales. PO Box 915, Cardiff, CF1 3TL

Established by me (Sabpkm1@cf.ac.uk) in March 1995, the Neuroptera Listerver Neuroptera­L is an electronic forum for the discussion of lacewings, alderflies, snakeflies, mantisflies, etc. To subscribe (free of charge) send an e­mail to MAJORDOMO@CARDIFF.ac.uk with the message SUBSCRIBE NEUROPTERA­L. It is hoped that future editions of Neuro News will also be available on this service.

FOREIGN LACEWINGS ­ THE EDITOR APPEALS!

Readers who propose to take a holiday abroad this year may like to note that I am happy to identify lacewings from anywhere in the Western Palaearctic Region (and put the records into the system). I also have a desire to plug a number of gaps in my W. Palaearctic collection and I welcome specimens from anyone who does not need them (pinned material preferred). Access to reference material is critical in identifying potential new species to Britain. Now that I no longer work in a museum I have no immediate access to such material and must boost my own private collection. Regrettably, the nature of my new life is such that I have to do paid field work in Britain at a time when I would like to be collecting in Europe. If any of our continental readers feel generous I should love to hear from them though I should state that at present I have rather little material to offer in exchange. I am particularly interested in Myrmeleontidae and non­British Chrysopidae, but would also welcome offers of Dilaridae, Mantispidae and Berothidae and the non­British or extinct­in­Britain Hemerobius species (H. schedli, H. gilvus, H. zernyi & H. contumax). Postage costs can be refunded if requested.

COPY FOR NEXT ISSUE ­ by end of May 1996, please.

EDITORIAL ADDRESSES:

Neuro News is published by the BRITISH ISLES NEUROPTERA RECORDING SCHEME from the Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, PE17 2LS, England and is

EDITED BY Colin W. Plant at 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3QP, England, to whom all contributions and requests concerning the scheme should be sent. Specimens for identification of verification are positively welcomed at the editorial address provided that they are accompanied by full data. Please, always state whether or not return of the specimen(s) is required. Fir larger packages, please enclose return postage stamps. Telephone/Facsimile callers on 01279­507697 (UK) or 00­44­1279­507697 (from overseas).