Notes on Lepidoptera, 1954

Page 1

NOTES ON LEPIDOPTERA, 1954 (The Final Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Suffolk published in 1937 is referred to here as FC 37) to say, it has been a poor year for observations in this field, but there have nevertheless been a few unusual appearances. The observations apply to Beccles unless otherwise stated. NEEDLESS

Feb. 23rd. A uniformly dark slate-coloured Pale Brindled Beauty (Phigalia pilosaria Schiff.). Mar. lOth. A practically black example of the Oak Beauty {Biston strataria Hufn.), the markings hardly discernible. On my mentioning this to Dr. H. B. D. Kettlewell of the Dept. of Zoology, Oxford, he said, " I am very interested . . . A very dark one is known but I think has so far only been taken in Kent." [Dr. Kettlewell makes a specialised study of variations in the Peppered moth {Biston betulariä L.).] May 6th.. Brindled Beauty {Lycia hirtaria Clerck). FC 37 says, " Supposed to be generally distributed records." In Beccles seems to emerge in force in first of May, only odd examples being seen in March and

Of this, but few fortnight April.

May 1 Ith. Purple Thorn (Seletiia tetralunaria Ilufn.). FC 37, " Considered rare with us in 1890 and little noticed since that time." Only one taken here previously, 17.7.25. May 12th. Least Black Arches {Celama confusalis H.-S.). Worlingham. FC 37, " Sparsely distributed in the east and centre." I have a good series but never see more than one or two in any one year. May 12th. Small Phoenix {Ecliptopera silaceata Schiff.). Worlingham. FC 37, " Very local and somewhat rare in certain woods." Dr. Crowfoot found it years ago, but I have not set eyes on a live one before. Subsequent visits to spot failed to reveal any more. May 14th. Small Engrailed {Ectropis crepuscularia Hübn.). Worlingham. White ground colour. FC 37 includes Engrailed {E. biestortata Goeze) and Small Engrailed (E. crepuscularia Hübn.) under one heading. Not previously discovered around here and subsequent visits also failed to disclose further examples. FC 37 says, " Our most local species ; almost unnoticed for thirty years."


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Notes on Lepidoptera, 1954 by Suffolk Naturalists' Society - Issuu